But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
The saying that not all can receive is the disciples' conclusion that it is good not to marry. Not everyone can accept that idea, for the ability to live unmarried is given to some and is not required of all.
Those who live unmarried do so in three ways: by birth or constitution, by human action including mutilation, and by voluntary choice for the kingdom of heaven. Such persons are different, not better than others, and marriage remains necessary despite the spread of sin. Those blinded to spiritual truth cannot receive the instruction about marriage and divorce.
The teaching restores marriage to the original order established in Eden, which was not to be departed from, so that polygamy is evil and wrong. By the same principle, the command to the rich young man to sell his possessions and follow was not to be followed in exactly the same way by everyone. He could not follow rightly while his heart stayed attached to wealth, and each person must give up whatever competes with devotion.
The call to give up everything and follow is not given in the same way to everyone, for the rich young man was called to become a herald and evangelist, while others may keep homes and property, including to support the cause, as each responds faithfully to particular direction. As a general principle, not everyone can accept a teaching or way of life, but only those to whom it is given. Applied to dress, those able to receive the counsel should give up superfluous and showy clothing and ornaments, since even small self-indulgence can harm the soul.
The saying that not all can receive is the disciples' conclusion that it is good not to marry. Not everyone can accept that idea, for the ability to live unmarried is given to some and is not required of all.
Those who live unmarried do so in three ways: by birth or constitution, by human action including mutilation, and by voluntary choice for the kingdom of heaven. Such persons are different, not better than others, and marriage remains necessary despite the spread of sin. Those blinded to spiritual truth cannot receive the instruction about marriage and divorce.
The teaching restores marriage to the original order established in Eden, which was not to be departed from, so that polygamy is evil and wrong. By the same principle, the command to the rich young man to sell his possessions and follow was not to be followed in exactly the same way by everyone. He could not follow rightly while his heart stayed attached to wealth, and each person must give up whatever competes with devotion.
The call to give up everything and follow is not given in the same way to everyone, for the rich young man was called to become a herald and evangelist, while others may keep homes and property, including to support the cause, as each responds faithfully to particular direction. As a general principle, not everyone can accept a teaching or way of life, but only those to whom it is given. Applied to dress, those able to receive the counsel should give up superfluous and showy clothing and ornaments, since even small self-indulgence can harm the soul.