POISON IN RELATIONSHIPS - Marriage Counseling With The Wonderful Counselor - Part V

THE ISSUES THAT CAUSE THE PROBLEMS

Sometimes up, sometimes down. This describes many people's relationships. It is often said that opposites attract and this usually refers to opposite personalities. While it may be true that such mismatched or "odd couples" may actually work well together and may even be able to successfully move forward through some of the varied scenes of life, this cannot be said for opposite characters. Opposite characters cannot blend in harmony together without the ruin of one, two or all individuals who are involved in attempting the elusive unity.

"RED ALERT" There is danger in entering into any intimate relation with those who have no connection with Heaven. An intimate, daily intercourse which occupies time without contributing in any degree to the strength of the intellect or morals is dangerous. Everyone is exerting an influence upon others, and will be held accountable for the result of that influence. (Romans 14:7,12/Matthew 12:30/Psalms 1:1,5)

Our influence upon others depends not so much upon what we say as upon what we are. Every life is either a light to brighten and cheer the path of others, or as a desolating tempest to destroy. We lead others either upward to happiness and immortal life or downward to sorrow and eternal ruin. Humanity has no power to regenerate itself. It does not tend upward, toward the divine, but downward, toward the satanic. The tendencies of the natural heart are downward. (Matthew 7:13,14/Proverbs 16:29/James 1:14)

Holiness of heart and purity of life were the great subjects of the teachings of Christ. Without this holiness, the human heart is selfish, sinful, and vicious. Unless a strict watch is kept over the heart, wrong principles will prevail in the life, and great unhappiness will be wrought. Every departure from righteousness becomes a force that works against the Lord Jesus. When right words and deeds are left out of the home life, there come in unChristlike words and deeds. (Jeremiah 17:9/Proverbs 4:23, 15:17)

Many are unhappy because they are unholy. It is the absence of spirituality, of holiness, which leads to unrighteous acts, to envy, hatred, jealousy, evil surmisings, and every hateful and abominable sin. If there is not a growth in piety and grace, there is a growth in worldliness and sin. The inner life of the soul will reveal itself in the outward conduct. (Romans 8:10/Galatians 5:19-24)

Sin is the cause of all our woes. It is sin that darkens our minds and dims our perceptions. Sin is blinding and deceiving in its nature. Sin is Satan's attribute, and it is always leagued against good. Through indulgence in sin, self-respect is destroyed; and when that is gone, respect for others is lessened; we think that others are as unrighteous as we are ourselves. And when respect is gone, love does not long abide. When sin is cherished in the heart, there can be nothing but unhappiness in the end; and the sin which leads to the most unhappy results is pride of heart, the lack of Christ-like sympathy and love.. If we would have true peace and happiness of mind, sin must be removed. (Ecclesiastes 9:18/James 4:17/1 John 1:7/Roman 5:19/Proverbs 13:6)

All sin is selfishness. Selfishness will require of others that which we are unwilling to give them. Selfishness is at the root of all unfairness and all lack of fidelity. Were self kept under control, serious errors in home and business life would be avoided. The sharp, rude angles and rough points in our character, the manifestation of selfishness in unkind words and actions, tear away the delicate fabric of human love and happiness. Those who sow selfishness will reap selfishness. In rejecting the love of Christ they reject that which alone can impart purity and steadfastness to human love. (Proverbs 14:21/John 15:5)

Selfishness and pride hinder the pure love that unites us in spirit with Jesus Christ. If pride and selfishness were laid aside, 5 minutes would remove most difficulties. (Proverbs 13;21/Luke 15:7/2 Corinthians 5:17,18)

By the grace of God, we will continue this study in another post. Have a wonderful weekend.

T.K.

© 2009 Tyrone Keels

www.issues-of-life.com

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