" PSSST, COME MERE "

Have you ever heard a voice that was trying to get your attention but the individual was in their stealth mode. Have you ever seen in the movies as one is walking past an alley or an individual who makes their living by the selling of stolen goods, as you pass them you here "Pssst Come Mere". Today I wish to share my concern for the state of marriage and for coveting what is not ours.

This past week I've had and heard many thoughts on man and woman. And I ponder, did God promise man the mate of his dreams or was it a suitable helper? I started thinking about the garden, the beginning, the man: Then God said, "Let us make in our image, according to our likeness; God saw all that He made, and behold, it was very good. God was very pleased with man, but realized that man would not be happy even with everything at his finger tips. Adam being the first man and only living being on earth, the Lord God said, " It is not good for man to be alone; I will make him a helper SUITABLE FOR HIM." (Gen. 2:18). So we know for sure that marriage is God's idea. Neither man nor woman was promised the mate of our dreams. As we adhere to the Word of God our marriages will become all that we aspire them to be. I started pondering the word "suitable" and these came to mind: Agreeable, Correct, Satisfactory, Right, Sufficient and God Appropriate. God doesn't make mistakes, so I have to wonder why I sometimes make my wife of nearly 40 years life difficult.

God illustrated for us that in marriage man and woman symbolically became one flesh. This is a ethereal union of the couple's hearts and lives. Marriage is permanent, and you must be willing to keep the commitment that makes the two of you one. From the beginning of time God has made it clear ideally, only death should dissolve marriage. Have you ever taken the time to read and understand 1 Cor. 11:9 "For indeed man was not created for the woman's sake, but woman for man's sake." God created lines of authority in order for his created world to function smoothly. Although there must be lines of authority, even in marriage, there should not be lines of superiority. If we were to take a moment and reflect on every person of authority that we have ever come in contact with, whom would you pattern your life after? God created men and women with unique and complementary characteristics. I'm put in mind of our military service all personnel are trained to do a specific task, but always come under subjection of authority. There is a line of distinction, as well as at our jobs or in every aspect of life. In marriage one sex is not better than the other. We must not let the issue of authority and submission become a wedge to destroy oneness in marriage. Instead, we should use our unique gifts to strengthen our marriages and to glorify God.

Marriage is instituted by God and has three basic aspects: (1) The man leaves his parents and, in a public act, promises himself to his wife; (2) Man and Woman are joined together by taking responsibility for each other's welfare and by loving your mate above all others; (3) The two become one flesh in the intimacy and commitment of sexual union that is reserved for marriage. Strong marriages include all three aspects. God thought of everything, so ARMOR UP protect and pray with your spouse daily. God gave marriage as a gift to Adam and Eve. They were created perfect for each other. Remember God said " I will make him a helper SUITABLE FOR HIM." So no matter what ... When you hear " Psss Come Mere" , watch out. How many times has the grass appeared greener on the other side? How many times have you had an impure thought about a neighbor or co-worker?

Friends we have to do a much better job with the responsibility that God has given us. We must focus on what we have been blessed with, it's time we read and understand verses such as 1 Peter 3:7 . Men if you truly try to understand this verse you will realize that a man who honors his wife as a member of the weaker sex will protect, respect, help and stay with her. Guys we must be sensitive to her needs, and we absolutely must relate to her with courtesy, consideration, insight and tact. At times it's a juggling act, but we must come out of ourselves.

Until next time,
Jim