What's the Big Deal?

I'll be writing this week from Lake George. There is work to do, and I need an early start. It is hard for me to get an early start if I have to drive an hour and a half first. Someday, I hope to be able to sit back and enjoy the scenery, but for now, it just isn't going to happen.

We had an enjoyable time in church Sunday. Two young men associated with the Todd Becker Foundation shared that organization's ministry with us. Their group conducts school assemblies, bringing a message of hope to the youth of today. Because of that message, many young people are turning to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is refreshing to see young people involved in ministry to their generation.

I don't know what kind of response to expect from this next commentary, but I'll take my chances: Milrae and I went to the hair salon recently to get our hair cut, and group of young women were discussing some pastors who had refused to marry couples that were living together. At the end of the discussion, one young lady wondered aloud, "What's the big deal?"

I couldn't keep silent, so I said this: As a pastor, I would have to take the side of those other men, and I believe that a couple should live apart until marriage. Needless to say, the conversation came to a rather abrupt end. I would like to take this opportunity to expand on my statement.

First of all, God's word says couples living together outside of marriage are living in sin. This is not news, and this sin is no more or less a sin than any other. As with any other sin, it is forgivable. Also, statistics have proven that living together before marriage leads to a greater possibility that the marriage will fail. Most pastors I know who choose not to bless that kind of relationship, would be glad to conduct the ceremony if the concerned parties would confess the sin, repent of it, and live apart for a time as evidence of that repentance. You see, in God's eyes, and in his plan for marriage, it is a "big deal", even if the culture we live in tells us it doesn't matter.

Speaking the Truth in love,
Pastor Jerry