Food For thought

MY friend opened up the question about whether marriage is more NATURAL or SPIRITUAL, he also delved in the difference between dating engagement etc....he had some great insight, so I wanted to share, enjoy =)>>>>>>>>>>>

Question Posed: What tips or guidelines would you suggest for the dating christian?OR Do you even believe that christians should date?Lastly, is the institution of marriage more natural or more spiritual?CHOOSE TO ANSWER ONE OR ALL!!! LEAVE A COMMENT!!!! JOIN THE CONVO!!!!!

Joshua says: I believe the misconception is that we are implying the fact that we are saved...So of course, to the saved person, we will apply more spiritual application to marriage...However, lets remember that we are talking about the "institution of marriage"..If we say its more spiritual than natural.....What happens when two unsaved people mary and stay married for 50 years?...Secondly, analyze this passage of scripture - 1 Corinthians 7:34 - There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.My question is How can "careth for the things of the world" be more spiritual than natural?..I do believe it has many spiritual applications, but its obviously more natural...

PART II
Question Posed:
IF MARRIAGE IS CREATED BY GOD THEN WHAT IS SO NATURAL ABOUT IT?
Joshua says:I would say neither...As I have always stated that its MORE natural than spiritual.....There is definitely a spiritual side because it is indeed created by God.....I'm not arguing that, However the scripture teaches us that we he/she who is married careth for the things of the world and how they might please their spouse..Notice the key element of marriage is "Pleasing the spouse"..If I'm married, I must provide for my wife, please my wife, protect my wife, get along with her, be attracted to her, love her, and be compatible with her..Those are all natural things that must be done when I'm married..However, nothing changes about my spiritual walk with God when I get married..I still have to be saved..regardless..However, when I get married, these natural implications are added to the equation..And dont get me wrong..OH I WILL GET MARRIED!!!!! lol..I dont want anybody to misinterpret me.MARRIAGE IS A WONDERFUL THING!!!!!!

PART III
On the topic of Engagement&Dating
when we say that the bible speaks on only two committed relationships - marriage and engagement, we run into a deep rut because in our modern day society we automatically uphold our form of "engagement" as the same as the "engagement" in the bible......However, this is not the case....My reasoning is as follows:
- Firstly, I would implore everyone to study Jewish custom regarding engagement/espousement
- Secondly, According to Jewish Custom when a couple would become engaged (espoused/betrothed) there was a ceremony
- Thirdly, "Wedding VOWS" were exchanged
- Fourth, They were bound by these vows... Read More
-Fifth, they had to wait a year to consummate or have sex....also at this time they could move in together
- Lastly, in order to get out of your "engagement" you had to get a divorce (such is the case of Mary and Joseph)

This is nothing like our form of engagement..We can't compare it to the bible's form.I don't believe that dating is a "commitment".I believe it's an acknowledgement between two people that we are interested in one another and we are getting to know one another..Commitment between men and women before God is done only when vows are exchanged..When someone gets engaged today, they are not bound under the law to marry that individual..That's why I don't believe we can use that like the bible does..So basically commitment only really starts once vows are exchanged according to the bible..

Lots of great ideas were shared...it def gave me food for thought and I wanted to share..hope it makes you think too!

Love ya!
Nakiyah