Marrying a Non - Christian

Marriage, obviously, is not just for a day, but for a lifetime; and, therefore should be taken very seriously! The question as to whether to marry a non-Christian is just one of the possible ways that marriages can be called "mixed!" Let's look at the various ways that marriages can be looked upon as mixed: 1. Socially mixed. This to a marriage between persons of different social standing. Where there is maturity and true love between the two, the distinction is not as much of a problem. However, parents can be a problem if they are what used to be called "social climbers." If both are concerned about their social standing, their marriage could be put into a secondary place and end in divorce or separation. As one writer puts it: "The Smiths need to be more interested in keeping faith with each other than in keeping up with the Joneses!" 2. Intellectually mixed. As a general rule, the scholar would not want to marry an illiterate person, but in the case of true love the barrier can be removed by the illiterate attending school or being taught sufficiently. It is obvious that no person would want to marry a moron, an imbecile, or an idiot. Even though they may be capable of mating, but they would not be capable of bearing up under the responsibilities of marriage. 3. Financially mixed. Very few poor "Cinderellas" marry rich "Princes." However, rich "in-laws" may again be the culprit that may affect the marriage. Also, the poor person may not be able to handle the newly acquired riches. To marry someone because they are rich as the motive for marriage could bring much unhappiness. (See Lk. 6:43-45; Matt. 13:22; Rev. 3:17-18; 1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17; Prov. 11:28). 4. Racially mixed. All men come from a common ancestry: Adam and Eve! To my know- ledge, the Bible does not forbid inter-racial marriages. However, there are factors that need to be considered before one makes such a decision. a) Differences in habits of life, standard of living, ideals, religion, color of skin, language, traditions, or climatic adjustments can be potential points of friction. b) The offspring to the union may complicate matters. c) How society accepts or rejects such marriages can be a major factor for consideration. 5. Religiously mixed. This refers to a couple who are members of different religious groups, even though they may call themselves believers in Christ. Marriage is not only for the Christian but also for all peoples—whatever their religious views might be. But since religious views are held to so strongly by some, a mixed religious marriage could be one on a shaky foundation. It is important that certain things be discussed thoroughly before marriage because of their potential for undermining the marriage later on. The Bible does talk about such marriages in the following passages: a) 1 Cor. 7:14... b) 1 Cor. 7:12-13... c) 1 Cor. 7:15... d) 1 Cor. 7:16... e) 1 Peter 3:1-2... Let's look at two important considerations in choosing a mate: 1. Be sure he is the kind of man you can render duties of a wife to as given in the Scriptures: a) Eph. 5:22... b) Eph. 5:33... c) 1 Pet. 3:6... d) 1 Cor. 7:3-4... e) 1 Tim. 5:14... f) Tit. 2:4-5... 2. Be sure she is the kind of woman you can render duties of a husband to as given in the Scriptures: a) Eph. 5:25... b) Eph. 5:28-29... c) 1 Tim. 5:8... d) 1 Pet. 3:7... e) Mk. 10:7... f) 1 Cor. 7:3-4... g) Eph. 5:23... h) Col. 3:19... Questions to ask in choosing a mate: 1. Does he or she have real character? 2. Does he or she have good health? 3. Are each about the same age? 4. What about each other's family? 5. Does he or she have common sense? 6. Are you compatible? 7. Are you both in love with each other? 8. Are you both old enough: in years? physically? mentally? vocationally? sexually? emotionally? Personal preparation for marriage: 1. Keep a healthy body and avoid bad habits. 2. Develop your mind to maturity. Marriage is for men and women, not children. 3. Keep yourself morally pure. 4. Keep good company and a good reputation—thereby preserving your good name. 5. Be a good Christian. 6. Study books, people, marriages, and pray for God's help to be the right mate. 7. Be determined you will be the right mate first and then look for the right mate. 8. Think soberly, plan prayerfully, love wisely and act intelligently. 9. Realize that marriage can be beautiful or tragic—depending upon the above thoughts. 10. Look forward wisely, not backward sadly!