Morning Meditations: Dating

From my morning devotions:

Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

also:

Proverbs 6:27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

Do you ever get the feeling that this world has taught us to do everything wrong? We go through a cycle of meeting, dating and breaking up with people of the opposite sex that we are attracted to. The ones we long for. We listen to this old deceitful heart and follow after the fire in our own flesh. Is it any wonder we get burned.

The dating ritual of the day has taught us how to break up rather than to be committed. Is it any wonder divorce rates are as bad as they are?

Genesis 24:3,4 And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: 4 But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.

Genesis 24:13,14,16 Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: 14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master. 16 And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

Genesis 24:29,53,58,67 And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well. 53 And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things. 58 And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go. 67 And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.

I'm not suggesting that we should turn back to the ancient marriage customs of those days, God forbid! But in cultures where they practice similar customs, divorce is almost unheard of. Why's that? Because it's against the law. On the contrary, I think it's because they haven't prepared themselves up for failure the way we have.

So next time your mother, father, or even your pastor questions you, don't blow them off. Consult the wisdom of the wise. Submit to them, not only is it Biblical, but they've been here far longer than you and can see problems you can't.

Lord, help us today to receive this word. Help us to submit to the wisdom of the wise. Help us who are in authority to assist and guide the young to make good choices. In Jesus name, Amen.