This weekend my pastor, Tim Anderson, preached a fantastic message on what to look for in a mate. Getting engaged is a huge step; it is this transition from courtship to engagement that sometimes causes major anxiety.
How do you know you have found the right one? Let’s ask Pastor Tim Anderson.
I believe that next to being born-again in Jesus Christ, the next most important decision in your life will be who you will marry.
I. You Must Have a Spiritual Connection (2 Corinthians 6:14)
If marriage is supposed to be about the mystery of the union between Christ and the Church, why on earth would you marry an unbeliever?
If you marry an unbeliever you are setting yourself up for an unspiritual marriage.
Missionary dating is not a valid avenue because we cannot change anyone, only Christ can. If you marry an unbeliever they are more likely to change you than you are to change them.
If you end up married to an unbeliever you need to stay married and be willing to be miserable until God takes care of the situation.
II. You Need a Life Purpose Connection (Amos 3:3)
If you are to share your life with someone else, you need to be going the same direction; you need to be in agreement.
Too many peoples’ God given dreams have to die because they decided to marry someone who was not going in the same direction. This often causes bitterness and resentment. If someone’s dream has to die, then don’t get married.
You need to be aware of what the other person believes and practices; if there are major differences that cause friction now…they will cause much more later.
III. Seven Point Marriage Connection Checklist
1. Begin with a personal connection with Jesus yourself.
2. Make a commitment to God’s standard in a partner.
3. Refuse to date until your emotional hurts are healed.
4. Clarify your life mission first.
5. Get involved with a church family and connect with other godly people.
6. Go slow.
7. Get premarital counseling
This confirms everything I have written about so far. If you are going to get married, then you need to have been making sure that your life and Christ’s life/your life and his/her life are on the same page.
This will keep you from having to get engaged, begin wedding plans, and end up calling the whole thing off.
To Be Continued: Next Time – Being Engaged is Like Running a Marathon
Do you agree with my pastor’s sermon? If so, why?
Filed under: What's Love Got to Do With It?
