One of the great classics is Autumn Leaves.  Great musicians have recorded this song speaking of a past  love that is no longer together.  The irony strikes me as an icon among contemporary popular culture, Kim Kardashian, separates from her husband after only seventy-two days.

Quick rising and falling marriages is nothing new in celebrity circles.  While marriage does not seem to be valued much among some, it was the chosen analogy for Paul of the church’s relationship with Christ (Ephesians 5:22-33).  Christ gave Himself for the church and the church willing follows her groom.

Is it easy to follow one whom you know loves you so deeply as to sacrifice Himself for you?  We can follow Christ’s leadership because we know without doubt He always does what is best for us even when we don’t see or understand it as such.  But, if the respect and trust are not there on the part of the bride, the church, the relationship falls apart.

Many in the religious world have forgotten this.  It is apparent whenever we place the dogmas of men above the word of God.  When men begin trusting themselves over the word of God, our relationship begins to break down.  We no longer trust and follow our groom.

As Christians, we ought to look at scripture through the lens of a trusting, respectful bride.  The church should be willing to follow her husband knowing His leadership unassailable. If we truly loved, trusted, and respected Christ to this degree, it would be much easier for us to maintain our relationship with Christ.