In my blessed and comfortable Christian life, there are not many persecutions or issues regarding why I believe what I believe. But increasingly as I age (getting old) is the tension of bgr.
This often happens when people suggest other people or when other things come up. Often I cop out and just keep quiet because I don't want to break the camaraderie by saying "I will not date a person who is not a Christian." Or just avoid the awkwardness of saying that by playing safe and doge invitations etc. And the list then goes on to why Christians don't move in together and have the big 3 letter word starting with S before marraige or that dating is courtship and so forth.
It is an issue many people find hard to phantom in this age of free belief and choices. From my own experiences, most people are stunned and even feel "discriminated" against. One friend said that all beliefs are the same and cannot not understand the different value systems Christians have. (It could be in part of my own failure to live like Christ and show the difference He has made in my life).
And the seriousness that we take dating....people often go "but how would you know you want to marry this person unless you've gone out with him/her etc etc etc." Of course we do not always know and yes, sometimes not all Christian relationships end up in marraige but the intention is to avoid the "try before you buy" mindset and honor the other person.
Complicating things futher, other Christians date non Christians and makes all the explaining even more difficult.
Maybe this is one of the prices to pay in following Christ in the context of this generation.
I just hope to do it better rather than dodge under the blanket of silence.
5 comments:
inpiring sermon/testimony indeed... may God continue granting you wisdom and courage in facing the current generation's challenges and temptations... protect you from persecution... and may He also eventually bless you with a devout, loving, (perhaps handsome surgeon) husband for your non-compromising obedience of 2Cor 6:14 =)
so 'your reader'.. how come u will think that a surgeon wil be a better husband and not someone from another discipline of medicine or another profession?
only an example...
I watch too much Grey's Anatomy...
Dr. Shephard and Dr. Burke =p
ic haha...i dun watch it though... so not sure who these characters are...
I think the simplest way to explain it to a unbeliever is this:
As a Christian, the most important goal of your life -- more important than family -- is to be faithful to Jesus. The aim of your life is to be transformed into his image, to serve in God's kingdom, and to bring God glory.
Marrying a non-Christian who is against Jesus (there is no neutral position) makes that very hard. Are they going to encourage and support you as you strive to be more Christ-like? No. Are they going to be an active member of your Church? No. Are they going to help you raise your children in the fear of the Lord? No. etc.
It simply wouldn't work.
I reckon if you spell it out like that for people they can see for themselves that faith in Christ is not merely some nice bedtime comfort that is tacked onto our lives.
Hope that helps!
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