According to one study, 41% of first time marriages in the US end in divorce, 60% of second time marriages in the US end in divorce, and 73% of third time marriages in the US end in divorce. These are staggering numbers! It is no wonder that many people are simply opting out of marriage in the first place. It's messy, it's expensive, it's an awful experience all the way around. So why not forego the marriage altogether and if things don't work out then the worst thing that happens is someone has to find a new apartment.
But marriage is a good thing. It is a great thing! The problem comes when people misunderstand what marriage is and what marriage requires. The problems come when people misunderstand God's intentions in marriage, and His intentions for its testimony.
Men and women have been taught to think about number one, themselves, rather than others. And because they have been taught all their lives to be wrapped up in their own desires and wants they have a hard time gaining any type of compatibility with their spouse. When another man or woman comes about that they believe will make them happier, they simply leave the hard work of marriage behind and instead opt in for some extra-curricular activities.
Is adultery the cause of all divorces? No. But selfishness is. You can link all divorces to pride and selfishness either on the man's part, the woman's part, or both parts.
This morning we are going to be looking at a situation going on in Judah, to whom Malachi is speaking. The men have divorced the wives of their youth to marry foreign women who worship foreign gods. It's my hope to bring out the greatness of marriage in God's eyes and the absolute abomination of divorce as well.
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