Young men and ladies, may I bring this important message to your attention: Choose your spouse carefully, by prayerfully relying on God's Spirit for direction. While dating, keep your eyes wide open, for many proclaim to be Christians, but are not. Break it off if you see anything that bothers you, for it will haunt you for the rest of your life, and please do not believe that after marriage, you can win you mate to the Kingdom. Once you are married, however, close your eyes to any annoyances you will perceive!

Only if your marriage is based on the fear of the Lord (not wanting to hurt our loving Lord in any shape, form or fashion) will you end up growing closer to one another and closer to your Heavenly Father. Your joy will be so great that you will literally be dining at the top of the world!

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Prov 31:30 NIV)

"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." (Prov 14:1 NIV)

We were awaiting this day with eager expectation. We awoke excited, anticipating our trek up Europe's highest cable car to its highest viewing platform: The Little Matterhorn. A trip of 50 minutes that would transport us to the top of the world.

The trip started off well. The gondola was filled with "ohhs" and "ahhs" at the sights around us. The trip was done in three stages, and each one seemed to surpass the others for beauty. The last one brought us over vast glaciers and into an infinite world of ice. Out of this world!

Once we arrived at the last station, we took the Gipfel-lift, a small elevator on the left of a long tunnel. From here we climbed a small metal staircase to the summit of the Little Matterhorn, and the view was even more exquisite. A cross had been erected right in the middle of the viewing area, reminding us of Who was the One who had creates such beauty.

From here we had a clear view of much of the Swiss alps, and a view into the Italian and French alps as well. It was lunch time, so we sat down on the provided benches and opened our backpack. Never had we eaten a meal while surrounded by such regal splendour. Although it was quite cold at such a high altitude, we will always remember this as the best lunch we ever ate. Not because of its culinary exquisiteness (If I remember correctly, it consisted of day-old bread and cheese), but because we sat speechless in the presence of the One who cared for us and made this experience possible.

Marriage can be exactly like that picnic at the top of the world. If you marry a true, God-fearing spouse, each day that passes by will draw you closer to your spouse as well to your loving Father. Each day will be more exquisite than the one before. Oh sure, there will be some run-ins (Probably more than less!), but your love established on the Eternal One will lead you to learn to forgive and to start admiring the differences of your mate. Eventually you will be led, under God's guidance, to dine at the top of the world, where your love towards one another and towards God will be of more importance than the trivial differences that used to drive you apart.

Please be careful who you marry! Not all marriages end up at the top of the world, like mine did, as my wife is sure out-of-this-world! Some do end up in utter hell!

"Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife." (Prov 21:9 NIV)

It's not without purpose that the book of Proverbs ends by describing the virtues of a God-fearing wife. Please meditate over these words and depend on the One who can make this possible:

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

"In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

"If it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed ; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

"Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

"She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." (Prov 31:10-31 NIV)

Needless fears can be avoided by depending on the One to lead you to such a person.

In whom will you trust?

Rob Chaffart