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Feb 14, 2026 06:00am

Picture Perfect

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For two days, snow has been falling. What once appeared brown and dead is now covered in a blanket of pure beauty. The view outside is picture perfect. Inside is as well. Two golden retrievers lie peacefully in front of the fireplace, and as I enjoy its warmth and listen to the crackling sounds, I think, “It doesn’t get any better.”

When you envision the ideal image, what comes to mind? Is it your marriage? Perhaps not, but let’s consider what God’s Word says. In the first three chapters of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul writes to the church about salvation. He explains the spiritual blessings of adoption, acceptance, redemption, forgiveness, the sealing of the Holy Spirit, and citizenship. The first part of his epistle is known as the orthodoxy of Christianity. He concludes the final three chapters with practical application of our faith (orthopraxy). In other words, he explains how we are to walk as Christians. Orthodoxy is right belief; orthopraxy is right action. This distinction is important to understand because it is in Ephesians chapter 5—the orthopraxy section—that we are shown an incredible picture of marriage.

Marriage, as God designed it, is for the believer. You cannot embrace the biblical application of marriage before embracing the foundational truths of marriage. Have you ever built a house? A person does not have to know a lot about construction—or even understand all the concepts behind building—to know the most important aspect. If you want to build a structure that will last, it must be built on a solid foundation. The only foundation strong enough on which to build a God-honoring marriage is Christ. This is why it is imperative for believers to marry other believers. One cannot be expected to build on the truths of a godly marriage without first standing on the solid foundation of Truth.

Observing the current landscape of marriages, it is easy to feel disheartened by the trends unfolding around us. But it helps to understand that marriages are in the state they’re in because people are in the state they’re in. Marriages will be strong and lasting when the foundation of marriage is Christ. Only then will marriage be as God intended.

So, what exactly does God intend marriage to look like? Husbands, do you carry a picture of your wife in your wallet? Wives, do you have a snapshot of your husband on your phone? Maybe you have a wedding portrait hanging in your home. What do those pictures represent? We understand that a picture is simply an image or depiction of the real thing. Paul explains this truth to the Ephesian church: “We are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:30–32).

There is a mystery here that Paul is revealing. Marriage is a picture of Jesus and the Church. He is the Bridegroom (Matthew 9:15). The Church is the Lamb’s wife (Revelation 21:2, 9). Their union is a true, perfect heavenly marriage. As the Church, we are members of His body, His flesh, and His bones. This represents the union—one flesh—and intimacy between Christ and the Church. Marriage, therefore, is a picture or representation of this perfect marriage.

When the foundation of marriage is Christ and there is an understanding of God’s perfect design, it drastically changes both perspective and practice within marriage. Ask yourself: what would a marriage look like if the wife submitted to her husband as the Church submits to Christ? What would a marriage look like if a husband loved his wife as Christ loves the Church? What if we treated our spouse as we treat ourselves? If we truly grasped the “one flesh” concept, what would that look like? This kind of marriage would be so transformational that the world would have no choice but to take notice.

When you think about evangelism, what comes to mind? Preaching? Mission work? Passing out gospel tracts? Sharing your faith with a friend? Have you ever considered that a godly marriage can also point others to Christ? Our witness to the world matters. Even if Christians have correct teaching, sound evangelistic methods, or excellent church programs, what kind of witness are we if our marriages are falling apart?

In contrast, a Christian couple that strives to follow God’s plan for marriage has countless opportunities to share His truth. Ask yourself: does my marriage reflect the power of God in my life? When the unsaved look at my marriage, are they drawn to Christ and His glorious truths? Does the world look at my marriage and say, “I want what they have”?

Christians are given the perfect example to follow in Christ and His Church. Understanding that our marriage represents this “mystery” to the world changes everything. Rather than pursuing personal fulfillment, we should commit to practicing biblical roles and presenting a compelling testimony to those around us. No marriage is flawless, but God’s plan for marriage is. This is a God-honoring, picture-perfect marriage as described in Scripture.

Find out more about having a biblical, God-honoring marriage from Dana & Kimberly’s book The Eden Concept: Marriage God’s Way at
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1983938343