lessons on faithfulness part II

the sharing continues...

ii. Marrying daughters of foreign gods

God did not want the Israelites to marry daughters of foreign gods [people of different beliefs NOT different races. Interracial marriages are fine between Christians] for 2 reasons:

i. Israelites would be led away from serving God, towards worshipping idols
ii. God wanted godly offspring from their marriages

My thoughts/struggles

The sticky issue of marrying (hence, dating) people of different faiths. Its tough but I think pastor Boon Yong put it rightly & clearly – there really shouldn’t be compromise in this area of our lives. Why marry a man who wont love & lead you the way he is supposed to? Would you want to be in a marriage with a woman who wont submit to you & care for your kids the way she is supposed to? How can you model godliness to your offspring if you & your spouse represent 2 lives, 2 kinds of gods? Can you be certain your faith in God wont be compromised?

If you wont marry a non-believer, its wiser to not even date one. Logic tells us it will only cause more heartache & pain to break-up later. As I always say, pain now is better than excruciating pain later. This sounds harsh but I also know it isn’t easy. I have witnessed at least 2 close gfs who managed to walk out of loving rships with nonC guys. I admire their courage & thank God for convicting & working in their hearts. Its tough cos you walk away from something that feels good, knowing in your head it’s the right thing to do, but not really certain if God will provide someone better. but obedience shouldn’t be conditional, so they do the hard thing.

Having had brushes with the nonC prospect, heres what ive learnt: it hits you when you least expect it, when you are complacent. it seems like madness to walk away from someone you are attracted to, have great chemistry with AND is into you. God, he's such a rare find! we cry. But walking away IS worth it. Risking your relationship with God for some guy/girl isnt. that’s why its impt to have accountability with people you trust. If not for my close gfs [alarm bells were ringing loud & strong!] who reminded me of & reinforced the truth, i might have succumbed to dating someone who doesn’t love God. The experience humbled & continues to enable me to be less self-righteous, more sympathetic toward others who struggle in this area.

End of the day, it takes raw faith to trust that God is good, loves you & will provide for your needs whilst you are here on earth – be it grace to live the godly single life OR a good, godly man/woman to marry. We all have our moments (i definitely have mine!), that’s why we need constant reminders from each other of the truth & encouragement to press on in godliness...

Our Faithfulness, True Worship

Beyond marriage, ive also learnt much about faithfulness & oneness with God. God demanded true worship from the Israelites... think He still expects it of us now. Whether it be in areas of stewardship (money, time – both real struggles for me), service or relationships, God really wants our all & our best. Somedays I think, aiyoh so difficult! It helps then to remember what He has redeemed us from & focus on what we are redeemed for. i love this verses cos it sums up nicely my purpose whilst living in the now but not yet.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Titus 2:11-14

help me Lord in my areas of weakness... change me in mind, heart & enable me to live as one of Your very own. Amen!