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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, June 13, 1980
Page 8
FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
Dating Between Members and Nonmembers
A number of ministers in the field have expressed concern about members
dating nonmembers, and want to know what action they should take regarding
such situations.
Mr. Herbert Armstrong has specifically stated recently
that such dating could lead to yoking oneself unequally
(II Cor. 6:14),
since dating naturally leads to marriage, and therefore should not be
practiced by members.
Marriage was the first institution ordained of God in the Garden of Eden.
From the beginning marriage was intended to be a lifelong relationship
(Matt. 19:8).
Human marriage symbolizes, through mutual love, sharing
and fidelity, the relationship between Christ and His Church
(Eph. 5:22-
23).
And Jesus Christ will not be "unequally yoked'' to His bride.
But
more precisely, how does all this affect the considerations about dating
and marriage with a nonmember?
God's people simply cannot isolate themselves from all social contacts
with the world nor should they want to do so
(remember Christ ate with
sinners).
Christ said His disciples were not to leave this world's
society
(John 17:14-15), but to simply not be of the world--its false
ways, practices and religions.
Paul asked "what communion hath light
with darkness?"
(II Cor. 6:14.)
"Communion" or "fellowshipping" is cer
tainly part of a dating experience.
And an intimate and fruitful marriage
naturally involves sharing and communicating deeply and frequently with
one's mate.
One's spiritual values, hopes and aspirations simply cannot
find their expression as naturally and readily with a person whose in
terests cannot be truly linked together,for "the carnal mind is enmity
against God..."
(Romans 8:7).
Many people recognize the truism that when it comes to getting along with
others, it is better to avoid "religion and politics."
The principle be
hind the saying is that these subjects involve strong sentiments that
usually set people apart.
But spiritual unity between two people makes
what may be a satisfactory marriage even better!
And this unity strength
ens God's collective spiritual Church.
Mr. Armstrong is fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi 3:1 as he prepares
the way for Christ to return to His holy temple, the Church
(II Cor. 6:16).
Ingetting God's Church "back on the track" spiritually, Mr. Armstrong
knows it is not in the best interests of the individual members, or the
congregation as a whole, to ignore the lessons in God's Word concerning
relationships with the unconverted which can lead to becoming unequally
yoked in marriage.
After the exile, Ezra was led to institute refor™1! including the separat
ing of the people from their foreign wives who worshipped false gods.
Of course families where mates are not converted are not being divided
today, but God's people are commanded to avoid becoming bound to the
world
(II Cor. 6:14.)
Remember, Solomon took to himself many wives and concubines.
Perhaps
Solomon found "strange women" more attractive even though God warned that
it would turn his heart--yes, even the wisest man in history!
Are any one