Introduction. Last week, the Oroville dam in California was weakened by flooding and 200,000 were evacuated. The main concern was its "structural integrity" (SI). The things that weakened the structure were not anticipated when it was being built and a "catastrophic failure" (CF) nearly occurred. If it had, an estimated 30-foot wall of water could have destroyed the town. Now the SI of many dams is being assessed to see if they too are under any threat of CF. A look at the definition of SI on the internet reveals that many CFs have occurred in our history. Bridges and buildings have collapsed and killed multitudes because girders, rivets, welds, concrete or rebar could not withstand an unanticipated force and the structure failed as a result.
Human Structural Integrity and Catastrophic Failures. Just as there CFs in physical structures, they also exist in human relationships. Some relationships are meant to be bound together for life. To hold marriages and business partnerships together, we have binding contracts, marriage vows, oaths in court, or a pledge of allegiance to the nation. These were all created so we could have SI in our homes, places of employment, courts and nation. Divorce, embezzlement, perjury and treason are among the worst of CFs in human relationships. Examples abound of the anarchy and rebellion such things can bring to a culture
Human Structural Integrity and Catastrophic Failures. Just as there CFs in physical structures, they also exist in human relationships. Some relationships are meant to be bound together for life. To hold marriages and business partnerships together, we have binding contracts, marriage vows, oaths in court, or a pledge of allegiance to the nation. These were all created so we could have SI in our homes, places of employment, courts and nation. Divorce, embezzlement, perjury and treason are among the worst of CFs in human relationships. Examples abound of the anarchy and rebellion such things can bring to a culture
Structural Integrity of Marriage. One of the most vital unions God created to withstand all external forces seeking to tear it apart is marriage. With it’s vows of commitment, promises of eternal love and God’s joining (gluing) together, there can be no divorce without treachery from at least one spouse. Yet great forces now exist in our culture to tear marriage apart. Like a bridge or a dam, it is wise to consider the SI of our own marriage. A vow or promise is only as strong as our reasons to keep them, and these can change through the years. Multitudes have forgotten their vows and promises, separating what God had glued together (Mt. 19:4-6). Although God long ago expressed His hatred of the treachery and violence of divorce, that hasn’t stopped it, even among His people. “The Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously... the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one's garment with violence” (Mal. 2:16-17).
Emotions Creating Structural Integrity or Catastrophic Failure. A 50% divorce rate is only the most blatant statistic of a lack of SI in the hearts of multitudes today. When people are “disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, and unmerciful", there little hope for structural integrity in any relationship (Rom. 1:30-32). Families, businesses, and nations all suffer under the influence of such attitudes and emotions. Consider:
Conclusion. Truly we live in perilous times when introspection and self-examination are necessary. No one is above a catastrophic failure in human relationships where brightest links of life can be broken. We must all take careful heed!
Emotions Creating Structural Integrity or Catastrophic Failure. A 50% divorce rate is only the most blatant statistic of a lack of SI in the hearts of multitudes today. When people are “disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, and unmerciful", there little hope for structural integrity in any relationship (Rom. 1:30-32). Families, businesses, and nations all suffer under the influence of such attitudes and emotions. Consider:
- Are we loyal employees putting the needs of the business first? Does our loyalty and fidelity reach the level God seeks from us? “Servants, be obedient to those that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Eph. 6:5-6).
- Are we patriotic citizens in full submission to the laws of the land? “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Rom. 13:1). Do we speak respectfully of our leaders? “You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.” “You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people” (Ex. 22:28; Acts 23:5).
Conclusion. Truly we live in perilous times when introspection and self-examination are necessary. No one is above a catastrophic failure in human relationships where brightest links of life can be broken. We must all take careful heed!
- in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, (2 Tim 3:1-4)