We're used to outrageous Super Bowl ads. But one aired in Texas that went over the top. A couple was celebrating their anniversary at a nice restaurant. The husband blows his nose, answers his cell phone, and leaves during dessert. On his way out he says, "Happy Anniversary, honey."
A voice-over asks women, "Isn't it time for AshleyMadison.com?" Thinking this might be a lead on something to get my wife for Valentine's Day, I checked it out.
Imagine my surprise when the website greeted me with this tagline: "Life is short. Have an affair." For $249 you can sign up and be guaranteed one within three months. I decided it was not time for Ashley Madison. It's bad advice. Problems in your marriage? These people say run away from each other.
Others say run towards each other. One church issued a "seven days of sex" challenge to their married couples. Kind of "Challenge Lite" compared to another church who issued the same appeal, but for thirty days. One pastor explained that they wanted people to move from "whining about the economy to whoopee."
Misunderstanding his intent, I ran a search and found Whoopi Goldberg, who on The View noted that it was a "man who offered the challenge." Then she asked why the challenge wasn't to "Go out. Be friends. Get to know each other. Go for a walk."
I wouldn't normally turn to Goldberg for advice, but I think she is on track. I searched to see if Jesus issued a love challenge, and sure enough, he did:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind ... Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).
The love Jesus spoke of is agape love. It's an intimate love that seeks what is best for the other person.
Imagine a world where everyone actually did that. Husbands would do their best to meet the needs of their wives. Wives would do the same for their husbands. Those unmarried would trust God and love others by remaining celibate. They would also learn self-control and what true friendship means.
And, by the way, aren't those two qualities that actually enhance the marriage relationship?
So I think it is time to offer a "7 Days of Love Challenge." For the next seven days, trust God and love the others in your life in the way he coaches you to.
Your friendships will improve.
And for the married out there, see if the results aren't "outrageous" in the best of ways!
