"AN ACT, ESPECIALLY OF SUCH MAGNITUDE AS MARRIAGE, must be thoughtfully considered before it becomes an at. Impulsive acts die impulsive deaths. This works both ways, in honoring that which is right and in resisting that which is wrong. Always make the decision before the emotion stirs you into wrongheaded commitments. We refer to people as impulsive buyers. This is not a good way to buy. Step back, measure the value of what you are getting, and then buy it.
This applies a thousandfold more in marriage.
Don’t be deceived by the flutter of the heart. Love is a commitment that will be tested in the most vulnerable areas of spirituality, a commitment that will force you to make some very difficult choices. It is a commitment that demands that you deal with your lust, your greed, your pride, your power, your desire to control, your temper, your patience, and every area of temptation that the Bible so clearly talks about. It demands the quality of commitment that Jesus demonstrates in His relationship to us.
Jesus said that greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friend. But it is probably more difficult to live a life of continual dying to oneself than to die in one moment. Marriage is hard work, and that’s why, when you come to that pivotal moment of decision, my suggestion is that you seek the advice of somebody you love and respect. Don’t make such a decision on your own just because you have romantic feelings. Seek out the wisdom of your minister, the wisdom of your parents, and the wisdom of friends, and realize that romance has to be transcended by a strong will and a degree of commitment to you and by you.
The important thing to bear in mind is that you must face your willingness to die to yourself before you choose to walk down the aisle. Is this person the one for whom you are willing to die daily? Is this the person to whom you say, “I do” also the one for whom you are willing to say, “No, I don’t” to everybody else? Be assured that marriage will cost you everything."
- excerpt from I, Isaac, take Thee, Rebekah by Ravi Zacharias
*photo of Matt and Erin Boone courtesy of Breezy Torres
*photo of Matt and Erin Boone courtesy of Breezy Torres
2 comments:
"Love is a commitment that will be tested in the most vulnerable areas of spirituality, a commitment that will force you to make some very difficult choices. It is a commitment that demands that you deal with your lust, your greed, your pride, your power, your desire to control, your temper, your patience, and every area of temptation that the Bible so clearly talks about. "
God, yes. This is so true. Immensely painful, immensely rewarding. But not always at the same time, and not always in equal amounts. You can't do it for the rewards, because sometimes you can't see them in the midst of the pain. You do it because you know that God wants you to walk this road, and He's walking it with you, and He's using it to make both of you into what He wants you to be.
Amen girl! Thanks for this comment!
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