Among the many teachers we have been blessed to learn from here at The Masters Guild this semester, I am especially grateful for Shad and Lori Bolin. As Mr. and Mrs. Bolin took us on an unforgettable journey through their Life and Relationships class, we explored the abundant wisdom and direction God’s Word contains for pursuing a relationship with a future spouse.
It was truly life-changing, and I would like to share with you three lesson I took away from this transformational class.
First, prioritize your relationship with Christ, and everything else (including a romantic relationship) will follow, if it is God’s will. Jesus said, “ Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” ( Matthew 6:33 ESV).
Second, fill your life with words of truth, wisdom, and delight. If you are reading, watching, or listening to anything that instills in you lust, worry, discontent, or bitterness, are you honoring God by allowing it a place in your heart? Look to the standard of Philippians 4:8 and find life and peace for your soul: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Finally, allow your heart to be content in Jesus alone. His grace and compassion alone will satisfy you. While romance novels or sports may bring enjoyment in the moment, they often lead us to a false sense of reality. If you are discontent before marriage, you will only magnify your problems by uniting yourself to another. Instead, may we echo the Psalmist when he says, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." ( Psalm 73:25-26 )
-Evelyn Hull