Hi Ladies,
In earlier posts we’ve covered traits of fellows that the Bible warns against involvement with. The descriptions are essential to know when evaluating the suitability of a man to your needs in life. However it’s also important to know that despite any potential problems, if his quirks are something you can handle, he may be a viable contender as your spouse. #7 on the checklist of 12 Ways to Know He’s Right for You is – He doesn’t fall into any of YOUR “Problem” categories! He may have his challenges, but you may also have been specifically equipped by The LORD to deal with them. Only you and God will know the answer.
Let’s recap the areas of concern presented in The BOOK…
#1 – THE UNSAVED MAN
The first requirement is that he be a man of Faith, a follower of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible states this as non-negotiable for any lady who is a Believer.
Amos 3: 3 asks “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” 2 Corinthians 6: 14 &16 admonishes, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God.”
When contemplating your mate, you must realize the importance of the question of “To whom does he listen and submit?” When a man is about to assume the role of being your wedded husband for life, only one who is saved will receive his directions from Christ Himself. Only such a man can be trusted to be a reliable leader for you, your life and family.
THE SAVED, BUTS…
The men listed next are Believers. They’ve experienced Jesus’ salvation, and may have stirring testimonies of His redemption. But being saved does not automatically mean that a guy is problem-free. He may still be a work in progress, just as you are. And with these fellows, the work is likely to become intense. Under the guiding Hand of our Almighty Father, you must decide if he’s worth it. Only you can know if you are up to the tasks you will face as his wife, that you are willing to commit fully to him, and that you will deal with problems as they arise.
Each characteristic links to the blog posts that detail what Scripture has to say about him:
#2 – THE ANGRY MAN: Post #10, April 13, 2016
#3 – THE ABUSIVE MAN: #11, April 20, 2016
#4 – THE ADDICTED MAN: #12, April 27, 2016
#5 – THE FOOL: #13 & #14, May 4, 2016 May 11, 2016
#6 – THE CONTROLLING MAN: #15 & #16, May 18, 2016 May 25, 2016
#7 – THE JEALOUS MAN: #17, June 1, 2016
The purpose of this list of poor matrimonial choices is to encourage you to look beyond an idealized concept of marriage. Instead, be aware of some of the men you might encounter while awaiting God’s designated mate. And since they’re Christians, you may meet one of these fellows in church. Just stay vigilant, sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and hear and obey His voice.
There are other potential marital partners that a prayerful woman must never hesitate to avoid. They include chronic womanizers who will never be faithful, liars who can never be trusted, and married men who are completely forbidden for obvious reasons. Also to be rejected are those with whom you share little beyond physical attraction. You’ll need so much more in order to build a godly marriage.
However, there’s always the possibility that a flawed Believer may be the man that God has chosen for you, and He will not place more upon you than you can handle. Relationships are too important to ever consider ignoring the directives of Our Father. Follow Him, do not be anxious, and don’t rush into any relationship. Philippians 4: 6 offers wisdom: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
Until next week – Joy and Shalom!
jo lynne pool - Love in The Book.org 