I believe that there are various "modes" we have to go into at different times of our lives, and that the way we honor the scriptures is going to vary depending upon what mode we're in at the time. It's not that we DISobey the Lord, but simply that we have to prioritize our principles.
Yes, the scriptures say a woman is to obey her husband, but there are circumstances beyond HER control that may cause her to have to appeal to a higher principle. A woman whose husband is abusing drugs and whose home is being terrorized is in "survival mode" and doesn't have time at the moment to think of building a happy, Christian home with a devoted father as head of the house, because HE abdicated the position. That was something she could not control. Now, she has to think of her children and their safety and welfare as well as take care of herself, and the only option she has at the moment is separation. We can work out the details when the dust clears...she simply has to get out, and I believe God would expect her to.
Here's a related example. I personally know a man who grew up with a drug-abusing mother in a horrible situation. As soon as he turned 18, he moved out and moved in with his youth pastor (a single man who became the boy's "dad") AND BEGAN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS to legally take custody of his own brother, who was still a minor. He DID get custody of the boy, and they both still live at the youth pastor's house--God bless the man--he got to raise a teenager without even having a mother around to help. The older brother went to college, still submitting to his youth pastor as his father. The younger brother went to high school.
How does this square with "honour thy father and thy mother" or "obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right"? I don't think it violates it at all...there was a higher principle that had to be observed during "survival" mode, and I totally admire this man for not leaving his brother in a horrendous situation. There are ways to honour someone other than taking their abuse.
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Originally Posted by Trouvere
I have a dear friend who is married to a man that has returned to drug abuse.She had to go out and put a restraining order against him.She has
been made to feel guilty defending herself in court against him.He terrorizes her and the children and breaks into the house and steals things and sells them.What does your church teach concerning such things.I would tell her to get the order.
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