"EXPERIENCING GOD'S BEST
The devastating effects that the fall of man has had on our genes (spiritually and emotionally) is phenomenal... from a people who lived with confidence, authority, and order to a planet filled with selfish, self-seeking, self-centered sinners. God reveals His model for the home in Genesis 1:26-28. He created the first family, and it was a good family. Sin drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden, and sin has disrupted familes to this day. The destructive cycle of sin is broken only by a force called "love" (I Thessalonians 3:12; John 3:!6). Let me suggest four essentials to experiencing God's best:
SUBMISSION
Submission sounds very restrictive. The truth is, its not binding, but releasing. It involves ministry and speaks of order. Show me a couple who understands true submission, and I'll show you a couple who won't be separated. Biblical order requires that we learn submission. If you can't submit to your spouse, then your problem isn't only with your spouse, but also with your Lord (Ephesians 5:21).
LEADERSHIP
The Lord has distinct ideas about leadership. Most people hope it involves power and authority. He says it involves service and sacrifice (Luke 22:24-26). The home needs a head as well as a heart. The head shows authority; the heart shows affection. Both qualities must be present or you have either a dictator or a lover. Leadership produces protection and preservation, not discouragement and death (Ephesians 5:23).
CONVERSATION
I've heard it said that if you look at your family in five years, you'll be looking at someone whose appearance has been shaped and determined by the words and conversation spoken. There is a health and cleansing that takes place when we learn the value of words spoken and received at the right time (Ephesians 5:26).
UNDERSTANDING
Marriage is a process of learning by experience, and questions always surface. Maturity isn't that you understand everything, but that you'll trust the Lord even when you don't understand. Understanding means to stand under, to align yourselves with God's will and way and, by remaining under His direction, know life and growth will come. I hope you understand that He understands.
I'm prayerful our times of study together this week will provide opportunity for personal evaluation and growth, plus a rekindling of love that will ignite vision for tomorrow.
Ron Mehl"