Insights on Marriage and Divorce

All marriages are happy—it’s the living together afterward that’s tough! We smile, knowing how true such a statement really is. After the flowers, the candles, the music, and the vows, there inevitably follows the day-to-day reality of living as partners: the stress of financial deadlines, the demands brought on by occupational hassles, the breakdown of communication, the misunderstandings that grow from sexual disharmony, and the lingering offenses not dealt with. The list seems endless. Peter was a married man. He understood the importance of domestic harmony. Under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, he wrote words of wise and workable counsel for all to heed. In spite of the centuries that separate us from Peter’s day, these principles are still appropriate. They work; so let’s listen! Download Message Mate

Have you ever noticed that the valuable things of this world take time to accomplish? Often, the more valuable they are, the more time they take to maintain and to appreciate. Marriage is one of the most valuable relationships God has given us. But in our fast-paced society, people seem less and less likely to give marriage the time it needs to grow and mature into something beautiful and holy. Instead, we give up on the pattern God instituted, looking for quick fixes and easy outs. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians reminds us that there is a better way.

Have you ever noticed that the valuable things of this world take time to accomplish? Often, the more valuable they are, the more time they take to maintain and to appreciate. Marriage is one of the most valuable relationships God has given us. But in our fast-paced society, people seem less and less likely to give marriage the time it needs to grow and mature into something beautiful and holy. Instead, we give up on the pattern God instituted, looking for quick fixes and easy outs. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians reminds us that there is a better way.

Have you ever noticed that the valuable things of this world take time to accomplish? Often, the more valuable they are, the more time they take to maintain and to appreciate. Marriage is one of the most valuable relationships God has given us. But in our fast-paced society, people seem less and less likely to give marriage the time it needs to grow and mature into something beautiful and holy. Instead, we give up on the pattern God instituted, looking for quick fixes and easy outs. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians reminds us that there is a better way.

Ancient maps made before the earth had been circumnavigated often portrayed the unexplored areas with fire-breathing dragons. These scaly, frightening figures served to represent the fears of the people, as if to say, “Here be dragons.” In our current cultural climate, one in which egalitarianism is valued above all else, Ephesians 5:22-6:9 presents unfamiliar, often unexplored territory in the oceans of marriage. It is to such concepts as authority, submission, and daily self-sacrifice that we come, cautiously and thoughtfully, knowing that “here be dragons.”

Ancient maps made before the earth had been circumnavigated often portrayed the unexplored areas with fire-breathing dragons. These scaly, frightening figures served to represent the fears of the people, as if to say, “Here be dragons.” In our current cultural climate, one in which egalitarianism is valued above all else, Ephesians 5:22-6:9 presents unfamiliar, often unexplored territory in the oceans of marriage. It is to such concepts as authority, submission, and daily self-sacrifice that we come, cautiously and thoughtfully, knowing that “here be dragons.”

Ancient maps made before the earth had been circumnavigated often portrayed the unexplored areas with fire-breathing dragons. These scaly, frightening figures served to represent the fears of the people, as if to say, “Here be dragons.” In our current cultural climate, one in which egalitarianism is valued above all else, Ephesians 5:22-6:9 presents unfamiliar, often unexplored territory in the oceans of marriage. It is to such concepts as authority, submission, and daily self-sacrifice that we come, cautiously and thoughtfully, knowing that “here be dragons.”

The more valuable things are, the more time they take. This is especially true of handmade valuables, like beautiful Turkish rugs. For weeks, months, and sometimes years, workers sit on stools weaving one thread and then another to create the intricate patterns of a rug that is not only striking but will last for generations to come. Marriage is like that—it takes time, but if God’s pattern is followed, it produces a thing of lasting value.

The more valuable things are, the more time they take. This is especially true of handmade valuables, like beautiful Turkish rugs. For weeks, months, and sometimes years, workers sit on stools weaving one thread and then another to create the intricate patterns of a rug that is not only striking but will last for generations to come. Marriage is like that—it takes time, but if God’s pattern is followed, it produces a thing of lasting value.

Caleb continues to be a prime example of how to take on life with a great attitude. At the ripe, young age of 85, he was alert, motivated, positive, and eager to undertake any endeavor. We find in Caleb no less than three specific attitude choices that will keep a marriage youthful even as we grow older.