06.03.11 The 5th Key for Evaluating Signs of Commitment in a Prospective Partner

5. Is the Person’s Commitment Spiritually Anchored or Emotionally Driven?

Observe how the prospective partner’s spiritual beliefs shape his or her decisions. Is the person’s belief system integrated into his or her daily life; or does the individual treat such beliefs as secondary or merely optional?

Rachel knew that Jacob’s spiritual belief system was firmly anchored in Jehovah, the God of Abraham and Isaac. The man could have shared how he had ripped his twin brother of his inheritance then fled into exile; and his life-changing and divine encounter with God at Bethel (Genesis 28). That experience must have turned Jacob from a soothsayer to a God-anchored-person who respected and fulfilled commitments. On Rachel’s side and as their marriage progressed, Joseph must have observed the woman’s transition from worshipping her father Laban's household gods, teraphim, to Jehovah as the only God. Although the bible does not explicitly report Rachel praying, Genesis 30:22-23 reveals that Jehovah had her cry. It reads (AMP): Then God remembered [the prayers of] Rachel and God thought of her and opened her womb [so that she would conceive].

Monica was committed to her walk with God and desired a relationship where both of them were spiritually anchored. However, Kenneth was not ready for that. Although the man recognised her Christian commitment, he did not pursue God with the same seriousness; avoiding spiritual accountability and minimising the need to be rooted in a home church. This created a spiritual imbalance in their relationship.

A strong spiritual foundation shapes a prospective partner’s values, sense of duty and relational stability. A person who is spiritually anchored is more likely to stay consistent, reliable and deeply committed in your relationship, especially when emotions fluctuate and circumstances change. Such an anchor will greatly influence how the two of you make decisions, fulfill roles and grow your relationship.