I read and hear often about the IED (Improvised Explosive Device) explosions in Iraq. They are horrific devices which wage an ongoing war of terror in the cities and towns in that nation. Seasoned military experts detect many of them, but not all. And the results can be catastrophic.
I suggest that in our families there can be relational IEDs which are planted by the choices we make. Hidden sin. A refusal to reconcile with others. Anger, gossip, pornography, even abuse of substances or people. All of these, plus so many others, can act as situations which blow apart families, resulting in divorce, heartache, broken-hearted spouses and children, disillusionment. They are family landmines. We guard them closely, thinking they will not hurt anyone else. And then we react in horror when they do exactly that. If real IEDs were planted in our homes we would call for help to remove them. Why is it that we sometimes choose to ignore or cover over something lethal to the spiritual and relational health of our families?
Think on these things as the Lord God speaks to your heart. NIV Psalm 66:18-19 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.
