My husband and I are still talking about how much we enjoyed having his mum and her husband, Graham visit us. They are the type of visitors, who when they left for home, we felt as though we’d had a holiday as well. Last year my mum-in-law was still a widow and spent Christmas in an Old Age Home. This year she is married again and lives in the suburbs. Our family is complete once again.
Especially at Christmas I am reminded what a precious gift a healthy family is. I’m also aware of the powerful and malicious cultural forces that try to tear families apart.
It is natural for the enemy (Satan) to try to destroy families. How does he do this best ? By destroying the institution called marriage. A marriage that is inspired and guided by God is ordered towards love and life, towards raising and building families; marriage is a culture of love and life.
The first step in the disintegration of civilization is the devaluing of marriage. Statistics prove that there is not any stigma attached to divorce these days. It is now seen as an unavoidable rite of passage. In a civilized and Christian world, we cannot afford to see divorce as unavoidable. The costs are too high.
This is not a judgmental post; on the contrary. It is a heartfelt plea from the depths of my soul to reconsider if you are thinking of terminating your marriage this year. And if you are already divorced and have remarried, then remain that way. Make every effort to strengthen your marriage and to build a new family.
The Bible tells us that divorce is not part of God’s plan for mankind. When we begin to ask God why He’s abandoned us, we can only heed His Word.
Malachi 2: 14-16 “You cry out, why has the Lord abandoned us? Because the Lord witnessed the vows you and your wife made on your wedding day when you were young. Didn’t the Lord make you one with your wife? And what does God want? Godly children from your marriage. So guard yourself and remain faithful to the wife of your youth.. For I hate divorce, says the Lord God Almighty”
I pray that God preserves the institution of marriage and protects the family. I pray as if civilization depends on it, because as we see above, it does.
"What God has joined together, let not man put asunder" Matthew 19: 6b
I couldn't agree with you more! The biggest threat to marriage, and to families, is divorce.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous photo!
ReplyDeleteI know all too well how much he enjoys meddling in marriages and coming close to destroying them. I know you were one that responded on a very open and honest post I put on my blog last year. Just before the new year my hubby changed very drastically (for the good) all of a sudden and we've been experiencing a good relationship since. :o)
Yes, Jeanne, not only are immediate family members affected, but extended members, ie parents, grandparents, friends, cousins, etc are. Thanks for popping in Hugs Jo
ReplyDeleteThanks flmom, I took the photo up in the Drakensberg, our family's favourite hiking spot. Praise the Lord, that you're experiencing such beautiful love and friendship in your marriage. I continue to pray for you and other young couples. Hugs Jo
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