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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1988-06-08, Page 19PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1988. Minister's Study Marriage means commitment BY REV. DOUGLAS J. ZEHR BRUSSELS MENNONITE FELLOWSHIP The seasons of the year have come round again. Spring showers now yield Juneweddingflowers. In this most popular month for vows to be made, it may be appropriate to contemplate marriage. Some say marriage is like flies on a window pane. . .those in want out, those out want in. Others caution that marriage may be hazardous to your health and so they avoid the commitment part. They like some of the privileges, but don ’ t want the responsibilities. Some claim that marriage is obsolete. There are many advo­ cates for more flexibility in marri­ agecommitments. There are those whosuggestatrial marriage to test compatibility. Others simply jump into and out of common-law relationships. There are those who advocate a marriage license with a validity for 90 days. Some of us laugh, but as damaged, broken and severed marriage relationships pile up around us, more and more flexibili­ ty is called for in theory and in practice. I am convinced that such responses are like a band-aid treatment for cancer. The roots of the marriage relationship crisis of our time are much deeper than the surface. A Christian understanding views marriage as a convenant made before God and in the presence of fellow members of the Christian family. A convenant more solemn, more binding, more permanent than any legal contract. God Himself is called as witness to this act. What God joins together, human beings cannot destroy. Yet the tendency in this world is towards destruction. Changing social values, political intrigue and the jostling for power in many differing arenas of life causes instability which seems to be the order of this world we live in. In the midst of this tumult and turmoil though, we can see marriage as good. Good for the world. It is good for us. The act of making a marriage convenant is an act of hope in our world. In a time when so many persons are simply shacking up and choosing to live together common­ law, marriage commitments are banners proclaiming there is still hope. In a time when the selfish, personal pursuits of many persons break up family relationships, marriage convenants are a sign of high principles, strong morals, consistent ethics and some belief in the ideal of integrity. In a time when spouse abuse is rampantly out of control, marriage vows are a sign that love does exist - love that is self-giving, rather than self-serving. As a member of a faith commun­ ity, I believe in and hold up marriage commitments as banners of hope. Wholesome relationships are being nurtured in our time. Right at the core of the love chapter, I Corinthians 13:7, it says that ‘love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always per­ severes.’ As you participate in a wedding this June, as a bride or groom or as a guest, give your spouse these four gifts of love. A love which protects. Give your spouse respect. To admire or have great confidence in your spouse is a very precious gift. Love is more Continued on page 21 Business & Professional Directory Thompson's Meat Market Brussels •Fresh Meat •FreezerOrders •Custom Butchering byappointment Call Brussels887-6294 BLAKE Septic Tank Service Fast Efficient 24 Hour Service CALL RAY 887-6800 McKILLOP MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY 91 Main St. South, Seaforth Office 527-0400 FARM, HOME, COMMERCIAL AUTO COVERAGES AGENTS GraemeCraig 887-9381 Bob McNaughton 527-1571 DonaldTaylor 482-9976 Banter & MacEwan Insurance Brokers Ltd. 524-8376 John Wise Insurance Brokers Ltd. 482-3401 Fred Lawrence Electric Ltd. Home, Farm Commercial Wiring Auburn. Ont. 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