The Thursday Update

Lakeshore Friends—

When it comes to love and romance, it can seem that God has lots of very specific rules.  Limiting rules.  Restrictive rules.  Rules that make it seem like He is a real kill-joy when it comes to dating and romance.

But is he really trying to make us unhappy by keeping us from experiencing things that we think will make us happy?  Of course not.

So much of romance is actually a battle between the short-term and the long-term.  And the truth is that it’s always easier for most people to choose the short-term.  Afterall, it brings quick and immediate gratification and we like that.  Well, at least for a little while.  But short-term gratification usually keeps us from long-term satisfaction.  You rarely can have both in romance.

That’s where God steps in.

God’s rules that often seem too strenuous, too specific, too limiting and too restrictive are also very protective.  God has His rules and regulations to protect us from the trouble that comes with doing things our own way.  Troubles like heart-break, broken trust, rejection, physical problems that may come our way, and even having to plan for a family when you aren’t ready for one.  There’s a lot more but I think you get the point.

So maybe it’s time we stop seeing God’s rules and standards as restrictive and joy-killing and start seeing them for what they really are— liberating, protective, freeing and joy-producing.

No matter where you are in your romance life— from single to long-time married— do things God’s way.  He made the rules because He knows what’s best for us- in the long-term!

Warmly,

Vince