December Letter

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Genuine Intimacy

December, 2001

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Ephesians 5:31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery - but I am talking about Christ and the church."

At Promise Keepers in Houston this year, my mind was a bit preoccupied with the pressing needs of my family. In short, I really wasn't "there". As I sat there, I realized that I haven't really been "there" with my wife lately either. Somehow through the hustle and bustle of raising children and trying to make ends meet, our marriage was starting to look more like two people working side-by-side. While there are certainly days that require this, is it a fully accurate depiction of Christ and the church?

Last week, Noel and I celebrated our thirteenth anniversary. We have a commitment to each other that is built on obedience and submission to God. That part is sure. However, is that enough?

In his book, "A Marriage after God's Own Heart," David Clarke makes the case that a marriage built on emotional or physical intimacy will not stand the test of time, but that spiritual intimacy is "the Glue that Bonds Couples Together for a Lifetime".

It has been only a few short weeks since we have dedicated ourselves to reading the Word together, praying together, and worshipping together on a regular basis; I am amazed at the fruit already. It has thoroughly rejuvenated us.

To be honest, we have tried this sort of thing before, but have always given up because we couldn't keep the commitment we had made. This time is a bit different... we set a schedule that we can live with.

Perhaps you are like us. Home school families can get this way. We are so focused on raising our children and striving for strong families that we forget to nurture our marriages. We need it. Our kids need it. God needs it. Each marriage represents the relationship between Christ and the church. We need to be telling the truth.

Blessings,
" "
Brett Adams
Chairman, CHEACT

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