How can anyone remain truley faithful to their spouse with the way the world is?

[Nattmaran]

Well, you have repeatedly done more than 'question' the bible. You have LABELED it in terms of outdated, patriarachal, tribe minded, and think that much of it is wrong and should be changed and cannot apply to modern society.

Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes and Yes.

I agree on all those points. Well... I do not say that you should change the bible of course but you have to read it with mind on at what age it was written.

I've seen you come actively come against the bible than ever speaking for it. Which is not what this community is all about.

I thought this community was about being a Christian? Not just about the bible. Especially here in the family forum.

By the way, true feminism and true Christianity (as in bible based) cannot go together.

What is "true christianity?"

And after this big branching you can divide it further and further...
Feminism and Christianity CAN go hand in hand... why should it not. Had the bible been written by women in a matriarchy you men would have been fighting for your rights as well (as you should).

But i see, you're less than half my age, half my experience, half my teaching.. so you're 15.. you know it all. So now, i stick to my rule of debate. No more than two rounds and i bow out. So, feel free to respond however, but i will not be responding back. So feel free to go back to following that spirit that came to you, but that does not direct you to the bible, or biblical principles.

Thank you for the age comment, that seemed necessary...

And yes... we all will have to find out our own path and then follow it the best we can.

Love
/Anna

 

[answers]

When I asked this question, I was intending on these points bringing up supportive bibical and human ideas for all married or soon to be relationships. I find my doubt or weakness in my marriage and faith often stems from some wordly disqust. I appologize that this brought on annomosity between two of God's children. We all believe in the same God and are walking with him. I do agree there is not a human in this world who is mighty enough or worthy enough to contradict God's word (bible). I do agree that it is healthy to think about the word, if this leads to a disbelieve, I do not think that is God's intention, but I am not him. I strongly believe that God's words give us what is needed from his words each time we read them.

With that said, Nattmaran, you seem to have the right intention, please be careful, your opinion may be because you could be a child of God who is meant to have strong faith in God's word and satan might be trying to prevent you from spreading his word. The only reason I am telling you this is your passion and strong drive is very familiar to me. I have watched this from my brother. When he is walking with God's word, he is able to spread it more than anyone I have ever seen. It is amazing. When satan creeps in he all of a sudden doesn't believe in all of the bible. He is aware of this now that he is older and fights for God. Stay stong, and be careful to not let trends, pride, power, or whatever hold you back!

Back to my original post, I try to teach my daughter modesty and self worth. I have since my oldest son was young, made a point to acknowledge natural looking women, women who are clothed properly. He is now seven and will point out what he thinks is pretty, he thinks women with no makeup and modestly dressed women look nice. Not saying he says I think that person is pretty, but he will announce what caught his attention like," mom, why does that lady have so much makeup, I don't like that. Or uh oh, I can see your skin right here mom." I always respect his opinion with the second comment and will cover up if I am able. My point is, not saying this will always be his views, but at least I have tried to influence him to care about the natural form of a woman and hopefully one day will be attaracted to a woman who respects herself and other women. I can only hope others are trying to do the same. If we all take a stand some how, maybe our kids or grandkids will have it easier.

 

[Merle]

This is my take on the trust issue - it's really quite simple and BOTH partners should have the same strong moral values.
It's wrong to look at anyone other than your partner with thoughts of lust - the Bible tells us that if a man even so much as looks at a woman with lust he has committed adultery (someone help me with the exact verse pls). I'm convinced that the same applies to women. I've heard many so-called Christians making less than tasteful comments about other women in the company of their own wives to add to insult. Really? A committed Christian should not be going there, ever. As for pornography, whichever you look at it, it's wrong - for a committed christian viewing these images, the Holy Spirit, I am 100% sure, is telling you it's wrong.
As for dress code - a woman/man of God does not dress provocatively - God made us sensual beings and I do believe that you can dress classy and still exude beauty.
There are many other aspects to trust - the Bible tells us that we should not lie, steal, murder.
In a marriage there should be no reason to lie to each other either.
So what it boils down to, in my opinion - are both your lives based on the morals of the Bible and God. Is the Holy Spirit guiding your conscience? If not, there's room for error.
Of course we're human and there are many times we fall into sin but we need to guard ourselves against this, repent when the sin is committed and LEARN the lesson.
The problem comes in when only 1 of you is following God's guidlines which were created to protect us from disappointment and hurt.
You cannot change your partner. God can. And putting internet filters and what not into place to prevent your partner from viewing unGodly sites...sorta defeats the point doesnt it.
The question is why can't you trust your partner to do what's right.

Sorry if I've ranted but I've experienced the same trust issues and I've tried to prevent him from looking for "consolation" from other sources and even confronted and discussed the effects it had on me but because he didnt want to remain faithful/loyal, doesn't matter what I did, he would always find a way to get past me.

 

[pickles]

Somehow, I think that with the way that the world is, that being faithful would be the choice.
With all the terrible things out there, the marraige is the one thing God not only gave us, but blessed, because of this, one should embrace marraige.
Because the joy, blessing and love that come in faithfulness, are of far greater value than anything the world can offer.


God bless
pickles

 

[psychomom]

My husband and I recently celebrated our 32nd anniversary. I am thankful that God has seen fit to take us this far!

I have to agree with Pickles...it's a matter of choice. Just as we both must choose to obey God in all things, I choose to submit to my husband, and he chooses to love me as Christ loves the church...for whom He died.
We choose to ignore and turn away from the lusts of the flesh and eyes.

I don't envy those of you who are in those first 20 years today. It's definitely more difficult, but we KNOW that God will supply everything we need to make our marriages suceed. That doesn't mean it will be easy; far from it, since we are called to complete the sufferings of Christ.

Perhaps making it a day by day, moment by moment thing could make it easier than trying to future trip the whole thing into "till death do us part"?

Just my take on it...hope it helps someone!

Blessings to all, in the love of Jesus ~ellie