A Fond and Funny Memory
(S) Scripture
Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry.
But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.
But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
1 Corinthians 7:1-2;9 (NIV)
(O) Observation
Paul is giving instructions on marriage to the Corinthian church. He gives instructions to the married and unmarried.
(A) Application
Becky and I were married on April 8, 1978, in the Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Scott Depot, WV. The pastor of our church in Kentucky and Becky's home pastor shared the service. There were a number of humorous things that happened at the ceremony that day. I chose these verses because they are the verses that Becky's home pastor chose to read as he began our wedding service. It was hard to keep a straight face when he read these verses. Here I am on my wedding day and the preacher is saying it is better not to marry but it is better to marry than to burn with passion. We have laughed about that over the years. I am sure there have been times when Becky wonders why she didn't take the preacher's advice. God has blessed us with two incredible daughters. Both are now out of the house and off the payroll. Both are active in their faith and churches. Bethany is a Physician's Assistant working with an Orthopedic Surgeon in Charleston, WV. Sarah is married, she and husband Ryan have custody of a five year old little girl and hope to finalize the adoption soon. Sarah and Ryan are both Deputy Sheriffs in Bossier Parrish, Louisiana. Becky and I continue to enjoy married life, nearly 32 years now. As I read the scripture this morning it brought back a fond and funny memory for which I thank God.
(P) Prayer
Lord, thank you for bringing Becky to me and for the life we have together. Thank you for our girls and their families. Thank you for fond and funny memories that I can share with others. Amen
2 comments:
I assume pastor that with two childen, you discovered the truth of these words. :) On another more serious note, doesn't this text also demontrate what some theologians fail to realize that in many ways, the apostle Paul was driven by a pragmatic theology. His "idealism" often took a back seat to the realities of life and ministry. I enjoy seeing this for so many people in the church today seem to be driven by the idealism of their "oughts" and "shoulds" and are not willing to face reality as it is. Thus, they don't know how to deal with divorced folks (they shouldn't have done that) or alcoholics (they shouldn't be drinking) and more. Got to love this guy Paul who had a sharp mind, a caring spirit and a realistic heart...kind of like you Pastor Robin!
Thanks for the incredible compliment. I do think Paul was practical inthe application of his theology. I wonder if Paul set out to write a "theology" or whether he just wanted to help people live out their faith with integrity.
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