Just a Hireling?

“Marriage is by nature a covenant, not just a private contract one may cancel at will. Jesus taught about contractual attitudes when he described the “hireling,” who performs his conditional promise of care only when he receives something in return. When the hireling “seeth the wolf coming,” he “leaveth the sheep, and fleeth … because he … careth not for the sheep.” By contrast, the Savior said, “I am the good shepherd, … and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:12-15)  Many people today marry as hirelings. And when the wolf comes, they flee. This idea is wrong.”  (Hafen, 1996)

I felt the idea of people marring as a hireling interesting.  Elder Hafen gave two examples.  First, is the hireling who preforms his work conditionally with on the promise we will receive something in return.  Do we do this?  Expect something in return in our marriage? 

Second was the example of the hireling who when the going gets tough, walks away because they don’t care for the “sheep”.  Marriage relationships are not easy, or supposed to be easy.  We need to be sacrificing and thinking about the other.  We need to be invested with our whole hearts.  I once heard a man mention that marriage is not 50/50.  Its 100%.  Are we giving marriage our all? 

This particular quote from Elder Hafen is about marriage, but I am sure it applies to all our relationships.  Are we giving them our all?  Do we have patience with the son who is asking for help on a late homework project, or the family member you have offended? 

Are you invested in your relationships or just a hireling?

References

Hafen, B. C. (1996, Nov). Covenant Marriage. Ensign.