The beauty about having a relationship with God over simply doing religion is that you have an open heart to receive messages that are rooted in love and transparency. Pastor Toure Roberts opens his heart to talk on a subject that is deeply rooted in his own personal journey of life after divorce. YES! You heard that right. He is a pastor. He is divorced. Oh and he’s unashamed. Oh and one more thing… HAPPY! Not happy that his marriage didn’t last. No real person enters marriage desiring to be divorced but it takes two mature individuals to recognize what is and is not of God and have the courage to move forward, especially as a spiritual leader.
Now listen, before you throw stones, I come from under a teaching that lives, breaths, and praises all things marriage! My pastors have been married for almost 30 years. They lead an awesome ministry called “Marriage Made EZ” and they offer pre-marital counseling to all members who are contemplating marriage. So I am a huge proponent for marriage. Godly marriage. I desire to be married. I believe that marriage should be something that you do not get out of alive. However, for the first time I witnessed a different side. Not until a few weeks ago did I hear a man of God talk so openly about dividing marriage into two components. Marriages that are ordained of God and those that are entered into outside of the will of God. It’s not to say that all marriages that are done prior to getting saved are doomed. It’s to say that when people grow into their purpose and realize that they are not aligned then it leaves open the question “Is it God’s will for us to sacrifice His purpose in order to save a marriage that wasn’t designed for us?” It’s a heavy topic and one that I’m sure will lead to deep conversations. Which is why I want to try something different this week…
After you’ve viewed the video on the “The 5 Keys to Identifying Your Soulmate” I’d like to open up a discussion. Post your thoughts and questions to the blog and I’ll pick a few to address in my next entry. If I don’t get any feedback I’ll keep it moving to the next topic, but I truly believe that this would be a good forum to dive into the stigma of being a divorcee and a Christian, as well as the whole mystery behind “soulmates!”
What’s your thoughts on divorce? Do you believe in soulmates? Are there any of the 5 Keys that your disagree with? And since I know some of you all won’t take the time to view the video in it’s entirety I’m going to share the 5 Keys with you in hopes to entice you to take an hour out to hear the full story! It’s worth it!! So here you go:
Key #1: CHEMISTRY. You must have some sort of magic or frequency. You can have chemistry with 50 people. Don’t be a slave to chemistry.
Key #2: CONNECTION. A draw or desire to go further with that person. There’s a sense of need to be together but the need has to be qualified. That need will be mutual at the same time.
Key #3: WHOLENESS. This qualifies the connection. Co-dependency will connect two people. Building a bond based on co-dependency feels like love. A soul mate doesn’t fill a void. The relationship will be irrelevant once the issues of the individual are addressed. You will sabotage a soulmate if you’re not whole. Feeding loneliness will get you in trouble.
Key #4: DIVINE CONFIRMATION. You need a word from God. You should feel the presence of God. Spiritual life and love life are not separate. He will always confirm that this is your soulmate.
Key #5: KNOW A SENSE OF PURPOSE. Your soulmate is for your purpose. Don’t waste time! Be honest if you’re lonely. If you don’t know, it’s a NO. It’s always a NO unless God says YES.
Okay so those are the keys but there’s so many more nuggets in the video! Check it out, reflect on the lesson, and share your thoughts so we can speak openly about love, life, divorce, and soulmates!! Happy Tuesday!!!
Tuesdays with Bianca 
Reblogged this on The BOLD & The FABULOUS and commented:
There’s a major stigma attached to divorce in the church. Christians are taught that marriage is until death do you part. But what if the marriage wasn’t ordained of God? What if the marriage is not in alignment with your purpose. This isn’t about experiencing hardships and running from them. This isn’t about growing weary in your marriage and wanting something fresh and new. This is about seeking God as it relates to your purpose and the idea that the one you married has a purpose that doesn’t agree. Watch the video, keep an open mind, and let’s dialogue! I want to hear from you because I KNOW you have an opinion on this one! Happy Tuesday!!
Reblogged this on R.H.S. Ministries.
At some point, I can promise you, almost EVERY MARRIED PERSON who has been married a substantial amount of time, has asked themselves, “Is this REALLY the one God intended for me?” Problem is, when things aren’t going so great, nowadays, the average person doesn’t stick around to see if they could be wrong. What is ALWAYS tricky to me about the topic of divorce & “God-ordained marriage” is, how does that not become an excuse to get divorced to every person you marry. I mean, how do you EVER truly know it’s God-ordained/soul mates (& when you do, what if your spouse grows to feel differently?)? When you get married UNDER GOD in front of witnesses, that isn’t enough?? I’m just kind of confused by this. It’s a slippery slope indeed. There are saved people who swear up & down they are hearing God’s voice on spiritual matters and who get married…promising to love, honor, & cherish one another ’til death does them part & they get divorced. I know more than I care to. It’s pretty pitiful. They swore up & down they were soulmates and one chick even told the congregation, “God hand picked him just for me) but are no longer married. In a lot of instances, its as if people pull this ‘card’ to get out of their union & feel justified…just like the world does. “I acted outside of God’s will when I married him/her & now I gotta fix this mistake.” FAIL!! What makes us any different if we are going to cave & crumble & throw it away.
maybe you should consider this. Two people get married, they both believe they were following God by marrying one another. One of the persons in the marriage was still holding on to hurts, pains from their childhood (Yes, the couple did premarriage counseling). This began to spill over in the marriage. This person began to deny God, ignore God, make a mockery of Him by sinning and refusing to repent. This spouse begins to physically, mentally and emotionally abuse the other spouse and then refuse to seek counseling. The other spouse responded by praying, seeking counselors, reading self help books, and pleading with the spouse. After many many years of this the other spouse relationship with God begin to become negatively impacted. This spouse begin to suffer depression, and slowly this spouse’s fire turned into a faint flame… This spouse pleaded with the other to seek help, but instead the other spouse blamed them for their actions. After feeling completely depleted, the other spouse said get help or I will have to divorce you. The other spouse refused. God brought them together but the one spouse allowed Satan to destroy the relationship. It takes two people who are seeking God’s face daily to make it work. It can not be one sided. God does not want us to divorce but He also does not want our relationship with Him to suffer because of a marriage. Our relationship with Christ is more important.
Also, a friend pointed out to me that God divorced Israel for the very same reasons I just listed above. The story can be found in Isaiah 50:1 and Jeremiah 3
I think that some people say they hear God, but they just don’t. Just because they swear up and down doesn’t mean they heard God. They may have thought it was God, thought they were suppose to say it was God or felt genuinely happy and at peace at the moment, but all those feelings were based off the wrong things. And you should never make a decision based on emotions. In Bible Study our Bishop says don’t make a permanent decision based on temporary feelings.
I agree on all the points in the video. However, I’m not sure if the assumption is there is only one right person for you. I’ve heard the teaching that God presents options, but the choice is yours, obviously the one who is equally yoked etc. They said that if there was only one person for you then one person could mess up the whole equation for everyone because they marry the wrong person. The idea that there is only one person for you is what I’m not sure about nor have I really studied the Scripture to see what God says. I truly believe there is a beautiful sense of divine peace and assurance when you meet someone that is a great fit for you. There are no huge questions or back of your mind doubts where you say, ‘I don’t know about that part of him’ or he doesn’t believe something in the Bible that you know for sure is in there! You just know without a shout of doubt and you just have to learn each other and your ways. The imperfections and minor hang ups are just character to the masterpiece of your growing relationship. Just like how you know you found the perfect dress for an occasion. It fits you perfectly, you can’t believe you found it or understand how it fits you so perfectly. For me, it’s not too tight, not too short, not too grandma, but not too much skin. Just enough style and a perfect color for my skin complexion. You can’t take it off, you just want to walk out the store in it. And you found it in the nick of time!!!! You just know its the perfect dress! However, I’ve had that feeling for more than one dress, but I thought each was perfect for the respective occasion. *Note men and women and marriage can not be compared to clothing, lol!
I pray I’m patient and I truly hear from God before I marry the man of my dreams! Have you ever had a bad dream about marrying the wrong person? Or going to your wedding without a dress! It’s awful, not trying to have an experience like that in reality, lol!
Great discussion topic Bianca!
I understand divorce can happen and I don’t completely disagree with divorce. I disagree with the average reasoning that you hear like, “irreconcilable differences” and “we grew apart.” As far as, in a two saved people marriage, oops we married the wrong one, our purposes don’t align lets get a divorce. I’m not sure about that, God has a judgement either way and can keep you either way, if you want to be kept.
I think if you come to recognize your purpose and realize that the person you married may not be the best fit for that purpose the choice is yours to divorce or not, but as far as Scripture, I don’t believe that is grounds for a divorce. I think you can still pursue your purpose and obtain it. Although that pursuit may be longer and/or harder than it needed to be because of who you married which is just a consequence to the choice you made not a grounds for divorce. We serve the God with whom all things are possible! Even when we make the wrong choices His grace can cover us and keep us as we endure the consequence of our choices. But our wrong choices do not negate us reaching our divine purpose. If we can’t reach our divine purpose when we marry the wrong person or make the wrong choice then maybe it wasn’t a divine purpose to begin with. I would say divine purposes can not be stopped based on what you do or do not do. It’s God’s will and you will get there kicking and screaming or aligned and in order. It’s a divine purpose set before you were even born, not a free will decision.
You are so spot on! With a hint of humour,lol!
I’m loving the comments! It’s a tough subject! Looking forward to addressing all of them that were shared on both FB and here in my blog next week!
Is he suggesting you trade in your current spouse for a new one if you aren’t “soul mates”? If so that is extremely reckless. You don’t get to trade-up and divorce without cause. Marriage isn’t a used car lot. Maybe I’ve misunderstood his position.
I am so happy this discussion was started. I am currently married and have been married for 16 years. It has certainly been some trials and heartaches (you name it we probably went through it! Literally.)
I heard Pastor Roberts speak about the 5 keys of finding your soul mate and it was heavy. His message gave me a lot to think about and reflect on. I questioned: “Are my husband and I “right” or “soul mates” for each other? Is my husband supporting my purpose in my life and am I his? Ultimately, if we are not, should divorce be considered and pursued? Should the family (we have 3 children) be, in essence, torn apart for me to pursue my destiny? Am I being too loyal to something that does not deserve my loyalty? Is he (husband) fulfilling my needs, wants and desires? Is this why there has been so much pain and suffering over the years because our destinies were not supposed to collide?
I also reflected on my sister’s Christian marriage to a “horrible man” (literally) and the effects it had on her purpose and life, and the fact I am so happy for her and proud of her strength during that very hard time. My Christian sister is healthy, is not burdened any longer and is truly better to be out of the marriage no matter how painful the divorce was.
Lastly, I began to pray about all of this — with the prayer that my thoughts and answers are “spirit led” not “me” led.
God’s word, I think should be our basis- our truth– and from there we can formulate our thoughts and opinions.
The truth: (not my thoughts) God hates divorce. I can’t get around that glaring fact! Why? Because he wants to protect the innocent–the children. See Malachi 2:13 – 16. He hates it because what it does to families. Also see Matt 5:32, and Matt. 19: 3 -12. (All these verses should be read in context). It was not God’s plan or desire for us to be torn apart, after the being joined together. Can we splice up words and say: “Well God didn’t join them together so . . .” you are on shaky ground, I think.
Real love is work, not a feeling. See, of course, I Cor.13: 3 – 13. Love far surpasses a feeling. And speaking from experience–although things have been a marathon in my marriage, I have grown so much personally, financially, spiritually, professionally even intellectually because of the hardship. I don’t glorify the pain, by no means, but I have learned from it. I know I am better because of it. I wouldn’t be the person I am if I was not forced to understand another’s point of view, compromise and become better myself. Marriage forces you to look at the “ugly” you have and because of the love you have for someone else hopefully propels you to change.
I think that if God wanted to say: “Find your soulmate, get married —- you guys can’t get a divorce; everyone else you can try again.” God would have, I think, been more explicit about something so very important. I am also reminded of Jacob who had two wives, why didn’t he divorce her? He didn’t even really want her. He continued to have children with her — and good thing ; they became the twelve tribes of Isreal.
I am not saying divorce is never warranted or necessary, definitely no judgement on any one’s situation. What I am saying is that we have to listen to God! Our Father will direct our path and led us appropriately if we acknowledge His ways in everything– in any particular situation. He is a very personal God, He is our Father who loves us (what He has to do for one child may not be the same for the other), and He is awesome in His wisdom; I trust Him and His word. I have little faith in my own reasoning through a difficult and emotional situation.
I think that giving people blanket motivation for a divorce (an altar call??!! ouch!) has the potential to be toxic — as another commentary has stated, we are giving people an exit ticket to excuse themselves from a marriage that challenges them. (paraphrased).
God does not easily give up on His people. I just wanted to end with one of my favorite verses found in Jeremiah 31:3-6 — God has given us marriage as a model of His covenant love with us– it should never be taken so lightly.
“God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love! And so now I’ll start over with you and build you up again, dear virgin Israel. You’ll resume your singing, grabbing tambourines and joining the dance. You’ll go back to your old work of planting vineyards on the Samaritan hillsides, And sit back and enjoy the fruit— oh, how you’ll enjoy those harvests! The time’s coming when watchmen will call out from the hilltops of Ephraim: ‘On your feet! Let’s go to Zion, go to meet our God!’”
Hello everyone, I’m not sure if it’s still OK to post a comment on the 5 keys of Identifying your soulmate, but I’ve watch this video about 3 times and I must say that I’m a candidate that Pastor Roberts was talking about (entering into merriage without any guidance and conformation of the Lord). You see, I’ve been married for about 6+ years and knew from the beginning that who I married wasn’t the one (crazy right?) She was going through a tough time with her ex husband and was trying to come back home to her). On the other hand, I was living a life full of everything but God. To make matters worse, I had a few people tell me that just because we’re both Christians (after finally recommtting myself to God), that it doesn’t mean that we have the same destiny. When this was told me, I was in the process of recovering from a backslidden life for about 1 year: so when these people where talking to me in this way, I just didn’t understand them (within my inner man) the way I should of. To make a long story short: it’s now to the point that I must make a decision: the door has been open for the longest (she herself have opened it a few times) but I never had the guts to do so. This is my first merriage and really don’t know anything else but this. Nonetheless, I love God more now then I did when I said “I do”. You guys, please pray for me: life is difficult when marrying someone you yourself know you shouldn’t of. But I must make a decision: my only set back is that I don’t like hurting people because I’m genuinely a people’s person and care for everyone in some kind of way. ANY COMMENTS, WISDOM, AND INSIGHT WILL GREATLY HELP. Thank you!
How did it go? Peace and love are found in god, not in any spouse even if divinely provided, even if she is your rib…
I believe God can lead you to ONE person He has designed for you. Personally the older you get the more picky you are and the less you are attracted to most people, so at this point I think I would pretty much know the right person.
I think it would be extremely hard to be married to someone who doesn’t support the vision you feel God gave you. Best to be careful in the first place. I would never get involved with someone who doesn’t support me, so honestly I don’t get involved with anyone because I haven’t found that yet.
I believe that there are 2 sides to this topic. People can choose their soul mates or the Lord can choose their soul mates. Sometimes, people can get caught up in various reasons for marrying without consulting God first. Initially, I sought God out for reassurance that I was doing the right thing. The morning I was to get married, it seemed like the sky opened up and I would need Noah’s Ark to make it through the day. I believed that was God sending me the sign I prayed for, but I ignored it because (I chose my soul mate over God’s choice). I too have been raised to believe that marriage is until death do you part, but does that have to mean a physical death? No, in most cases it is the death of the relationship and whether or not it can sustain life at someone’s expense. Such as my case, I am discovering my purpose and I truly believe that my husband is not a part of it. So now, I struggle with the going forward of the divorce because I would rather walk in my purpose than be connected to someone who is not a part of it. So many times divorce has a stigma attached to it, but sometimes its the only resolution and best decision for everyone involved. There is no need to stick around to make another person’s life miserable because you aren’t operating in what God called you to do. Divorce is sometimes a blessing in disguise, we just have to recognize it for what it is.
A friend recently sent me this video and I must admit I am deeply saddened and disturbed by what is being taught to single Christians these days. This message was missing a biblical worldview that gives us Gods intended design for marriage as it is seen in the bible. For instance, how do we even begin to talk about marriage as Christians without mention of the illustration of Christ and his church that marriage is supposed to be a reflection of. Not one time was Christ even mentioned in the video. Marriage is not about you!!! It’s bigger than you!! God has glorified His Son Jesus and made Him head over all things. To consummate history God is sanctifying a people to present to His Son as a beautiful bride. These people are the church. Until that day we, believers, anxiously await the day where we will see him face to face. As we grow in Christ, we triumph, we struggle, we fall, we get up, we repent, we forgive, we trust, we learn to have faith, we grow
in character, all of this as we grow in our knowledge and relationship with God. This is what marriage is supposed to reflect. This is Gods purpose for marriage. Two sinful people who have been made righteous living out the gospel. Please do yourself a favor and find someone who understands this and will commit themselves to embark on that journey with you. Stay away from teaching like this that is not biblical and does not point to Christ. We were made for His purposes, to be used as He sees fit. You may not understand, He could be using you in the midst of a tough marriage in ways beyond your comprehension. Nowhere in the bible, which reveals Gods will for us, does it even remotely teach on this new age understanding of “purpose” that has infiltrated the church, it’s like if you are not doing big and glorious things for God then He is not fulfilling His purpose for you. No, God is in the minute details of your life, working for His purposes even in your pain, failures and mistakes. Arm yourselves with rock solid teaching that will help you weather the storms of life, sadly this is not it.
Sincerely,
I hope people understand your comment so that we live right as Christians… God hates divorce. And as for the purpose thing, The woman is even supposed to submit to the man’s ‘purpose’ or leading.
FYI: There’s no such thing as a soul mate in the Bible. The theory itself came from Plato’s book “The Symposium” and was actually spoken by Aristophanes, who had been drinking for 2 days. Don’t be deceived by man-made theories (Col. 2:8)
Excuse my straight forwardness, but this is a bunch of BULL!! I listened to the full message and I disagree w/ #4 & 5. PLEASE people of God, STUDY YOUR BIBLES! There is NO such thing as a “soul mate” marriage. For two believers, there is only MARRIAGE and DIVORCE. If this were true then, God’s WORD would’ve never told a spouse to STAY with an UNBELIEVER, for they’re sanctified by the BELIEVING SPOUSE, but if the unbelieving spouse decides to LEAVE, let THEM(The UNBELIEVING spouse) do so, for God has called us to peace. (1 Corinth. 7:13-15) We as the BELIEVER are still bound by Gods Word to HONOR/KEEP the covenant ON OUR END. Let’s just keep it REAL……We get divorce, outside of biblical grounds because of our own various SELFISH fleshly desires. When we are lead by our flesh, we ARE NOT in the spirit and therefore unfortunately make ungodly choices, PERIOD!! God of course knows this, that’s why He said be lead by the SPIRIT and if you do, THEN you WILL NOT fulfill the lust of your flesh. Yes, getting a divorce outside of biblical scripture is acting in your flesh! Again, bottom line, we get divorce because we simply want our OWN will to be done and want to. When we can own up to this and take FULL ownership of this truth, God’s grace and mercy is there to forgive and give you another chance at getting it right, by your OWN CHOICE of WHOMEVER YOU decide to marry, as long as they are saved/equally yoked. With the term “soul mate”, the dangers of this way of thinking is looking for that perfect person, when there is no such thing, resulting in unrealistic expectations. This keeps an open door to whenever you feel you “missed God” down the road, you can give yourself an out. Your spouse will AUTOMATICALLY line up w/the vision and purpose God has for your life simply by just being a MARRIED to you. It’s NOT ABOUT YOU anymore when you get married and He knows how to get all the glory throughout it. God would NEVER want you to sacrifice your marriage for ministry/purpose. PRAY for your spouse and believe God will bring DELIVERANCE and RECONCILIATION. Also, there is NO such thing as “growing apart”. PLEASE people of God, DON’T BELIEVE THE LIE!! If we alter/”tweek” the Word of God even just a LITTLE, it becomes a doctrine of the devil! There is NOTHING “new-aged” or “for today” that changes biblical standards no matter what the majority are doing or the statistics. Remember, God said He HATES DIVORCE, so even when you CAN divorce on biblical principles, NEVER take it lightly or act hasty on anything God said he HATES.
I pray that God will open your eyes and ears with understanding so that you will not be DECEIVED in these last and evil days, in Jesus name.
Blessings upon blessings, ❤
Scripture References: 1 Corinth. 13:4-7, 1 Corinth. 7:13-15 and Gal. 5:16
#LetGodbethetruthandeverymanaliar
U preached that
Sad to say that people use all kinds of terms outside of God’s will to fit their own selfish desires. God doesn’t flip-flop… When you get married and you both become save or you may already be Christians, you should be committed to that union until death separates you. It is not about feelings, it’s about commitment. The Bible says, “But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace” (I Corth 7:15). I strongly believe when two people consider themselves Christians, they don’t have Biblical grounds to divorce. Someone in the union is an unbeliever…
There are so many preachers whose not obeying God’s way, so they make choices outside of the scriptures, then try to use words like, “Purpose…” and sad to say, members don’t spend time in the Word, so they cannot tell when their leader is outside of God’s will. This is a reason people cannot experience a true relationship with God and are blinded by false teachers. Many even follow Cults…”Jim Jones…” People you need to know the Word of God for yourself, so you will know when to pull away and make your leader accountable or move your membership to a church who leader’s objective is to help you live a life that’s pleasing to God. 50% of pastors are getting divorced and 70% are depress. IT THIS THE KIND OF LEADER YOU ARE SEEKING? Just because the church ministry is still growing and moving, doesn’t mean God is still in the midst…
“Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”(Matt 7:23).
“HOW IMPORTANT ARE YOUR WEDDING VOWS TO GOD?”
A man asked John, “You mean, God wants me unhappy?” John Piper said, “God wants you FAITHFUL, and when you are FAITHFUL, you will be surprise of the measures of happiness that will come…” “EXPECTATIONS OF BELIEVERS…”
“COVENANT KEEPING WITH GOD, IS THE FOUNDATION OF COVENANT KEEPING WITH YOUR SPOUSE,” per John Piper.
Staying Married Is Not About Staying in Love, Part 1 & Part 2 by John Piper.
Am agree with you!! Cos if Saved Christians divorce then unbelievers won’t respect marriages!! And Christians should always put their nose on Bible and do God way!!
It is sad that God’s Word is so demeaned that we no longer find it the source and basis by which our opinions are formed. If that were the case then we would easily see the fallacy and deception in this so-called 5-pointer justification for what God truly hates. Our discussions would be around God’s opinion as is very clear in His Word than around our own.
Many false teachers are gone out and are deceiving many-a-itchy ear crowd that want their lusts satisfied and justified.
Sometimes I wonder if the world is so dilusional that we are willing to twist the Word to our likings. Death is death. . . unto death do us apart, means physical death. To teach that divorce is okay for any reason is false teaching. Even if we marry outside of God’s will due to free will, God still covers those marriages. God hates divorce and it too is outside of the will of God. If you’d look at marriage as covenant keeping, instead of a worldly relationship, God’s purpose for marriage would be easily grasped. The only rule to divorce is adultry, which does not give the guilty party the right to remarry. If he/she do remarry, he/she continuesly commits adultry when sleeping with the new spouse. Therefore continuously sin against God. Jesus permitted divorce under the circumstances of adultry, but continued to hold fast to Gods original plan for marriage. Marriage is a sacred covenant that should not be entered into lightly.
My mind goes to the story of Hosea, a real situation that God used to show His people how much He loves them and how limitless & inexhaustible His love is for us. As a young woman I always made it clear to my spouse that, an cheating and I was going to divorce. But as I grew and matured as a Christian I understood more fully what Christ said about Divorce being granted because of the hardness of the heart. It came as a shock to me too that in reality, God expects us to go to the same lengths to bear with one another in marriage. This, I’m sure comes as a shocking message many don’t want to hear. But the word is plain and clear. So now when I hear of a divorce and listen to the reasons why, God’s forbearance to us as seen through Hosea’s for Gomer is the standard I use. Not only is God saying bear with your spouse, He’s also making it clear that He will grant the strength, and courage and supply the love that is needed and whatever else a spouse may be in short supply of, in order to persevere and stick it out. A whole lot of pastors, bishops, reverends are preaching this message of “grace” “forgiveness” “mercy” and all-encompassing, unconditional & limitless love yet failing to apply it where it’s most needed and can effect the most positive, powerful witness, in the home, with wife/husband & children. No one, at this point can ever convince me of one’s spirituality and connection to the Almighty God, especially a man, if they cannot be to a wife and family what they are preaching Christ is to the Church. We should say the vows in reverse, substituting ourselves and a spouse with us and God…..He has promised to love us in sickness & health, for richer or poorer, for better or for worse, til death and even beyond. We used to see this a lot bur now rarely does it happen among those of our generation that they stay together and see the beauty and attractiveness in each other even in old age. And finally, I feel for the children so selfishly left to cope with these divorces. What is one parent saying about the other that they divorce because now they have found their “purpose” and their true “soul mate.” The repercussions of that play out, ya know. Seems like today marriage is designed for stages. Starting out when both are young and passion is high but when life begins to take it’s toll, usually on the wife when the kids are of some age and she’s given her best, then the man trades up for a fresh, newer model. What does this say about the beauty and grace of age or about a woman’s attractiveness. What message does it send to a man’s daughters when a father divorces a mother who has been supportive, is good, decent and still has beauty just not as young and fresh as a woman years her junior when daddy goes and marries one? We’ve created a whole new theology adapted to condone and justify this whole mess of unscriptural divorce and remarriage. A whole lot of our spiritual leaders though, are gonna be surprised when they can’t give to God a legitimate answer when he asks them, “where is the wife of your youth and the family, the children I gave you?” Because before God even considers who many people you’ve saved He wants to know if you have discipled and brought your wife and children to a saving knowledge of Him through the example of a selfless, Christ like life. Imagine that Christ, had He chosen to, would ever have married and then because he was bored and feeling the need to move on, divorced his wife to marry a younger woman, then twisted scripture and crafted a new theology to justify his actions!!!!!!. You know what part of the problem is….this culture of none responsibility and instant gratification We are so in the habit of discarding what we have for the newest, latest model, like a cell phone, or moving up to that bigger house, buying the latest model for a car. When we, in the same selfish mindset go ahead and make a marriage and we get antsy after the years have passed, we don’t deny ourselves, suck it up and do our best to make it work. All this talk about prayer and speaking things into existence and birthing things…..we could very well speak life into our marriages and birth vitality and passion into it if we really feel there is the need………..but somehow prayer doesn’t apply to making a marriage work, I guess. Because when the problem is the selfish desires of a spouse there ain’t no and pleading with God to come in and full the heart with love and passion. We just want what we want. And we wonder why the Church, collectively, has no power & why world has no respect for the Church and doesn’t see it as any different than any other business venture, why our young girls struggle with healthy self image, why our sons ae so broken as young men and why why this culture continues to elevate and worship, yea, idolize youth, sex, sexiness as opposed to modesty, Godliness & virtue. As long as pastors, bishops & the reverend do whatever they want, using God’s name but acting like they don’t know what the Word says those they lead won’t rise any high, spiritually.