Monday's Marriage Moment -- Out of Order?

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55: 8 - 10

 

The dictionary defines "out of order" as: not working properly or at all. When something is not functioning as it should we determine that it is out of order. We have all seen these signs on soda machines and other equipment. Many times these signs bring us frustration. You want to get a cold drink, but the machine is out of order. You want a milkshake from your favorite restaurant, but the mixer is out of order. You want to make copies, but the copier is out of order. There is nothing like expecting something to function and produce only to find out that it doesn't produce in the way that you wanted it to. Many times in the body of Christ we use the term out of order to describe someone who is not functioning the way we think they should. Maybe they didn't follow the proper protocols and procedures. Or maybe they did something without consulting the "proper authorities". After all, we like things to fit in nice, neat little packages. Could it be that sometimes when we are saying things (or people) are out of order it's really just user error? I have seen it happen numerous times. Someone says the copier in the office is broken, but it turns out the person didn't use it correctly. Maybe they didn't recognize that it was simply out of paper or the toner needed to be replaced. They didn't know how to fix it, so it was easier to say that it was out of order than to consult the manual and actually find out how to repair it. That would take time and effort. Might I suggest that instead of slapping "out of order" signs on things (and people) that we consult with the manufacturer. If you feel that your relationship is out of order, perhaps you need to consult the ultimate manual, your bible, to determine how to best repair it. There are tons of scriptures on friendships, family relationships, and marriage. Before you determine that the relationship is broken beyond repair, find out what God says about it. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. He sees from a much wider perspective than we do. Maybe what seems out of order to you is a work in progress to Him. Friendships, relationships, for that matter people in general, take a lot of time and investment in order to be fruitful. Be willing to invest that time before you call it broken and walk away. There could be a simple fix.