Marriages can die from neglect as surely as they can perish through infidelity or cruelty. Those who were once lovers will grow apart if they allow TV, sports, friends, work, or hobbies in first place, causing apathy! I love Bev, my wife, and want the very best for her - in every way. Apathy has no place in our relationship. Our covenanted love is too important for me to say, ‘Oh, whatever.’ Conflicts must be settled even when it would be easier in the short term to ignore them. Expectations must be defined and met; our marriage protected from people and things that try to come between us! Passion and apathy cannot co-exist!
Again and again, the Bible uses marriage to illustrate His relationship with His people; first the children of Abraham, now those who are in the Church through faith in Chris Jesus. And, we know that He is a husband who is involved. God loves you and me intensely. He is not apathetic towards us and is offended if we become indifferent towards Him. Moses told Israel: "You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you." (Exodus 34:14, NLT) Zechariah, a prophet at the time of the return of the exiles from the Babylonian captivity preached: "This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: My love for Mount Zion is passionate and strong; I am consumed with passion for Jerusalem!" (Zechariah 8:2, NLT)
About 30 years ago, the idea of an ‘open marriage’ was introduced. In such an arrangement, a couple gives permission to each other to take other lovers, to try to find what they do not have in their marriage in another person. What an idiotic idea. The idea of trying to keep a marriage alive in the truest sense while sharing body and heart with others not only defies the law of God, it defies common sense. Open marriage is simply immorality given a nice name and is a recipe for hurt, disappointment, and confusion.
In practicality, some Christians are in an open marriage with God! They claim His love and profess to love Him, but refuse to be owned by Him. They have other lovers. He will not tolerate this, disciple. Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence." (Matthew 22:37, The Message) Will you?
Here’s His promise, the promise of a loving Husband: "Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the Lord Almighty. ... then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the Lord Almighty." (Malachi 3:12, NIV)
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