Two Extremes

We begin our journey of faith for the healing of our marriage with fresh vision and determination – we will not faint and give up our stands, no matter how long it takes! However, we are usually so intent and focused upon doing everything we can to see our marriages healed, that without realizing it we make that healing an idol:  something we never intended to do.

One of the definitions of idolatry is:  The worship of something created as opposed to the worship of the Creator Himself.

“Scores of references to idolatry appear in the Old Testament. This shows that idolatry probably was the greatest temptation our spiritual forefathers faced. While we find bowing down to a statue no temptation, they apparently slipped into idolatry constantly. So serious was this sin that the prohibition against the making and worshiping of images was included as the second of the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 20:4-6)

In the New Testament period the term idolatry began to be used as an intellectual concept. Idolatry became not the actual bowing down before a statue but the replacement of God in the mind of the worshiper. Colossians 3:5 points in this direction: ‘Put to death…covetousness, which is idolatry.’ (See also Ephesians 5:5.) At this point the modern believer must understand the vicious nature of idolatry.

In addition to material objects such as houses, land and cars, idols can be people, popular heroes, or those whom we love. Objects of worship can even include things like fame, reputation, hobbies, pride, and deeds done in the name of the Lord. Idolatry is a dangerous and deceitful sin. No wonder prophets preached against it so often and so strongly.” (From Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers) While we may not make or bow down to a statue, we must be constantly on guard that we let nothing come between us and God. As soon as anything does, that thing is an idol.

• Is our every waking moment consumed by thoughts of our mate? What they did to us? What they’re doing now; who they are seeing?
• Does our self-talk dominate our minds and cause us to do things we know we shouldn’t? What about following our mates or calling them constantly, begging them to come home?
• Although speaking the Word over our mates is vitally important, are we legalistically spending every moment possible, frantically confessing scriptures over them?
• Are we forever searching for someone who has the “key” to bring our mate home?
• Do we spend excessive amounts of time on the web or in Christian chat rooms searching for ministries and others to help us ?

On the other hand, as we begin to experience God’s healing power for our broken hearts and damaged emotions, as time goes by we can become apathetic about the healing of our marriage. Again, something we never intended to do. Another word for apathy is:  indifference,  marked by a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern for something.

• Are we praying the Word over our mates?
• Would our mate’s homecoming be bothersome or an intrusion?
• Do our plans for the future include our mates or are we only making plans for ourselves?

Both idolatry and apathy are extremes that we need to recognize as fleshly.
Joel 2:25 says, “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust . . ”  NKJV

Restore is defined as:  bringing back that which has been missing in order to complete an original purpose and calling. God has a calling and purpose for each of our marriages which He desires to restore. He will bring back together all that we need to complete our mission as a couple.

We must not let the devourer consume our vision and willingness to fight the good fight of faith, but press through to victory!