"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, Word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" 1 Tim. 4:12

There is a story that comes to mind when I think of marriage. It is about an owl and a pussycat. The two went on a boat ride out to sea. The owl played a guitar and sang a love ballad to the pussycat. She was so flattered that she suggested they get married. So they did and later landed and danced by the light of the moon. My mother and I have had many discussions about marriage. We*ve talked about the owl and the pussycat being "unequally yoked." Even though it is a silly children*s tale, it pairs two animals against God*s design. In Genesis chapter one, God created all the animals to reproduce "after their kind" Cats always have kittens; dogs always birth puppies, etc. We should be careful in choosing a ‘partner for life* that is "after our kind." Marrying outside the scriptural guidelines only invites trouble. I have observed some couples~ whose marriages are unequally yoked. They seem to have no family unity. I realize that I only see the surface problems and know by their example that I do not want my marriage to be that way. 2 Cord 6:14 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers. for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"

I*m thankful to God that I have parents who have taught me to be cautious in my selection of my future husband. I*ll only pick a man who my Dad has first approved. He must first be able to give a clear testimony of salvation and he must know right division of the scriptures because the Bible says in Amos 3.3, "Can two walk together~ except they be agreed?"

When a man is considering a bride, he should test a woman*s submission to his authority before a wedding. Although she does not have to obey him prior to marriage, he would be a "wise owl" to find out if she*s willing to submit to him. Eph. 5.22-24 says, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church:

Having a bossy wife is avoidable by some former investigation. If she*s uncontrollable beforehand, don*t expect a wedding ring will tame her. Watch for indications of domination. Does she put herself forward or allow her beau to take the lead? Is she constantly giving directions? Col. 3:18 "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord." God*s order of command may not be popular, but it is for the well-being of all parties involved. A woman should only many a man she will admire. It says in Eph. 5:33 "Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself and the wife see that she reverence her husband" It is important to know a person*s character.

True happiness can only be attained by following God*s principles. Just as the owl had no business with the pussycat, a believer should not enter marriage with an unbelieving spouse. So remember, choose a mate who is willing to wait and make your wedding day special!

"Teen" Commandment Six:

Choose only a date

Who would make