Love or Lust? Our Culture’s Distortion of Order
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
“Tinder Culture: Love and Sex.” Does that title ring a bell? Last year, we wrote a hit blog piece on the “Tinder Epidemic” our culture is experiencing. I discussed my experience in the airport seeing half a dozen girls messaging their “love interest” to pick them up through a dating app! Read the link included to remind yourself of our Valentine's Day 2022 Blog.
This is what so much of our culture desires… cheap sex, flying across the country to people who won’t even commit to a relationship, and using all these desperate attempts at “love” to try to fill the God-shaped hole inside of us. This year I want to to focus not so much on the “bad” of our culture- how our culture is messing with the family and relationships- but more so on: what does a good relationship look like, and what should we focus on looking for during this Valentine’s “Season of Love?”
1. A real man will lead you closer to, not farther from, God: Does he pray and read the Bible with you? Does he make an effort to discern with you the will of God or is he only focused on what he wants, and what is convenient for him?
2. Look at his relationship with his family: this will give insight into how he is going to treat you in the future: There’s a saying that a man will treat his wife in a similar way that he treats his mother, and that’s true to a point. How does he treat his mother and sisters, if he has any? Is he respectful, loving, and protective or dismissive and uncaring?
3. A man of God will never pressure you to do anything physically, but will instead help remind you that sex is a sacred act meant only for marriage: This is a big one! One of the devil’s most effective tools to break apart a relationship is the distorted use of sex. How does he handle when sexual temptation comes? Does he understand that God designed intimacy for two purposes- unitive and procreative- which brings the married couple the most pleasure?
4. You should never feel like you have to wear less clothing in order for him to think you are more beautiful: A real man will treasure and promote modesty, he will recognize that you are giving him a gift by saving yourself for only him.
These are only four standards, but some people might even say- “That’s too much to ask. There’s no man who is that good. My advice to you is: “Yes there is… you just might have to be patient and wait.”
I know there are men with these high standards because I’ve seen it in my life and the lives of my friends. Those of us who wait patiently, instead of lowering our standards, gain such a reward while the ones who want to find a man as quickly as possible end up lowering almost all of their standards and end up living a life far different than the one they hoped.
Now, let’s talk about some beautiful, modest statement pieces to wear during this “Month of Love:”
RESTOCK! Our Surprise Bow in the Back bestseller dress has been restocked for Valentine’s Day. Snag one before it sells out again! And we added a new color in a classic black! USA Made makes this dress even more beautiful!
Our Candy Hearts Sweatshirt is a more playful Valentine’s Day piece. Perfect for a mall day or casual dinner, this vibrant sweatshirt gives off perfect Valentine’s Day vibes.
Need some statement earrings for your Valentine’s Day dinner? These Red Tassel Statement Earrings are perfect for the occasion! Check out our LOVE and Gold Heart Necklace for life which come beautifully wrapped.
Shop our Valentine’s Day Collection for whatever you need this Valentine’s Day, and don’t forget: never lower your standards- you won’t regret it!
Re-read - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 as a reminder of perfect love.
XO for Life,
Savannah