For many churches at this time of year - or within the next few weeks, the call will go out for financial pledges, flyers on ‘stewardship’ are put up on bulletin boards, posted to the church website, and/or mailed out with pledge forms. Scriptures are quoted to underline the importance of financial giving, such as the widow with two mites, ones that show that investing in God will bring you manifold returns on your investment (e.g. Luke 6:38). Google "Bible verses to use to encourage financial giving" and, oh my, all sorts of programs, lessons, and schemes are listed. Some sites sell their 'proven methods'. Sometimes churches will hire a consultant to work with the church to encourage greater giving, including partnering with retail stores so that a percentage of money spent by churchgoers returns to the church coffers. Given the recent financial times, not to mention increased interest in self and comforts, it is little wonder that for many churches, the Bible principle of ‘stewardship’ is diminished and mocked, referring chiefly to how much a person is willing to give to the church over the course of another period of time. This understanding of stewardship falls excessively short of what the Bible teaches, and can sometimes brink on being unscriptural or just Bible-flavored fundraising. Such misrepresentation may cause churchgoers and Christians to miss out on a wonderful and fundamental experience in their walk with God.
I remember when this truth was driven home to me several years ago, when I began to catch a glimmer of what God’s Word truly teaches on stewardship. One of the members of my congregation testified one Sunday – praise God for the courage and encouragement that the Holy Spirit had on this comparatively new believer! – that he had lost his job, yet he had not lost his faith in God’s promises! He believed God to be the true provider for himself and his family. While the job loss and reduced income required adjustments in spending, he said he could not see himself still not giving God one-tenth of his income. He testified that God had not changed – just his own personal circumstances, and he believed that God would honor his faith in Him to continue to bless his family’s obedience in this regard. Not only did he get new employment, but it is employment that brings enough to sustain the family and allows him to engage in evangelism work through the faith communities to which he belongs.
See, he was teaching us this: Stewardship is founded on love of God, a trusting relationship with Him, leading the believer to express gratitude, faith; he does not see stewardship as merely a ‘financial’ thing. God gave us stewardship of the earth, of our lives and faith, of the relationships within the body of Christ so that as faithful stewards grounded in the sacrificial love of Christ, we see ourselves as what we are – purchased for Christ by His blood and no longer our own (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We see our very lives and existence as coming from God, and that without Him and His grace we are dead spiritually and separated from Him. We owe Him ourselves. As such, all of our life and lifestyle pivots on stewardship of the faith God has given us (Hebrews 12:2), stewardship of the temple of the Spirit - our physical bodies and how we use them to God’s glory, stewardship of the relationships God brings us to, stewardship of the secular and spiritual work that He brings us to – everything in our lives that we encounter call for us to exercise the stewardship role that God has bestowed on us. The joy and wonderment of this is that we are partners with Christ in our stewardship responsibility, we share with Him, we serve with and abide in Christ throughout the remainder of our earthly lives and beyond (John 15; Romans 16:3,9; Romans 8). The rewards of our stewardship can be experienced in this life and in the life to come (Matthew 25:14-30). We are commanded to give ourselves to His kingdom work, which includes proclaiming the good news to our friends, family, coworkers, and others, and making disciples of ourselves and others, and to serve one another in Christ.
Yes, our financial giving is but one aspect of our stewardship, and yet all of our stewardship responsibility is predicated on the same love, thanksgiving, and gratitude, and faith. Our financial giving, though, is an indicator of how we see ourselves before God. Do we believe God is who He says He is? It’s funny – we will give/dedicate our babies and children to God and ask Him to do with them as He wills, yet we are stingy or reticent with our money and will not give to God the one-tenth He asks. Some excuse themselves from the tithing by saying that this was a part of the old Mosaic law and doesn’t apply to Christians. Why not? Jesus’ first coming did not obliterate the principles of the law, of which tithing is one of those principles. His coming fulfilled the redemptive plan of the law. Jesus upheld the principles of the law and expounded on them in the Sermon on the Mount – particularly in Matthew 5. The law pointed to Christ, yet it also underscored the Jews' accountability to God, as it does so for us (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Compare Paul’s inspired account in 2 Corinthians 8 as he identifies the source of the giving by the Macedonians. (In the next chapter in verse 7, Paul uses the word 'cheerful' with respect to the believers' attitude towards giving. The Greek word used here is a derivative of the word for 'hilarious' or 'hilarity' - when was the last time you wrote a check to church which had you falling out of your seat laughing hilariously?) Malachi 3 is not a part of the Mosaic law, and believers are commanded there to bring one tenth of their income into the ‘house of the LORD,’ i.e., we have the supreme privilege of honoring God through our material goods, service and our active faith.
As we look at ourselves through the perspective of God’s Word, we each need to ask ourselves: What kind of steward am I? Do I believe in God’s Word and promises? Have I pledged allegiance to God through the blood sacrifice of Christ and accepted Him as my Savior, Lord and Master – not in word only but through a real transfer of my rights to Him? Have I accepted the honor of partnering with Christ in stewardship? Do my works and actions agree with my answer? (2 Corinthians 13:5)
How does your church approach stewardship?
Monday, September 24, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Sabbath Rest
It's less than two hours before midnight and I'm writing a post about sabbath rest. What does that tell you? God graced us with a period of rest on purpose - we need the un-wind, decompression, refocus and most of all physical rest. He did not make us to be a 24/7 machine. This principle applies universally - a need for adequate rest and refreshment of spirit. We are desperate for sabbath rest whether we admit it or not. Stress takes a chunk out of our lives, leaving us sometimes in emotional distress, and rushes us sooner than we would like to the grave. Our cognitive skills are strained and our bodies' organs must work overtime to compensate for how the stress is affecting us. We retain body fat when living in stress because the body reacts to stress relative to fat the way that squirrels react to the changing fall weather, storing up vittles for themselves. The body clings to the fat. Google "fat and stress" to see the results of research in that area. Scary.
I am one of those persons who needs to be busy. At least, that is what I have been for x# of years. Since I couldn't say no, and did not include sabbath rest in my schedule as a fixed event, it was only a matter of time before I hit the wall so to speak. It's not that I wasn't warned - I was warned countless times. You know -- 'you can't burn a candle at both ends,' 'even Jesus slept' (to which I have cynically replied inaudibly at least once, 'but He arose early'; tsk tsk), and - well, you've heard them all, too. See, sometimes us women of faith think that as long as we are doing ministry and keeping the home fires burning, God is going to keep us going even when we start to violate the parameters (we don't see it as violation - we see it as a failure or some kind of - dare I say it - lack of faith to reject or say no to new challenges that never ever end). I kept thinking, well, that probability of crashing is way off in the future, and besides, I'll be able to tell when I need to stop and wind down. Deception! Even after hitting the burnout phase, thinking that maybe one more year will be ok before I take a vacation or take time off to do nothing, and step down from the responsibility of those things outside of true life necessities (arrrgh - we even blur 'necessities'). An individual with this personality doesn't have guardrails that are reliable. We keep moving them so they have no permanency. Eventually, we will move and move and keep moving and never see the brick wall until it is 2 feet away.
I am a recovering workaholic trying to practice a sabbath rest that works in real time for me - time when I can relax, lay back, read, and not have to be anywhere or required to be doing something. And I don't mean vegetating before the TV necessarily. It's hard, though, to go from 200 mph to 0. Especially the time for exercise - well, I'm supposed to be a steward of my time so why don't I act like it? The reality is that very few of us women who are householders, moms, or business owners, working a night shift, engaged in ministries, and/or any combination of these and other life needs can take a full day 'off' each week. But can we schedule 2 hours two or three times a week that we fix into the calendar to take a sabbath for restoration of our spirits and bodies? If you are graced to do so, could you take a full day once a month or bi-monthly to do something outside of your routine to give yourself a fresh perspective? I won't disrespect anyone reading this and needing sabbath rest in their life to draw a picture of how to do this in 7 easy steps. Each of our circumstances are unique - unfortunately/fortunately, we have to work it out for ourselves in ways that fit our realities. Women of faith need sabbath times especially as an opportunity to commune with our Heavenly Father to strengthen that relationship.
Take the idea of sabbath rest to God in prayer asking Him to give you wisdom in this area of your life. Ask Him to bring into your life women from similar lifestyles and routines as yours who have learned to do sabbath rest so that they can show you how it may work in your life. Ask others to pray for you, too, that you will find a blessing in your effort to establish this in your routine as a way of life, and a way of thanksgiving to God. As the psalmist says boldly in his own stress in Psalm 30: "To you, O LORD, I cried, and to the LORD I made supplication. 'What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness?' Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me! O LORD, be my helper ... you turn mourning into dancing; you take off my sackcloth and clothe me in joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent."
I will listen to my own exhortation and shut down the computer and dim the light. Time for rest.
I am one of those persons who needs to be busy. At least, that is what I have been for x# of years. Since I couldn't say no, and did not include sabbath rest in my schedule as a fixed event, it was only a matter of time before I hit the wall so to speak. It's not that I wasn't warned - I was warned countless times. You know -- 'you can't burn a candle at both ends,' 'even Jesus slept' (to which I have cynically replied inaudibly at least once, 'but He arose early'; tsk tsk), and - well, you've heard them all, too. See, sometimes us women of faith think that as long as we are doing ministry and keeping the home fires burning, God is going to keep us going even when we start to violate the parameters (we don't see it as violation - we see it as a failure or some kind of - dare I say it - lack of faith to reject or say no to new challenges that never ever end). I kept thinking, well, that probability of crashing is way off in the future, and besides, I'll be able to tell when I need to stop and wind down. Deception! Even after hitting the burnout phase, thinking that maybe one more year will be ok before I take a vacation or take time off to do nothing, and step down from the responsibility of those things outside of true life necessities (arrrgh - we even blur 'necessities'). An individual with this personality doesn't have guardrails that are reliable. We keep moving them so they have no permanency. Eventually, we will move and move and keep moving and never see the brick wall until it is 2 feet away.
I am a recovering workaholic trying to practice a sabbath rest that works in real time for me - time when I can relax, lay back, read, and not have to be anywhere or required to be doing something. And I don't mean vegetating before the TV necessarily. It's hard, though, to go from 200 mph to 0. Especially the time for exercise - well, I'm supposed to be a steward of my time so why don't I act like it? The reality is that very few of us women who are householders, moms, or business owners, working a night shift, engaged in ministries, and/or any combination of these and other life needs can take a full day 'off' each week. But can we schedule 2 hours two or three times a week that we fix into the calendar to take a sabbath for restoration of our spirits and bodies? If you are graced to do so, could you take a full day once a month or bi-monthly to do something outside of your routine to give yourself a fresh perspective? I won't disrespect anyone reading this and needing sabbath rest in their life to draw a picture of how to do this in 7 easy steps. Each of our circumstances are unique - unfortunately/fortunately, we have to work it out for ourselves in ways that fit our realities. Women of faith need sabbath times especially as an opportunity to commune with our Heavenly Father to strengthen that relationship.
Take the idea of sabbath rest to God in prayer asking Him to give you wisdom in this area of your life. Ask Him to bring into your life women from similar lifestyles and routines as yours who have learned to do sabbath rest so that they can show you how it may work in your life. Ask others to pray for you, too, that you will find a blessing in your effort to establish this in your routine as a way of life, and a way of thanksgiving to God. As the psalmist says boldly in his own stress in Psalm 30: "To you, O LORD, I cried, and to the LORD I made supplication. 'What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness?' Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me! O LORD, be my helper ... you turn mourning into dancing; you take off my sackcloth and clothe me in joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent."
I will listen to my own exhortation and shut down the computer and dim the light. Time for rest.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Women who Create are Women who can Bless!
Women of faith are some of the most creative women around. Many use their God-given talents for both pleasure and for ministry. The skills are as diverse as are the women who practice them. One of my favorites is sewing. I am most glad when I am able to use it for ministry, and for giving to others. Also, cooking, gardening and giving away the 'fruits' of my labor. I am amazed at the skills and natural gifts of women in my congregation. They sew, knit, crochet, draw, cook/bake, sing, you name it. The principle of God blessing us with good things and abilities so that we may become a blessing to others is important to remember because it reflects who we are in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15).
I was reminded of these things when my daughter brought me back the heirloom dresses I had made for my granddaughter several years ago. I have not taken the time in a very long time to create in my sewing room - only to supply. I had forgotten what God had given me to use, and I praise Him for reminding me. It is a double blessing for us to express our natural gifts freely - we are blessed in the opportunity for increased intimacy with God as we create, and those who will view or receive the beautiful work of our hands will also be blessed.
I have a friend who used her God-given talents in sewing and needlecraft to teach young women who are learning to re-orient their lives to care for themselves and their child. Her gift of sewing machines, time, fabric and supplies, not to mention of herself and her time are a real inspiration. And the blessing has impacted the young women by building their self-confidence as they realize that they have a hidden and valuable talent, offering them a new skill for self-maintenance and for creating for their child and/or future home, a creative outlet for their energies, and possible income source. My friend not only gave blessings - she created a legacy.
What do you create? How have you used your natural God-given talents to serve others?
For those who cook, any favorite recipes?
I was reminded of these things when my daughter brought me back the heirloom dresses I had made for my granddaughter several years ago. I have not taken the time in a very long time to create in my sewing room - only to supply. I had forgotten what God had given me to use, and I praise Him for reminding me. It is a double blessing for us to express our natural gifts freely - we are blessed in the opportunity for increased intimacy with God as we create, and those who will view or receive the beautiful work of our hands will also be blessed.
I have a friend who used her God-given talents in sewing and needlecraft to teach young women who are learning to re-orient their lives to care for themselves and their child. Her gift of sewing machines, time, fabric and supplies, not to mention of herself and her time are a real inspiration. And the blessing has impacted the young women by building their self-confidence as they realize that they have a hidden and valuable talent, offering them a new skill for self-maintenance and for creating for their child and/or future home, a creative outlet for their energies, and possible income source. My friend not only gave blessings - she created a legacy.
What do you create? How have you used your natural God-given talents to serve others?
For those who cook, any favorite recipes?
"Lawd Jesus, a fire!"
There is a video on youtube that went viral a few months ago. It was an interview with a woman awakened by a fire in her apartment building complex. When she fully awakened to what was going on around her, she remarked, "Lawd Jesus, a fire!"
That expression has stuck with me in a special way. Going through various trials, I know from whence my help comes. I cannot linger in discouragement. "I lift my eyes to the hills -- from where will my help come? My help comes from the LORD, maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121 is one of those scriptural passages we need in our face daily to help us recall that when the fires of trials come to us that God has allowed, and we cry out "lawd Jesus, a fire!" and pray in the will of the Father, He will hear us. Our God who never sleeps, who keeps us from destructive evil that would try us beyond what He allows, our God who can keep our life for eternity, who keeps us in view marking our going out and coming in now and forevermore is able to do these things and come to the help of those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:18). I encourage you today to keep the psalm close and the Lord closer. Peace and joy from the Spirit of Christ.
That expression has stuck with me in a special way. Going through various trials, I know from whence my help comes. I cannot linger in discouragement. "I lift my eyes to the hills -- from where will my help come? My help comes from the LORD, maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121 is one of those scriptural passages we need in our face daily to help us recall that when the fires of trials come to us that God has allowed, and we cry out "lawd Jesus, a fire!" and pray in the will of the Father, He will hear us. Our God who never sleeps, who keeps us from destructive evil that would try us beyond what He allows, our God who can keep our life for eternity, who keeps us in view marking our going out and coming in now and forevermore is able to do these things and come to the help of those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:18). I encourage you today to keep the psalm close and the Lord closer. Peace and joy from the Spirit of Christ.
Monday, September 3, 2012
"Dating" Christ - Advice to my single sisters
My sisters,
Before you get apoplectic and begin to question my theology (that's the nicest way I could put it), know that I am not speaking as the world speaks of "dating". The idea of dating for this world has moved from using the time to know a person's character and essence to a mere encounter and sleeping with someone. I can say more on this subject, and I will later, but I'm talking about an old Queen's English expression for dating or seeing someone: walking out with so and so. The "walking out with" inferred that it was an exclusive relationship, one that actually involved walking around with someone as well as seeking to know him or her better, to know their character, etc.
Many women - both young and older alike - frustratedly move through life single, desiring to be linked to someone with whom they can share their lives. Christian women are no different. There is nothing wrong with this desire, for God created us to be capable of finding love and companionship with a mate. In fact, after the Fall, one of the consequences to befall the female race was that our "desire and craving will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." (Genesis 3:16 AMP) Many of us truly crave for a husband to be in our lives, so much so - and I'm talking of us Christian women - that we will grab the first person in britches who looks 'respekkable' as my girl friend says, who appears to be enough of a man of God, who kind of resembles that. And who can blame us? Everything about us cries 'coupling' - music, movies, television, books, and in some cases culture. Ancient cultures of the Middle East, the Far East, Africa and elsewhere shape the outlook and desired future for women of those cultures - to be married and settled is a primary goal, an ultimate fulfillment and affirmation, followed by a very fruitful womb. I recall speaking recently in a group of women from various cultures, and one of my African sisters who now lived in the western metropolitan culture with its stressful demanding insistence on two-paycheck households, reflected how blessed she was to have several children - even though it often proves difficult to raise and discipline them in this foreign culture estranged from the 'norms' of her mother country. Others have spoken of their need to be married by a certain age, and begin in their early teens learning and preparing for such a future role. The complexities of living in this hemisphere are so demanding mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, with its high cost of living and need for both woman and man to earn a paycheck in the household, unless of course, the man is very well set in his career, and for the woman to put all of that education she received to 'good use'. Some of us Christian women find it hard to locate a man who can fulfill our - and I'm going to say it even though you will holler - unrealistic dreams of Prince Charming with all of the necessary credentials. We often put forth great energy, and great $$ storefronts (clothing, beauty shop, etc.) to be ever ready for 'catching' the One.
Is that really what God wants for you - frustration, endless toil, conflict with your spirit and the Holy Spirit, raising the search to almost idol proportions? To what limits will this lust for a husband push us? Once you charm Mr. Good enough, will he be able to keep you strong in Christ and encourage your spiritual growth and intimacy with Him, hold your hand and with him step into eternity with Christ?
To my Christian sisters who are still single and feeling tempted to break through the moral barriers or guardrails God has established in His Word for us for our protection so that we can experience the best in life, let me point you to something beyond our immediate, and in the face of eternity, temporary fleshly cravings. Walk first with Christ - 'date' Him and grow in relationship with Him first. Get to learn His desires for you, His will for your life. I recently heard a Christian man admit to the world that he was a virgin in his single life because his Godly mother had instilled Christ in him, and he had walked with Christ until, in His will, He brought him to his mate for life. He was 37 years old before he was married, and think of the beautiful story he could tell his wife: that he remained pure for her, that he waited to give the gift of intimacy to the one whom God would choose for him. How powerful an aphrodisiac is that ladies? Will our stories be similar?
Have you 'dated' or walked out with Christ - or more specifically, walked with and in Christ? I don't just mean going to church regular and looking for Mr. Right in the pews, or even being a churchgoer and maybe getting on this or that church committee and/or doing all things churchy. I'm referring to putting Christ first in your life - before the pursuit of that man, so that your focus is first in getting to know the Christ of the Bible (not the version we are taught by the world to believe). Seriously, do you think God has brought you into the world simply to copulate and fulfill fleshly desires? Did He save us through His blood to satisfy ourselves first and foremost?
No! We are told to seek Christ's kingdom first, then everything we need for life in Christ will be given to us. (Matthew 6:33) Christ calls us for a 'date' - not the other way around! Notice the underlying principle in that truth. (Romans 1:6; Hebrews 12:2) He invites us to walk out with Him, to walk in His light - His countenance and character. (1 John 1:6-7) He invites us to desire a heart for Him. (Ephesians 3:16-17) He invites us to walk in His truth and His life (John 14:6; 3 John 3,4; 1 John 5:12; Romans 6:4). He tells us what "dress" pleases Him (Ephesians 4:18-24, Revelation 3:4), and that He desires us to walk in His name - to know true intimacy with Him by taking on His name (Zechariah 10:12, John 20:31, Colossians 3:17, Revelation 22:14). He asks us to walk in His Holy Spirit and grow an attitude for Him (Romans 8:4; Ephesians 5:8,10; Philippians 2:10-11) He invites us to ask of Him good things (Luke 11:13; 1 John 5:14) He is able to 'elevate' us to the highest levels, to give us treasure beyond imagining (Ephesians 1:3,4; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Colossians 2:2-4 KJV) He promises us that He will make all things of our life and in our life work together for good - He wants only the best for our lives - if we love Him. (Romans 8:28; John 10:10)
These truths are not a 'placeholder' until a man comes along. Like God doesn't know our true motives. When we put Christ first and foremost, if it is His will for us to marry, He will guide us to the correct mate (compare Psalm 25:4, 5, 12). Can you think of anyone more qualified to do this? No matchmaker at any price can lead you to the one God has chosen for you, one in whom with Christ you will delight (compare Proverbs 5). We can ask Christ for a God-fearing mate because as a believer He does not want us to be unevenly yoked to a person who does not also put Christ first in his life. (2 Corinthians 6:14) These words God has given us for our benefit, so that we can experience the best that He has for us. (Colossians 2:6-7; Proverbs 8:32-26)
My single sisters in Christ: Do not forsake or reject these words - it will be sure to bring your unhappiness. (Proverbs 4:2, 20-22) Wait on the Lord and walk with Christ, for He is your true future. (Psalm 27:14; Psalm 130:5; Lamentations 3:25; Micah 7:7; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Philippians 3:20; Jude 21; compare Romans 8:18, 2 Timothy 4:8) I can tell you from personal experience and going my own way to find Mr. Good enough, that the Word of God always proves true regardless - and that truth is absolute. May your hearts be filled with the peace of Christ as you let Him call on you, and that you take Him up on His offer to walk out with Him.
Before you get apoplectic and begin to question my theology (that's the nicest way I could put it), know that I am not speaking as the world speaks of "dating". The idea of dating for this world has moved from using the time to know a person's character and essence to a mere encounter and sleeping with someone. I can say more on this subject, and I will later, but I'm talking about an old Queen's English expression for dating or seeing someone: walking out with so and so. The "walking out with" inferred that it was an exclusive relationship, one that actually involved walking around with someone as well as seeking to know him or her better, to know their character, etc.
Many women - both young and older alike - frustratedly move through life single, desiring to be linked to someone with whom they can share their lives. Christian women are no different. There is nothing wrong with this desire, for God created us to be capable of finding love and companionship with a mate. In fact, after the Fall, one of the consequences to befall the female race was that our "desire and craving will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." (Genesis 3:16 AMP) Many of us truly crave for a husband to be in our lives, so much so - and I'm talking of us Christian women - that we will grab the first person in britches who looks 'respekkable' as my girl friend says, who appears to be enough of a man of God, who kind of resembles that. And who can blame us? Everything about us cries 'coupling' - music, movies, television, books, and in some cases culture. Ancient cultures of the Middle East, the Far East, Africa and elsewhere shape the outlook and desired future for women of those cultures - to be married and settled is a primary goal, an ultimate fulfillment and affirmation, followed by a very fruitful womb. I recall speaking recently in a group of women from various cultures, and one of my African sisters who now lived in the western metropolitan culture with its stressful demanding insistence on two-paycheck households, reflected how blessed she was to have several children - even though it often proves difficult to raise and discipline them in this foreign culture estranged from the 'norms' of her mother country. Others have spoken of their need to be married by a certain age, and begin in their early teens learning and preparing for such a future role. The complexities of living in this hemisphere are so demanding mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, with its high cost of living and need for both woman and man to earn a paycheck in the household, unless of course, the man is very well set in his career, and for the woman to put all of that education she received to 'good use'. Some of us Christian women find it hard to locate a man who can fulfill our - and I'm going to say it even though you will holler - unrealistic dreams of Prince Charming with all of the necessary credentials. We often put forth great energy, and great $$ storefronts (clothing, beauty shop, etc.) to be ever ready for 'catching' the One.
Is that really what God wants for you - frustration, endless toil, conflict with your spirit and the Holy Spirit, raising the search to almost idol proportions? To what limits will this lust for a husband push us? Once you charm Mr. Good enough, will he be able to keep you strong in Christ and encourage your spiritual growth and intimacy with Him, hold your hand and with him step into eternity with Christ?
To my Christian sisters who are still single and feeling tempted to break through the moral barriers or guardrails God has established in His Word for us for our protection so that we can experience the best in life, let me point you to something beyond our immediate, and in the face of eternity, temporary fleshly cravings. Walk first with Christ - 'date' Him and grow in relationship with Him first. Get to learn His desires for you, His will for your life. I recently heard a Christian man admit to the world that he was a virgin in his single life because his Godly mother had instilled Christ in him, and he had walked with Christ until, in His will, He brought him to his mate for life. He was 37 years old before he was married, and think of the beautiful story he could tell his wife: that he remained pure for her, that he waited to give the gift of intimacy to the one whom God would choose for him. How powerful an aphrodisiac is that ladies? Will our stories be similar?
Have you 'dated' or walked out with Christ - or more specifically, walked with and in Christ? I don't just mean going to church regular and looking for Mr. Right in the pews, or even being a churchgoer and maybe getting on this or that church committee and/or doing all things churchy. I'm referring to putting Christ first in your life - before the pursuit of that man, so that your focus is first in getting to know the Christ of the Bible (not the version we are taught by the world to believe). Seriously, do you think God has brought you into the world simply to copulate and fulfill fleshly desires? Did He save us through His blood to satisfy ourselves first and foremost?
No! We are told to seek Christ's kingdom first, then everything we need for life in Christ will be given to us. (Matthew 6:33) Christ calls us for a 'date' - not the other way around! Notice the underlying principle in that truth. (Romans 1:6; Hebrews 12:2) He invites us to walk out with Him, to walk in His light - His countenance and character. (1 John 1:6-7) He invites us to desire a heart for Him. (Ephesians 3:16-17) He invites us to walk in His truth and His life (John 14:6; 3 John 3,4; 1 John 5:12; Romans 6:4). He tells us what "dress" pleases Him (Ephesians 4:18-24, Revelation 3:4), and that He desires us to walk in His name - to know true intimacy with Him by taking on His name (Zechariah 10:12, John 20:31, Colossians 3:17, Revelation 22:14). He asks us to walk in His Holy Spirit and grow an attitude for Him (Romans 8:4; Ephesians 5:8,10; Philippians 2:10-11) He invites us to ask of Him good things (Luke 11:13; 1 John 5:14) He is able to 'elevate' us to the highest levels, to give us treasure beyond imagining (Ephesians 1:3,4; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Colossians 2:2-4 KJV) He promises us that He will make all things of our life and in our life work together for good - He wants only the best for our lives - if we love Him. (Romans 8:28; John 10:10)
These truths are not a 'placeholder' until a man comes along. Like God doesn't know our true motives. When we put Christ first and foremost, if it is His will for us to marry, He will guide us to the correct mate (compare Psalm 25:4, 5, 12). Can you think of anyone more qualified to do this? No matchmaker at any price can lead you to the one God has chosen for you, one in whom with Christ you will delight (compare Proverbs 5). We can ask Christ for a God-fearing mate because as a believer He does not want us to be unevenly yoked to a person who does not also put Christ first in his life. (2 Corinthians 6:14) These words God has given us for our benefit, so that we can experience the best that He has for us. (Colossians 2:6-7; Proverbs 8:32-26)
My single sisters in Christ: Do not forsake or reject these words - it will be sure to bring your unhappiness. (Proverbs 4:2, 20-22) Wait on the Lord and walk with Christ, for He is your true future. (Psalm 27:14; Psalm 130:5; Lamentations 3:25; Micah 7:7; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Philippians 3:20; Jude 21; compare Romans 8:18, 2 Timothy 4:8) I can tell you from personal experience and going my own way to find Mr. Good enough, that the Word of God always proves true regardless - and that truth is absolute. May your hearts be filled with the peace of Christ as you let Him call on you, and that you take Him up on His offer to walk out with Him.
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