Its gotta be
More like falling in love
Than something to believe in
More like losing my heart
Than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out
Come take a look at me now
Its like I’m falling, Ohhhh
Its like I’m falling in love
Jason Gray- “More Like Falling in Love”
I don’t know Jason Gray and I don’t know his heart or his motives for writing this song; in fact I think Jason is just echoing a popular sentiment. He wants a relationship with Jesus that is more emotional and infatuated than some doctrine, creed, or dogma to believe in. He wants it to be like losing himself rather than surrendering or pledging his allegiance to some cause or government.
He is not the only one.
This song deeply offends me; not because I think Jason is trying to purposely offend or be heretical; he’s not. It offends me because this is what we think love is in our day. If we wish to continue to be devoted to Jesus we seem to have to infatuated with him; if he is not attractive, then why commit?
I know Jesus is infinitely attractive in what he offers all of us in himself, that is not the point. The point is love is viewed as being legitimate as long as it holds attraction, happiness, and pleasure…when it doesn’t? Well, then it could not be love, right? I must have “fallen out of love” if none of that is present! Thus then we have to ask the question, “What’s love got to do with it?”
But this is wrong and I hope that this study of love and relationships has challenged you to think rightly about what love, commitment, covenant, purity, and trust really require of each of us: sacrifice…death.
But before we wrap this up; I would like to leave you with some takeaway.
1. Never ever settle for someone who loves you conditionally; only join yourself with someone who loves you with Christ’s unconditional love.
No guy or girl is perfect, but if they are not trying to love you through Christ, then you will never experience the kind of love and communion that comes from a union with Christ as the center. Christ must have the preeminence.
2. It is ok to have fun and to enjoy dating relationships.
I know there is a lot of pressure from different societal forces to get you to marry as quickly as you can (especially if you are a girl). I also know that many women are constantly thinking about marriage when they are with a “potential” of the opposite sex. I am telling you, don’t do it…have fun and get to know them instead. Let God lead your relationship if it is to get more serious.
3. Always remember that covenant commitment protects; the level of affection/connection must always be equivalent to the level of commitment.
If you refuse to heed this rule you will at best live with regrets or at worst be paying child support and/or taking care of a kid on your own. Christians who violate this rule are scarred and it often ruins the relationship. Don’t let your physical/emotional cravings destroy your wisdom and good sense.
4. It is better to back out at the altar than to divorce in seven years.
If you don’t think the relationship is going to work or if you are having doubts, don’t get married. Normally, this is a sign that you either have issues to work on before getting married or that you are not supposed to get married at all. Never enter such a powerful, spiritual covenant and not be sure that it is the right decision.
5. Don’t let limitations keep you from pursuing the right relationship.
I have heard of some of the most amazing stories from people who have had successful and substantial long distance relationships (in fact, I can think of a good friend like that right now who is in such a relationship). There are lots of ways to meet people and go outside of your comfort zone (and lots of safe ways and guidelines to do it). Don’t let early circumstances keep you from getting to know someone because you never know what God has in store for you both.
6. Consider singleness an advantage and privilege.
Singleness is not evil and it is not awful. Singleness is a kingdom advantage that allows you to do a lot more things spontaneously and globally than you would be able to supporting/rearing a family. God has given you this time in your life to live and because he has given you more than a lot of other people your age in the world, he expects you to do something with it.
Thank you for reading through this series; may God bless you and your relationships as you seek to love others through him.
Grace and Peace
Having read this entire series, do you have any final thoughts? Something to add?
Filed under: What's Love Got to Do With It?
