Last week I was invited to speak at a ‘Love Banquet’,
sponsored by the 10th grade of Doane Christian Academy. I accept almost every invitation to speak,
seeing this as an opportunity to make Christ known. But after speaking at this Love Banquet last
week, I doubt they will ever invite me back!
Here’s why…
When I entered the venue, decorations galore greeted my
eyes. Paper hearts and cupid cut-outs
hung from the ceiling. Glittering streamers
of red and pink covered the walls. Love
wasn’t just in the air; it was plastered on everything from the table napkins
to the speaker’s podium.
The boys were decked out in formal suits and ties, while
the ladies wore fancy dresses that never reached below the knees. The evening began with a procession down the
red carpet as every boy was locked arm in arm with a girl. The MC announced the name of each couple as
they entered the spotlighted arena.
Contests were held on who was the ‘best dressed’, the ‘best
face’, the ‘best personality’, and the ‘most popular’. During another part of the evening, each boy
presented his corresponding date with a red rose which he tied around her
wrist. Some of the boys chose to kiss
her hand as well.
During the meal, different students took turns singing
love songs, filling the arena with sounds of romance. One 10th grader came to the
microphone and, while looking intently to his date, sang “You’re just too good
to be true. Can’t take my eyes off of
you. You’d be like heaven to touch. I want to hold you so much...”
Finally, it was my turn to speak. I make a joke about all the girls being
taller than the boys because of their high-heeled shoes. I also expressed my gratefulness to them for
allowing me to be their speaker.
Then I shared a story to them about a newlywed couple, Chad
and Heidi Eves, who followed a biblical pattern of courtship. Both had pledged never to date, waiting for
God to bring the right person into their lives if He wanted them to marry. When God ‘woke up’ Chad to Heidi, Chad worked
through his father and Heidi’s father to further determine God’s will, all
without Heidi knowing about it.
After lots of prayer and Bible studies with Chad, Heidi’s
father finally gave permission and told Heidi about Chad’s desire to court
her. Heidi had long admired Chad’s godly
character. She was excited and quickly agreed. A few weeks later Chad presented Heidi with
an engagement ring. He didn’t put it on
her finger because he had pledged not to touch Heidi until their wedding day,
knowing that 1 Cor. 7:1 literally says, “It is good for a man not to touch a
woman.” A short time later they were
married, exchanging their first kiss on their wedding day.
After sharing Chad and Heidi’s story, I drew the students’
attention to their school logo, which pictured an open Bible with the Scripture
reference Joshua 1:8. I had memorized that
verse long ago, so I reminded them of what it said, “Do not let this book of
the law depart from you, but meditate on it day and night so that you may be
careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and
successful.”
I asked the students and teachers, “If a stranger were to
enter now, what evidence would he see that you are Christians? In reference to God’s Word, what evidence
does God see that you are ‘careful to do everything written in it”? I challenged them to not be conformed to the
ways of the world, but to seek to obey and glorify God in their personal lives
and in all their future school activities.
Well, like I said, they may never invite me again to be
their speaker. But that’s ok. On
Saturday I leave for Texas to see my granddaughter for the first time. Then I will be privileged to officiate the
wedding of Hannah and Daniel on the afternoon of the 25th in
Galveston.
Recently, when one of Hannah’s co-workers asked why
Daniel had not yet moved into Hannah’s apartment, Hannah explained, “Because we
are not married yet; we are both virgins.”
The co-worker was surprised and amazed.
Whether in the U.S. or the Philippines, it seems personal gratification
matters more than mutual responsibility.
Despite the increasing darkness of our time, let’s keep our little
lights shining so the world around us can know that there is a better way.
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