By: Guest Blogger~Mrs. M Thank you, Chris V, for inviting me to contribute to your blog for Christian girls. It is such an encouragement to hear of young women seeking to follow Christ in a culture that promotes the complete opposite. My husband and I started participating in our church’s young adult group (college and career) a few years ago as leaders/mentors. I have been blessed to make relationships with a multitude of single young adults who are truly pursuing Christ through His Word and fellowship with other believers – young and old alike. Throughout history (HIS-story), God has always preserved a remnant (a small remaining quantity) of faithful followers. I think of the Old Testament story in 1 Kings 19 when Elijah was hiding from Queen Jezebel in a cave after a victory over the idol Baal. He was fearing for his live and feeling sorry for himself saying, “I alone am left.” Do you ever feel like this? Are you surrounded by peers and even adults who are haters of God that may even attack your faith? Do you remember God’s response to Elijah? The Lord answered in 1 Kings 19:18 “Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.” Do not be discouraged, dear reader. If you know and love Christ, then you are part of His precious remnant of believers who have not embraced the idols that this world “worships.” Chris V asked for some input regarding guys, dating, relationships, marriage, etc. from a Christian perspective. Having been married for nearly 37 years, I want to encourage you that it is truly possible to have a “happily ever after” marriage in this life, but only through the mutual pursuit of Christ together. The cord of three strands is indeed a strong bond when Christ is the central strand (Ecclesiastes 4:12). It may be a bit too soon for you to be dating or considering marriage, but it is never too soon to begin to prepare for it. There is an old saying “opposites attract”. While this may be true of personalities, it should not be the case with our faith. The truth is like-minded Christians are usually attracted to each other. What are you looking for in a boyfriend or possible husband? Popular, good looking, has a fun sense of humor, makes you feel special, drives a nice car, comes from a good family, etc. or are you looking for a person of strong character, depth and maturity who will be faithful to love the Lord and lead you spiritually? If you want to attract this type of “Godly” young man someday, the best way to do so is to grow in purity (free from contamination) through a pursuit of Christ now. In I Peter 3:3-5 we are reminded what true feminine beauty is: “Your adornment must not be merely the external—braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on apparel; but it should be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” The only way to obtain these qualities is through the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. As a teen, I spent a lot of time and effort on my hair, makeup, and clothes trying to look “beautiful”, but I spent very little time seeking God or realizing that what I really needed was a heart “make over”. Unfortunately, I wasn’t truly a born again Christian until shortly before I got engaged, and God had a lot of work to do in me and in also my husband. But you have the opportunity now to lay a solid foundation in Christ for your future relationship. Although these verses from Psalm 119 are written to “young men”, I think they apply to young women as well (italics added). 9 How can a young man (or woman) keep his (or her) way pure? |
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March 2023
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