"Master, Mission, Mate" Chapter 2: The Wrong Way

I did read chapter 1 and I did learn from it, but I really want to focus on key points that you, too, can learn from so I will skip my analysis of chapter 1 and go straight to chapter 2.

After reading up to chapter 2, I realize and admit that I do have a false view of love, marriage, dating, and relationships. I hope to change all this.

Ken Graves has three warnings as wrong reasons for marriage.

1) Marry someone just to make sex legal.

2) Marry someone just because they'll make you look good.

3) Marry someone in order that you'll be served.

4) Marry someone just so you won't be alone.

I had a conversation about relationships with a good friend yesterday. He has been with his girfriend for nearly three years. He asked me: what kind of traits are you looking for in someone? I had this long list of things I wanted, needed, and wanted and needed to avoid. I realize that a list like that is good, but it cannot be my focus.

Think about what you want to do in life.

Selah (Take time to think and pray about the previous line above).

It is good to see you back.

For me, I want to serve the Lord through ministry. Whether that is being a pastor or helping a church, I want to serve the Lord.

So, above looks, above personality, and above values, I would need someone who not only supports what I want to do, but has to be my partner. Not to say that she has to do ministry with me, but she has to be there for me.

In the book, Graves says: "We're called to serve, not be served." This is very familiar.

Jesus talks about what it takes to be great on this Earth, and says, "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to *serve*, and to give His life a *ransom* for many." (Matthew 20:28 NASB).

I say this because finding a mate has nothing to do with your needs being met, it has to do with serving. Serving one another, serving others, and serving together.

Our needs should not be met by our mate, but by Christ. Graves reiterates saying, "...let our needs be met by Christ."

Don't say, "I need this in a mate...someone who is...someone who can..." Allow Christ to meet those needs.

Instead, ask God not for a mate, but a teammate who will serve along side you. (You like that one huh!).

Serve God and others with *enthusiasm* and with the love that mirrors God's passion for us.

That is it for now. I thank you for taking the time to read this blog because it feels as if you are reading this book with me.

I will end with a verse for you to read, chew, eat, swallow, and the most important one: digest. (Please do not vomit this verse out of your mouth).

"Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered." (Hebrews 5:8 NASB).


*References:
Serve:
1) Jesus says, "...But I am among you as one who serves." (Luke 22:27 NASB).

2) Jesus washed all His disciples' feet (including Judas Iscariot). After he did this, He said: "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you." (John 13:15 NASB). It's a trip because Jesus is saying that we ought to serve even our betrayers, not just our friends.

Ransom:
What is amazing is the word ransom. Ransom is defined as "to obtain the release of by paying a certain price" (Webster's II New College Dictionary). This ransom is our release from the bondage of sin and Satan because of the price Jesus Christ paid on the cross.

Enthusiasm:
Ancient Greek: ἐνθουσιασμός enthousiasmos. This is important because the word comes from the Greek adjective entheos.
There is two important parts of this word: 1) en 2) theos.
En refers to inspire, possess, in or within. Theos is God.
So, it means inspired by God, possessed by God, and in God or within God.
Our enthusiasm comes from God and is because of God.

Digest this one!