This is the seventh of 7 blogs, each exploring a different element of a successful marriage. Each of these blogs will include a biblical reference followed by a comparison between the elements of marriage and the components of a sailboat. Each element also begins with the letter “C” resulting in the name for this blog series.

Part 7: CHRIST (The Flag)

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

As ships pass, the ensign flag identifies at a glance to which country they belong. As others observe how you handle things together in your marriage, let them see that you belong not to a country, but to Christ. With Jesus in the center of your marriage, people will be drawn to you as they strive to find what you have. Your loving marriage will be a testimony to your trust in the love and provisions of God.

Recently as I entered a building at work, a coworker was briskly passing on his way out. I quickly spun around, grabbed the door, and held it open for him. As he went through the door, he asked, “Why is it that you Christians are always so nice to people for about a month every year?”

He didn’t wait for an answer, but hurried on his way. As I slowly closed the door I began to think about his question. Knowing who he is, he was probably being sarcastic, but is there some truth to his observation? Could it be that Christmas… this once a year holiday season… inspires people to be nicer to each other… with all that “Peace on Earth” and “Good will toward men”… at least for a little while?

As I struggled to find just the right scripture for this blog, it’s no surprise that it came to me while in church last Sunday. The pastor actually said, “Jesus isn’t the reason for the season, the darkness in the world is the reason for Christ”.

Immediately my mind went back to Hayward, Wisconsin almost 20 years ago. It was about 11 PM, and I remember standing on a pier looking up at the clear night sky. Usually, due to my vision, I can count a hand full of stars. However, that night and in that location it was so dark that I could see a hazy white band of stars stretched across the sky from one end to the other. I lost count of how many stars I saw that night.

I thought about the darkness, and the contrast of so much light. Then that made me think about Christmas lights. Having gone through a drive thru Christmas light display earlier this week, I don’t recall seeing any lights representing Christ. There were snowmen, trees, presents, snowflakes, and so many other traditional Christmas items represented, but no Jesus. Then it hit me. How many people say they’re Christians, but that’s not what their light represents?

Maybe they hide it. That would be like me leaving the 10 strands of lights for the tree in the box in which they came. Maybe they’re more private about their faith. That would be like weaving the strands of lights through the hotel lobby sized Christmas tree in our living room, and never plugging them in.

Letting your light shine starts within your marriage relationship. Make plans to study, pray, and worship individually and together. Consider ways you can become involved in a local church. Also, find time to spend with family, friends, and co-workers. Find ways to get involved outside of church too. That might sound strange, but if you spend almost every day at church, it’s like staying in the harbor. No one really notices your flag because everyone’s got the same flag. People we meet outside of a church setting may fly a different flag, or perhaps… no flag at all.

One of my favorite church services is a late night candle light service. What I really like is that it starts in total darkness with one candle. Then, that one candle helps light the next until every candle in the room is lit. It’s amazing how much light that creates.

In much the same way, you can shine your light for your spouse, help him or her discover ways to let his or her light shine, and let those around you see that you belong to Christ. However, it’s not about what you do, but rather that you do… take every opportunity to help others see the light through the darkness. Don’t limit your light to the once a year temporary holiday light display.