“He slept with Hagar, and she became pregnant. When she saw that she was pregnant, her mistress became contemptible to her. Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for my suffering! I put my slave in your arms, and when she saw that she was pregnant, I became contemptible to her. May the Lord judge between me and you.”” (Genesis 16:4–5)
You are responsible for my suffering! Sin breeds death (Romans 6:23). It doesn’t matter if you have “permission” from your wife to do something. If God has already set a standard or a command, then you know what is right and what is wrong.
Abraham’s act of unbelief had mutated into the act of immorality. Now, technically, it may have been acceptable by the standards of the day. Culture may have permitted it. The people of faith may have accepted it. But when God established marriage, He was clear about the methods and limits when He said, “For the man no helper was found corresponding to him. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to come over the man, and he slept. God took one of his ribs and closed the flesh at that place. Then the Lord God made the rib he had taken from the man into a woman and brought her to the man.” (Genesis 2:20–22)
When God made marriage, He made it as a couple, a man and a wife for life. Abraham and Sarah had decided to add a third person to their marriage bed; an extension God never intended or designed. Thus, their choice missed the mark of God’s expressed will, which is the definition of sin.
Every husband has the role of exemplifying the desires of God in their marriage. This means, that he has the responsibility to uphold the highest standard of morality and faith, both for his and his wife’s future and spiritual growth.
Today, before you step into a questionable path, even if your wife is in agreement, ask yourself a simple question: Does this represent both the revealed will of God and the best intentions of God’s design in this area of our lives? When your answer is, “Yes!” to both of these then proceed with bold confidence that you are walking in faith and have the smile of God upon your lives.
Magnificent Marriage Mondays are helpful hints, clues, ideas, and solutions for the child of God who is looking for a spouse, in a relationship with someone, or are already married. Each post seeks to bring help, hope, and honesty to your life and make the rest of your life, the best of your life. They are written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and come from his 38 years, 5 months and 2 days experience with his wife, Melodee, who was promoted to Heaven on November 11, 2017. He is currently seeking God’s will for his new life partner. He welcomes your comments below.
