We choose our friends wisely. The reality is, not all our friends will stay with us forever. We are choosing friends who will be with us with the same God, same vision, same principles, and same purpose in life. If we choose our friends wisely, then we should be more selective and excellent in choosing our partner. We cannot change it or replace it. It will be our final decision to spend our lifetime with someone.
As a financial enthusiast, there is a thing called “calculated risk”. This is how I manage risk in every investment. I am not investing on something that I don’t fully understand no matter how profitable it may be. Marriage is risk because I will be spending my lifetime to my partner. I need to choose a wife, that will be the mother of my children, and the grandmother of my grandchildren. To calculate and minimize the risk in marriage I have to set standards which is based on principles of God.
I ask God what He wants best for my life. As I delight myself in the Lord, He revealed to me what He wants in my marriage through the lives of Priscilla and Aquila, my favorite couple in the Bible.
1. Priscilla and Aquila were one in their blissful marriage.
In Acts 18:1-2 NIV,
“After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them,”
This was the first time that Priscilla and Aquila were mentioned in the Bible. In the Bible, only 7 times that their names were mentioned and it is always joined with conjunction “and”. They were never separated in a single verse. So for me, the way how they were mentioned in the Bible, is a reflection of their blissful marriage. They were equally yoked and really loved each other.
As Priscilla and Aquila were on in marriage, so I am looking for a woman who will love me back. The woman who will reciprocate my feelings, my attentions, and affection. The one who will love me and will stay with me in my lowest and in my highest.
2. Priscilla and Aquila were one in the secular occupation or business
In Acts 18:3 NIV,
“and because he [Paul] was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.”
As Priscilla and Aquila were in tent-making business, so I am praying for a wife that will be one with me in business. My desire is to build an empire and turn our dreams to reality. So I am praying for a wife who is a goal-getter, who will challenge me to be excellent when it comes in secular work or business.
3. Priscilla and Aquila were one in their friendship with Paul
In Romans 16:3-4 NIV,
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.”
Christianity before was not easy. They were greatly persecuted but they never left Paul, their friend and their spiritual leader. My prayer is, if Priscilla and Aquila were one with Paul, so I and my future wife will be one with my pastors and leaders. I don’t want to be like some couples who leave the church and say anything against the church.
4. Priscilla and Aquila were one in their profound knowledge in the Scripture
In Acts 18:26 NIV,
“He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.”
It was when Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos, one of the great preachers in the New Testament, preaching in the synagogue. Apollos was teaching about the baptism of John. Knowing Priscilla and Aquila having Paul as their mentor, they taught Apollos more about God.
In the same way, I am looking for a woman who I can dine with, with solid food and not milk. I may not be perfect, but I know my suitable partner will help me in my weakness. My desire is for us to grow deeper in the Lord, and to help each other to face every circumstance may arise in our journey together.
5. Priscilla and Aquila were one in their service for the Lord
In 1 Corinthians 16:19 NIV,
“The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.”
As mentioned in the verse, they made their house to a house of prayer and worship. In the same way, I want a family that will love and serve God. As I have a desire to build an empire, I also have the desire to build the Kingdom of God.
The goal of marriage is to be equally yoked in every aspect of our lives. This is what God wants for my life. These are principles and standards set by God that should not be broken.
What’s next when I found a woman that is within God’s principle? How to approach and build friendship with her? And what if intention came first before a friendship is built? Oh, how risky it is! Can strangers turn to be lovers? Will it be unveiled in the next chapter?