Reading Journal: The Sacred Search by Gary Thomas

 

Book Description:

What if you stopped looking for a “soul mate” and started looking for a “sole mate”—someone who will live out with you the great purpose of God? What if dating isn’t about finding “the one” but making a wise choice so you can better serve the One who loves you most? What if God didn’t design relationships to make you happy but to make you holy?

In The Sacred Search, Gary Thomas will transform the way you look at romantic relationships. Whether you are single, dating, or engaged, Gary’s unique perspective on dating will prepare you for a satisfying, spiritually enriching marriage even before you walk down the aisle. As Gary reminds us, a good marriage is not something you find—it’s something you make.

My thoughts:
When I saw the subtitle to The Sacred Search: What If It's Not about Who You Marry, But Why? by Gary Thomas I knew I had to read this book. I am sure we all have had people in our lives that have gotten married and the whole time you are standing there scratching you head trying to figure out what they could be thinking.

Gary Thomas' answers the questions of "Why get married?" with Matthew 6:33--"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (NKJV). He points out that when a husband and wife lives are centered around a commitment to Christ then they are more likely to have a fulfilling marriage.

Throughout the book he address many topics such as:

• Infatuation
• Questions to ask
• Waiting for the right person
• Sexual desire, premarital sex, porn, and more
• Cultural conditioning
• Styles of marriage
• Your spirituality
• Tips for making a marriage
• Compatibility
• Who Would Jesus Date?
• Mercy marriages

This was an insightful read and there were moments that my thinking was challenged at times (in a good way.) I believe one reason why I was drawn to this book is that my own marriage really reflects the message of this book. Through all the good and the bad our commitment to God has been at the center of our marriage.

If you are desiring to get married or are engaged, I highly recommend adding this book to your list and working through study questions which are included at the end of each chapter. I don't think you'll regret it at all. Highly recommended!