Gaining the Blessing

   I have to admit, I am an optimist idealist.  This means I am always looking at how to fill the glass that is already “half full.” This positioning also applies to my view of marriage.
   As a pastor, I have the privilege of doing pre-marriage counseling. There is a great chance to provide guidance, especially in the spiritual dimension. My experience here has taught me several things...
   1).  This is a vital part of the “life-long” marriage outcome.
   2).  The spiritual side of the love relationship is the most neglected.
   3).  This exploration into marriage needs to occur far earlier in the marriage development process.
   Let me expand on this last observation. As an idealist I’d prefer doing “pre-engagement” counseling.  I’d like a chance to intervene far earlier in this process of marriage formation. The majority of couples need to appreciate God’s plan for their future marriage before they make the decision that may separate them from God through their actions. They may be jeopardizing His blessing.
   Of great concern to me are the decisions made by couples to challenge God by the sexual behavior they engage in before marriage. Without serious consideration of what such sin means to God, and the impact such actions can have on their future, a remarkable number of Chr ...