Of Marriage Vows & Stewardship

A friend of mine got married last week in a United Methodist Church. It was especially touching for me because this weekend my Carol and I are celebrating our 40th anniversary. I emphasized being married within the church because of the covenantal relationship with Christ. While vows are exchanged in a civil ceremony, they are only stated between the couple. In effect, these vows are a contract between people, whereas the covenant is a relationship between the couple and Jesus. In fact, the church uses sacramental language to highlight this covenant.

During the wedding ceremony, the pastor states that the rings are the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, signifying to us the union between Jesus Christ and his Church. The couple responds: I give you this ring as a sign of my vow, and that with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In Christ, the two become one – one with God. Powerful, beautiful and mystical.

Through our Baptism we are plunged into a covenantal relationship with Christ, and whether we are single or married, we can say to Jesus: that with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you.

The Autumn is upon us. And it is stewardship season for most churches. Often, we talk about tithing or proportional giving of our time, talent, and treasure. This has been our tradition for many years. With a covenantal relationship in mind, what would my generosity look like if I said to Jesus: that with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you?

I don’t think my marriage would have lasted if I had tithed my love – 10% of my heart. Marriage requires 100% all in, and it is what Jesus asks of me as well. We do not bring wedding rings for the offering plate, but what we do bring are the outward and visible signs of an inward and spiritual grace, signifying to us the union between Jesus Christ and his Church. In this way our offerings are: powerful, beautiful, and mystical.