A Quick Christian Marriage Relationship Challenge

“In olden times, sacrifices were made at the altar, a practice which is still very much practiced.”  – Helen Rowland

In his book, Sacred Marriage, Gary Thomas proposed the Greatest Challenge in the World: A Call to Holiness More Than Happiness.

Is Christian marriage about my happiness or the happiness of someone else? Is it about happiness at all?

While many Christians would agree that holiness is an individual and personal matter between an individual and God, cannot Christian marriage also be a partnership in holiness? Could this have been God’s original design in Eden? If so, what will it cost you?

At a marriage conference, I proposed the following questions suggested by Thomas that may help you assess your current relationship attitudes in relation to holiness.

1. When you got married, what did you expect to gain from your marriage? How have your expectations matured since then?
2. How have your attitudes toward romantic love changed over time?
3. How has your marriage served to show you how you need to grow and develop as a person and as a Christian?
4. Which of the following concepts best describe what you want from marriage and why:
   1. Peace and quiet?
   2. Happiness?
   3. Successful children?
   4. Growth in Christ?
5. What is your reaction to the idea that marriage is a call to holiness more than a call to happiness?

If you want to discuss this further, please reach out so we can have a meaningful discussion.

Jim