From The Root (part 2)

There are some people you may consider to be absolutely wonderful. You have never seen him/her speaking a harsh word to anyone and has managed difficult situations masterfully. In school, he/she has prioritized to the point of you being envious with how well they have done throughout their academic career and as an adult, there has been no difference only more improvements. Everyone agrees, if you don't make this person your intended, you have lost the good sense God gave you. Have you met such people? When I was a child, the adults would tell me to watch out for those quiet ones. It was a warning I adhered to until I read in the scriptures to remain quiet shows wisdom (Proverbs 17:27-28 AMP). Are both pieces of advise good? Can people show good fruit because they have sown good seed? Why be apprehensive? See, if that question can be answered in part 2 of this dating inquiry:

 2. You are so devoted and in love with your intended. This person is everything and more that you've asked God for. This person is kind, loving, and gentle, with an even temperament. I didn't want to mention so not to stir up any superficial feeling, but the person is absolutely gorgeous with no signs of conceit. How often is all of this in one package (that's not the question)?  However, when talking about religion (that’s the word that person uses), God is what the person believes. He/she has no problem with Jesus, but the immaculate conception is a little far fetched. Still, this person would give the shirt off his/her back if you asked. Do you see any red flags or can this person be convinced of those itty-bitty discrepancies to maintain this potential courtship?

This might be difficult for some to imagine being in such a predicament while someone else is thinking, what predicament? In order to be in love and devoted to someone, you have allowed for emotions to get involved and you did not guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23 AMP). Deal with that before going any further.

There is another matter to consider, it is assumed that you have learned that making life altering decisions based on what you see, can be regretful. You know we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7 AMP). There are plenty in the 5-fold ministry that like to sermonize men are visual and women are emotional. Please do not allow those words to describe you when the Word says otherwise. There is no gender divide in walking by faith. It is the substance of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1 AMP). How does emotion and visuals work in there? 

Now about the meat and potatoes of this question...what about the use of the word, religion? Is it necessary to place the definition here? As believers, does it describe what we know God/Jesus to be in our lives? Religion describes every other spiritual belief from idol worship to witchcraft. Where does Christianity fit in that definition? Christianity is a lifestyle. When the old passes away and behold all things become new, this means we do not rely on the way we used to react to situations and circumstances (2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP). We no longer do evil for evil but bless those who spitefully use you (Luke 6:27-28 AMP). We no longer walk away from someone in need even when we don't have ourselves. The lifestyle of a Christian knows that if your brother asks for a crust of bread, would you give him a stone (Matthew 7:7-12 AMP)? The Word tells us if your brother asks for your shirt give him your coat also (Matthew 5:40-44 AMP). How can his lifestyle be a religion? Religion is used for one day of the week and the other 6 days it is as ordinary as what the secular world does. How can anyone tell the difference between you or anyone else? God is looking for that difference.

If there is a discussion of the word religion, it would also include the immaculate conception. You see, there is no faith in the use of religion. It is why one can be a "saint" on Sunday and less than a saint for the remainder of the week. He/she doesn't believe that there is someone greater watching and knowing what is said as opposed to what one is doing. That conception would also take faith to believe. How else could He have done what He did for us all to be who we are (John 3:16 AMP)? He is not just a man...He is God! Man changes daily. He has to in order for him to grow to be what God intends for him to be. He makes his mind up to serve or not. Jesus realized who He is. At the age of 12, He remained within the temple for 18 years to be about His Father's business. He had a 3 year ministry to save those who believe. A mere man could not have done that.

There is the final part of the question that culminates as to why the intended may have issues with you along the way. The scripture states that no one can come through the Father but by the Son (John 6:44 AMP). If there is an issue in believing that Jesus is Lord, than he/she is not alright with God. He/she doesn't know God and has been perpetrating just to get into a relationship or married to a God fearing person. Red Flags were flying almost immediately (Proverbs 19:25 AMP)!