“I’ve thought a lot about that lately,” I admitted. “The bottom line is they did it God’s way. It may sound corny, but my mom respected my dad and let him lead, like we’re supposed to let Christ lead our lives. And my dad loved and sacrificed for my mom, like Christ loves us and laid down His life for us.”

“What if my husband doesn’t do his part?” Stephanie asked.

“Oh, I saw them struggle at times, but I also saw them show a lot of love to each other. A successful marriage isn’t easy, but you have to be committed to doing your part even in the tough times.”

In Ephesians 5:22–33 Paul outlines God’s pattern for a successful marriage. When a woman submits to her husband as the leader in the relationship, she illustrates how believers respond to Christ as the leader in their lives—with humility and allegiance. And when a husband loves his wife by sacrificing for her, he shows how Christ gave His life for the church. Not only does this pattern illustrate the relationship between Christ and the church; it lays the groundwork for a harmonious marriage. Examine yourself in light of these criteria and see if you are standing on solid ground. Ask God to work in you and your husband to have a God-honoring marriage.