Commitment in Marriage

Commitment in marriage is taking the long-term view. Like investing in the stock market, the longer the horizon the more likely it is we will see positive results in the end.

I think Christians seek a divorce when they become convinced of two things: staying in this marriage means being miserable the rest of my life. And, God will forgive me if I divorce. If I were absolutely convinced those were my only options available, I might be tempted to justify divorce.

There is, happily, a third option: staying married and figuring out a way to be happy. For some this is a shift in perspective, it never occurred to them they could contribute to their own happiness. For others, this represents a crisis of faith: is God big enough to change my marriage.

The long-term view is one that says, I may be miserable now but I have time ahead of me for things to change.

(Bowden McElroy)