TO BE WITH 2

"Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" (Amos 3:3).

Taking a journey with another person requires a certain level of agreement, depending on the kind of journey that is about to be traveled. Going on a tour of the Holy Land with a group does not require the same level of agreement and commitment as going on a life journey of marriage.
On the issue of defining marriage as a faith relationship between a man and a woman, I would gladly stand with a Mormon. On the sanctity of life issue I would gladly stand shoulder to shoulder with a Roman Catholic even though with both Mormons and Roman Catholics I have some serious theological differences and could not travel the whole faith journey with them. Just because I cannot travel the whole faith journey with them does not mean that I cannot be thankful for the positive faith influences that they bring to our culture.

"Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?" (II Corinthians 6:14).

When it comes to life journeys, like marriage, business partnerships or even intimate friendships, there, of necessity, has to be common values, a common faith, a common way of looking at life. Often these days, a common religious faith is discounted, believing that love conquers all. But, in all too many of these marriages there is a great deal of unhappiness because of the differences of faith and values.

There is an old adage that says, "opposites attract." Actually it is true, and for a while it does seem exciting, but what is also true is that a relationship with another has a much greater chance of success over the long term if the people in the relationship are more alike rather than different! Relationships in which the partners are very much alike still have enough differences to make things exciting!

To really be with another in a relationship, find someone who is more alike who is more alike rather than different!

Grace&Peace,
Tom