Church of Christ
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Bobby Stafford |
Choosing A Mate |
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Marriage |
Choosing A Mate
Introduction:
Dr. Laura Schlesinger hosts a nationally syndicated talk show.
Although Dr. Laura is not someone that provides good advice in
matters of religion, since she is a practicing Jew, she is a much
needed voice for morals and objective standards in today’s society.
She speaks out against divorce, sex outside of marriage, abuse, and
many of the social ills in which people engage in and then later
lament the poor choice that they have made.
On
one program a 20-year-old woman called Dr. Laura about concerns
regarding her impending wedding. She informed Dr. Laura that she
and the groom-to-be were of different religions. She is a
Methodist, and her fiancé is a member of the church of Christ. Dr.
Laura appeared to know nothing about either church. She asked if
there was a big difference between the two, to which the young lady
replied that there was indeed.
Dr. Laura recommended against the marriage, which is consistent with
her previous advice that she has given on the air. Her reasons for
this are her concerns for how the children will be raised and the
confusion and disunity that the family will ultimately be subjected
to. She believes (and rightfully so) that it is not worth the
strife and turmoil that inevitably occurs in a two religion
household. Perhaps she acquired that wisdom from the prophet Amos.
(Amos
3:3)
Then the woman happily told Dr. Laura that this would not be a
problem because they had decided to abandon both churches and attend
a Presbyterian church together. Upon hearing this, my heart sank
for this young man and his family. This young man, who had been
brought up in the Lord’s church was now willing to abandon his
salvation for the love of a future bride. Does the name Solomon
mean anything here? (I
Kings 11:4)
Imagine the heartbreak of these parents who raised this young man
and now must watch him depart into apostasy, attending the services
of a church that the Lord Jesus did not purchase with His own
blood. (Acts
20:28)
And all of this just to please his wife, who has no clue about the
distinctiveness of the church. She has, no doubt, been raised under
the umbrella, that “one church is just as good as another.” Yet,
this young man knows better and has willingly forsaken God to please
his wife and his own desires.
Randy Robinson
Body:
I.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Mate
-
God intends
for marriage to last a lifetime. (Romans
7:2-3)
This is a commitment! (Matthew
19:3-6)
-
Finding a
mate that’s a Christian greatly improves the chances of parents
and children remaining faithful. Note: (Deuteronomy
7:1-4,
Nehemiah 13:23-27)
Marrying a Christian is marrying someone who will help you and
your children go to heaven. A Christian understands the
importance of church attendance and the unique nature of the
Lord’s church.
II.
What To Look for in a Wife
(Proverbs
12:4)
-
Look on the
inside. (I
Peter 3:3-4)
-
Look for a
woman who understands the differences in roles. (I
Peter 3:1-2, 5-6)
-
Look for a
woman who is discrete. (Proverbs
11:22)
She must have the ability to make good judgments, to say the
right things, to control her tongue. (Proverbs
14:1)
-
Look for a
woman who builds up and does not tear down. (Proverbs
14:1)
-
Avoid a
quarrelsome (contentious) woman. (Proverbs
27:15-16,
Proverbs 21:9, 19)
-
Ask for
God’s help. (Proverbs
18:22, Proverbs 19:14)
These are a few
of the qualities to look for in a future wife.
III. What To Look for in a Husband
-
Look for a
man who is able to control anger. (Proverbs
14:29)
He must not be quick-tempered. (Proverbs
22:24-25)
-
Look for a
man who is not a “womanizer.” (Proverbs
6:27-28)
-
Avoid
someone who drinks. (Proverbs
23:29-30)
This is true for any type of drug . . .
-
Note what
kind of friends he has. (Proverbs
13:20, James 4:4)
-
Does he
help others? (Proverbs
21:13)
These are some
of the things to be concerned about when choosing a husband.
Conclusion:
Don’t make
impulsive decisions. (Proverbs
19:2)
Choosing a mate is the second most important decision you will ever
make. Of course, choosing to obey the Lord is the most important
decision.
Bobby Stafford
October 21,
2012
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