TRUE LOVE WAITS...PART 1
I was starting to write this blog about 2 weeks ago, but then as I was putting it together I decided I would read a book I got for Christmas called "Before you meet Prince Charming" By Sarah Mally! The book was very good. What I think I am going to do is summarize different points from each chapter throughout the next few blogs.
"When it comes right down to it, are you truly willing to make the required sacrifices to wait for God's best?"
"Temptation in this area of boy/girl relationships is one of the biggest snares that the enemy uses to damage the lives and testimonies of Christian young people. Many lives have been destroyed. Many others have survived only with scars,pain, and heartache. A true princess realizes this danger and understands her own need to be protected. This is not evidence of weakness or fear, but rather it is evidence of true courage. It requires courage to do things God's way, to wait for His timing, and to trust that He will bring you and your life partner together according to His perfect plan. It takes courage to obey when you do not understand."
In regards to the dating system here was a list that contrasted the Worlds way and God's way
1) People date in order to have a good time right now. Many times the're not actually planning to get married. This is a crucial point.: They are not planning long-term commitment. But why date and get attached to someone who is not going to be your life partner? Dating is thinking about fun now rather than loyalty to your one lifelong partner and the joy of the best marriage later.
The Worlds Way: is now oriented
God's way: is future oriented
2) Most young people plan to date a number of different individuals in order to get to know a variety of people--and then pick the best one to marry. What they fail to realize is that the process that forms bonds begins with the very first relationship. Then the break-up process is very painful.
The Worlds way: involves separation
God's way: involves no separation.
3) Much of the dating we see today is "me oriented" (to being me security, enjoyment, fulfillment, etc.) and often leaves hurt and pain in the lives of others. True love always puts others first and focuses on their needs.
The Worlds way: is to get.
God's way: is to give.
4) People start dating long before they are considering marriage. Just think of all the "dating" that happens even in elementary or middle school. Boys and girls date because it's a thrill or a tempting experiment-- not because they are committed to this person.
The Worlds way: Is for Pleasure
God's way: is for Commitment.
5) The Bible does not give any positive examples of anything even close to dating. In our modern world, everyone is comfortable with the dating system simply because it's what everyone does.
The World's way: is built on human thinking, tradition, and culture.
God's way: is always based on the Word of God--Biblical standards, principles, and goals.
6) People date, planning to break up if things don't work out. This seems like practice for divorce, not marriage!
The World's way: is temporary
God's way: is Permanent
"A good way to sum up this list would be to say that dating, as we know it in America, tends to follow the Patterns of the flesh (our earthly self which is weak and naturally sinful). But our goal is to follow God's way--The pattern of the Spirit. The Rivalry between the flesh and the Spirit is a basic theme that is evident throughout scripture. The flesh seeks to control, but it is the Spirit that must dominate. Dating is a good example of this rivalry."
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." Galatians 5:16-17
I know many people that are not satisfied in this season of singleness that the Lord has them in....Feeling that they have no purpose because Mr. Right hasn't come along yet. Wasting away the time in their single years and not redeeming it. My encouragement to them, as well as to any of you reading this is, don't waste this GIFT of singleness. Yes, I said GIFT!!!! =) =)
You don't have to date someone to find out that you wouldn't want to marry that person. Don't think that you have to date an individual in order to find out if you guys would be compatible. It's such a lie. I won't hit on that too much right now. But I will get to it! =)
The world will encourage you in this time to date and have fun, your young, enjoy yourself, it's not a big deal...We live in the here and now and don't give much thought to the future. Its not worth it. This dating game is dangerous...You don't want to carry a bunch of baggage with you to the altar on your wedding day. Be wise, be discerning. Seek the Word of God, trust in His sovereign plan, and know that He is in complete control. His timing is perfect! =)
On the next entry I will be sharing the chapter on "Guarding your heart"
