10 Nov, 2006

What would Jesus say to Britney Spears?

Marriage and divorce would be part of the conversation.

Britney Spears files for divorce from Federline

Pop princess Britney Spears has dumped her husband, wannabe-rapper Kevin Federline, according to court documents obtained Tuesday.

The Los Angeles County Superior Court filing cites "irreconcilable differences,'' court spokeswoman Kathy Roberts told The Associated Press.

In the divorce papers, which do not mention a prenuptial agreement, Spears asks for custody of the couple's two children, with visitation rights for Federline. The filing does list as separate property, and thereby off-limits to Federline, "miscellaneous jewelry and other personal affects,'' earnings and other assets to be determined later.

Etalk gossip blogger Elaine (Lainey) Lui believes the divorce is a good move for the pop star. "There is probably no other couple in showbiz who are as hated as them... He's been seen as a gold-digger, an opportunist, using her to further his own career."

The aspiring rapper, derided in the tabloids as Mr. Britney Spears, insisted that his claim for fame is genuine.

Spears and Federline have a one-year-old son, Sean Preston, as well as an infant son who was born Sept. 12.

Federline also has two children from ex-girlfriend Shar Jackson, who was pregnant with their second child when he left her for Spears.

photo & story courtesy ctv.ca, 11/07/06

Matthew 5:31-32

Divorce

31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (ESV)

What does today's God's Story teach us about marriage and divorce?

Jesus makes it very clear that God intends marriage to be a lifetime commitment. Obviously, Britney's first marriage, which lasted 55 hours, and her marriage to Federline were not lifetime commitments.

Jesus said that a sexually immoral life-style (not a sinful act that is forgiven through repentance and confession), makes divorce permissible. A man and a woman should always strive to forgive and see their marriage restored. God expects married people to look for ways to stay together rather than excuses to divorce.

So what would Jesus say to Britney?

According to God's Word, Jesus views Britney's marriages as sinful. BUT, Jesus (through the Scriptures and His Spirit) tells Britney that He loves her unconditionally and that He desires for her to come to Him for forgiveness. Jesus offers Britney a new life if she will follow Him completely.

We should never take a light-hearted approach to marriage. If you're a teenager, the choices you make now about dating and commitment in a relationship will affect you the rest of your life.

How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
  • Thank God for His sacred plan of marriage between a man and woman. Ask Him to help you establish His idea for marriage in your mind and heart. If you are already married, thank Him for your spouse and ask His Spirit to help you love your spouse in a way that honors God.
  • Pray regularly for God to help you trust Him completely with His plan for you regarding marriage.
  • If you are a teenager and in a relationship that is not pleasing to God, ask God to help you get out of it and focus on a growing relationship with Christ.
  • If you are married and struggling, go to a friend who follows Christ and cares for you. Ask for help.

How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?

  • Pray for Britney Spears and Kevin Federline. Pray that they will come to know Christ as their Savior and understand God's plan for marriage.
  • As this Hollywood celebrity story comes up in conversation, ask those in your storysphere about their view on marriage and divorce. Listen carefully. If Jesus nudges you...ask them what they think Jesus might say to Britney Spears? Listen carefully. If Jesus nudges you...share what you learned in today's DAILYBIDE.
Permanent Link
comments

Ornament
God's Story is brought to you by Youth for Christ. YFC works with young people on campus and in the community in over one hundred countries around the world so that they might have an opportunity to become a follower of Christ and be a part of a local church.

Our writer, Byron Emmert, has been with YFC for over 30 years and has served as Campus Life Staff, in leadership for DCLA, and as an author and speaker. Byron is available for speaking at youth or adult events and conferences. For booking, write to byron@3Story.org.

Byron and his wife Linda live in Minnesota and their family includes two married sons and daughters-in-law, a grandaughter, and a daughter in college. He loves sports, deep dish pizza, and spending time with his family.