Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 4/8/2010

Question
Sir, I am 22 years old from India.I have grown up in a so-called christian family with my mom since my parents got separated when I was 11 years old.I did not get the sort of spiritual food which could make me grow as disciple of Jesus.I have always got a passion to serve Him right from my childhood and I have always prayed that I get married to God's servant.I have suffered a long period of spiritual loneliness while I went to hostle for further studies.That was the time I earnestly prayed for a spiritual companion.God blessed me and answered my prayers by sending me a friend who shared the same kind of faith I had also with the same goal. Together we witnessed for Christ and turned few collegues into believing Jesus.After 3 years when studies got over, we began seeing our future life-partners in each other. My mother doesn't want me to marry him because he is a believer and because of family status, according to her, we are higher than him.She want me to get married to NRI person who is wealthy enough to give me a luxurious life.All she thinks of is material benefits. Whenever any proposal comes, she doesn't see if he is a believer or not.I can not spoil my life like this.In no circumstances am I ready to agree with my mom and family. The person whom I love is humble by heart and says prayer will work everything out for us. At the same time I wonder, is it appropriate for me to go against my mother's will in future if at all she doesn't understand me?

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

Thanks for this great question.  I am so sorry for my late response.  I am sorry that you and your mother are having this conflict.

Act 5:29  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

You have God's strong warning that you should not ever marry an unbeliever.  If she has an unbeliever in this guy's place, then you know that you must follow scripture.  I believe that God will lead you if you depend upon him, and it sounds like you already know what you must do.

2Co 6:14  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2Co 6:15  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2Co 6:16  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2Co 6:17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

Pro 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Pro 3:6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I hope that this helps you.  I will be praying for you.

In Christ
Pastor Don