Putting God in the Center of Your Marriage

What is a “Three Strand Marriage” and why is it important?

A three strand marriage represents a marriage where Christ is in the center.  The concept is based on Ecclesiastes 4:12 that says, "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."  When a husband and wife place Christ in the center of their marriage a spiritual dynamic is released. This dynamic is far greater than two people attempting to build a marriage in their own strength.

"A cord of three strands is not
easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

To have a three strand marriage, pray and invite Christ to be in the center of your marriage.  If you have not each taken the steps to faith in Christ, you must first personally accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  Then you can invite Christ into the center of your marriage, and know that He will give you the strength you need to love one another as God intends us to love.  Make a commitment to keep Him in the center by praying together daily, praying for each other, and those around you.  Praying together every day is the key. Also ask God to bless your marriage and give you wisdom so that your love will continue to flourish and grow.  He is the author of marriage – He delights in blessing His children if you will ask.  A marriage is a covenant – more than just a commitment.  When a husband and wife come together in holy matrimony, they become one flesh.  The covenant is for life.  A covenant by definition is a formal, solemn, and binding agreement.  Marriage is intended to be a covenant for life.

Let's take a closer look at Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: "A cord of three strands is not easily broken."

What does this verse mean? According to Matthew Henry's commentary, "Solomon compares two together to a threefold cord; for where two are closely joined in holy love and fellowship, Christ will by his Spirit come to them, and make the third, as he joined himself to the two disciples going to Emmaus, and then there is a threefold cord that can never be broken. They that dwell in love, dwell in God, and God in them." With Christ in the center, our marriage becomes a strand of three that is not easily broken. This is a marriage covenant - far more than a commitment.

The trials of this life will war against our resolve to keep this covenant, but with Christ in the center, we can overcome. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon makes the case that man is selfish and toils in vain when he toils for himself only and does not have a partner to share it with. Just as in Solomon's time, our society today is discontent, selfish, and displays a disregard of the provision God has made for us in our spouse - a friend, lover, companion and partner. One in whom we can share the adversity of life and care for, one who makes all the effort worth something, so we are not selfish.

We are to share life together, and the focus of "me first" is a root issue in the demise of marriage. It is our prayer that couples will realize the three strand principle and invite Christ into the center of their marriage. When Christ is in the center of your marriage, you realize the blessing of a "Christian Marriage Covenant ", not just two Christians that are married. God loves marriage - He created it. And He will bless your marriage if you'll let Him!