Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Monday July 25, 2011

That we live in strange times, for us, but not historically, is beyond discussion. The country seems divided about same sex marriages, many are on the seventh or eighth male/female marriage, and some are in a life-sentence on death row marriage relationship. The Great Blonde and I are soon to hit year number 47 of indescribable bliss, to hear her tell it.

So it was a nice break to read a bit on Facebook by my longtime friend and church member, Brad Utz posited this: (He posted it too).

I just read that 4,153,237 people got married last year. I don't want to start any trouble here but shouldn't that be an even number? Just sayin....

Brad not wanting to get something going is a refreshing change, so I was blessed by this neutral piece. Perhaps the odd number was reported by a man whose bride really needed the veil? Or, could it be that the groom inherited the genes of Quasimodo and the bride reported the ceremony? Like I said these are strange times, strange indeed.

The most likely explanation for the odd instead of even number is the odd one married him or her self. Books a Million has shelf after shelf of books extolling the wonders of self love. Perhaps the odd one read too many such books and really fell head over heals for himself or herself? Could be.

It may be that by looking long in the mirror the odd number had a New Age flash and was illuminated to the fact that they, the one looking back in the mirror was their long sought soul mate. Now that would be a wonder, until you pause and really think about it. Think about: looking in the mirror many times a day and whispering, "How do I love thee, let me count the ways."

This odd number of people getting married may be awakening a Bible culture for the scripture speaks of an entire group of people who are simply mad about themselves. Here is the wave of the future predicted in your family Bible in 2 Timothy 3:1-2,

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

An aside here, the word "for" can be, because.

You may now cease wondering about the why of our current mess. The above passage grows more graphic, but it all starts with an unscriptural understanding of self. Too much "self" cancels the principle of sacrifice for the benefit of others for the glory of Christ. Many marriages disintegrate due to self-care rather than other-care.

Larry Lilly Copyright © Use with Credit

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