One of our models in youth ministry is, “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.” It applies to adults as well, and marriage is one of God’s testing grounds.

God sees what others do not. God hears and knows what others do not. What happens behind closed doors is not beyond His reach.

When the Apostle Paul speaks of God’s promises versus the law, he says this about faith:

But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe…. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus… For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  (Galatians 3:22, 26-27)

If I read that correctly, faith in Jesus Christ makes us all sons of God. Not daughters and sons. Not just children. Sons. Every woman who has put her faith in Christ has the standing of a son in God’s kingdom. Just like Jesus. Every child who puts his/her faith in Christ has the status of a son.

“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). Look up the Greek if you will.

That means that everyone in a local church is a “son,” with equal access to God, the Holy Spirit, and the blessings of Christ. That should instill respect and awe. Appearances are deceiving. If women and children are treated differently than men, if they are thought of as “less than” in any circumstance–at church, at home, in marriage–God sees. God knows. It’s His IQ test.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)

Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. (2 Corinthians 5:9-11)