Love: What's God Got To Do With It

Justin Shadrach

Relationships affect us all from the day we are born; as we begin to build a bond with our parents to our first day at school we immediately have a need for relationship. However the most intimate human relationship and arguably the most difficult to get right is the one between husband and wife; before and during marriage.

Genesis 2:18 The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

From the start, God saw the need for this relationship in bringing about his purposes. Adam and Eve had a need for companionship on a human level. God made a companion to complement the man; a women and "a helper" made with the need for companionship from the man. This was God's plan for mankind, one that demonstrates a reflection of himself.

God was the one who kick started the first marriage relationship by hooking Adam up with a wife. The desire and need of Adam and Eve for one another was there from day one, therefore having the desire is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. It just needs to be within God's boundaries of true LOVE!

Not knowing God is a major problem with society. So many youth today follow their human nature to decide on how to conduct relationships. This is why the examples and boundaries God originally set are not in place today.

Most of the examples the youth see today of what an intimate relationship is do not come from God's word, but from broken homes, the media, high statistics of divorce, homosexual relationships and unmarried couples living together. These are the examples many young people are being programmed to accept as the norm - "don't get married it doesn't work" "We are practically married" "get what you want".

Sex also has been portrayed in a wrong light as something merely for selfish enjoyment and physical pleasure. Gods original purposes are being lost in society, resultin in distorted uses and abuse of something meant to be beautiful. Only God's power can change a generation bound by peer pressure and the expectations of the world.

Watching TV and reading a glossy magazine gives us a good idea of what's going on in the minds of the youth today when it comes to relationships. Young people spend an average of 7-8hrs per week under the influence of the media. Whether it's through television, radio, film ormagazines, it's no surprise a lot of what they learning about sex and relationships come through these means.

I'm sure you will agree that there are not enough examples of strong committed marriages in society today. Many give up and conclude that marriage is not necessary or no better than the alternatives. Therefore it's essential that we as the next generation begin to set the standards and be an example for the world to see us as a reference point for true marriage. We have the responsibility of influencing the culture today with honest Godly relationships before and after marriage.

God gave Adam a helper, not a possession, slave, temporary fling, or someone to gratify his urges, but a "suitable helper". Eve didn't get a slave master or sugar daddy, but a partner in God's purpose; a friend and protector to fulfil God's will for their lives. Undoubtedly, this indicates commitment and purpose of working together with God's initiative. God is LOVE. This means LOVE initiates the marriage relationship.

So when are you ready?

Key questions to ask yourself:

What's your relationship with Christ like? What are your priorities at present? How do you relate to the opposite sex now? Where does your image of marriage come from? Friends, Family, God etc...

I think this is the one?

Get wise council first - Seeking God and accountability from leaders is essential Do they know Christ? - If they don't thenit's a no, no Is there potential in a best friend? - Go out in groups and get to know them, and you will soon tell if you are compatible. Avoid going on solo outings together too quickly Are you willing to invest time, in getting to know them? - The devil makes work for idle couples "plan dates outs" don't place yourself in situations you know you will be sexually tempted, talk lots on the phone, good communication is vital Can you wait? - If a guy/girl is not willingto wait for sex until marriage, remember TRUE LOVE WAITS.

Justin Shadrach | Youth Leader

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