Here’s an interesting truth from Genesis chapter 2.
God created Adam and declared that the key to success in his marital life would be – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)
Other translations use, “leave and cleave”(KJV), as “leave and be united” (NIV), and “leave and be joined” (NASB)
Consider the following:
The same words are used in Deuteronomy when we are encouraged to pursue God. “You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him and keep His commandments and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.” (Deuteronomy 13:4 ESV). [in KJV- “ye shall serve Him, and cleave unto Him.”]
Look at what Samuel says to Israel, “And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the LORD and serve Him only, and He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”” 1 Samuel 7:3
In overcoming temptations, “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)
“Leaving” is perfected only when practised with “cleaving”. In other words, you cannot successfully leave something unless you are united with another. This, as a principle, can be used to find success in all areas of our lives.
The Key Issue!
The fact is that we are made as social beings, made to cling to something. We are not made to be isolated. So the question is – what are you clinging to?
If you are not pursuing God actively, then you are already, knowingly or otherwise, pursuing something that is not of God.
The key to overcoming temptations is to flee from attractions, and replacing it with pursuit of the things of God.
The key to marriage is to give your undivided attention to your spouse.
The key to clinging to God is to totally let go of all other things we worship.
The Vacuum
In 2010, an Emirates airliner bound to Kochi, India hit an air-pocket and dropped 200 feet in a matter of seconds. Thankfully for this flight, the pilot was able to regain control with minor injuries to the passengers.
Air pocket is a term used to explain a downward air current that causes an aircraft to lose altitude abruptly.
Every Christian has to be aware of these kinds of holes in one’s walk with God.
There’re different kinds of needs that are in us. It can be a need for love, intimacy, encouragement, security, appreciation, etc. When these needs are not met through the channels that God’s Word wants it to be filled with, one creates a dangerous air pocket.
Many of us have fallen into these dangerous traps because these vacuums were not rightly filled.
If you have not taken active steps to cleave to your spouse in your marriage, then you are bound to look outside your marriage. [ClickToTweet]
If you are passive about pursuing God, then it’s only a matter of time you drift away from God. [ClickToTweet]
If you are not actively pursuing righteous living, faithfulness, love, peace and the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts, then my friend you are bound to pursue youthful lusts.
Take Practical Steps
a) Today, make a note of the things you need to “leave” to “cleave” to your destiny.
b) Take all steps to be disconnect from those things totally. 100%, without mercy!
c) Then, make note of the things you need to replace those negative habits with.
d) Take all steps to be passionately and actively pursuing those things which are good and from God.
One last quote from our Facebook page. (If you have not liked us on our Facebook page, take a minute to do so now. We’d love for you to join us in this journey with Jesus)
Make up your mind NOW on where you want to go in life. Then start eliminating distractions and clutter around your way to that destiny. Prepare yourself for that place through studies and with people who’ve walked that path before. Two rules: Start now. Be consistent.
Did this post speak to you? How has this post helped you corner the vacuums in your life? Share your heart below. We would love to hear from you.