The Missionary
The Life of a Missionary – Part 2

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:21-32

Key Verse: Matthew 5:22

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

As we continue to look at the life of a missionary, we must deal with a missionary’s marriage vows.  Jesus deals very clearly and straight forwardly when it comes to His followers and divorce.  God loves people but hates anything that hurts His children and divorce really hurts people!  The Prophet Malachi told God’s people in no uncertain terms: “’I hate divorce,’ says the Lord God of Israel…” (Malachi 2:16).

            Divorce is not the unpardonable sin and God is always willing to forgive a sincere person who is repenting of divorce, but like any sin, we cannot walk into that sin willingly and knowingly with the attitude: “I’ll get forgiveness afterwards.”  God will not be taken advantage of in such a foolish way.  Galatians 6:7 reminds us: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.”

            One of the first priorities of all missionaries is to work hard to make their marriage relationship work!  Marriage was not created to be a selfish tool to make everyone happy.  Marriage is to be two people making a commitment before God to be helpmates to each other.  The Bible reminds us it is more blessed to give than receive.  In marriage that means when we seek to serve our mate, happiness is a byproduct.  If we seek our own happiness, it eludes us.

Father, I surrender my selfish desires to be served and commit to serve my spouse and all those around me.  In Jesus’ name, amen.