Semper Fidelis/Ductos Exemplo: A Design of Faithfulness, Leadership and Blessing
“GREATER PATHS” Session 5 (Explore the Bible Quarterly)
Proverbs 5:3-11, 15-18
The date is June 10th, 1898 and an oppressive heat is beating down on the small platoon of U.S. Marines that are making their way up a 200 ft hill surrounding Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Besides dealing with the heat, many of the Marines are suffering from Yellow Fever and they are having to deal with thorny scrub brush and cacti that are getting caught on the wool shirts of their uniform and ripping their skin. Suddenly a shot rings out and a vicious close combat gun battle ensues between the Marines and Spanish forces. As the battle rages, the ship USS Dolphin at anchor in the bay opens up its large guns on the position, but the Captain has been given the wrong coordinates and ends up firing on the Marines instead. Sergeant John S. Quick with complete disregard for his own safety sprints to the top of the hill, and with his back to the battle and exposed alone on the hill faces a deadly cross-fire; for 15 minutes while he uses a signal flag attached to a stick to redirect the Dolphin’s fire. Sergeant Quick’s selfless actions saved the lives of his fellow Marines and earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor. Sergeant Quick is an example of the Marine Corp motto- Semper Fidelis, always faithful.
These are not mere words or platitudes for Marines but a way of life that defines their service whether they are in uniform or out. Service men and women understand the need and necessity of faithfulness, for in combat one must be able to completely trust one’s comrades- because lives are at stake. The home is the same way, our homes can survive fights, strife, financial problems, poor health, laziness, selfishness, and inconsideration but one thing that will destroy a home faster than anything is a lack of trust. Trust in the home is crucially portrayed through an exclusive and intimate devotion between a husband and wife. Our session today out of Proverbs 5 alongside the 7th Commandment: “You shall not commit adultery” is not just a prohibition against the physical act, but a calling to “the greater paths” of Wisdom and to faithfulness.
This is why, as we have seen in our previous studies of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the roving eyes and groping hands of “lust” (Mt 5:27-30). Casual devotion with discontent hands and unsteady eyes in a marriage will destroy trust. Many Christian scholars discuss how Jesus is setting a higher standard than the 7th Commandment, and Solomon’s admonition to his son, but it is not as much a higher standard than it is a greater practice along a greater path! Jesus’ restatements of the 10 Commandments are not just about standards, they are about establishing a peaceful and loving home for Christians that represents HIS faithfulness; building a sanctuary and firm foundation in the home that protects its members from the dangers of broken hearts and broken lives (notice how Solomon dwells in chapter 5 on the repercussions of giving into adultery). Again, we are not just called to standards of conduct but righteousness especially when it comes to our relationships with others and to our spouse- we are called to the greater paths of righteousness not minimum conduct just to avoid God’s wrath. We have seen in the news lately with different politicians what can happen when we live by minimum standards to justify ourselves versus seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and the harm and damage it can do to not only our integrity and reputation but to our families and others.
So what practices as husbands and wives (and even as widows and widowers) can we engage in our relationships to develop a semper fi kind of marriage, or illustrative life for our families? First, keep your promises. Marine Officers live by a second motto that is emblazoned over their Officer’s Candidate School: Ductos Exemplo- Lead by Example. In scripture, the example we set is determined by the promises we have been given and the promises we KEEP. Biblical marriage is a sacred promise it is an action of unity that supersedes the previous living and relationship ordering of earlier life, and sets an example for others to follow of faithfulness and committed love to and with others long after death. Biblical marriage is an illustration of Christ’s devotion, purpose, and faithfulness to His church (see Eph 5:22-33). The point is, the Wisdom Solomon is giving is that we don’t try to fix marriage problems we try to prevent them first by being devoted in our marriage to something bigger than ourselves, our spouse and even each other’s needs. Marriage is holy, it is set apart by God and a progressive mystery as two people become one.
If we place need above promise keeping and commitment we are headed for failure. There are many great books out there on marriage and keys to having a “great marriage” but the fact is we will all face unmet needs in our marriage relationship: emotionally, financially, communicatively, and sexually. YES, we want to work on these things, but we don’t need to make seemingly unsolvable problems and frustrations an excuse for giving up or setting our need fulfillment or unfulfillment as the standard for our own faithfulness. We are all sinners saved by grace and then called to faithfulness (see 1st John 1). Marriage is about far more than our own changing seasons of happiness and need. Our fulfillment must come through Christ first and the pursuit of His Kingdom. Don’t give up! Keep your vows!
Secondly we must be exclusive to our spouse. Keep our boundaries high- don’t wander off onto second-hand paths! Be blunt, stay pure (even when your spouse has passed) and when you have to- run! Many places in scripture we are told to stand firm against the devil, but in 1 Corinthians 6:18 we are told to flee sexual temptation (even when we are older that never changes.) Fire can still burn at 70, 80 or 90 like it can at 18, 25, or 50. Finally, to build a semper fi kind of marriage and life in the area of our sexuality let’s be content with what God has given us… look at the last 3 verses in our study. Why do people get involved with pornography, carousing and affairs? They don’t know how to be content with what God has given them, or how to be settled in their relationships and memories. Contentment does not result from meeting needs as much as it results from being thankful for the blessings God has ALREADY given you, and the way we honor those blessings with a living spouse or cherishing his/her memory and how he/she has blessed us.
We communicate that thankfulness, wonder, and preciousness through what we say and do, and how we express our remembrances to others. Solomon emphasizes in Chapter 5 how adultery is all about “being used” and “using others” for our own gratification, but our exclusive marriage relationships are all about being cherished and not feeling used. Does your spouse feel cherished by your love? If your spouse has passed, do others know you cherished him or her? Adultery uses other people; marriage cherishes only one- learning and enacting the difference will safeguard your relationship and train up your children and grandchildren in what it means to trust and cherish one another. It will give them a godly picture of fidelity in intimate love that will set their later guidelines as they seek, find, and grow together with their spouses. If you want to build a semper fi kind of marriage for yourself, or help with that in your children and grandchildren and put Solomon’s Words and the 7th Commandment into practice don’t just stay away from adultery, and sexual immorality: cultivate purity, thankfulness, and faithfulness for these our are “greater paths” of godly, holy wisdom!
Now before I close, I know that many of you have been hurt in this area of unfaithfulness either by other’s actions your own or both, and even if your spouse is gone the regret and the hurt in that area continues… But it doesn’t have to! Please, Please, Please remember that there is ALWAYS GRACE, forgiveness, and that God is bigger than our pasts and our failures!!! He has promises for your relationships today, can help you with your regret, and gives hope for you and your family for tomorrow with GOOD PLANS for your future! Put your trust in Him as you learn to walk as Jesus did and build a semper fi kind of life! Matt’s devotion is below…. Know I am praying for all of you! Call me if you need me or want to pray! Love in Christ, Darrin! dray@wyliebaptist.org.
Isolation to Intimacy David: Psalm 23 Written by Matthew Waldraff
The story of King David is familiar to many of us as we look at his life in 1 Samuel 16 - 1 Kings 2:12. His life was marked with periods of blessing and trouble, yet in every situation we see an utmost dependence on the Lord. No greater example of this is seen than David's words in Psalm 23. Throughout the Psalm we are able to see a glimpse of the intimacy that marked David's life in all situations. Despite his separation from family and friends in exile and fleeing for his life from King Saul, David was able to fully rely on the Lord for restoration and peace. David's faith is a direct result of the intimacy that he had developed with God throughout his life. Because of this intimacy David was able to recall the provision and comfort that finds its source in God, viewing God as the shepherd who desires a close relationship with us. Our ability to transform isolation into intimacy is possible as we reflect on the goodness of God and how He has sustained us in the past. Looking back at God's work in our lives serves as a reminder that He is unchanging and constant, therefore He still serves as our Good Shepherd even when our situations seem dire. God's everlasting presence is assured to us throughout His Word, which David emphasizes as he walks through the valley of the shadow of death. In our isolation we are comforted with His presence and live a life that is not characterized by fear or worry. The presence of God reaches a new understanding for those who are in Christ Jesus. Our intimacy with God is ultimately made possible with the indwelling of His Holy Spirit for those who call on the name of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As you read Psalm 23 remember the Lord your shepherd who restores your soul, comforts you with His everlasting presence, and provides you with the goodness and mercy to see through this difficult season.