This has broken almost everything that I've learned from our church/leaders for 7 years! What a great discussion Pastor! Indeed, bible has everything we need to guide us in every areas of our lives. Before, we were essentially told not to go into a relationship until we've finished studying. Although it's not directly said, that principle has been injected on almost all leaders from our church. These biblical concepts are on point! God bless you and praying for good health for the whole Desiring God team!
Joseph Eleven dating I think of as practice for marriage. You are not in a covenant but you are learning how to love a woman. How to resist sexual temptation and what areas you need to mature in. Keep in mind you can date whichever woman you want but know that romantic love should not weaken our love for Christ.
Still slightly confused. Yes, it all sounds right, but since it's a heart matter, it sounds almost impossible to keep it at such a balance so as not to tip over to idolatry. How can a person keep the heart just right like this when we're madly "in love"? Still, impossible is possible with God, so I trust God will show me the narrow way.
Sarah this is a first world problem. People have been getting married and been in love since Adam and Eve without God being threatened by it or considering it idolatry. Unless your relationship is causing you to actively hate God it is probably not idolatry. God invented love, even romantic love and it has his stamp of approval.
At some point, you have to put the circus aside and *use your own judgement*. I know that's nothing but godless satanism according to most Christians. But so be it. You have to find your own balance in the area of romantic relationships. Your pastor and Christian friends might scream at you, but so what, let them. You're gonna feel the draw to the opposite sex - no sense in denying it or calling it "idolatry". I don't see what's so bad about celebrating it.
Philip Murray I can think of one immediate reason off the top of my head, as detailed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:8-9, “To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than burn with passion.”
To be called into a marriage union is also a calling from God. We serve and glorify God through that union where Christ being the Centre satisfies and fulfils us through the Holy gift of marriage and sex. A person can though still rightly choose to remain single and still be in communion with the Lord.
Bottom line. If that relationship is causing you to idolize them, its not from God and you shouldn't be in it. It doesn't matter how many butterflies or fireworks you feel in that relationship (thats not love btw thats just a flesh response).
