Do I Have the
Third Strand?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend
themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)
One of my very close and dear friend
called up today morning and said that he was getting divorced. They were in
deep love since college days. But last week their love and marriage both came
to an end. When I asked him why, he casually responded, “we are not able to make things go together – work, home and relationship”
This is the trend of the new era where in
the race to accumulate many things we lose on the most important things in
life. Every marriage I believe has ups and downs, demanding difficulties, and beautiful
blessings. Miscommunication mishaps may occur, and unexpected moments of
unspeakable joy will happen as well.
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon tackled the hard
issues of life, work, and marriage. He considered the emptiness of so many
things in this life, yet, in a moment of relational reflection, he spoke of the
value of close relationships. Using the image of threads in a rope, Solomon
spoke of the strength that is found when we knit our lives together with
others. And although the cord of three strands can pertain to any relationship,
this visual is particularly powerful for marriage. The two strands are
husband and wife, but who is the third strand in the cord?
Although Solomon has much to say about the
advantages of how two people are better than one, the real strength in a
relationship, and especially in a marriage, comes from the third cord, which is
God. When we invite God to be more than a spectator in our lives, in our relationships,
and specifically, in our marriage, we absolutely add strength to that marriage.
But keeping God at the center of a marriage takes energy and effort, so here are
a few reminders for keeping your marriage God centered and God-strong.
"A cord of three strands is not
quickly broken." This is an obligation and it is a promise. First, the
obligation that God needs to be part of your life. Meaning you need to attend
worship, have devotions, and spend time in the fellowship of other Christians.
"A cord of three strands is not
quickly broken." This is also a promise. When the three of you – Husband,
wife, and God – travel together, nothing can tear them apart.
According to Jesus, God designed marriage
to be permanent. God did not bring Eve to Adam for a one-night stand. God did
not bring Eve to Adam so that they would stay together only until the children
were grown up. God did not bring Eve to Adam until someone better came along.
This was not a "starter marriage." God expected Adam and Eve to be
lifelong companions. God expected them to stay together until death do them
part. As Jesus puts it, "Therefore what God has joined together, let man
not separate" (Mt 19:6).
"Two are better than one."
"A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." But does my marriage
have the third strand?
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