Relationship Myths

Even though divorce rates are high and adultery is prevalent, people still have this misconception that once you walk down the aisle your relationship with your partner will always be loving and wonderful.

2 Peter 2:1-22

Reference:  v.22  Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and , "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud." (NIV Bible)

Explore:  I'm not sure how this happened but there's a false understanding that once you get married everything will be okay.  Even though divorce rates are high and adultery is prevalent, people still have this misconception that once you walk down the aisle your relationship with your partner will always be loving and wonderful.  The reality is, every relationship needs to be worked on.  It's always heartwarming to hear people make a life-time commitment to each other however the truth of those words are tested when life gets demanding, stressful, mundane or a crisis hits.  To think that two people are going to live in the bliss of a wedding day for the rest of their lives is absurd – and anyone who is married will no doubt agree.

Application:  Just like the false understanding of marriages, there is also a false understanding about being a disciple of Jesus.  There seems to be a misconception that as soon as you accept Jesus in to your heart a super shield will cover you so that nothing wrong will ever happen; your life with Christ will always be smooth and happy and challenges will never come your way.  Yes, we live in the freedom that Jesus has paid the price for all our wrongdoing and that through Him we have hope in His never-ending grace and love, but challenges still come our way.  Just like there is divorce rate and adultery in marriages there is also declining church attendance and back sliding in Christianity.  Therefore, just like in our marriages, we also need to work on our relationship with God.  It's great to rejoice when we hear people make a life-time commitment to God however the truth of those words are tested when life gets demanding, stressful, mundane or a crisis hits.  It can be challenging to maintain a strong relationship with God, however if we hold on to Him through the crisis and stay disciplined when life gets mundane then the rewards can be truly uplifting.

Prayer:  Lord, forgive us for not staying faithful to You at all times.  May we have the perseverance to stay committed to our relationships, especially during times of trial.  Amen.

How are you traveling in your relationship with God?

2 Peter