I think one thing to consider is this.
Who will be more upset if your children are raised with differing beliefs from them? To whom will it have more impact?
Regarding the 'growing apart' aspect, that's something that any couple can deal with in life. It could be a new career that shapes ones thoughts. It could be a change in health that changes ones perspective. Or if one gains new friends that influence ones thoughts and opinions. The key is
communicating so you know each other and grow
interdependently, not being aiming to be mental clones of each other.
All that's happened is that she's become closer to Jesus. If she follows the leading of the Holy Spirit, she'll seek to be closer, more committed, more forgiving, more at peace and more loving with you. Hardly something to fear.
Many preachers sermons are actually relationship enhancing advice. Stress management counsel. Marriage guidance. The only difference to a secular talk on the same issues is that God is the focus. There's a push to "let go and let God". To do as Jesus would do, and let the Holy Spirit in.
I don't know if you're worried about it at all, but she would never be instructed to leave you. On the contrary, the Bible is very clear about her staying with you whether you're a believer or not.
As some have written, there are many cases of people of differring worldviews marrying.
My girlfriends parents went through a similar situation. Her mother became a Christian. Her father thought she'd gone round the bend. Consequently my girlfriend had a lower opinion of her mother.... until she herself came to know Jesus.
Then her father had to contend with two women who loved God
And all they do is love him.
I think at the end of the day, you've just got to let her be herself yeah? If she wants to believe, let her. There's no issue. Let her be a bird outside of a cage.
Even christians married to each other are going to have differing beliefs.
I have to watch myself with a partner, that I don't shove my theology down their throat. I think my ex-wifes faith got a whole lot better after we split, as it became truly independently vibrant, not overly influenced by her opinionated, stubborn husband.
When I met her she was going to my preacher-father's church. (I'd left it a few years before). Once we started going out, there was no way I was going to my fathers church again, so we went to mine. I took her away from her church.
Consequently I'm mindful of that with people I've been with since. Giving them air. Room to have faith. To doubt.
She will have doubts Ben. That's a part of faith. She'll need to talk to you about issues she has with her church or with God, and not feel like you're trying to pry her away from it or remove her faith. Be there as an ear brother. An ear not trying to control.
I hope you guys are cool mate. [img]smile.gif[/img] I see no reason why not, but I'll be praying for you guys bro. [img]smile.gif[/img] You're a good man.
[ 10-26-2002, 12:46 AM: Message edited by: Yorick ]