With Believers Only. The wife of Lot was a selfish, irreligious woman, and
her influence was exerted to separate her husband from Abraham. But for her,
Lot would not have remained in Sodom, deprived of the counsel of the wise,
God-fearing patriarch. The influence of his wife and the associations of that
wicked city would have led him to apostatize from God had it not been for the
faithful instruction he had early received from Abraham. The marriage of Lot
and his choice of Sodom for a home were the first links in a chain of events
fraught with evil to the world for many generations.
No one who fears God can without danger connect himself with one who
fears Him not. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos
3:3). The happiness and prosperity of the marriage relation depend upon
the unity of the parties; but between the believer and the unbeliever there is
a radical difference of tastes, inclinations, and purposes. They are serving
two masters, between whom there can be no concord. However pure and
correct one’s principles may be, the influence of an unbelieving companion
will have a tendency to lead away from God.... The marriage of Christians
with the ungodly is forbidden in the Bible. The Lord’s direction is, “Be
ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” 2 Corinthians 6:14, 17,
18.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 174, 175.
Let not unholy bonds be formed between the children of God and the
friends of the world. Let there not be marriages made between believers
and unbelievers. Let the people of God take their stand firmly for truth and
righteousness.—The Review and Herald, July 31, 1894.
Great care should be taken by Christian youth in the formation of
friendships and in the choice of companions. Take heed, lest what you now
think to be pure gold turns
17
out to be base metal. Worldly associations tend to place obstructions in the
way of your service to God, and many souls are ruined by unhappy unions,
either business or matrimonial, with those who can never elevate or ennoble.
Never should God’s people venture upon forbidden ground. Marriage between
believers and unbelievers is forbidden by God. But too often the unconverted
heart follows its own desires, and marriages unsanctioned by God are formed.
Because of this, many men and women are without hope and without God in
the world. Their noble aspirations are dead; by a chain of circumstances they
are held in Satan’s net.—The Review and Herald, February 1, 1906.
God’s Claims First. Though the companion of your choice were in all
other respects worthy (which he is not), yet he has not accepted the truth
for this time; he is an unbeliever, and you are forbidden of heaven to unite
yourself with him. You cannot, without peril to your soul, disregard this
divine injunction.... To connect with an unbeliever is to place yourself on
Satan’s ground. You grieve the Spirit of God and forfeit His protection. Can
you afford to have such terrible odds against you in fighting the battle for
everlasting life?
You may say: “But I have given my promise, and shall I now retract it?” I
answer: If you have made a promise contrary to the Scriptures, by all means
retract it without delay, and in humility before God repent of the infatuation
that led you to make so rash a pledge. Far better take back such a promise, in
the fear of God, than keep it and thereby dishonor your Maker.—Testimonies
for the Church 5:364, 365.
The Lord has in His Word plainly instructed His people not to unite
themselves with those who have not His love
18
and fear before them. Such companions will seldom be satisfied with the love
and respect which are justly theirs. They will constantly seek to gain from the
God-fearing wife or husband some favor which shall involve a disregard of
the divine requirements. To a godly man, and to the church with which he is
connected, a worldly wife or a worldly friend is as a spy in the camp, who will
watch every opportunity to betray the servant of Christ, and expose him to the
enemy’s attacks.
Satan is constantly seeking to strengthen his power over the people of God
by inducing them to enter into alliance with the hosts of darkness.—The Signs
of the Times, October 6, 1881.
2. Cautions and Counsels
A Child Bride. [The age of this girl at the time of her marriage is not
known.] Poor girl! She married when but a mere child, needing her mother’s
care. It was an unhappy event. She was a young child. Her health was poor
and her husband was severe and arbitrary. This child was too young for a
companion. He could not respect her as such. She was but a child. He ruled
her like a tyrant. Already they are parted, she hating him most thoroughly and
he without love for her.—Ms 4, 1873.
Long Engagements Not Wise. I am sorry that you have entangled yourself
in any courtship with Nellie A. In the first place, your anxiety upon this
question is premature. Sound judgment and discretion will bid you wait for
one or two years. But for you to select one to be in your mind and affections
that length of time would not be prudent for you or just to the one to whom
you pay your address.
Premature Affections. I speak what I know in this matter,
