God's word in today's world

Pulling away


We constantly help married couples who have decided they’ve had enough of being married. They got married initially because their differences drew them to each other. Now they say they differ too much.

This is the push force that pushes people out of marriage. Other reasons push people out of wedlock, some justified, some not. Lack of communication; physical, mental or financial abuse; addiction; roles and much more are forces that push people out of marriages.

Then some forces pull people out of their marriage. Maybe a younger, more attractive person offers much more than a spouse. The pull is so strong that one becomes blind to the pain it causes to loved ones.

There are no winners in a divorce case. That is why Jesus expressly said: “Because God created this organic union of the two sexes, no one should desecrate his art by cutting them apart.” (Mark 10:9)

When we choose God, it is like being joined in marriage. It’s a commitment where God tells us that He will be a God to us all the way, and we say that we will be His children and live like His children.

In this “marriage relationship” with God, there are never forces from God’s side that want to push us out of this relationship. But there are certainly forces that want to pull us from this relationship.

The strongest is probably the power of the world. When we allow the things of the world to draw us closer, when we allow the things of the world to draw us away from God and start doing like the world, we are actually adulterers, like one who cheats on the other in marriage.

It may be a bit harsh, but it’s not me who says so. James says so in chapter 4: 4You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way.

It happens without us actually realising it. And yes, it’s hard to live in the world and not be attracted by the things of the world. Slowly the things of the world reel us in, and before we know it, they have pulled us out of our relationship with God, and we’re left all alone.

When I hear this, I get a little discouraged, because what is one to do now? Then I just want to leave and live in a desert where no forces can pull me out of my relationship with God.

But it’s not necessary to do that. We are actually called to live in our relationship with God here in the world. We then have the assignment to be His light. It is most important simply to realise that forces want to pull us out of the relationship. We have to be ready for it.

We must make sure that the world does not define our identity. We must make sure that the world does not dictate how we act. No, we must grow in our relationship with God to resist the forces of the world and live in the world as beloved spouses of God.

Scripture
James 4:1-6

Reflection
What forces of the world are present in your life?
How can you stop those forces from pulling you away from God?
When was the last time you confessed that you have surrendered to the powers of the world?

Prayer
Father, I know the world is trying to pull me away from You. Together with Your Spirit, I can resist it. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

SUBSCRIBE


Visit our web shop to purchase Crossroad247 books

Visit our shop
Kruispad Boek