Wanting Jesus More Than Marriage: Prioritizing Our Relationship with God

Do I Want Marriage More Than Jesus?

Love is a universal longing. From the time we are children, we dream of finding someone to love and cherish forever. We imagine the perfect wedding day and the life we will build with our beloved. But as we grow older, we may begin to wonder if we want marriage more than we want Jesus.

The Bible teaches that marriage is a good and beautiful thing. In fact, God created marriage as a reflection of His covenant love for His people (Ephesians 5:22-33). However, the danger comes when we begin to desire marriage more than we desire Jesus Himself.

What Does It Mean to Want Jesus More Than Marriage?

Wanting Jesus more than marriage means that we prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. It means that we seek to know Him, love Him, and serve Him with all our hearts, minds, and souls. It means that we are content in Him, even if we never marry.

When we want Jesus more than marriage, we put Him first in every area of our lives. We seek His will for our careers, our friendships, and our future. We trust Him to guide us and provide for us, knowing that His plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11).

Wanting Jesus more than marriage also means that we view marriage as a gift, not an idol. We recognize that marriage is not the ultimate source of happiness or fulfillment. Instead, we find our joy and satisfaction in knowing and loving Jesus, regardless of our relationship status.

Why is It Important to Want Jesus More Than Marriage?

Wanting Jesus more than marriage is important for several reasons. First, it honors God. As Christians, our ultimate goal is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. When we want Jesus more than anything else, we demonstrate our love and devotion to Him.

Second, wanting Jesus more than marriage protects us from idolatry. The Bible warns us repeatedly about the dangers of idolatry, which is the worship of anything or anyone other than God. When we place marriage above Jesus, we risk making it an idol in our lives.

Third, wanting Jesus more than marriage frees us from anxiety and discontentment. When we are obsessed with finding a spouse, we can become anxious and discontented with our current circumstances. We may feel that our lives are incomplete or that we are missing out on something. But when we want Jesus more than anything else, we find peace and contentment in Him.

How Can We Want Jesus More Than Marriage?

Wanting Jesus more than marriage is a lifelong journey. It requires intentionality, discipline, and faith. Here are a few practical ways we can cultivate a deeper love for Jesus and put Him first in our lives:

1. Spend Time with Him in Prayer and Bible Study

If we want to know and love Jesus more, we must spend time with Him. This means setting aside time each day to pray, read the Bible, and meditate on His Word. As we study the Bible, we learn more about who Jesus is and what He has done for us. As we pray, we draw near to Him and express our love and gratitude.

2. Serve Others in Jesus' Name

Jesus taught us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). When we serve others in Jesus' name, we demonstrate our love for Him and show His love to the world. Serving others can take many forms, from volunteering at a homeless shelter to helping a friend in need.

3. Seek God's Will for Your Life

If we want to put Jesus first in our lives, we must seek His will for our lives. This means praying for guidance and discernment as we make decisions about our careers, relationships, and future. It means being willing to surrender our plans and dreams to Him, trusting that He knows what is best for us.

4. Find Community with Other Believers

We were not meant to follow Jesus alone. God designed us to live in community with other believers, so that we can encourage and support one another in our faith. Finding a church or small group where we can connect with other Christians is essential for our spiritual growth and well-being.

5. Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful antidote to discontentment and idolatry. When we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we recognize that everything we have is a gift from God. We learn to appreciate the blessings in our lives, rather than focusing on what we lack. As we thank God for His goodness, we grow in our love and devotion to Him.

Conclusion

Marriage is a good and beautiful thing, but it is not the ultimate source of happiness or fulfillment. When we want Jesus more than marriage, we honor God, protect ourselves from idolatry, and find peace and contentment in Him.

As we seek to put Jesus first in our lives, let us remember His words in Matthew 6:33: "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." When we seek Jesus first, He promises to provide for us and bless us beyond measure.