First Dates, Fiancés and Faith
Dating is the thing we Americans do to get to know someone of the opposite sex that one day with some someone will be our spouse. Whether it starts online or at school, or our workplace if we are interested in that sort of thing we are going to bump into our eventual life partner. For good or for bad.
The alarming rise of divorce and immorality within marriages can often be attributed to faulty dating process. Gratefully, the Bible gives wise principles to guide us in making the right decisions on how to make the best of dating days before making lifelong decisions.
Dating usually begins simply on the basis of physical attraction. No advice is sought from parents and a date is arranged with no commitment expected. No accountability is required and physical contact is too often assumed and acceptable. This process goes on till the person with the right "chemistry is found. On that flimsy basis one of life's most important decisions is made. The Bible gives solid principles to guide us in this important matter.
First, we should get all the good advice available. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Prov.12:15).
The second principle is that God has given sons and daughters good barometers – parents. Let your parents help guide through those emotional and uncertain days of courtship. “Honor your father and mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you.” (Deut. 5:16)
The third principle is ”Flee youthful lust". (2Tim. 2:22). Many good men have fallen because they unintentionally got swept away by their own passion. “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Rom. 13:14).
And lastly, God has a perfect will for each of us and our main task is to discover that plan. It will include your future partner. Don’t play pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey with your life. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Mat. 6:33).
