Morris Hull-Author
“Therefore hear now this, thou…that sayest in thine heart, I am, and [there is] none else beside me…” (Isaiah 47:8).
Isaiah describes the root of every problem that you will experience in your marriage: Isaiah 53:6 says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way.” That's the root of all sin. That's the cause of every crisis and conflict you will ever experience. Sin comes in many different forms but the underlying motive behind every sin is "I am and there is none else beside me." I just do what I want to do.
Let me illustrate this for you in the area of marriage. The experts tell us that there are four things that rip marriages apart: money, sex, children, and work. Let's look at "money." He says "I want a new boat." She says "I want a new coat." You say "Oh, it's a matter of money. If they just had more money then they would be able to resolve their problems." It's not a matter of money. The problem is: “I am and there is none else beside me.”
Your issue may be financial, it may be marital, it may come under one of a hundred different labels, but its root cause is always the same. Behind every broken relationship lies this root of sin. Marriages are ripped apart because one or both partners say, "I am and there is none else beside me."
But the opposite is also true. Strong relationships are forged when we are willing to die to self and put the needs and wishes of others ahead of our own. Marriage provides us with those daily opportunities to die to our own rights and to learn the character of Christ. The conflicts that the enemy intends to use to bring about our destruction can actually serve as motivations for us to grow to new depths in our Christian life.
When Christ was on earth, His continual attitude was "Not my will, but Thine be done" (Luke 22:42). If we have the attitude that says, "I will do this no matter what anyone else says or thinks," then we are not following the example of Christ but of Satan. Satan says, "I will...." (Isaiah 14:12-14). The Lord Jesus says, "Father, not My will, but Thine be done."
Look for ways today to die to self rather than fighting for your own rights. Welcome those challenges as opportunities to grow in Christ-like character and to demonstrate to others the love of Christ.
“Therefore hear now this, thou…that sayest in thine heart, I am, and [there is] none else beside me…” (Isaiah 47:8).
Isaiah describes the root of every problem that you will experience in your marriage: Isaiah 53:6 says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way.” That's the root of all sin. That's the cause of every crisis and conflict you will ever experience. Sin comes in many different forms but the underlying motive behind every sin is "I am and there is none else beside me." I just do what I want to do.
Let me illustrate this for you in the area of marriage. The experts tell us that there are four things that rip marriages apart: money, sex, children, and work. Let's look at "money." He says "I want a new boat." She says "I want a new coat." You say "Oh, it's a matter of money. If they just had more money then they would be able to resolve their problems." It's not a matter of money. The problem is: “I am and there is none else beside me.”
Your issue may be financial, it may be marital, it may come under one of a hundred different labels, but its root cause is always the same. Behind every broken relationship lies this root of sin. Marriages are ripped apart because one or both partners say, "I am and there is none else beside me."
But the opposite is also true. Strong relationships are forged when we are willing to die to self and put the needs and wishes of others ahead of our own. Marriage provides us with those daily opportunities to die to our own rights and to learn the character of Christ. The conflicts that the enemy intends to use to bring about our destruction can actually serve as motivations for us to grow to new depths in our Christian life.
When Christ was on earth, His continual attitude was "Not my will, but Thine be done" (Luke 22:42). If we have the attitude that says, "I will do this no matter what anyone else says or thinks," then we are not following the example of Christ but of Satan. Satan says, "I will...." (Isaiah 14:12-14). The Lord Jesus says, "Father, not My will, but Thine be done."
Look for ways today to die to self rather than fighting for your own rights. Welcome those challenges as opportunities to grow in Christ-like character and to demonstrate to others the love of Christ.
4 comments:
I have a lot of these "I am" moments but God just won't let me wallow in it. He pricks my heart and challenges me to deny myself - to do the right thing no matter what.
We need to be encouraged to never give up. Keep trying, keep asking the Lord for help and we will grow in our character and Christian walk.
I like the quote you posted by Morris Hull. "I am and there is none else besides me." It's one that will stick with you.
I have been reading parts of a book called Sacred Marriage. The author points out marriage is to make us holy, not happy. It is very good. I will introduce myself. I am a cousin to Jonathan S. (Zoe and Abigail's Dad) and go to church with Virginia P. in Ark. :) Chris Williams
One story he tells is of Abraham Lincoln and his relationship with his "difficult" wife and how that shaped Lincoln to be able to live with and face conflict, and that is one reason he was so able to handle the conflict of the Civil War.
I will have to check "Sacred Marriage" out! Sounds really good. The Sanger families are dear friends of mine! So happy to "meet" you.
Elisabeth,
It just seems to be part of human nature! We do have to keep surrendering, so God can manifest His life through our vessels.
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