MAINTAINING PURITY IN COURTSHIP PART 2
Dear Reader,
Last week, I started this teaching on how to maintain purity in courtship by showing you the purpose of courtship.
This week, however, I shall continue with that teaching. Some begin quite well in the spirit, but mess up half way by engaging themselves in the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). All categories of uncleanness are referred to as the works of the flesh. Since courtship is not marriage, you have no marriage rights over the other until marriage is contracted.
Marriage is an honourable thing when the bed is undefiled (Hebrews 13:4). Once the bed is defiled, that marriage has lost its honour. What you do with the bed during courtship amounts to laying a foundation for what your marriage will be like when you get into it. The law of sowing and reaping still holds here (Genesis 8:22).
To maintain purity in courtship, therefore, go in search of knowledge to know what to do during courtship. When you know what to do during courtship, you will be occupied with godliness and have a fulfilled one. The following are the various ways to maintain purity in courtship:
Discuss your visions and goals together: In other not to engage in the works of the flesh, this is the time to discuss about your visions and goals together. This is a very important point to note. Goals and plans for the future ought to be made clear to each other. Marriage is for help, hence, it is a decision made by you to help the other party fulfill his or her goals and vision in life and vice versa. Before I married my husband, I had known what direction he wanted to take. I had known his level of love for God, his character and his integrity. Ours was quite a long courtship but I have no regrets. It has really helped me in being able to understand the kind of person he is and because of that, we have enjoyed every bit of our marriage. A broken courtship is better than a broken marriage though. So, when you discover differences that boarder on incompatibility, it is wiser to dissolve the relationship instead of being another number on the divorce list or another broken marriage amongst many.
Check for maturity: Since the period of courtship is a time of proving all things, it is wisdom to prove his or her maturity. In God’s concept, marriage is for men and women, not for boys and girls (Genesis 2:22 & 24). Maturity is required before marriage. One need to mature spiritually, physically and emotionally and this must be addressed in courtship.
However, maturity can be determined from two viewpoints: age and ability to handle life situations. These two put together, help in determining how mature an individual is. One that is mature for marriage should be able to assume responsibility for his or her actions, and take up the welfare of his or her spouse and children. If you are not mature enough to be a parent, then you are not mature enough for marriage. Adulthood is a basic requirement for success in marriage.
Pray Together: As believers in Christ, you need to take time out to pray together and share God’s Word together. Pray together with the purpose of ascertaining your partner’s spiritual depth and maturity, and genuine love for God.
Play games, visit friends together: In the process of doing this, you get to know who your partner’s real friends are. This is another way of knowing whom you are about marrying (Proverbs 20:13).
Visit family members: It is wise you don’t rush into this step, until your conviction is strengthened and you are becoming surer of your partner. By so doing, you owe your integrity not only to God but also to your family. From the foregoing, you need the wisdom to be able to really discern the kind of man or woman you want to live the rest of your life with.
You need the grace of God to maintain purity in courtship. If this is your desire, then you need to become born again by saying this prayer in faith:
Dear Lord, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now I know I am born again!
Congratulations! Till I come your way again with another anointed version from Mama Faith Oyedepo, call or write, and share your testimonies with me through:
Email: wcrci@hotmail.co.uk Tel.: +49 174 5788943; +49 208 8690495
