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Artificial Intelligence (AI), like the Internet, is here to stay. Both can be utilized for good or evil. AI presents some ethical challenges that theologians and ethicists are trying to address. For example, I can tell AI to write an article or sermon based on a particular biblical text, and guess what? It will do just that. If I tell AI to make the article or sermon reflect a conservative, evangelical stance, it will do that too! I do utilize AI in research, but when I use it, I treat it like another book or resource, and I try to give credit where credit is due. For example, what I share with you today about covenants, much of it was gleaned from AI (with some of my own thoughts included). So, thank you to my friends at ChatGPT.
In secular, non-Christian circles, marriage is defined by:
- romantic feelings,
- sexual attraction,
- or mutual benefit.
However, Christian marriages are defined by covenant faithfulness. Probably most of you, like Ashley and I, had these traditional vows as part of the ceremony at your weddings: "For better, for worse... in sickness and in health... till death do us part."
Here are 5 reasons why covenant matters in marriage:
- Covenant creates security.
Proverbs 31:11 says this about the effect the godly wife has on her husband: "The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain." Love can flourish because you are loved unconditionally and, like the Journey song says it, "I'm forever yours faithfully."
- Covenant speaks of love as action, not emotion.
Covenant, commitment love shows up no matter what.
- Covenant love mirrors God's love for mankind.
Marriage becomes a lived parable of God's faithful, pursuing love. Tim Keller wrote, "To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is... a lot like being loved by God."
- Covenant love overcomes conflict.
"Disagreements aren't exit ramps; they're invitations to grow, repent, forgive, and deepen trust." Stanley Hauerwas said: "You always marry the wrong person. What makes marriage possible is the commitment to love the stranger you discover you have married."
- Covenant love forms character.
"Covenant love shapes humility, patience, sacrifice, and grace—virtues you can't develop if you always keep one foot out the door."
Pretty helpful insights from research with AI. Now, more importantly, how do we practice what we know is the right thing to do? More about that in tomorrow's devotion.
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