lifesong
Everyone needs compassion
And love that never fails
Let mercy fall on me
When everyone needs forgiveness
Kindness of the Saviour
The Hope of the nation
Saviour, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
So take me as you find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything that i believe in
Now i surrender
Shine a light in and
let the whole world see
Singing, for the glory of the risen king
Jesus, Shine a light and
let the whole world see
Singing for the glory of the risen king
Thursday, October 11, 2007
-12:23 AM
courtship.marriage.sex.purity
This is something meant to be written soon after True Relationships Night, but anyway, let's get on with it... I know some of you think you're too young for this, but most of you are gonna get a boyfriend/girlfriend and then get married one day!!! So yes, I think this is extremely appropriate! :P
Point #1: Your boyfriend/girlfriend must be a ChristianPlease don't think I'm saying that non-Christians are no good.. That is soo NOT what I'm saying. In fact, they're people just like us.
But here's the crunch:
They're focus is not God, Your focus is God!
In other words, you are both headed for different journeys.
I know it's (very) nice when your heart's always skipping a beat, when your mind's always dancing somewhere else, and when you have someone to pay you exclusive attention.
But please never get into a relationship just because of the romance.
As a wise friend of mine once said, "are you in love with the person, or are you in love with being in love?"
Then what's the point of getting together??? Well, read on down this blog and you'll find out! :)
I know some people may say, "well, my non-Christian boyfriend/girlfriend will eventually get to know Jesus... it'll be alright in the end." Please don't be deluded.
What if they don't?
Besides, if he/she is really the ONE, why can't you wait for them to receive Christ before pursuing the relationship?
Scripture says it very clearly:
"she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord." (1 Cor. 7: 39)Point #2: Courtship & MarriageMaybe you think I'm being old-school, but I really believe you go into a relationship with your boyfriend/girlfriend with the intention of marrying them.
Please DON'T ever go into a relationship thinking, "well, I'll see how this goes..."
What may seem like fun to you, may actually be something really serious to your boyfriend/girlfriend.
Courtship's a time when you start to get to know your boyfriend/girlfriend better. And yes, enjoy the romance! :)
And now, let's talk about marriage.
Marriage is not an end-point in itself, it's another part of your journey.
And contrary to what the world says, marriage is NOT a contract nor a piece of paper.
A contract says "if you do this, I will do this in return".
You know what this means? It means conditional love.
Whereas God intended marriage to be a
covenant of love, where two people walk together with a
common vision.
Love within a marriage is unconditional. That means no matter what happens, you stick together.
Please note, love is not a feeling. Love is an action, love is a choice. Love says, "I may not be feeling very nice to you at the moment, but because I love you, and I cherish you, and I esteem you, I will do my best to please you."
According to the Bible,
"love never fails" (1 Cor. 13: 8). [Go check out
1 Cor. 13: 4-8a and you'll find out that love is not about doing what you're feeling, but despite how you feel sometimes, to do what is pleasing in God's sight.]
Point #3: No sex before marriageI'm sorry if I sound really blunt, but you're all mature enough to take it. Ha!
"For this reason (marriage) a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." (Genesis 2: 24)"One flesh"--> Yes, it refers to the physical act. But more than that, it also refers to a tie between two souls.
But what if you've done it before? Does that mean there's no hope?
You know, God is a God who loves. Yes, He hates sin, but He's also a forgiving God.
This is what King David wrote after he had committed adultery...
"wash me, and I will be whiter than snow" (Psalm 51:7b)What has happened, just let it go. What matters is whether you have given all the past to God.
And remember this,
"there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).
Point #4: PurityFollowing on from point #3, I want to talk also about purity in your heart and mind, not just physical purity.
Jesus said,
"I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matt. 5: 28)Girls, before you think this is an issue for guys only, think again.
Obviously, porn is not a good thing. But it's only one part.
Purity of mind is not only a guy problem.
As long as you are a human being, the devil is soo going to assault you with sexual thoughts.
Know that
"no temptation has seized you except what is common to man" (1 Cor. 10: 13a).
But also remember that
"when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up to it" (1 Cor. 10: 13c).
If you're struggling in this area, please don't feel guilty about it.
Just lay it down before God, just tell Him you have a problem in this area.
It's not gonna be easy, 'cause the devil is gonna put such a heavy fight to keep you trapped. But you know what? God will be on your side.
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8: 31)If you're struggling in this area, please pray with me...
"Dear Lord, in Your Name Lord Jesus, I break the power of sin in me. Father, wash me clean. I know that by your blood, I have
complete freedom and healing in Your Name. I repent from all these wrong thoughts and actions. But Father, I know Your love washes me clean. I know that You love me, and You forgive me. Help me Lord and thank You. Amen!"
And whenever Satan tries to come against you with those thoughts. Know you have a choice. Choose to praise God instead!
(By the way, Joey has a really good book on this topic.)
Point #5: What to do if you really really like someone?Well, get together! Just kidding. Much as I really love seeing people getting attached,
SEEK GOD ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!! And, seek
godly counsel from your parents, leaders and/or friends whom you know are man and women of God. Do understand we are not trying to control you. But understand that I don't want any of you to miss out what God has planned for you! If after praying and fasting and praying and laying down your will and seeking counsel and praying and praying and fasting and praying and praying somemore and you are confident and sure that it is within God's will, then go for it!
Well, hope I didn't kill you with this very long post. Any questions, or anything at all, know that we are here to support you. So ask away!
Love ya all!
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