"And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." -Ephesians 5:21 NLT

"So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." -Ephesians 5:33 NLT 

Philip Rivers is a 6’5”, 217-pound quarterback from Decatur, Alabama who played college football at North Carolina State University. He was drafted fourth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the New York Giants before being traded to the former San Diego Chargers for the first overall pick of the draft, Eli Manning. Rivers went on to have a successful 16-year career with the Chargers. He was able to accumulate 59,271 passing yards and 397 passing touchdowns during his tenure as a Charger. Also, he was named AP Comeback Player of the Year in 2013. In March 2020, the eight-time Pro Bowler signed with the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent.

While Rivers is a phenomenal quarterback, it is only through God’s grace. He once said concerning his marriage, “I think that the center of our marriage and the foundation of our relationship was on Jesus. That is why it’s worked to this point…I hope that God has used me to touch one of you in your faith journey with Jesus.” Rivers has been married to his wife, Tiffany, since 2001 and they have nine children. What I learned most about Rivers’ statement was the importance of allowing God to be the foundation of marriage.

One thing that we must realize is that God loves us so much and be cause He loves us, He wants a close, intimate relationship with us. As we look to grow in our personal relationship with God as followers of Jesus Christ, we will learn how to be like Christ and ultimately receive eternal life which is the goal for all Christians.

If you are single, you must understand that you cannot expect God to bless you with a man or woman of God if you are not one yourself. Men, it is critical that we learn how to love and lead. First and foremost, God must be the foundation of our lives and we must learn how to love Him with all of our hearts, soul, strength, and mind (Luke 10:27). As a result of our love for God, we will learn to how to love our future wives as Christ loves His bride, the Church (Ephesians 5:25). As we look to grow in our faith walk, the Holy Spirit will bear fruit in our lives so that we can sat isfy our spouses’ emotional/spiritual needs and lead our wife well with love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, gentleness, patience, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Ladies, it is important that you learn how to love God, surrender to Him, and allow Him to be the foundation of your life. As a result, you will learn how to love and submit to your future husband. “Submission” can often be a misunderstood word. In marriage, husband and wife must understand the importance of humility and a willingness to serve. Both parties must understand that in order for God to be a solid foundation in your marriage, you must humble yourself enough to recognize that you are not in your marriage alone. When both spouses walk in humility, they are willing to serve one another. Husbands are willing to submit to their wives with love and the wives are willing to submit to their husbands with respect. Fellas, be respectful in your authority over your household.

When God is the foundation of your individual lives, you will be able to bring something to the table when God sends your spouse. Matthew 6:33 informs us to “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteous ness, and all these things shall be added to you.” When God is first your life, the desires of your heart comes. Patience, trust in God, and seeking Him first in your life are critical components in order to prepare for your God-given spouse.

If you are married, have quiet time with God individually like Jesus did (Luke 5:16) and pray and study the Word of God together so that you both can grow spiritually. As a result of your spiritual growth as a couple, you will ultimately learn to be with one accord with one another while being phenomenal parents to your children as you teach them biblical principles. When you and your husband or wife’s marriage is rooted and grounded in God, you will learn how to communicate in the good and bad times. As the body of Christ, you may face difficulties in marriage at times but know that God is with you and you will overcome any situation.

If you don’t allow God to be the foundation of your life individually or in your marriage, you will not be able to be the man or woman that God has called you to be. God is the firm foundation that we need. When He is the firm foundation of our lives, we will not be destroyed or perish. Matthew 7:24-27 says, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” When God is at the forefront of your marriage, your marriage will begin to bear fruit and you will see great results.

God is our firm foundation for life.

 

Genesis 2:24

Ephesians 5:21-33

Proverbs 31:10-31

Luke 5:16

Joshua 24:15

1 Corinthians 11:3