Multiply

The negative consequences of polygamy are many and painful. They point out the fact that the world we live in is broken.  But the Good News is that God is a redeemer.  He binds up what is broken and heals the brokenhearted.  Today’s episode of Multiply tells a sad story about polygamy, but ends with a hopeful word of encouragement for church leaders.

“bear with” and “forgive” are referring to those who have either wronged us or are troublesome to deal with.  Perhaps you can think of some individuals with challenging personalities or behaviors. My wife and I sometimes refer to such people as “extra grace required”.  

Why do Christians make such a big deal about polygamy?  Though it comes in many forms. Polygamy is common around the world and legal in many countries?  So. what’s the problem?  The Bible gives at least two answers to this question

Honestly, this is something learned and is not natural to anyone. How does a husband love this way?

What does our loving God want for us in our respective marriages?  One thing is sure, God wants us to be faithful in marriage.   But what does it mean to be faithful in marriage?  It probably means more than most people think.

 

One might ask.  “Why should I not slander or grumble against another?” Here are some harmful consequences that come to mind:

• This behavior damages our personal relationship – and our ministry relationship – with the other person
• As a leader, such behavior reduces our followers’ loyalty to us and likely to the organization as well
• When others see the leader behave in these harmful ways, they will tend to model our bad example. This can lead to a toxic work or church environment that negatively impacts many people.
• Slander, that is, intentionally trying to damage the reputation of another person, creates strife within the Body of Christ. This, too, is toxic and extremely harmful.
• When unbelievers see us treating others this way, it reinforces their bad opinion of Christianity. They may think, “if that is the way they treat one another, I don’t want any part of it.”

What does our loving God want for us in our respective marriages?  One thing is sure, God wants us to be faithful in marriage.   But what does it mean to be faithful in marriage?  It probably means more than most people think.

 

When we realize God’s plan as He created man and woman this was for His power to be experienced. When we stand on His blessings and we are dedicated to caring and loving our spouse then God’s peace can reign. We are to love each other depend on each other and grow spiritually strong with each other as Jesus is with His bride the church. Church planters be devoted in your relationship with the Lord then be devoted to your wife and family.

We all know that it is not good to be alone in life. We all have an inner voice that says, “We are better together.”  But we don’t always act like it.  Today’s episode looks at God’s original design in marriage to understand better why “teamwork makes the dream work.”

Faithfulness. It’s a virtue we love in others and aspire to live out in every sphere of our lives.  But what does it mean for a church planter to be faithful to spouse, children and church?