Consider this scenario:
June starts up a conversation with the neighbor four doors down.
June: I’m June, your neighbor. I’ve been meaning to say hi.
Thirty something lady: Oh, hi. We love this area. My boyfriend and I just closed on the house last month. We love living here.
June: (her boyfriend? Hmm.) So, did you buy the house together?
Lady: yes. We lived in an apartment for two years then decided it would be more economical to purchase a home.
June: Are you two—er, uh, getting married anytime soon.
Lady: Not for a while. We want to make sure we’re ready for the commitment before we do. Besides, I’m expecting, and we don’t really have the money right now with the house expenses and all.
I realize I was born in the dark ages. When I was young back in the fifties, if two people were sleeping together, they’d never admit it—much less live together. I’ve run into similar situations time after time in these last years. These days, it’s a common occurrence among couples, with or without children, to live together.
I’ve got one question. Here’s what Hebrews 13:4 says. “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” Has God changed His mind about people living together? No one is ashamed to admit it and a lot of people do it.
Matthew 24:35 says “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Hmm. I don’t think God’s changed His mind.
I’m just saying… moving from an era when living together wasn’t accepted to a time when it’s the norm is quite a contrast. I don’t mean to sound sanctimonious as Jesus has forgiven me so much. I merely shake my head at the contrast.
God is still God and his Word is still true. It seems that definitions of good and evil have flip flopped. Sin is no longer sin. Some get offended at the slightest made-up thing! Also innocent until proven guilty is no more! There is so much to pray for and we want Jesus to come and rectify the wrongs. We just need to be light to this fallen world! We all need a Savior, who us Christ The Lord!
Blessings, hang in there!
Paula, thanks so much for your perspective. God remains the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.