by Wayne Childress
I have travelled to forty some odd countries in my life and it is surprising how many things we all have in common. Sadly, most of those things are not beneficial to us. One of those things is the prevalence of families torn apart by death or divorce.
It can be difficult to get folks to understand what we mean by “family values” when their concept of family has been devastated. We will all see death so there is not much we can do about that issue; however, there is a lot that could be done about the high number of families being destroyed by divorce. We could also do a lot more to comfort and encourage the folks who find themselves dealing with a “broken family”.
The State is responsible for some of the failure of the family. I cannot speak for many countries by I know that here in the USA our government encourages every religion except the one comprised of those who follow Jesus. It also practically encourages broken families. A marriage is no longer a lifetime commitment by a man and a woman. For a marriage between a man and a woman it is a business arrangement to produce more tax payers (nowadays marriage is also a business arrangement with the State of convenient sex and tax breaks for homosexuals). If and when it becomes “inconvenient” for the woman she is encouraged to leave and keep the children for the State. The State in turn will pay her and bill the man. What lessons does this teach our children? But, the State is only partially to blame. Parents, you too are responsible. Do not think YHWH will not hold you accountable if you follow the State instead of Him.
But Jesus said, “Allow the little children and do not prevent them coming to Me, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven”. (Matthew 19:14)
It is time adults realized being married is not all about feeling happy. Your life should be about serving YHWH and our Lord Jesus. Your marriage should be about showing this and teaching this to your children. What does divorce show and teach our children? Worse still what does it do to our children? How are they to learn what commitment and love are really about when they are treated as a commodity rather than the blessing from YHWH that they truly are? I too come from the background of broken families. My parents both divorced and remarried several times each. I was lucky in that I had extended family members who served the Lord and influenced my life. My dad also turned to the Lord as he grew older. I sincerely believe that the influence of their efforts and prayers are all that stood between me and damnation – even though it took me decades to find my way.
“Here is the patience of the saints; here are the ones keeping the commands of God and the faith of Jesus.” (Revelation 14:12)
I learned discipline in the military. I learned to find peace and feel loved in service to YHWH and His Son, our Lord, Jesus the Christ. James, the brother of Jesus, tells us: “Be confessing to one another offenses, and be praying for one another, that you may be healed; very strong is a working prayer of just one righteous man”. (James 5:16)
If you have found yourself a member of a family torn apart by death or divorce you too can find peace and the feeling of being loved. Your first step must be to surrender, fully and completely, your life to the service of YHWH and our Lord Jesus. As the Bible repeatedly tells us we must be doing His will for our prayers to be heard; and, we know that if we are doing His will our prayers will be heard. Pray for guidance for yourself and for your family members – even if they have hurt you, even if they are still hurting you.
“And when you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, be forgiving, so that your Father in Heaven may also be forgiving of your offenses. (Mark 11:25)
This does not mean your family will be made whole again; but, the Lord can and will give you peace of mind and you will know what it really means to be really, deeply loved. There is not enough love in this world because not enough people truly follow Jesus. If you will do this you will have peace, you will know love, and you will gain understanding. Jesus loved us enough to die for us. He still loves those who serve Him; and, he will love you as much as you love Him – even more.
“Come to Me, all those laboring and being burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, because I am meek and lowly in heart, “and you will find rest to your souls.” For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30)
If you and your family members all turn to the Lord you may indeed be blessed with getting back together; but, your primary responsibility is to serve the Lord. You must “fix” yourself first: “But seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Then do not be anxious for tomorrow. For the morrow will be anxious of itself. Sufficient to each day is its own trouble”. (Matthew 6:33-34)
I have no idea how much, or little, mail this might generate, but, if you need a pen pal then write to me at feedback@thepathtolight.com. I will do my best to help you.
In His Service,
Wayne
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The Path to Light
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