Have you ever felt like you live in a glass house where you’re on display and everyone can see what you’re doing? How about in your marriage? Do you feel like your married life is on display? For some mysterious reason, God has entrusted us to display Christ’s love for His church by the way we live with each other. So, essentially, our marriages are on display for the world to observe. Now that is scary! But it’s true. Have you ever looked at marriage in that way? Like it or not, our marriages are on display! People are watching. Let’s face it; you watch people—it just happens. It’s what we do. Now, judgement is another thing. We won’t go into that in this Insight, other than to say, that you can’t live around people without getting judged in some way. And when you claim to be a Christ-follower, people will look at you sceptically. It’s as if they’re thinking, “Prove it by how you live your life.” On that point, Pastor Trent Griffith points out: “Your marriage will either display or distort the glory of God.” That seems harsh, but it does have some merit. HOWEVER, we want to say at the onset, that the point we’re trying to make is NOT about finger-pointing. We’re not proposing that you alone make or break your marriage picture. That’s because you don’t! Your spouse holds responsibility for his or her actions too. You can’t entirely change your spouse’s behavior. You can sometimes influence it; but ultimately, your spouse is accountable alone for his or her actions. So, please don’t pick up that guilt. However, we’re told in the scriptures, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18) That IS the part you play in displaying marriage. You are to do whatever YOU can; and see what happens from there. And what’s amazing is that God uses us in amazing ways when we live out His principles, even if our spouse doesn’t. We’ve repeatedly seen that happen. Concerning Marriages on Display, J. Jason Krafsky said: Like it or not… “Marriage is a living advertisement for God. …How couples handle life’s ups and downs presents a side of God’s nature to the world. How a couple communicates, argues, and resolves conflict give people a greater sense of who God is. By uniting both parts of humanity, marriage helps people grasp God better, see God more clearly, know God more deeply, and live for God more intently. Every married couple is an advertisement for God. Ultimately, it is up to each married couple to decide how persuasive their public notice for God will be. (From his book, “Before ‘I Do’”) Something many spouses miss: Did you realize? “Displayed love gives children a pattern to follow. Kids live what they see. They often approach relationships the way they see us approaching them. What does a healthy relationship look like? They will understand this by seeing it in us. Love—they will discover by watching—is more than just hugs and kisses. It’s also kind words, helpful gestures, and tender care in other numerous ways.” (Tricia Goyer) Additionally: “Kids are also watching their parent’s marriage; and yet too many marriages underestimate the power of modelling! Children are taking daily recordings of what a marriage looks like; and those recordings are influencing and shaping their view of marriage. So, live your marriage wisely to make sure the message you are sending your kids is the message you intend to send.” (Doug Fields) But it’s important to note that: “Modelling a Christ-centred marriage is a daily choice. As we set an example, we’ll show the world why marriage is a great plan—right from the heart of God.” (Susan Graham Mathis) We made a vow on our wedding day to God and to each other. From this day forward, it’s important that we live out those vows behind closed doors and out in the public. I encourage you to “Live a life of love” with your spouse as God teaches throughout the Bible. Get into God’s Word and stay in God’s word. Continually search its treasures. As a result, God will help you build your marriage relationship so your children can better see how to truly love and be good spouses. And a great benefit is how much more you will enjoy your married life together. I pray that you will!