"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them…." (Genesis 1:27, NKJV) God blessed them! I love that phrase. We've recently started a new series at Valley Family Church called: The Talk—Dating and Relating, especially for singles, widows, divorcees and parents/friends of singles. We are doing our best to help "them" connect with God's blessed plan for dating and marriage.
In our first week, we talked about comparing dating and relating to buying a motorcycle. If you're single and looking, be encouraged today with a few basics—four things to consider when looking for a bike, date or mate:
Look for a Trusted Brand: Whether it's a Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki or a Harley—bike owners are proud of their brand! God's brand for our dating, relating and a future spouse selection is simple and unapologetically Christian. "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith]." (2 Corinthians 6:14, AMP)
Find One That Fits: Whether it's a low-rider with forward controls and mini-ape handle bars or a super fast sports bike—getting the right fit is key to a fun ride. God is the best "relationship fitter." He knows how to join people together when we follow His lead. We are three-part beings, spirit—soul—body. Make sure you find someone who fits you spiritually and then allow the soul and body connection to follow. "But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." (Mark 10:6-9, NKJV)
Get One With Lots of Chrome: Most everyone wants a bike with loud pipes and lots of chrome. It should be no different when it comes to seeking a date or mate; we need to find someone with a loud testimony and lots of fruit! "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…." (Galatians 5:22-24, NKJV)
Find One That's Safe & Balanced: It's important to pay attention to safety when riding motorcycles. It's no less true as we navigate our relationships. We live in a dysfunctional culture full of unsafe, toxic people; so, we need to make sure we don't date or marry one! That means we need to position ourselves to meet people who are safe and balanced and in a place where the Lord can continually work on flushing out past toxins in all of our lives. The best place to do that is simple: The local church! Make sure you find someone who has a strong history of being planted in God's house! "Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing…." (Psalm 92:13-14, NKJV)
Note: If you'd like to listen to Week 1 of "The Talk," please go to www.valleyfamilychurch.org. If you live in Southwest Michigan—please feel free to join us live for the rest of this series!
Blessings,
Beth
