A Moment With Pastor Fred

Happy “early” Valentine’s Day. I can remember in grade school signing my name on dozens of Valentine cards as they would be distributed to the entire class. Some might bemoan or shrug off such a Hallmark holiday but can we not as God’s people redeem it?

Charles Spurgeon the London pastor of 150 years ago said, “Married life is not all sugar, but grace in the heart will keep away most of the sours.”

It doesn’t take much to make a marriage sour. Marriage consists of two sinners. Selfishness is a huge enemy of marriage. Marriage takes work. In the words of Kent Hughes it takes “godly sweat.” Yes, it is much easier when both husband and wife desire to do what is right. But you can do what is right – you can glorify God regardless of what your spouse does or does not do. “We make it our goal to please him,” 2 Cor 5:9. 

So, if you are married, I encourage you to give your spouse a Valentine’s Day card. And don’t just sign it – write something in it that expresses your love and appreciation. It’s always a good thing to encourage others. It’s so easy to take each other for granted but if you do your spouse will  look more like a roommate than a soul mate. I’m going to take advantage of our cultural holiday to better my marriage – it’s often the little things that speak volumes. And maybe Sue will get a Starbucks’ coffee gift card as well – but don’t tell her. She does like coffee. Eph 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted.” By the way – there’s a Valentine’s Day Banquet Saturday too.