NO COMPROMISE

Psalm 1:1-3 KJV
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

No Compromise

We've heard it before, "why do the bad guys get the good girls?" WHY, OH WHY, do the bad guys get the good girls???!!!! 

I pray that we teach our kiddos this timeless remedy: one that does not keep ungodly friends will hardly ever, close to never, have to worry about courting or marrying an ungodly man (or ungodly woman).

So, my darling sweetheart and I were watching a movie together. The movie was about a young British lady that set out for China to become a missionary. While on the mission field, an atheist Army officer made a play for her heart. Bit by bit, he made impressions on her.

Then, on one auspicious evening, he told her that she was beautiful. Unbeknownst to him, he was the first person to ever utter those words to her, the young missionary. The young woman's ears were tickled and her heart warmed. She nearly swooned as she was overcome with emotion. She was lovestruck. And, the Army officer struck undeserving gold with three simple words. The young missionary forgot that her officer friend was an atheist; or perhaps, his compliment clouded her judgement.

The scene could have been a perfect prelude to a blessed love but, I was careful to notice that this young missionary dear "fell in love" with a non-Christian man. The words "You are beautiful," undoubtedly caused this affection and love deprived girl to offer the key to her heart to a man that was not biblically qualified, in anyway, to be friend, let alone her her beau or husband. 

I was reminded that Satan has a counterfeit for every gift of God. We have to constantly pray for wisdom and discernment for ourselves and our kiddos. No compliment is worth the cost of disobeying God. His laws are for our good. We have safety in His parameters for us. 

Later in the movie, prior to separating for war, the officer slipped a "promise" ring on the gal's finger. My heart instantly sank! I shouted inside, "nooooooooo." I've seen all too often how unequally yoked friendships and marriages unfold; it's not a pretty tale to say the least.

Eventually, the movie ends with the young woman leading war orphans to safety. No other mention was made of the Army officer or what became of their budding relationship. 

Within moments of the credits rolling, I realized that Satan uses the same ole lies and tricks to depress, oppress, and possess people, including Christians. Sisters, I implore you to daily shower your kiddos in godly love and affection. Teach them the scriptures; teach them of God's unfailing, unconditional love for them. Prevent them, as best you can, from selling themselves for a wooden nickel. Rehearse and rehearse again the biblical mandates for a Christian's friends and potential suitors. Strive to be a good example; God will help you.

Pastor Voddie Baucham has written an incredible book entitled, "What he MUST be to marry my daughter." Last year, several copies of the book were on sale at convention, at the HEAV booth/ table. He also has published books on biblical manhood but, the above title can be used for both daughters and sons. The biblical standard for our daughters' husbands is the same for our sons.

We CANNOT leave our children's friends and love interests up to chance and definitely not error. We must be intentional in shepherding their hearts. We must be intentional in applying God's guidelines for their current friends and future spouses. 

God gives us some choice in the selection of our kiddos's friends and eventual spouses. But, there are some hard and fast rules as well; the non-negotiables I would say. By and large, parents and kiddos can come in agreement on the external attributes (i.e. size, shape, height) of those they befriend and perhaps marry but, the internal attributes are not up for compromise.

We can not allow our children to settle for friendships or romantic interests with non-Christians. The consequences are dangerous, deadly, and often lifelong and multi-generational. Let's train up our kiddos to stay in the faith by befriending and eventually, marrying in the faith. Venturing beyond God's parameters is not worth the headache, the heartache, the heartbreak, and the misery that comes along with territory. 

There is love, peace, and joy forevermore when we, the sheep of the Lord, flock and graze in His pastures alone. We must leave the goats alone. 

Parenting is hard but, it is good. Good things are hard and definitely worth fighting for!

Fight forward!

Love, blessings, and hugs