Maybe you aren't paying enough attention to your spouse. Time that you would normally converse with your significant other is substituted with television or exercise or faceboook or _____________. When communication is lacking, it is easy to disconnect. Do you find attention elsewhere?
How about if you have a major decision, but you can't seem to find middle ground or a solution that is suitable for all parties? Do you stay angry and allow the crack to become a fault line? It takes a long time to put everything back together after an earthquake!
What if, as you age, your interests change and your partner feels like a stranger? They no longer enjoy the same activities as you do. Perhaps they seem distant and uninterested. Excitement is an emotion that is never displayed in your presence. Do you try to introduce yourself again or allow space and drift further apart?
How about in a different setting, like a church. When members disagree on policy or procedure, do you work together to find a solution? Do you pack up your belongings and find a new church? How can you put your personal agenda on the shelf and deal with the problems at hand with grace and love?
Even as a nation, we have been divided forever. Once upon a time, we were divided by race and sex (rose colored glasses-once upon a time;)). We are still a nation divided by our economic inequality, our sexual preferences, our beliefs, our political party, etc. As a nation, how do we deal with the divisions? With love and understanding or with hate and bitterness for our fellow citizens?
"If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand!"
I often hold grudges...mostly with my husband. Luckily, he usually lets things go much quicker than I do. He deals with my tantrums with ease these days (most easily dealt with using avoidance:)). I asked him how we can always avoid a house divided and his response was simple...and perfect. "As long as you're my best friend, you talk to me as your best friend, you laugh with me as your best friend and you cry with me as your best friend, we will never have a house divided."
Thoroughly enjoyed preparing for Bible Study tonight. Join me if you want to discuss! Tonight 6pm Main Street Mocha!
Jesus Accused by His Family and by Teachers of the Law
20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family[b] heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”
23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. 28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”
30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.”
31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.”
33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.
34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
PS: GO BUCKS!
