[357 words]
“Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife…through sickness and health, until death do you part?” “I do.” “Do you take this man…until death do you part?” “I do.” “Before God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you man and wife.”
Of course, you have heard or spoken similar words at your own or someone’s wedding. That moment when someone confirms their vow and intent with “I do” is a little tense. It is a big responsibility to take on. That’s the point isn’t it? “I do” has to mean something. No one replies “I think so” or “Probably.” Sadly, people treat those words as if they mean nothing.
“Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes through much activity, and a fool’s voice is known by his many words. When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed—Better not to vow than to vow and not pay” (Ecclesiastes 5:2).
Too often, we see a couple, who have taken those vows, going to the courthouse and wanting a divorce. The reason? Irreconcilable differences! Wait a minute. Didn’t you both vow to stay together through the bad and good? Sickness and health, richer or poorer…and you quit because you CAN’T get along. No, you are calling it quits because you are both immature and selfish. If you have kids, they deserve better than that.
The family unit, the societal foundation of this once great country, has been destroyed by selfishness and lack of character. The problems from broken marriages can’t be calculated as there are so many rippling effects. Now, people don’t even bother with the ceremony but shack up. This also causes instability and other problems, especially if kids are involved.
I pray for the day that people will go back to honoring these vows. Our nation and children need it desperately. We all do.
Chris Moore
Clarendon church of Christ
Clarendon, TX