Bulletin

Bulletin

Patterns of God

Patterns of God

God uses patterns to impart meaning, purpose, and stability to those who appreciate, practice, and embrace them. Marriage between a man and woman is meant to follow the pattern of Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:22-33). When we follow this pattern, marriage becomes more meaningful and fulfilling. However, those who deviate from this pattern often experience guilt and frustration. When a husband fails to love and sacrifice for his wife as Christ did for the church, she feels unloved and unappreciated. Similarly, when a wife fails to respect and submit to her husband, he feels rejected and undervalued. At its core, this failure stems from a lack of self-sacrifice. Selfishness never bears good fruit.     
Repentance means returning to the pattern of self-sacrifice in marriage.     
The Will
Our will must be transformed and aligned with God's will through daily, even hourly sacrifice. Parents often see this struggle reflected in their children's willfulness. When confronting a defiant child, godly parents may recognize their own rebellion against God. This recognition prompts self-reflection: "Do I really appear this way to God?" Upon honest contemplation, we often remember moments when we've treated God just as our child is treating us.
The Path to Change
The journey toward transformation follows three essential steps. First comes recognition – seeing our shortcomings clearly. Second is confession – acknowledging our faults before God. The writer of Proverbs reveals the third step:
"He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion." (Proverbs 28:13)
What holds back someone who has recognized and confessed their sins but refuses to forsake them? Their will. They feel guilty enough to acknowledge their wrongdoing but not convicted enough to abandon it. In their heart, they still cling to what they know displeases God. While God may permit this rebellion to continue (as He has throughout history), the consequences are clear. The following verse warns:
"How blessed is the man who fears always, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity." (Proverbs 28:14)
Scripture contains many examples of such calamitous falls. Yet Jesus shows us a better way through His pattern of self-sacrifice and love. Did Jesus sacrifice Himself only for those who appreciated it? No – He gave Himself for both the grateful and the indifferent. While it's challenging to sacrifice for those who show no appreciation, Jesus exemplified this very virtue. He did so not merely to inspire admiration but to establish a pattern for us to follow. We are called to take up our own cross and do likewise, "entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously" (1 Peter 2:23).  
  Dan Peters   Edited by Claude AI