Family after Marriage

 What does God say about family after marriage?

There are a few verses that talk about family, parents, and marriage in relation to one another. The first comes from Genesis 2:24 (this is in reference to the first marriage, Adam and Eve). He also makes reference in Matthew 19: 4-6. Ephesians 5:22-33 talks about the roles in marriage. 

There are other scriptures in the Bible that talk about marriage and family. But these are a few worth highlighting. 

When a man and woman decide to marry one another, they are making a commitment to each other, but more importantly to God. They are choosing to depart from their parents, and form a new family. This is a desire of God. He wants us to find a person who shares our values, beliefs, and love for God. 

Is God telling us to never speak to our parents again? No
Is God telling us that we can have no relationship with our parents? No

Is God telling us that we now depend on our spouse? Yes
Is God telling us that the relationship with our spouse is sacred and should be kept safe? Yes

A child is called to leave their parents and form a family with their spouse. To build a relationship that grows with each other, but also in the direction of God. The bible states that a parents desire for their child should be to marry a person who loves God, a person with a relationship with God, a Christian. That is the standard. It does not say that a parent should be sure their child marries a person for money, convenience, lust, status, etc. It does not say that a child is to marry a person that thinks/interprets just like their parents. 

This is a hard topic for many people. Parents always want great things for their children, that is natural. But we have to look at the biblical aspect of what God desires for us. (He is our Father too) 
How often have you heard something like "She will never have to worry about money with him" "He will have the most beautiful children with her" "He thinks just like me so he will lead her the way I have".
These are all worldly thoughts, they are not the desires of God.

Does it mean that money, security, geographical nearness, etc are bad? No. But these are not the top priorities in a marriage. These things are never spoken of in reference to marriage in the Bible. 

A father is called to say, "I want my child to marry a person who loves God first and foremost." Loving God will automatically make that person love your child more. Loving God will provide a fruitful marriage, a marriage that is pleasing to God. 

A parent who thinks first of worldly pleasures for their child, is not desiring the best life possible for them. What a disgrace that would be. 

I think this is a hard topic. It is hard for the parent and the child. Leaving all you have known, letting go of your child; these are not easy tasks. But seeking God's guidance will ease the struggle. 

Put your marriage first. Protect your marriage with God's word. Remember that Satan is always prowling, and looking for ways to turn you away. Satan will attack your marriage in some form. Have a Godly spouse and Godly marriage to protect yourselves. 

Side Note: 1 Peter 3 is a great read on what a marriage should look like. I would advise everyone to read and study it. 

Live Unpopular

Newsflash: Christians live a life that is full of "unpopular opinions"

Recently I have spent a lot of time thinking about my faith and beliefs. I think this is something we should all do throughout our life. But it has hit me hard recently when I add the perspective of being a mother to it. And a common theme I have noticed is unpopular opinions. Now I'm not talking something like "chick-fil-a sauce is gross (which I do think 😬) But I am referring to the bigger beliefs and decisions of life. 

It is stated in Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this world, but continuously be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what God’s will is—what is proper, pleasing, and perfect."

Let me be the first to say, this is not the easy way to live. 

I have been battling these thoughts and decisions for a little while now. So I began to look back over previous sermons at my church and found one that seemed fitting. 

Without going into the entirety of the sermon, I would like to share my reflections along with some of the scriptures and key takeaways that resonated with me.

First, let's focus on the positive aspects of what we are called to embrace.

First and foremost: GODLINESS (defined as: the quality or practice of conforming to the laws & wishes of God; devoutness and moral uprightness) WOAH, those are some high standards. 

We can gain Godliness by leaning into our FAITH. This is done by reading the word and praying diligently to God. 

By inserting FAITH and working towards GODLINESS, living the life that we are called to live is a little easier. 

Now lets talk about the more challenging aspects of our faith - the beliefs that distinguish us as Christians and may be perceived as unpopular opinions. As followers of Christ, these are all things that I feel we must be willing to embrace even if we are met with resistance or criticism.

Situations, Temptations, Teachings, & Acceptance are the broad spectrum areas that I have been thinking about. 

We live in a world that now has acceptance of all things - it seems that no one can have a wrong opinion, unless you are a Christian who is trying to live by the word of God. If you look around at all you will notice that the world is telling everyone that you can be literally anything you want. Sorry, but that is false. God has formed you in His perfect image (Genesis 1:27). God has already set out a plan for our lives, we are just called to follow it (Jeremiah 29:11).

God gave us a guide on how to live in the Old Testament, the 10 Commandments (these can be found in Exodus 20). Now these are not the only things God asks of us, this is just the first set of Commandments that He gave. These set the foundation for our lives. Today, it is so easy to fall into a life that does not follow. For instance- "You shall not covet your neighbors house." How often do people desire what someone else has? Constantly saying "I want... I need.... They don't deserve ___ like I do." 

We should all look at the 10 Commandments and evaluate our lives. God doesn't call for perfection, but He does ask that we try with all our being, and that when we fall short, we repent and walk away from what we have done. 

If you read Romans 2, you will learn how God is going to judge those who are followers of Christ. It is very clear that those of the law (Christians) will be judged by the law. We as Christians are held to a higher standard. 

This is a topic that you could write and study for days. We can all live a better, more Godly life. The biggest takeaways are:

1. You are called to have a relationship with Jesus
2. You are called to live by His word
3. You are called to show the world how to live, to invite them into the family of Jesus

Take time to examine yourself, your spouse, your family. If you are falling short, ask for forgiveness and work for a better relationship with God. He will never turn you away, He will always be there for guidance. 

Love ya'll