If you’ve attended an event where a couple is celebrated for a longtime marriage—perhaps a 50th or 60th wedding anniversary—you’ve likely witnessed an eruption of applause and joyous shouts of amazement, shock, or disbelief. When I’ve observed such tributes, I must say that a strange thought crosses my mind. Now, before I share that thought, let me preface it by acknowledging that marriage is very difficult and not for the faint of heart. And the reason marriage is so tough, at least for me, is that I’m married to the second most selfish person in the world (you can guess who #1 is). Of course, I’m exaggerating to make a point: I may be the most selfish person on the planet, but my wife is actually quite generous and unselfish.
But, nonetheless, having admitted the challenges of marriage (often caused by my selfishness), here’s my strange thought: when we get so excited and overjoyed at the accomplishment of a husband and wife staying together for the long haul, aren’t we just celebrating that two people did what they said they would do? Is it truly a momentous achievement when someone keeps his word?
It certainly seems that way sometimes. It can feel almost impossible to take someone at his word. But, on the other hand, why can’t we just mean what we say? I shouldn’t need to “pinky swear” or make some oath or promise to make you believe me. I’ve been happily married for over 25 years, but I don’t think I should be applauded for that. I haven’t accomplished some miraculous feat. I said “I Do” on July 25, 1992 and I meant it. Unfortunately, in today’s world, it’s become rare—almost the exception to the rule—to remain married “until death do we part.” But if I follow Jesus, shouldn’t people know that they can take me at my word? In Matthew 5:34b, Jesus tells us “do not swear an oath at all” and in Matthew 5:37a, He instructs us: “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’”
What this all boils down to is that I want to tell the truth and I want people to trust that when I say something, I mean it. To paraphrase an article I read online, I will mean what I say because:
- I want to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs Jesus;
- I want to live out the character of the One who gave me life at the cost of His own blood;
- I want people to know that I’m my Father’s child.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I appreciate it, and I mean it!
Troy Burns