On many issues, culture fights stalwartly against the Bible.
On some issues, culture allows unobtrusive conformance to the Bible.
In a select few issues, culture actually nudges us toward the Bible.
I’d suggest Valentine’s Day, with some qualifiers, can fall into this last category.
(Qualifier #1: Not always in the how it is to be celebrated; I’ll leave the ‘how’ to wise individual determination. Don’t leave it to Hallmark or Goodman’s!)
Qualifier #2 - Nor in how it typically defines love, as its definition is often shallow and self-focused. )
But in culture’s “Valentine” encouragement to love your husband with extravagant, thoughtful, joyful, pleasurable and specific focus,
And how on Feb. 14 marriage is even considered honorable,
And that the emphasis is to be appropriately romantic,
I’d say the Bible would concur, and encourage us to celebrate away!
“Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her….” (Ephesians 5:25)
Sounds extravagant to me.
“…teach what is good…to love their husbands, to be kind and submissive to their own husbands.” (Titus 2:3-5)
Sounds thoughtful, (selfless) to me.
“Rejoice with the wife of your youth…” (Proverbs 5:18)
Sounds specific and a bit joyfully pleasurable to me.
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled. ” (Heb. 13:4)
Sounds honorable and potentially even romantic.
I know, I know. These are very different ideas than popular culture would uphold. Instead it would dilute love to some sappy, feel-good exchange that only has the interests of self in mind. Sinful lovers heaping attention upon the one who is the focus of their affections: namely, themselves. Temporary, material baubles are exchanged as if they represent true, committed love. The picture is far from Biblical.
But true love still is God’s domain. He created its concept, designed its dimensions, set in place its purpose and illustrated its power.
And one dimension is in the design of committed, sacrificial love of one woman for one man, and vice versa. And it is delightful along with dutiful.
Make Valentine’s Day a celebration of this gift from God.
(And no, a certain calendar date doesn’t have to be decided for you by others. Go ahead and celebrate on Feb. 13…or Mar. 3…or Sept 22nd. )
But stop to enjoy the goodness of God, and demonstrate biblical love to your husband in an out-of-the ordinary way.
I double dare you.
(And for all you ballast types, the other 364 days are there to love your husband biblically without all the hoopla!)
I've always thought Valentine's was both a commercial conspiracy and a bit of dribble (although I wouldn't have used that word, it sounds too much like someone needs Depends), but then I tend to lean a little more toward ballast than sail) Actually, I think I'm more of a paddle. When the winds stop blowing, I can still get around.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I grudgingly agree that Valentine's can and should probably be utilized by Christian couples to confirm, strengthen, and encourage Biblical love for one another. And yes, I suppose we could even try such antics on other days of the year. (Just don't try that Saran Wrap thing:)