“Keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us”— Philippians 3:17b
A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to celebrate Krista’s (my wife) parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. There were siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, visitors, well-wishers and distant relations. Naturally, we had a blast! As we celebrated their anniversary, we talked about fond memories, laughed and honored what the Lord had done in their marriage.
During one of the speeches, a guest commented that there were five couples in the room who had been married over 50 years! Think about that. Five couples who had faithfully followed Jesus and had been married over half a century. In my opinion, that’s not very common. Furthermore, that is over 250 years of combined marriage experience!
Krista and I just celebrated our 21st year of marriage. We are happily married and more in love now than when we first said, “I do”. But, it was an interesting experience to sit in a room with that much godly, married experience. If the Lord gives Krista and me 50 years of marriage, we aren’t even half way there yet! To put it simply, it made me feel like a newly married husband. I thought, “We are just getting warmed up!”
We Need Godly Examples
Indeed, I was struck by their godly examples and it reminded me of this verse in Philippians. Church, it is so critical that we have godly examples in view. People who love the Lord and are walking in the direction we want to go. They are farther down the road than us. Without a doubt, that is one reason why Christian fellowship is so important!
To sum up, the party was a unique experience. Nothing like sitting in a room with 250 years of combined marital experience to feel like a youngster. As a result, it showed me examples of where I want Krista and me to be in 29 years — happily married and surrounded by like-minded Believers!
Keeping my eyes on godly examples,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor