SCRIPTURE NOT SENTIMENT
A dear teacher said he told his wife, “In this marriage, I do not have an opinion and you do not have an opinion. We only do what the Word of God says we should do”. They both agreed that their marriage would be governed by the Word of the Lord.
It is one of the finest marriages I have seen- solid and scriptural. They have overcome all sorts of challenges from death scares to financial pressures by simply confessing and obeying the Word of God.
Marriage is two funerals and one wedding- you must die to sentiments and come alive to scriptures. I have never seen any marriage where both parties are committed to doing the Word fail. It has never happened. It will never happen.
The moment the flesh begins to sip into the union, shifting grounds from scriptures to sentiments and selfishness, without any storm, the marriage is already at risk.
Father Abraham’s marriage was also tested. He had an encounter with the Lord. It was so vivid. God told him that he would have his own seed, and Abraham believed the Lord.
Genesis 15:4, 6 NLT
[4] Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.”
[6] And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.
However, the sentiments of Mother Sarah soon began to speak loudly, and the flesh of Father Abraham succumbed:
Genesis 16:2 NLT
[2] So Sarai said to Abram, “The Lord has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.” And Abram agreed with Sarai’s proposal.
This is a classic example of scripture versus sentiment, what the Lord said versus what I think we should do, what the Word said versus what emotions or common sense say we should do. You will face this test many times in marriage. Please, follow the scriptures. Do the Word.
When sentiments overrule scriptures, the outcome is always not palatable.
You lose regard and honour.
Genesis 16:4 NLT
[4] So Abram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she became pregnant. But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt.
You will begin to trade blame.
Genesis 16:5 NLT
[5] Then Sarai said to Abram, “This is all your fault! I put my servant into your arms, but now that she’s pregnant she treats me with contempt. The Lord will show who’s wrong—you or me!”
Can you imagine? It is now all Father Abram’s fault!
You can start a battle you cannot end.
Genesis 16:12 NLT
[12] This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives.”
Jesus drove it home in a tough way:
Luke 14:26 ICB
[26] “If anyone comes to me but loves his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters more than he loves me, then he cannot be my follower. A person must love me more than he loves himself!
Will you submit to scriptures even when it is not palatable to the flesh and your emotions? That is how we build a great marriage.
How far has your sentiments helped you?
Do you like the marriage you see?
Repent and submit to the scriptures.
© temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa
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