Malachi 2:10-17 says
14 But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. (Mal. 2:14, ESV)
Many times we look at this passage from one angle–divorce. Yes, it is a worthy topic, but there is another issue that is at the surface of this passage. That issue is worship.
If we think that our actions don’t affect our worship, we are wrong.
Jesus allowed divorce–only on the grounds of sexual immorality. (Mat. 19:9)
But the real problem is the hardened heart.
8He said to them, Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. (Mat. 19:8, ESV)
This hardened heart prevents worship. What is it in your life that is preventing worship? What are you holding back? Why are you holding on to that hardened heart?
A hardened heart does not want to relinquish control. A hardened heart wants to have one foot in the new life while enjoying the old life as well. A hardened heart does not want to do what it takes to live a Godly life. A hardened heart wants just enough Godliness to be happy—because that is the measure of modern spirituality.
If you wonder why your spiritual life is at a standstill, consider your hardened heart.
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This post is a rewrite of a post titled “Marriage and Worship” from December 2007.
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