God speaks against sexual immorally (1 Cor. 6:9-11, 1 Cor. 6:12-20) and instead commands that if a man and woman are intimate they are joined as one, as one body in Christ. They become a team in all that they do as they grow closer to the Lord. God has given each of us a desire for intimacy, but to misuse or abuse that desire is harmful. God has a different way than the world (Acts 2:40) and when a realtionship is left to follow man's opinion and the world's way, the fruit is rotten and the results are devestating.
James 1:14-15
"But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desires are conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."
1 Corinthians 14:33
"For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints."
The world's way of viewing relationship:
- self-directed and self-centered
- foundation on feelings, sexual desires, and flesh attraction
- focused on the body
- rushes into romance and destructive behavior
- exclusive and posessive
The Lord's way to maintain a relationship:
- spirit directed and god-centered (Psalms 31:3)
- Foundation based on prayer, solid friendship, committment to God, wholesome attraction (1 Cor. 10:31)
- Giving Attitude (Phil. 2:3)
- Focused on the spirit and soul (Galatians 5:16)
- Solid friendships though time and patience (1 Cor. 13:4)
- Includes others (Luke 6:31, 1 Peter 3:8)
If you follow the world's ways in your relationships then you can suffer a weakened relationship with God, an unhealthy body image, insecurity, instability, sorrow, and a lack of fullfillment. If one partner relies solely on the other without a strong relationship and faith with God, it will crack the foundation of the realtionship. If jealousy and argument grab hold of a couple, the couple could falter and stumble over such obstacles. If one partner relies on feelings and self-seeking need, then their partner will not feel fullfilled and neither will they. God is with us, especially when we join together in his worship. A Christian relationship should be made of a team of two joined together to grow in God and build each other up. If you follow the Lord's way, then both partners should grow into a better character (2 Peter 1:5-6), gain a healthy self-image (Psalm 139:14), and gain stability and security. These relationships gain sustaining joy! (Psalm 16:11, Ecc. 2:26)
This doesn't mean that a Christian should shut out relationships that are not following the Lord's way, but should ask forgiveness for their failures in the past for all is forgiven and then work to live in the word of God. I am not a preist, a preacher, or a prophet. I just work to get closer to God and was inspired by a devotional online (http://www.calvaryftl.org/Ministries/Family/Gods-Veiw-On-Relationships.cfm). I do know that God speaks about loving your fellow brother and sister more highly than any other commandment. He wants us to build each other up in his love and love others as we love ourselves. Remember, God finds you worthy of the sacrifice of his only son, therefore love yourselves first for who God has made you, so you can follow his commandment and love your fellow man and your God. (and I say this for myself as well as anyone who wishes to read this)
Psalm 3: 1-8
"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."
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