I've noticed a common societal reality displayed for many years now. I remember speaking to someone about this reality many years ago when they asked me if it was okay for them to be living with someone to whom they are not married. As a pastor, you must understand that I stand on what the Bible teaches me and what I understand it to say.
A man and a woman who love each other should show the greatest demonstration of that reality by getting married and unifying their lives in harmony with the teachings of Scripture. But I get it. One young man said to men, "Pastor, it's just that . . . well . . . it's so expensive to divorce a girl if it doesn't work out. Wouldn't it be better to just live together and if it doesn't work . . then it doesn't work. No harm, no foul."
I tried to share with this young man the benefits of a godly union, but he was not budging from his positional stance. Perhaps . . . marriage is hard, so hard that it's easier not to be married. However, it that was true . . . part of the human spirit is to do hard things! So, just because something is hard, doesn't mean it should be avoided.
Tim Keller one wrote, "While marriage is many things. It is anything but sentimental. Marriage is glorious, but hard. It's a burning joy and strength, and yet it is also blood, sweat and tears; humbling defeats and exhausting victories." Joining this thought are the words of Ngina Otiende who wrote, "Marriage is meant to keep people together, not just when things are good, but particularly when they are not. That's why we take marriage vows, not wishes."
May you this Sabbath learn the beauty of marriage and family. If you have either of them, you are blessed. It you do not feel blessed, it's time to figure out why and do something about it! May you find the strength this Sabbath to do so!
So, until the next time, this is Pastor Tello reminding you that thoughts do change lives!
Pastor Howard Tello