Marriage: Power Struggle or Power Union?

"When a man and woman decide to do life together, their lives should likewise reflect God's purpose for marriage. Marriage is two becoming one; it is a life-long dance. The man lays down his life and loves his wife as Christ loves the Church. The woman, in turn, respects her husband and multiplies his life by doing him good and not harm. Marriage is not a power struggle; it is a power union! It is built by two people who are in covenant and committed to God, who honor His statutes with their life choices and live so vibrantly in Him that others are drawn to His light in their lives" Lisa Bevere in Lioness Arising Powerful, right? I want my marriage to attract others to God. I want my marriage to be an example of God's love that actually draws people to Him. Imagine if our marriages were full of unity; that they weren't just for our personal gain but that we had a purpose and goal as a married couple. I think marriage as a whole has become so self focused that we've lost meaning and purpose in our marriages which may contribute to the break up of marriages. Antoine de Saint-Exupery said, "Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." Have you considered that you are married not only for your personal wants and needs but so that together, with your spouse, you can accomplish the plans and purposes your Creator had in mind for you, as a couple, from the beginning of time? Marriage is supposed to be a picture of our relationship with God. For some of us our relationship with God is passion-less, without purpose and vision or maybe non-existent. How can our marriages have purpose if our relationship with God isn't vibrant and growing? Just some food for thought today to help us see our marriages with purpose. That we would strive to be a team, a power union, to write a great legacy for our children and grand children. What state is your marriage in today? Does it serve a greater purpose? Are their issues in your marriage that cause you to focus more on yourselves than what you could do for others? How can you work on those issues so that your marriage can serve you, your spouse and those around you?