I have fun reading profiles and I observed that most of the gentlemen search for a God-fearing woman for a God-centered relationship. There are times I do like the profile but I stick to my rule of never again making the first move. So I sit and wait hoping praying that one such sweet gentle kind God-fearing being honestly searching whom I�m attracted in any way as first impression, will make the first move. When the Lord is orchestrating something, everything is possible.
The first move happened and I was sooo happy. I thought at long last my prayers are answered. A sweet, gentle, kind, evangelical Christian expressed interest in me�although I thought the long email is kind of generic. Is this real or am I dreaming? I prayed for God's lead. Then request for hot and sexy picture come.
My question is, if guys express that Jesus is their Lord and center of their life, why is it that obedience to the Lord�s commands is in question? It is said that faith without deeds is dead. Most guys expressed they are doing good works, active in church�but is this good works and service done in obedience, the obedience that is the fruit of faith? A lot of others also suggest they read the bible daily, etc �but it is also said that it is not how much we know but on how much we obey that matters. Because even the other being is well-versed in the scriptures and used this knowledge on the Lord Jesus Christ himself.
I am asking this question as a reminder to the gentlemen as they are supposed/expected to become the head of the home if fortunate enough to find the soul mate they are seeking for.
There are many "Christians" who are very good at looking like Christians. I think you were fortunate that whoever sent you that request at least made himself abundantly clear to you that he either is not or at least is mightily struggling right now.
We all have issues to overcome and have setup some "never again" rules to protect us, (my biggie is never pursue someone who has had a relationship with a married man ), but I believe the only real test we have is a persons fruit.
Matthew 7 (NIV)
15 �Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep�s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
21 �Not everyone who says to me, �Lord, Lord,� will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, �Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?� 23 Then I will tell them plainly, �I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!�
I do not know the answers but I believe that many people are very good at focusing our attention on things other than their bad fruit. And, sometimes I think we see their fruit but ignore it's warnings. I believe it takes the Holy Spirit and sometimes a good friend to nudge us away from bad fruit people.
mercifulpeace, thank you for reminding me about considering the fruits� I can easily agree with you its the only real test. Still, is it right to give allowances that maybe some circumstances made the bad fruit? I can easily say I bear the best fruits but how about the others who thought have done everything ? How can we reconcile this with Matthew ?
Yes, maybe he is in great struggles right now and writing about this may add some more, I hope not, I believe he is a prayer warrior and a mature Christian, and I do understand we are not perfect and fall short now and then. I just feel I need to write and ask the question as a rebuke.
I am reminded also not to attach much expectation in the knowing more and becoming friends period as it leads to greater disappointment.
Personally, I would be very cautious about being individually contacted by somebody who has a long list of all the good things they are doing expressing an interest in a relationship... even if they include that they are struggling. We are all struggling with something...
If a christian is struggling and needs support, that is what the BODY is Christ is all about. They should surround themselves with a multitude of counselors ( there is a struggling with faith forum ).
Making friends to me, doesn't start with boasting. It starts by saying "hi". The details of our lives are relieved as time passes and the friendship develops. That way, the fruits are seen and you don't have to just take my word for it.
