This month we are talking about the theme of Wedding Rings and God. June is traditionally a month of weddings. Brides-to-be busily plan the perfect colors, floral arrangements, refreshments, and decorations to commemorate their special day. But, as any married couple can attest, the wedding ceremony is just the beginning of a life together in which both individuals work to serve each other.
God often uses the marriage commitment between a man and woman to further the creation of His people. The husband and wife become parents and consequently, role models to their children of how to live for and serve God.
What about the marriage that has not been blessed with children?
What about the marriage that God uses to bless an infinite number because of a couple’s love of children?
The ministry of those couples may even be stronger and reach farther than others.
Recently, I heard of a couple who made an intentional decision not to have children. They sought to foster children from dysfunctional and often, abusive homes. (According to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report, dated July 2015, more than 400,000 children were in foster care during 2014.) The couple’s belief was that too many children were in need of stable, loving homes. Their mission, as a couple, was to care for and mentor the children brought into their home through the foster care system, even if the journey with a given child was short.
The marriage ceremony is so much more than just the right colors. It is the time when a man and woman pledge to join together to minister to each other, to future generations, and to all of those who are brought into their paths as a result.