Posted on 03/01/2006 7:15:47 AM PST by klossg
Many times born again believers find themselves accepting the ways of society instead of the ways of God. The temptation to do this is tricky and in many cases has become the norm. You can simply pick up a magazine or turn on the TV, and instantly, you are exposed to compromising lifestyles. We must remember, however, that just because an idea, concept or way of life seems acceptable doesn't mean it is right in God's eyes. Popular shows display people living "cheerfully" in a manner that opposes God and his word. A prime example of this is the cohabitation of unmarried couples.
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:12 (AMP) that "Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power." Although certain lifestyles are not necessarily against the law, they may not be acceptable by God's standards. Some Christian couples think that living together may be a way to save money before they get married or they tell themselves that it is okay, because they are not having sex. Though this way may seem right, God's perspective is the only one that matters. The Bible tells us to avoid even the appearance of evil. Cohabitation places a tremendous strain on two people who are trying to live holy and opens the door to temptation.
In addition, a major misconception among believers is that it is okay to have sex with their partners if they are engaged. The mentality many people have is, 'We're going to get married anyway.' The Bible teaches us that fornication, which is sex without a marriage license, is wrong. God has not changed his mind about this, and he will not bend his own rules because believers have decided not to take his word seriously. He didn't create his statutes to spoil your fun, but to protect you from harm. Sex outside of marriage can blur your judgment, stifle your growth and prevent you from developing a healthy relationship with the opposite sex. It can make you vulnerable to getting your heart broken when your expectations go unfulfilled, and it stunts the type of emotional growth you need as a couple.
A sexual relationship outside of marriage is usually full of an emotional type of love. It can cause people to fantasize about a "perfect" life with a "perfect" person. It encourages the illusion of love that is often portrayed in movies; but relationships based on emotional love will soon die out. Lasting relationships are maintained with constant communication, commitment and agape love, which is the God -- kind of love.
God does not want us to wander around with an empty void inside -- looking for someone to fill it. Our heavenly Father created us all, and he knows that only he can fill the voids within. Other people can't do that. In fact, it is unfair to place that burden on anyone.
If you truly love someone, you will be willing to wait, let true love grow and pay the price for marital privileges such as sex and cohabitation. We should not selfishly take from others to satisfy our own desires. Strive to love the people in your life with agape love. And remember that love is a decision. Decide today to view relationships as God sees them—opportunities to operate in unconditional love. When you make a decision to walk in this kind of love, you will know that doing things God's way is the best way.
This article provided courtesy of StreamingFaith.com and © World Changers Church International. Used With Permission.
We must remember, however, that just because an idea, concept or way of life seems acceptable doesn't mean it is right in God's eyes.
&&&
Amen! Amen, Brother Dollar.
Great post... Soon to be Bookmarked in my FR Links!
Creflo Dollar (whose name is the butt of many a joke) is widely criticized here in Atlanta because of his "gospel of wealth" focus. But he has drawn a wide audience here among young black men and women who agree with him that practicing self-control and getting your personal life in order is necessary for those who want to be successful in material or spiritual terms.
"Creflo Dollar (whose name is the butt of many a joke) is widely criticized here in Atlanta because of his "gospel of wealth..." " Still good artical but because of gospel of wealth stance of the original author... I'm taking it off of FR Bookmarked Links status...sorry.
************
This is one of the more important things I have discovered as I have grown older.
*************
Exactly right.
I have watched Pastor Dollar for about 15 years. He has in fact preached on prosperity, but that's for probably less than 5% of his messages. Most of his sermons are on the love of God, the Holy Spirit, character development, etc. He cites Scripture more than any preacher I've ever seen, and is constantly preaching on personal responsibility, perseverence and obedience. It is evident he loves God; he has spoken so many times on what God has taught him and what God has done for him. And he certainly preaches the message of the Bible: salvation through belief in Jesus Christ.
He is not one of those typical preachers we're all used to seeing on TV, He could not be further from Sharpton or Jesse Jackson; in fact, he has stated that he does not want to be involved in politics, although I believe he is a supporter or President Bush. He does not preach a racial message of any type; his messages are pertinent to everyone (I am a white woman and felt drawn to him immediately). His messages are always very helpful and instructional. He's on TV every day, and he has helped me tremendously in life, just by preaching obedience to the Word of God.
Please don't write him off yet; go to his website and see some of the topics he preaches:
http://creflodollarministries.com/ You can watch some of the broadcasts, or can see his sermon outlines.
Again, he has been a tremendous help to me, and I believe his messages would benefit virtually anyone who may listen.
I say keep it.
Its a good article using good scripture.
**************
I know what you mean. It's one of the common failings that we Catholics are familiar with, from which comes the expression "cafeteria Catholics".
*****************
Thank you. The same to you as well!
Its difficult to always remove the sin of "pride" from our lives.
DISCUSSION ABOUT:
"Cohabitation and Sex before marriage - a recipe for disaster"
I think this is a must read!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be included in or removed from the MORAL ABSOLUTES PINGLIST, please FreepMail wagglebee.
People on Free Republic interfering in your personal life, the way they interfered in mine. It caused more damage to my life and future, than all my life's tragedy and all the mistakes I made combined.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.