City Life Starter

Reflection from Previous Week

What is a Christ-Centered marriage?  It is a marriage submitted under the lordship of Jesus Christ.  You might be saying, “That sounds way too obvious.”   You are quite right, it is that obvious. What we get hung up many times on is what it supposed to look like in a real and everyday life.  Many times, we focus on “how to” and look for ’10 steps to your best marriage’ or ‘3 non-negotiable principles of marriage,’ as if fixing the behavior or changing the lifestyle can somehow transform a disastrous marriage into a great marriage.  A Christ-Centered marriage begins with the death & resurrection of our Lord, that is when we fully grasp this wonderful truth, it can bring true changes in our marriage (and in every area of our lives).  

I believe there are great books and resources out there that can help couples in their marriage, but because it worked for one couple does not guarantee that it will work for the other.  We all come from various backgrounds, different upbringings, family structures, races, education, socio-economic status, and maturity levels.  There is no cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all marriage, each couple must commit to their marriage as they have made vows at their wedding.  I hope you do remember, if not, get your photo album, videos or whatever reminds you of that beautiful moment when you said “Yes” to one another, with Christ in the center of the altar.  

“Human love is to be an illustration of divine love.  The one who designed male and female for the intimate union, intending that they should become one flesh, is the very one who desires to live in close and harmonious relationship with them.” (Dr. Te-Li Lau, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School)

I do not have much advice or principles but there is one that I firmly believe in which is our commitment to one another and most importantly our commitment to Jesus, our Lord.  Here is why.  I would like to believe that the success of my marriage is not based on clever principles or secrets of men but only through my relationship with God.  As a Christian, by going to the source of wisdom, the One who created man and woman and ordained marriage knows a few things about how one should be husband or wife.  The more I discover who God is, the more I understand what it means to be a husband, father, and leader at my home.  Frankly, I do not know how you can possibly have Christ-Centered marriages without Christ.  Wherever you are, whether you have a great marriage or marriages that need intervention, I pray that you will humble yourself and go to Him for guidance and wisdom.  If you need prayer, please contact our Unhinged Prayer Ministry or if you need counseling, please contact our pastoral staff and elders.   

This Week on Starter

This week our contributors will be emphasizing Christ-Centered, Spirit-Empowered, and Socially-Responsible Singlehood.  You will find that biblical singlehood is something you should celebrate and not dread as a single.  You will find that when you celebrate and cherish singlehood, it will have a great impact on your everyday life, including your future as a spouse in your marriage.  

CLC Starter Contributors

Our contributors come from various professions and stages in life. Their unique experiences in their fields will help you relate to many of the everyday issues of today. Most importantly the contributions shared from these men and women are their passion for God’s Word. It is their commitment to Christ and the church, to exemplify through their actions that allow them to bring God’s Word to readers. I hope you will find yourself “In the Word” this week. JY