Married with Children
The Paradoxes of Faith: Two Becoming One / Adults Becoming Children
In our journey of faith, we often encounter paradoxes - statements that seem contradictory but reveal profound truths. Today, we'll explore two such paradoxes that lie at the heart of Christian living: the idea of two becoming one in marriage, and adults becoming like children to enter the kingdom of God.
The Sacred Bond of Marriage
Let's begin by examining God's original design for marriage. From the very beginning, in the book of Genesis, we see that God created marriage as a union between one man and one woman. This wasn't a human invention, but a divine institution. The scripture tells us that "a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).
This concept of "two becoming one" is a beautiful paradox. How can two distinct individuals merge into a single entity? Yet, this is precisely what God intends for marriage. It's not just about living together or sharing resources. It's about forming the most intimate of bonds, one that cannot and should not be broken.
In today's world, where the sanctity of marriage is often challenged and redefined, it's crucial to remember God's perfect will. Marriage, as designed by God, is meant to be permanent. The idea is that husband and wife should be "glued together" in a bond so strong that nothing can separate them.
However, we live in a fallen world, and the reality of divorce cannot be ignored. Jesus addressed this issue when questioned by the Pharisees. He reminded them that divorce was permitted by Moses "because of the hardness of your hearts" (Mark 10:5). This teaches us an important lesson: divorce exists not because it's part of God's perfect plan, but because of human sin and the hardness of our hearts.
It's essential to approach this topic with grace and understanding. While God's ideal is for marriages to remain intact, He is also a God of mercy and forgiveness. For those who have experienced the pain of divorce, there is hope and healing in Christ. The message here is not one of condemnation, but a call to strive for God's perfect will in our relationships, always remembering His grace when we fall short.
Becoming Like Children
The second paradox we encounter is the idea of adults becoming like children to enter the kingdom of God. This concept might seem puzzling at first. After all, aren't we supposed to mature and grow in our faith? Why would Jesus tell us to become like children?
In Mark 10:13-16, we see a beautiful interaction between Jesus and some children. When the disciples tried to keep the children away, thinking they were a nuisance, Jesus became indignant. He said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Mark 10:14).
This passage reveals Jesus' heart for children and the value He places on childlike faith. But what does it mean for adults to become like children in matters of faith?
Children possess qualities that we, as adults, often lose sight of in our spiritual journey:
1. Dependency: Children are naturally dependent on their parents for everything. Similarly, we need to recognize our complete dependence on God for our salvation and daily needs.
2. Trust: Children trust easily and wholeheartedly. Our faith should mirror this unquestioning trust in God's goodness and promises.
3. Humility: Children don't pretend to know everything. They're eager to learn and quick to admit when they don't understand. We should approach our relationship with God with the same humility.
4. Wonder and Joy: Children find joy and wonder in the simplest things. As adults, we're called to rediscover this sense of awe in our relationship with God and His creation.
5. Receiving: Children are excellent at receiving gifts. Similarly, we need to be open to receiving God's grace, forgiveness, and blessings without feeling we need to earn them.
Jesus emphasizes this point strongly, saying, "Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it" (Mark 10:15). This is a clear call for us to shed our adult pretenses and embrace a childlike faith.
Living Out These Paradoxes
How do we apply these paradoxical truths to our daily lives?
For those who are married, it means continually working on becoming "one flesh" with your spouse. This involves mutual sacrifice, open communication, and a commitment to God's design for marriage. It means fighting against the hardness of heart that can lead to divorce and instead cultivating a soft heart that's quick to forgive and slow to anger.
For all believers, regardless of marital status, the call to childlike faith is universal. It involves a daily decision to trust God completely, to approach Him with wonder and joy, and to humbly receive His grace and guidance. It means setting aside our adult tendency to rely on our own understanding and instead leaning fully on God's wisdom and love.
In both cases - marriage and faith - we're called to a level of vulnerability and trust that can feel uncomfortable in our self-reliant culture. But it's in this place of seeming weakness that we find true strength and fulfillment.
As we navigate the complexities of adult life, let's not lose sight of these beautiful paradoxes. May we strive for the oneness in marriage that God designed, always remembering His grace when we fall short. And may we cultivate a childlike faith that allows us to experience the fullness of God's kingdom.
In a world that often attacks the sanctity of marriage and the value of children, let's stand firm in God's truth. Let's live out these paradoxes in our daily lives, becoming living testimonies to the transformative power of God's love and design.
Remember, in God's kingdom, two become one, and adults become like children. It's in embracing these paradoxes that we find the richness and depth of true faith.
The Sacred Bond of Marriage
Let's begin by examining God's original design for marriage. From the very beginning, in the book of Genesis, we see that God created marriage as a union between one man and one woman. This wasn't a human invention, but a divine institution. The scripture tells us that "a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).
This concept of "two becoming one" is a beautiful paradox. How can two distinct individuals merge into a single entity? Yet, this is precisely what God intends for marriage. It's not just about living together or sharing resources. It's about forming the most intimate of bonds, one that cannot and should not be broken.
In today's world, where the sanctity of marriage is often challenged and redefined, it's crucial to remember God's perfect will. Marriage, as designed by God, is meant to be permanent. The idea is that husband and wife should be "glued together" in a bond so strong that nothing can separate them.
However, we live in a fallen world, and the reality of divorce cannot be ignored. Jesus addressed this issue when questioned by the Pharisees. He reminded them that divorce was permitted by Moses "because of the hardness of your hearts" (Mark 10:5). This teaches us an important lesson: divorce exists not because it's part of God's perfect plan, but because of human sin and the hardness of our hearts.
It's essential to approach this topic with grace and understanding. While God's ideal is for marriages to remain intact, He is also a God of mercy and forgiveness. For those who have experienced the pain of divorce, there is hope and healing in Christ. The message here is not one of condemnation, but a call to strive for God's perfect will in our relationships, always remembering His grace when we fall short.
Becoming Like Children
The second paradox we encounter is the idea of adults becoming like children to enter the kingdom of God. This concept might seem puzzling at first. After all, aren't we supposed to mature and grow in our faith? Why would Jesus tell us to become like children?
In Mark 10:13-16, we see a beautiful interaction between Jesus and some children. When the disciples tried to keep the children away, thinking they were a nuisance, Jesus became indignant. He said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Mark 10:14).
This passage reveals Jesus' heart for children and the value He places on childlike faith. But what does it mean for adults to become like children in matters of faith?
Children possess qualities that we, as adults, often lose sight of in our spiritual journey:
1. Dependency: Children are naturally dependent on their parents for everything. Similarly, we need to recognize our complete dependence on God for our salvation and daily needs.
2. Trust: Children trust easily and wholeheartedly. Our faith should mirror this unquestioning trust in God's goodness and promises.
3. Humility: Children don't pretend to know everything. They're eager to learn and quick to admit when they don't understand. We should approach our relationship with God with the same humility.
4. Wonder and Joy: Children find joy and wonder in the simplest things. As adults, we're called to rediscover this sense of awe in our relationship with God and His creation.
5. Receiving: Children are excellent at receiving gifts. Similarly, we need to be open to receiving God's grace, forgiveness, and blessings without feeling we need to earn them.
Jesus emphasizes this point strongly, saying, "Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it" (Mark 10:15). This is a clear call for us to shed our adult pretenses and embrace a childlike faith.
Living Out These Paradoxes
How do we apply these paradoxical truths to our daily lives?
For those who are married, it means continually working on becoming "one flesh" with your spouse. This involves mutual sacrifice, open communication, and a commitment to God's design for marriage. It means fighting against the hardness of heart that can lead to divorce and instead cultivating a soft heart that's quick to forgive and slow to anger.
For all believers, regardless of marital status, the call to childlike faith is universal. It involves a daily decision to trust God completely, to approach Him with wonder and joy, and to humbly receive His grace and guidance. It means setting aside our adult tendency to rely on our own understanding and instead leaning fully on God's wisdom and love.
In both cases - marriage and faith - we're called to a level of vulnerability and trust that can feel uncomfortable in our self-reliant culture. But it's in this place of seeming weakness that we find true strength and fulfillment.
As we navigate the complexities of adult life, let's not lose sight of these beautiful paradoxes. May we strive for the oneness in marriage that God designed, always remembering His grace when we fall short. And may we cultivate a childlike faith that allows us to experience the fullness of God's kingdom.
In a world that often attacks the sanctity of marriage and the value of children, let's stand firm in God's truth. Let's live out these paradoxes in our daily lives, becoming living testimonies to the transformative power of God's love and design.
Remember, in God's kingdom, two become one, and adults become like children. It's in embracing these paradoxes that we find the richness and depth of true faith.
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