Podcast: https://bit.ly/48tUwr6
The idea that we are to be in the world but not of the world is not found in so many words in Scripture. But several verses suggest this dichotomy.
We are called to be a witness to the world. We can’t do this if we separate from the world. What’s more, to speak to those of the world, we must have some understanding of their reality. But we need to do this without adopting the beliefs of the world.
These worldly influences distort how we approach marriage, promoting lies that undermine lasting relationships. I will focus on how the world influences our thinking on marriage today, and cover sexuality on Friday.
A few marriage lies:
- All you need is love: It would be nice if this were true, but it’s not. You can love someone and be so selfish they come to hate you. Love does not eliminate immaturity, and love that is not played out in actions is empty. I’ve seen marriages based on nothing more than love, and most of them crater and burn.
- Divorce is no big deal: Divorce hurts. Even when it’s because of ongoing adultery or abuse, it hurts. Lori and I have dealt with divorced men and women, and we’ve heard the hurt. Studies find high rates of depressive symptoms after divorce. Both men and women suffer in this way, and it’s more common and more severe for men.
- Children are resilient: This is offered up by parents looking to ditch their spouse. They want to believe the divorce won’t harm their children. In truth, there is a long list of things far more common for children of divorce. The list includes lower grades, higher rates of drug and alcohol use, earlier sex, more sexual partners, lower rates of marriage, and higher divorce rates. Divorce harms children for life.
The world is full of assurances that make us feel better about our selfishness and sins. But these feel good ideas don’t protect us from the very real consequences of our actions.
~ This is Paul, and Doing Marriage Well is easier when you follow God.
Lori and I have always liked Patty Pan summer squash, but I’ve come up with a new way of preparing them that is awesome.
Fried in butter with garlic salt and pepper, and then topped with a bit of fleshy grated Parmesan cheese. YUMMY!
Image Credit: © Paul H Byerly created with ideogram.ai & Paul Byerly
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