The Relationship!

It is interesting to note on some individual's Facebook pages how they may go back and forth between "in a relationship" and "single". Sometimes dating is characterized by "playing the field" until the right match comes along. Certainly marriage is not something to rush into, but it is to be viewed in the terms of the One Who came up with the idea. (note Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Ephesians 5:31) Consider for a moment the terms "dating", "living together", and "marriage" and then let us think about our relationship with the Lord.

Dating. Taking someone out an evening or two a week. Calling them up to chat. It may be exclusive, but the relationship is still not fully committed.

Living together. No firm commitment to the relationship. Judge Judy (in her television court) calls it "playing house" and some aspects of it cannot be sorted out in court. It leaves the door open to leaving when the arrangement isn't working out. This does not lend toward security or a healthy relationship. (Bear in mind this is not what God had in mind.)

Marriage. More formal. More committed. Not that it comes without challenges. However, with a focus on the covenant relationship associated with it (the vows made before God and others invited to the ceremony), it can flourish and last a lifetime. Though such a relationship is God's idea, even secular studies have drawn attention to the health benefits and other pluses of marriage.

Now, here is the point for further consideration. Do any of these three characterize our relationship with the Lord? Does our daily life imply it is only a "dating" relationship; getting to know Him and exploring the possibility of whether or not we want a future with Him or not? Is there only occasional time together and then we go home and do our own thing? Do we view the relationship from the standpoint we will remain in it only as long as it satisfies our personal desires and makes "me" happy? Or do we focus on having made a choice of surrendering to Him by giving ourselves to Him for life?

In Paul's second letter to the church at Corinth he noted the relationship of Christians to Christ being like that of a marriage. We read. . .

"(2) For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I BETROTHED YOU TO ONE HUSBAND, TO PRESENT YOU AS A PURE VIRGIN TO CHRIST." ( 2 Corinthians 11:2 ESV)

Having been brought into the relationship with Christ, we are not our own. (i.e 1 Corinthians 6:19-20) He will always be faithful. What about OUR FAITHFULNESS? Do we acknowledge having been PROMISED to Christ? Through the thick and thin and ups and downs of life, may we REMAIN TRUE to the relationship as BELONGING TO HIM. As a husband and wife would lovingly seek to please each other ( 1 Corinthians 7:33-34), may that be our greatest desire toward Christ.

Have a great day HONORING THE ABIDING RELATIONSHIP TO CHRIST!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Commitment