Day 10 – The Engagement – Continued
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (1 Tim 4:12)
The engagement period brings a certain level of “comfort,” for a lack of a better term. The longer the couple is engaged, the more familiar they become with each other. This can be a good thing but it can also be a very bad thing.
It is good that you become familiar with each other’s little idiosyncrasies. What makes the other one tick? What are his strengths? What are his weaknesses? Are these weaknesses some I can live with for the rest of my life? But what about when familiarity leads you to sin? As you grow in your love for each other, intimacy is a constant battle of the flesh. You can become so comfortable with each other that the flesh desires to get more intimate.
The church at Corinth was having a problem in this area. So much so, the leaders wrote to Paul asking for direction and guidance.
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. (1 Cor 7:1)
This church was having issues in this area so Paul laid it out for them.
Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. (1 Cor 7:2)
Paul preferred that people remained single, as he was, so they could devote their time to the cause of Christ. But he encouraged them to get married if they felt they could not avoid fornication.
I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. (1 Cor 7:8) But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. (1 Cor 7:9)
Be careful during your engagement. Stay away from situations which will cause you to be tempted to touch each other. Stay in public – fellowship with each other when there are others around you. This will prevent tongues from wagging and people who want to ruin your reputation. I have seen this with my own eyes and can tell you that had it not been for this couple being supervised, their reputation could have been destroyed. The young man was studying to be a Youth Pastor and it could have ruined him. Stay away from being alone – that’s the most important thing!
Don’t open yourself up to temptation. The devil will use it in any way he can.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Pet 5:8)
Heed Peter’s counsel in this verse! You won’t regret it.
Keeping yourself chaste and pure brings such comfort in the end. Never will you have to wonder if you were “the only one” that your spouse had ever been intimate with. Never will you have to worry about diseases that are God’s judgment to those who commit the sin of fornication.
The most perfect and wonderful gift to give each other on your wedding night is your purity! A moment’s pleasure can bring a lifetime of regret – it’s not worth it!
Pure Within
Fanny CrosbyLord, on Thee my strength relies,
O, hear me when I call;
Up to Thee I lift mine eyes,
My Life, my Help, my All.Refrain
Source of comfort, Spring of grace,
Cleanse my heart from every sin,
Now reveal Thy smiling face,
And make me pure within.
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