...
Purity Spotlight
Are You a Grateful Receiver?
My youngest daughter, Megan, just turned three years old last week. We had a great party with family and it was such a treat to see Megan eat up all the fun and festivities (and cake!). She seemed to have no problem being the focus of our attention. I also noticed something else during the course of the party. Every time she opened a gift her eyes would light up with enthusiastic joy. There was no doubt she enjoyed the process of receiving gifts. And her gratitude was evident in her response.
As the party was winding down and I started reflecting on the event, I was reminded of the many gifts I receive from God on a daily basis. Each morning when I wake up and breathe another breath, I am given a gift. When my eyes open and I am able to see (albeit, with corrective lenses) I am given a gift. When my feet hit the floor and the muscles in my legs work in harmony to carry me throughout the day, I am given a gift. When my wife says she loves me, I am given a gift. When my children throw their arms around my neck to express their affection for me, I am given a gift. Every day, and all throughout each day, God showers gifts of love and mercy upon me. But how do I respond to such favor?
I must admit that many days I walk through the garden of God's gracious offerings without so much as noticing his affection being poured out on me. In my tunnel vision of selfcenteredness I move from one duty to the next, oblivious to the beautiful blossoms of God's grace budding all around. I am ashamed to admit it, but this is how I live my life at times. So focused on my own agenda and responsibilities that I miss the blessing of gratitude for God's unrelenting mercy.
My daughter seemed to have no trouble basking in the warmth of the gifts she received. She didn't hide from the showering of affection and love. She didn't say, "Oh, I can't receive this. It's too nice. I don't deserve such a nice gift." No, she opened each gift joyfully, thanking those who gave them, but by no means intending to return it! It was given to her and she was sure going to enjoy playing with it. My three year old helped me see what a grateful receiver looks like.
Since Megan's party I have been more aware of the innumerable gifts God gives to me each day. And rather than just coasting through my day without regard for these kindnesses, I am choosing to kick my head back, smile, and embrace with joy the tender mercies of my Savior. I know I don't deserve His goodness or grace. I know I could never repay Him for all He has done for me. But if I thought that I could (or should) repay, then I wouldn't recognize what He gives is a gift. God doesn't want repayment. He wants me. And if this means enjoying to the fullest the abundance He gives, then I pray I will become the grateful receiver He designed me to be.
What gift is God giving you today? Are you aware of the flowers of grace and mercy He plants throughout your life? Rather than walking on by in your self-focused agenda, why not stop, lean down, and with joy, breathe in the sweet fragrance of God's compassion and love for you. All it takes is a little time. And after all, that too is a gift from God...
Real Answers to Real Questions
Real Question: Despite the account in Genesis, "...for a man shall leave his father and mother..." why should we stay married to one woman when almost no one in the Old Testament did? They had concubines, multiple wives, etc. Even the Genesis account never says one woman.
Real Answer: This is a fairly common question, but it is usually based on the philosophy of 'popularity' rather than truth. In other words, there is this idea that if enough people engage in a particular activity over a long enough period of time then maybe there really isn't anything wrong with it. God is actually very specific when it comes to marriage and godliness. Even in the Genesis account (2:24) He states, "...and be united to his wife, and the they will become one flesh." The Bible does not say wives. It says wife, in the singular, meaning one.
Also, elsewhere in Scripture Jesus Himself repeats this instruction and even says that from the very beginning marriage was designed for one man and one woman. Matthew 19:3-9 says, "Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, 'Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?'
"Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."
"Why then," they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?"
Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery."
To specifically answer your question of "Why should we stay married" it is clear that the most complete reflection of the image of God is seen in the union of one man and one woman. The oneness of male and female is able to best reflect the 'male' and 'female' characteristics of God to the watching world. This doesn't mean that men and women do not individually reflect His image, but not in its fullness. And also marriage between one man and one woman demonstrates the relationship of faithfulness, fidelity, and intimacy between Christ and His Church (Eph. 5:21-33). Such truth could not be communicated with any other definition of marriage.
--------------------------------
Do you have a real question you need answered? If so, email it to us at questions@bebroken.com.
*****************************************
*****************************************
Featured Resource
When Lost Men Come Home
by David Zailer
In this book, David Zailer shares his personal story of pain, darkness, and eventual redemption from sexual addiction. More than merely a testimonial, this book goes beyone recovery and gets to the heart of a truly transformed life. You will be challenged and changed by reading this book.
more info
