DO YOU REALLY MEAN THAT?

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:8).

Do you take this man, for better or for worse?

I do.

Will you take this woman in sickness and in health?

I will.

We hear a version of these promises at weddings. I have yet to attend a wedding when the presider asks for a verbal pledge of eternal love, and the bride or groom says, “No,” or “I sure hope so,” or “I’ll give it my best shot.”

On anyone’s wedding date, we’re unsure of the magnitude of what “I do” and “I will” entails. We enter relationships with a certain layer of doubt. Whether that relationship is with a spouse, business partner, or God, there are unknown variables. We say yes and sign a dotted line based on what seems right at the time.

We each have a view about what rich or poor means. We make decisions based on what we perceive to be better and worse, but what about the extremes? Sickness and health. That includes athlete, hospice, wheelchair, hospital bound.

Would my “yes” remain yes if I saw the doctor bills or medical records involved in the partnership? Whispers of love and care can quickly become a wail of pain, trauma and disappointment. Would I still take the risk to say and do, “I will?”

Jesus is the only One who consistently and flawlessly does what He says He will. He takes hits when I strike out. He gives peace when I fall to pieces. I fall short when I say I’ll follow Jesus and then….

I’ll do what He says until…

I’ll lead by His example unless….

For now, I aspire to become a frequent flier of word and action. I venture to say and do the right thing for the greater good.  Sometimes I can do the right thing through silence. Other times, to do the right thing means to stop doing the wrong thing. The only way I can grow into this practice of integrity is through repetition.

I walk down the aisle of this day, with today’s roles. I’ll learn to love the people assigned to me. I am to love each of you, at our best and worst. In sickness and in health. For richest and poorest, till death do us part.  

Jesus, thank You for taking your vow seriously. You love us to death. You died on earth, but Your rich example remains. We are poor in spirit and need Your healing touch. Strengthen us to become better lovers of You and all You’ve created.

On this trail toward Eternal Life,  

Christina

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:25).

For 5-minute audio clips, go to You Tube: A Slice of PIE with Christina Mae

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