South Carolina, as well as the rest of the country, was shocked yesterday as Governor Mark Sanford stepped up to a podium to explain his mysterious week-long absence from his state, duties, and family. No, he wasn’t hiking the Appalachian Trail. Instead, he admitted to joining the long list of political leaders who’ve cast aside their marital vows and spouse to have an affair with another. His current and future political career is now in jeopardy (if not over), but more-importantly, his marriage is on literal life support.
This scenario is not new or limited to any political party. Left as well as Right has suffered the trial of having well-known members and rising superstars come crashing down due to marital unfaithfulness. Even worse, the case isn’t restricted to the realm of politics. Adultery shatters lives, marriages, and children across all spectrums, from the halls of Capitol Hill to Main Street storefronts in the smallest hamlet. America suffers from an epidemic of marital immorality. Statistics bear witness that even those calling themselves Christians fare no better statistically. “Christian” couples are just as likely or more likely to have divorce destroy their marriages, many because of adultery. Sad, but true.
One statement in Sanford’s rambling statement caught my attention more than all others. He admitted his unfaithfulness to his wife didn’t happen all at once nor was it planned. It occurred almost harmlessly as a friendship with an Argentinean woman and developed over time into an emotional attachment that led to the physical act of sexual adultery. Perhaps I’m an optimist in believing that no husband or wife intentionally seeks to ruin the vows he or she made before God and guests. What seemingly happens is that one partner lets their common sense guard down and starts down the slippery slope that ends in adding to the staggering 50% divorce rate in the United States.
I’m a single man, but my heart still breaks over broken families and the carnage that lines the hallways of churches in every town and city of every state in America. What we in the church need is a comprehensive strategy to strengthen marriages and families. We need to do more than watch a fantastic movie produced by a church ministry. We need to take responsibility for making sure pre-marital couples understand the seriousness of the marriage covenant. We must foster and nurture newlywed couples through marital mentoring. We must preach on the biblical standards God desires for married couples. We must enjoin couples in small groups to learn about a spiritually healthy plan for their home. We must do all we can to prevent either partner from even stepping on the fringe of that slippery slope. God willing, as we are able, Grace Baptist will be that kind of church.
On to brighter news! Our Brazil Mission Team will leave next Thursday to minister in Salvador and return July 17th. We need to bathe them in prayer for God’s protection throughout their travels. We need to ask God to open doors for the Good News to be shared and the boldness to share it clearly and effectively. We need to pray God touches our team members to have an even greater passion for missions whether in Laurinburg, North Carolina, North America, or around the globe. I want us to earnestly pray God calls some into vocational service as international missionaries. In addition, pray for us who are here manning the fort, short-staffed and concerned for our loved ones!
I’m marching through Philippians in my message series, “Joy for Your Journey.” Join us Sunday as I look at the important passage Philippians 4:2-9. We’ll also be celebrating the Lord’s Supper and commissioning our Brazil Mission Team.
God has surely blessed our recent services. His presence has been felt in our worship through fellowship, singing, and preaching. Come join us to get in touch with God!
Bring your Bible and a friend!
Blessings!
Scott
