You have a loving husband. He offered a gracious marriage proposal, not on bended knee, but with broken body bound to a cruel cross. His arms opened to the maul and spikes. He said, "I love you more than life itself." Then he took his last breath.

You have a giving husband. He bought you a wedding gown so white and beautiful, it made the Father of the bride whisper, "Perfect! Lovely!" The price was dear--the Bridegroom's blood.

You have a helpful husband. Every day he cleans up for you, sweeping all the dirt out of your life. When his Father performs the white glove test, he declares your "house" spic-and-span, spotless.

How does a bride respond to such a terrific husband? St. Paul gives the answer: "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). The bride wants her Bridegroom to know how deeply she is in love with him. Whatever we do, we want Jesus to get the glory.

"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do . . ." A marriage service falls under "whatever you do." The goal of a marriage service must be to glorify God. Christians gather to worship the Lord, not simply attend a wedding.

Questions to consider

The glory of God must be the goal of all of the wedding plans too. That raises questions: