I’ve been thinking a lot recently about dating. I’ve talked to people who describe the way that their significant other treats them and I’m shocked that they are still together. What is keeping these people together? They’re not married; they have no governmental or spiritual contract binding them, so why do people choose to stay in these less than desirable circumstances? I truly wish I had the answer to this question. I’ve often heard pastors and other Christian speakers expound on the “evils” of dating and how it’s just “trial marriage” and that really got me thinking: what if we treated the people we are dating the same way we would treat them if we were married to them? Now obviously you wouldn’t be engaging in the same activities that married couples are privileged with, but think about it; if you marry a person who treated you poorly when you were dating you can’t expect them to magically start treating you better after the wedding can you?
I’m putting the challenge out there; I say it’s time for men to step up their game. Read Ephesians 5:25-31. Pray with your girlfriend, read God’s word together, seek wisdom together. Guys, remember: Proverbs 31:30 – Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
Ladies: If your guy is more interested in your body than your walk with God, that’s a red flag. Find yourself a guy who is strong in his walk with God. You should also read Ephesians 5:25-31. Also check out 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a. Also, check out this guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKNl5OK1Yew He’s really rather good, and the main point I’m getting at is the second half of the video, but watch the whole thing.
Like David, I wanna be a man after God's own heart. And I'm not there yet, but I'm past the start. And when people talk, I try to listen. A spirit of compassion, that's my vision. Surely I am a manly man. I want to be loved and have love and give love.
And not just that romantic kind either. Although I am looking for that beauty. Not helpless, but wants to be rescued. The damsel in distress, man, woman, myth, true. I will fight for her, climb the highest tower for her, love her, share with her, delight in her, be her warrior, her protector. She will be my crown and I will be hers. My masculinity will be passed down and affirmed to my sons. And each of my daughters will know they are lovely, and deserving of authentic romance.
Bradley Hathaway - I Am a Manly Man
That’s my perspective
Ben Peters
Friday 25 December 2009
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