Opus 2013-310: Not an Option

When we were first married we had a lot of issues to work out.  We still do but we have developed a bit more wisdom in the process.  We have thirty eight years and counting.  In our early “adjustments” the topic of divorce reared its ugly head.  The answer that kept being thrown out was, “Divorce is not an option.”

Why not?  It is more accepted than any time since the Roman Empire.  Divorce is easy and “no fault.”  We had two reasons, really.  The first is that it is against the rules.  As a Christian I must go with the words of the Bible,

(Malachi 2:16 NAS77)  "For I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel, "and him who covers his garment with wrong," says the LORD of hosts. "So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously."

There was the loophole of divorce but even that was not the first choice of God.

(Matthew 19:8 KJV)  He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

So to be honest, divorce is a tragedy at best (adultery) and blatant sin in most cases. 

The second reason is more important in the Christian life.  Divorce is not an option because it says I lack a faith in the providence of God.  It says I am wiser than God.  It says I do not trust Him for my future.  If I can’t trust Him for my future in this life, how can I trust Him for my eternity?

That thinking carries over into other areas of life.  Thus, depression is not an option.  Ultimately despair is not an option either.  We look at the way in which our culture is imploding and values are eroding.  We are tempted to feel helpless and give up.

Despair is not an option.  Faithful obedience and living as salt and life are what is expected of us.  So don’t give up.  Don’t give in.  Don’t feel like there is no hope.  God’s kingdom is often advanced best in times of hardship.  Trust and obey.

homo unius libri