Five Lessons from Genesis 24
1. Don’t be Unequally Yoked: The first instruction Abraham gave his servant was to swear that he will not allow Isaac to marry an unbeliever. God’s word doesn’t permit us to marry an unbeliever (read 1 Cor. 6:14, Deuteronomy 7: 3-4). Don’t go into a relationship with an unbeliever. Anyone who doesn’t love God can’t love you. It is foolishness to think you will change him. Even with all the Wisdom of Solomon, the unbelievers he married led him astray (Read 1 Kings 11:1). Samson also lost his relationship with God and eventually lost his life because of his relationship with an unbeliever (read Judges 16:1).
2. Pray for Personal Conviction: The fact that you shouldn’t marry an unbeliever doesn’t mean you can marry just anybody provided he’s not an unbeliever. Don’t go into a relationship with someone you are not convinced about. The servant of Abraham prayed for God’s leading and God heard his prayers. You are to also pray and allow God to lead you. Don’t let the fact that he’s good, caring and generous make you think he/she is the right person for you. Goodwill may not be God’s will. There is a right person for you to marry and that’s why you need to pray and allow God to lead you. The Holy Spirit will lead you in all truth when you yield to Him. Pray and pray very well before going into any relationship.
3. Don’t hide your relationship from important people in your life (Parent, Pastor and Mentor): A godly relationship is not a secret affair. The parent of Rebekah knew everything; She didn’t follow the servant immediately (She informed her parent/family and they gave their consent). Don’t engage in a secret relationship. Anybody who Isn’t proud to make you known to important people in his/her life doesn’t love you. (If he/she or you think they will rebuke you because you are still young, then it means you are not supposed to be in the relationship. Wait for the right time).
4. Embrace Purity: Love doesn’t rejoice iniquity (1Cor. 6:13). Don’t engage in any form of sexual immorality. Isaac and Rebekah got married before they had sex. Love is patient; love doesn’t rush to have sex, it waits till the right time (marriage). Mary and Joseph kept themselves pure and that’s why they were qualified to birth the Messiah (see Matthew 1:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:3 and 1 Corinthians 6:18).
5. Purposeful Relationship: Don’t start a relationship without a good purpose for it. Ask relevant questions to know why you or the person wants to be in a relationship with you. The servant of Abraham made it clear that Isaac wanted to marry Rebekah, Joseph and Mary were espoused to be married. Any meaningful relationship should be for marriage. Know the purpose of the relationship. Why do you want the person or why does he/she wants you. Because of money, Kissing, romance, sex or for a life time commitment? Your relationship must be purposeful. Don’t waste your time and resources on a relationship that you know wont lead anywhere. Break free from such toxic relationship. – By Danjuma Iliya.
