Altar Call

Have respect for marriage. Always be faithful to your partner, because God will punish anyone who is immoral or unfaithful in marriage.

-- Hebrews 13:4

When Barbara Bush died in April 2018 at age 92, it marked the end of her 73-year marriage to George H.W. Bush, America’s 41st president. She met her future husband at age 16. They became engaged 18 months later and got married in 1945. And over the next 13 years, George and Barbara Bush had six children, who between them gave the loving couple 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren:

Such a committed, long-lasting marriage is admirable. But unfortunately,

it has become the rare exception rather than the common rule. Society’s attitude toward marriage and the family has evolved since the Bushes exchanged their wedding vows. Seventy years ago, news of a couple living together outside of marriage would have been considered scandalous at the very least. And in some states, it led to jail time for the offending parties!

Think of everything that’s changed in America since our nation has effectively turned its back on committed marriage (the “death ‘til you part” type). With more flexible divorce laws and the media's literal promotion of adultery, it’s no wonder that so many marriages end prematurely--and that fewer people take the institution seriously. It’s also no surprise that so many people consider marriage as not worth the trouble. To them, living together is the rational option.

Our “enlightened” culture has rejected Biblical norms like monogamous marriage between men and women. Moreover, we’ve turned away from God's teachings as a whole--the ones he gave us for experiencing meaningful, fulfilled lives. What were once considered clear, black and white issues of right and wrong have blended over the decades into murky shades of gray. Everything--even truth itself--is considered relative by today’s so-called progressive free-thinkers.

Our Creator, who invented the institution of marriage, has a different perspective. In fact, it’s only two chapters into the Bible that we find this revealing passage:

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and easy-divorce, cohabitation and serial adultery have become accepted--or at least tolerated--lifestyle choices. A prime reason is that commitment is such an uncomfortable word. It's one that implies responsibility, faith and dependence on a much greater Power.

But ultimately, isn’t that what it means to be a Christ-follower?