Let me begin with an analogy. I've been married to Julie for thirty years. I have no longings for another, and I'm truly satisfied in her alone. But there are times when my mind or heart drifts. I don't love her as passionately at one moment as I do another. I get distracted. I find myself drawn to find fulfillment in other things. I imagine I will have that struggle until the day I die.
Is it wrong, then, for me to tell her that I have no longings for another? Or should I always express my commitment with a caveat, a misgiving, a disclaimer? Should I tell her on this coming Valentine's Day, "Julie, I want to love you alone, but I'm not quite there yet. I sure hope I'll do better in the coming year?"
I hope the answer is obvious. My expressions of commitment to my wife both express and strengthen my love for her. They remind me of our vows, my desire to be faithful, and the superior joy I find in loving her alone.
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2 comments:
Thanks for posting this Zach... I've thought about that very same question.
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I agree that it would be very appropriate to tell my wife, “I am completely satisfied in you.” In the same regard, I would not choose to say to her, “In all I do, I honor you.” One is a statement of affection that reflects the attitude of the heart. The other is a definitive statement of perfect obedience. It seems to me that the same logic applies to congregational singing.
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