Thinking Ahead

How does one protect him/her self from making bad decisions when thinking about relationships?

Numbers 36 “Forward Thinkers”

How do you make wise decisions? Do you seek scripture? Do you seek the wisdom of your elders/church leaders? Do you spend time in prayer? The courageous daughters of Zelophehad had wisely gone to Moses about their dad’s inheritance since he had no sons. The Lord instructed that these five daughters should be given the rights that would have gone to a son.

But now we see that the tribal leaders approached Moses about how to protect the inheritance of these five courageous women. As forward thinkers, they saw the handwriting on the wall. There needed to be in place some rules ahead of time so that they would not lose their inheritance from a male from another tribe. Thus Moses established, by the Lord’s wisdom, to place protective hedges around them by which they could only marry in their tribe and the women agreed.  These protective steps would protect their inheritance and Israel’s national heritage.

If only we would follow this advice when we are considering relationships! These tribal leaders cared for these five courageous women just as God wants to protect us. There are two principles: It is wise to think ahead of the “what if’s” before you have to face them head-on. Secondly, remember the question Paul asked: “What does a believer share in common with an unbeliever?” [2Cor 6]

Wise Counsel: (1) Date once to see if they are believers; if not walk away. (2) Marry only a believer to protect the “tribe of Jesus.”

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2Cor 6 “The Yoke of Jesus”

Jesus said; “Take My yoke on you and learn from Me.” [Matt 11:29] In that relationship we will find rest for our souls. Paul is in essence saying the same thing to the Corinthians who were trying to straddle the fence in relationships.

So grab a chair, get a cup of java and let’s see what he wants us to learn because some of it is perplexing to say the least.

Let’s talk about friendships vs relationships. On the one hand Jesus ate with sinners and we too are to reach out to those who need Christ but on the other hand we are not to become partners in life with them like in a marriage or a business relationship because it puts us on a collision course and open to the ways of Belial.  Paul asks the rhetorical question: what do you share in common with an unbeliever? The answer is of course nothing!  Remember the words of Amos: Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Beloved, in a marriage or a business relationship of unequally yoked persons your desires and principles will eventually clash because you are not compatible. So Paul’s advice is don’t walk that road! It can’t be done. God will not share His glory/ his yoke with unbelievers!

 

Jesus is saying

Choose My yoke

Let’s learn together how to navigate life.