Guest post by a Revelife readerIt's funny how sin makes us run from the presence of God and all that He represents towards further sin. It's not even a revision of truth but a complete reversal of it. For example, when it comes to sex and physical intimacy, many people (including myself) think about going as far as possible without getting in trouble (where the definition of "trouble" varies by the person) instead of fleeing from
sexual immorality; but when it comes to loving one another we do just enough to be better than average rather than loving to the point of sacrifice, even death.
I guess that's what I feel my intent is when I serve sometimes, and I fear continuing this in my existing relationships, and especially carrying it into a future marriage.
I also think how sometimes when I hear "even death" I think (and lie) to myself that I could do something like that - to give my life up for someone (that loves me) - in order to mirror Christ.
But the daydream falls short in every way. Not only did Christ die for those that hated him, but He did so not only the day He was willingly crucified but
every single moment that led up to that fateful day. I am trying to mimic
one day when His entire life (and death) screams at me to spend
one life in His name.
Daily living (and for the Christian, daily dying to our own will but living for God's) is so much harder than just doing it all at once because it means leaning on Christ, banking on His promises and truths rather than working on adrenaline or our own devices.
Lastly, a soundbite from Francis Chan's part three sermon on
Christ-Centered Relationships (paraphrased). At first glance it may seem an issue of semantics, but I think many people put marriage (or the chance at it) as well as many other things as an idol. Chan rightly calls us out by comparing us to those who follow the prosperity "gospel" - What is the difference except that we replace monetary riches with improvements or reconciliations we so desire?
Not using Christ to show what marriage should be, but using marriage to show who Christ really is. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church—for we are members of his body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. – Ephesians 5:25–33
Comments (4)
It is so difficult to love one out of religion. I guess what happened is that the disconnect in this aspect and the burden on how to go on relationship for one agnostic to learn the Christianity is too much that letting go of the relationship has become the only option. Loving is accepting all that there is in a person. So if there is one thing that one cannot accept then it is not love. Thereby resulting into uncompromisable situation.
Is there really a chance for a relationship between a Catholic /Christian and the agnostic to survive?
My ex-boyfriend who is an agnostic decided to let go of me because of the fact that I cannot accept of not having a religion for the kids. This hurts so much. I wish I can just easily say things in one day about what the religion is about so that he will not dislike it to the point of giving up the relationship.
I've been too religious about the Christian practices and it makes it more difficult to love someone of different faith. How can you easily explain this kind of situation of compromises. If the kids in the future marriage are in the situation. Would you decide for the unborn kids not to have a religion out of selfish love. I guess love is not selfish so I decided to let go. The fate of one (even my future kids) does not depend only with me. He must be guided by the One above. But what about explaining easier for my ex to better accept the situation.
I would think we have been too coward to each other to face the fact and work things out.
In your case, what would you do?
Powerful post, love is harder than sin for sure. But it's worth it. Me and my wife watched the Francis Chan sermon in the link it was awesome. Could anyone tell me where to find more of his sermons?
@dw_i_dafydd@xanga -
If you go to the link below you will see a list of sermons by various people....hope that is helpful...http://www.cornerstonesimi.com/sermons/video/
Thanks for the links, I'll check it out.
any powerful good reading or book as a suggestion. I was hoping a simple good read for him. I just feel like it is unfair for me to give up. Maybe I just at least wants to share what God is and what Christianity is (I am a Catholic). Does it worth pursuing the kind of relationship that one (my ex) has decided to let go for which I've accepted? It just seems so unimaginable to end the relationship because of religion.
I can only say that religion shapes me to who I am, my values, beliefs and tradition. I don't want to be coward but I want to face the reality.