Christians Especially: What Has Happened to “For Better or For Worst, til Death do Us Part?” (Part 2)

The last thing that Joyce and I talked about was the following verse:

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal,
despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather
than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power...”
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV)

Unfortunately, there are those Christians who are unwilling to yield to God concerning their marriages so are falling prey to the spirit of the time that we are in. A number of married individuals are more in love with themselves than with God or their spouses. Some are far from being loving or holy in their attitudes and their way of life. And, unforgiveness, this is probably a key reason for the almost 50% of divorces experienced by Christians. (Forgiveness & repentance are not options of the Christian faith, these are commands of Jesus, our Lord and Savior!)

Self control is the area where many marriages fail, due to one or both engaging in adultery, i.e., cheating on their spouses. Adultery is having an emotional, romantic, or sexual relationship with another person who is not your spouse. Ususally, the relationship is carried on without the spouses knowledge (or a deception of the true relationship is known by the spouse). Adultery begins in the mind. It interrupts the sincerity and fullness of the marriage.

Eventually, the adulterer has a yoke that almost renders them helpless (no self control). As my mother says…”but God!” But God can intervene and even turn this around. If the couple decide to maintain the marriage, the adulterer has to be willing to completely sever all forms of contact and communication with the other person. Honesty, accountability, humility, a decision to turn toward your spouse, a willingness to work on building trust and waiting for the offended spouse to trust again, is the cost and the process.

Pleasure seeking, that is, “I’m just not happy,” are the words that convince many (who are consumed with "it's all about me" thinking) that ending the marriage is okay, rather than working hard to restore it. And, the very act of divorce, in most cases, denies God’s power, His ability to turn things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

With that said, I still have high hopes for marriages, especially Christians, because Christ is in you, the Hope of Glory! The key is to remember:

you can make it through whatever difficulties your marriage

may be facing, because NOTHING is too hard for God!

And WITH GOD, (not relying on yourself alone) all things are possible!

But, it is up to you to:
1) Call upon God (as MC Hammer says, “you’ve got to pray just to make it today!":)
2) Be willing to patiently wait for the turn around,
3) Walk by faith and not by sight (continuing to show love & respect for your spouse when the feelings are not as great as you’d like them to be), and
4) Study the Bible to understand and apply it; be doers of the Word, not just hearers only.

Marriage is a test of faith in God, self and our spouse. The rewards, however, are greater love, joy and peace, and a lasting lover and friendship, when you choose to answer every questioning moment or season with faith in God following His every word!

©2008 Rosalind Stanley
BECAUSE OF GRACE
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