Negotiables and non-negotiables

My dear one,

I used to have a list of what I was looking for in a man. I don't keep such a list today. I can not stipulate my petty preferences of strengths and hobbies and hair color. I can only pray that you will be someone I can trust and love and serve alongside.

But there are still some non-negotiables I would never cede. I would never marry a man who does not love the Lord with all his heart, soul, and mind! And I do sometimes worry that we might have some difficult-to-overcome differences in theological persuasion. You see, I have come to embrace the tenets of the historic reformed faith, the doctrines of grace. Not that my family's background was of an opposite conviction -- but it was never anything very clear in my family's "independent Baptist" circles. I can't see myself attending/joining a church that does not hold to either the Westminster Standards or the London Baptist Confession. My heart is greatly edified by the sermons of Charles Spurgeon, the deep thoughts of Jonathan Edwards, the writings of the Puritans. If you wrinkle your nose at this, I'll send you away to read John Owens' The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, and then we'll talk.

Am I being too dogmatic? Well, even if I am, at least it's dogmaticism about dogma! But deep down I have a feeling that our hearts will beat as one even in these matters. The Lord continues to teach me and humble me and I'm sure He will use you in my life to carry on my spiritual growth.

Waiting,
Me