Does God decide who you should marry?

[Guest LadyC]

how about if we put it this way.... God decides who we SHOULD marry, but WE decide who we WILL marry.

[rockswillcryout]

That's a good way of putting it LadyC!

This is how it's been explained to me.

Just as there may not be one exact plan for your life - meaning you can do many different things, and no matter what they are, God is pleased if you are honoring him - such it is with marriage.

Imagine a box. Imagine inside that box are all the characteristics of a Godly man or woman. God will be pleased with your choice as long as that person has those charateristics inside that box. There are many people out there who have those charateristics - the rest of it is just superficial, outside stuff. Such as what kind of a job they have, what there family is like, where htey live, ect, ect. Does that make sense?

I'm sorry I'm not explaining it very well, I know...but I know what I mean.

[stevehut]

I think we should marry that "God provided mate" during those teenage years.  It would provide a sexual outlet thereby eliminating the sin of fornication...

You've made a good point here. But then again, when I look back on my teen years, I must say...

"My God, I'm glad I didn't try to get married then. I was so young, iresponsible, and immature. And me having kids? You've gotta be kidding!"

Take an 18 year old young man, give him a wife and kids; will either one of them ever be able to attend/complete college? Train for a good job? I suspect that you may be trading one problem for another here.

And before you say this, I will: Yes, I know there are plenty of people who have done this and made it work. But to encourage it across the board in our country? Nah, I just don't see how that would have a net benefit for our nation/society/economy.

[Guest shiloh357]

Take an 18 year old young man, give him a wife and kids; will either one of them ever be able to attend/complete college? Train for a good job? I suspect that you may be trading one problem for another here.

And before you say this, I will: Yes, I know there are plenty of people who have done this and made it work. But to encourage it across the board in our country? Nah, I just don't see how that would have a net benefit for our nation/society/economy.

Excellent point Steve, right on!!!

[stevehut]

I personally think 16 should be considered the age of adulthood. In a lot of european countries this is the age of adulthood and the age at which they graduate from secondary school.

Yes, and have you noticed the social trends for most of Europe for the past 50 years or so? Each succesive is less moral, less connected to family and religion. Take away the protection and counsel of a Christian community of believers, and you're asking for trouble.

[Nicks Girl]

We're not saying that it's for everyone. or that a young person who has no way to support a family SHOULD get married, just for a sexual outlet. The real point is, that teenagers need to grow up, and start acting their age.

The second you get married you don't have kids, and just because you are married doesn't mean you have to have kids right away. My Fh and I are praying and going to try and hold off on kids until he is out of college in a couple years.

They only come one at a time too.

Just because you get married young,(even have kids) or whatever doesn't mean you can't go to college, or mean that you'll be poor your whole life, and never achieve anything career wise.

net benefit for our nation/society/economy

Is that the real aim for a Christian's life? No, it's to serve God. Unfortunately many Christians are very worldly in their thinking, and we drift from where God is really leading and calling us.

[stevehut]

net benefit for our nation/society/economy

Is that the real aim for a Christian's life? No, it's to serve God. Unfortunately many Christians are very worldly in their thinking, and we drift from where God is really leading and calling us.

Not sure I understand your point here.

Yes, a Christian's purpose is supposed to be serving God. And this service must have real-life application. Must be responsible, and be an example to others.