The marriage vows we are so familiar with are full of promises.
If we are rich? Of course we will be true to one another. We will gladly share that wealth, helping to spend it all! However, we also promise to be true when the market crashes, and all the money is gone. It’s harder, though, isn’t it?
How about when we’re healthy? Insurance policies? Bah! We don’t need them, and that’s more money in our pockets. However, what about that cancer scare, or the diabetes that requires daily attention? Ouch and ouch!
How many of us included the better and worse promise in our vows? If we behave, then we will love each other. But cross that line…
We ask those who have reached their 30th, 40th, or 50th anniversary, “What is your secret? What’s the magic?”
The secret is in the Bible, but perhaps not where we might expect.
Jesus constantly butted heads with his own people. When he spoke with the wisdom of God, his words escaped those who reasoned with the minds of men.
They were confused, mystified, and frustrated. Was Jesus a devil? Was he mad? Or did he truly speak the words of God?
John 10:19-21 addresses this very issue.
“Therefore a division arose again among the Jews because of these words. Many of them said, ‘He has a demon, and is insane! Why do you listen to him?’ Others said, ‘These are not the sayings of one possessed by a demon. It isn't possible for a demon to open the eyes of the blind, is it?’ ”
The verse that gives us the insight we’re looking for is Verse 21. Jesus went about doing good works. Who would do good works, if not a good man? Of course he was the Son of God, because he did the works of the Father.
Promises, promises. If we keep our promises, we have proved ourselves to be who we say we are. We share the wealth…and the poverty. Our good health is a blessing, but sickness does not drive us apart. If we cross that line, we give each other a second chance, and a third, and a fourth…
Jesus did the works of the Father, and even the unbelievers could not discount that. If we carry out our promises, then we have proved by our works that our word is true.
When we do as we promise, we prove ourselves to others.
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Code: FGO.D.30.14.vp