A Devotional Based on the Parable of Mark 3:20-27 (KJV)
20 And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.
21 And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.
22 And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.
23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.
27 No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
In any marriage, business partnership, close friendship or any other personal relationship, the parties must have a basic agreement about foundational matters. This is especially true of individuals who are courting to determine if marriage is in the forecast. You must identify the foundational principles of the relationship and assure that all participants are in agreement. Otherwise, the strife and lack of cohesion will destroy the agreement and divide the house.
Roommate A dislikes the shower curtain that Roommate B uses in Roommate B’s bathroom. Their disagreement is not foundational to their roommate relationship, however, because they agreed to never enter each other’s bathroom. However, Roommate B hates the fact that Roommate A’s siblings drop in at all hours, eat any food in the refrigerator, including Roommate B’s food, and even nap in Roommate B’s room without permission. This disagreement is foundational to the two Roommate’s house and the relationship may soon be destroyed if the problem is not resolved. Roommate A feels that wherever she is, her siblings are always welcome and sees no problems with their behavior. This is a divided house.
So, if there is strife, strong disagreement or a lack of understanding in your relationship, you should both check to see if your house is divided on foundational matters. Some basic principles such as respect and honesty must never be violated. Remember, except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Psalms 127:1 (KJV).
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, no relationship is more important to me than the one that I have with You. Please help me to be certain that You and Your principles are central in my relationships with others. Bless those with whom I interact on a regular basis and help us to be equally sure that our relationship is foundationally sound. In the matchless name of My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.