GraceFox

I think the attitude with which I read the Bible is forever changed. Over two days, I’ve spent 16 hours participating in “The Truth Project,” produced by Focus on the Family. Our group watched 8 videos on which Del Tackett lectured about Biblical truth as applied to marriage, politics, economics, creation, and more. After each, we split into small groups to discuss what we’d learned and how to apply these insights to our lives.

I was reminded that God is involved in every aspect of our lives and has issued commands for our well-being. I dare not change His commands to fit my whims, nor alter them to suit my circumstances. If I don’t cling to His Word as absolute truth, I’ll run into trouble.

I was challenged not to accept societal norms as “right” just because many people are putting their stamp of approval on them. Here’s an example: society (and the media) says I have the right to be happy. If that means divorcing my husband because I think I’ll be happier in the arms of a different man, then so be it.

God’s Word says otherwise. I’m to remain faithful to my marriage vow until death parts me and my spouse. That might mean enduring very difficult days or weeks or months, or even years. It might mean caring for him if he suffers a crippling injury or illness. It might mean denying my desires for a nice house and financial security so my husband can pursue a job he loves rather than spend most of his waking hours toiling at a task he doesn’t enjoy simply because it pays well.

Statistics show that society approves of divorce. In fact, I read a newspaper article recently that says there are “divorce fairs” in the U.K., designed to help making splitting up easier. But Scripture says that God hates divorce. Is that simply because of the pain inflicted on everyone involved? Not necessarily, although I believe He grieves over it. His hatred for divorce flows from the fact that it goes against His character. He is a God of unity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – three separate beings in one. It’s a mystery, I know. He’s designed marriage to reflect that unity, by a man and woman – two separate entities – becoming one flesh. Another mystery. Divorce destroys that unity. It goes against His very character, and that’s what makes it wrong. That’s also why it has such negative effects.                                                                                                                                                                           

“The Truth Project” contained so much good information that I hope to study it again in the near future. For now, I’ll summarize by saying there’s a cosmic battle going on between good and evil, and its forces are fighting for our souls. The enemy wants to steal, kill and destroy, but our Creator God has plans to give us a future and a hope. Those plans were revealed in the person of Jesus Christ who declared Himself to be “the way, the truth, and the life.” When we live life His way, according to His truth, we enjoy intimate relationship with our Creator. What a gift!