There’s more to “falling in love” than pop-culture would have you believe.
from RELEVANT written by Rachel Watson
As a teenager, I read my fair share of Christian romance novels. They were full of dramatic plot lines, sexual tension, one-room school houses and Canadian Mounties.
The leading men were imperfect but in a tousled and endearing sort of way. They always knew what to say. All the female characters were beautiful, but distressed, to ensure the reader plenty of drama. Each story ended with a sigh.
Today, women can indulge their romantic side by using Pinterest. They can build relationship shrines out of images of engagement rings and couple shots and create virtual collages of attractive men, romantic dates, perfect playlists and unique wedding favors. They are collecting comparisons.
This magazine says that the right guy will know what his girlfriend wants for Christmas.
This pastor says that saving sex until marriage ensures a satisfying and uncomplicated sex-life.
This film is my favorite because he sweeps her off her feet by showing up at the prom to slow dance with her to her favorite song!
Don’t let yourself off the hook. Replace Christian romance novels and Pinterest with anything else that may have you building up unrealistic expectations. Regardless of their source, the following relationship lies pose a threat to true contentment:
Lie #1: You Will Be Happy Once You are Married.
In other words, tough luck, singles. You’re missing out. Only married people know what true happiness is.
But waiting for happiness, whether you are single waiting for marriage, married waiting for children, or married waiting for your spouse to change, is idolatrous territory. When we hold our joy captive until we get what we want, a vicious cycle of discontentment begins. God calls us to be content right now:
Hebrews 13:5: Be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you…