Relating to the Opposite Sex, Part 3

Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

What’s your goal in relating to the opposite sex? Is it to relate lovingly as a brother or sister? Is it to express the love, joy and grace of God in a way that blesses God and others?

Some people have never thought of this question. All of us ought to. Are you shopping? Many guys are looking for someone to have sex with, or hang with, or be seen with. It’s to be hoped that most Christian men would run from this attitude. But men, are you shopping—for a wife, a girlfriend? Women, are you shopping—for a husband, security, a boyfriend, someone to have around on a Saturday night?

If it’s human, or not available at Wal-Mart, Lowe’s or Amazon, don’t shop for it. We all resist it when people involved in a pyramid sales system treat us as possible customers instead of as friends or simply as people. We shouldn’t act that way in relating to our brothers and sisters. We should be receiving others for who they really are, and then loving them as Christ loved us.

Single men and women: Can you handle being alone without a boyfriend or girlfriend? The irony is, is that if you can’t, you’re not yet ready for a mature relationship. If it’s hard, then there may be a need that the Lord is trying to fill Himself, which is so much better than vainly hoping a human will fill it.

In fact, for those hoping/looking for a spouse: Here is the best advice anyone could possibly give: Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. This sets a priority of action and thought, and promises that all these things (which includes a spouse) will follow that emphasis.

Let’s free ourselves and everyone else we relate to from looking to them to fill needs that God intends to fill. Let’s free ourselves and everyone else from the search for the kind of completion that we can only find in Him.

Prayer: Father, if I’m in Christ, I am complete in You. Please show me what that means. Help me to be at peace with the opposite sex, leaving all my baggage about the opposite sex at the foot of the cross so that I can relate in love and wisdom to all, expecting nothing other than to bless them in how I relate. Amen.