Living a Servant MarriageНамуна

Becoming Like Jesus

As Christians, the ultimate goal of our entire lives is to be like Jesus. To walk, talk, believe, feel, and be like Jesus in our daily life—this is our inner ambition. This ambition is also shared with the Holy Spirit. As God, He comes into us for the sole purpose of creating the nature of Christ in us. 

Decade after decade, marriage provides ample opportunities to be Christlike. After all, ultimately, that is the Father’s primary objective for marriage—to make us Christlike. Have you ever wondered why you are married to someone quite different from you? This is not meant to irritate us, but rather to kill our flesh and help us become Christlike as we die in the process of loving this amazing being; our spouse. 

Now, if we are going to be like Jesus, especially in our marriage (the true testing ground for our faith, beliefs, and what truly lurks in our hearts), we need to really understand the servant nature and calling of Jesus. 

Jesus, just like Adam and Jeremiah (and you and I), had a calling and purpose created before we were created. You and I were created and given life to solve a problem here on earth. We have a destiny to touch lives in our time zone in world history. Some of us find our purpose from the Father, some fight it, some never seek it, and sadly, some die without achieving their purpose. 

You will be crucified in marriage, not literally, but your flesh will die. As you die, you are blessed; and not only you, but your spouse, children, fellow church members, friends, and your community. All can be touched by you becoming more Christlike through the process called marriage. Just remember, God created this process and He is glorified through your life of service. 

Being a servant in a marriage is the only way to be great in a marriage. Serving one’s spouse kills selfishness and self-centeredness—what we call our “flesh.” By dying to ourselves in marriage, we prepare ourselves for the selfless task of parenting. In conferences I kiddingly say, “What God cannot kill in you in your marriage, He’ll allow your children to finish off.” I think marriage is an awesome opportunity to die. Serving is all about voluntarily dying to our preferences and growing in honor and appreciation of our spouses. 

Optimally, it is best when both spouses in a marriage understand their calling to serve. When this happens, children get to see two different personalities serving each other. This is the most beautiful and healthy way for your children to grow up.