Whom Should You Date?By Jesse Flowers |
I hope this a question that you have already given reasonable consideration. It is a part of one’s life that many young people do not take as seriously as they should. Young people of a worldly mind have a very loose standard when it comes to who they date. They are not very selective, and as a result end up with someone that is a detriment to them. For a young person that is spiritually minded, he or she does care a great deal about who they will or will not date. A godly minded teenager has certain criteria they look for in one they would consider dating. This is a good thing. Be picky. Be patient. Be particular. Now that does not mean you wait until you find the “perfect” one to date, for no one is perfect. But you do search diligently for a young lady or young man who loves God and serves God in their life. A young person must always keep before them the all-important fact that the one they choose to date always makes a potential mate. Dating is what leads a young person to the divine institution of marriage. And aside from one’s obedience to the gospel of Christ, no more important decision exists in a person’s life. And so we must be resolved to choose wisely, very wisely. Young people, it is of vital importance that you listen to the counsel of your parents (Proverbs 1:8; 2:1-5; 3:1-2; 4:1-2, 10, 20-22; 7:1-2) when it comes to dating. Because of their age they possess the knowledge, experience, and wisdom that we have yet to acquire in life. It is for good reason that God instructs children repeatedly to listen to and obey their parents (Eph. 6:1-3; Col. 3:20). Though we might be reluctant to heed their advice when dating, we would be foolish to ignore it (not to mention disobedient to God’s commands). It is obvious that Esau ignored his parents wishes and did what he desired when it came to his choice of wives. Judith and Basemath “were a grief of mind to Isaac and Rebekah” (Genesis 26:34-35). Both Rebekah and Isaac were determined not to allow that same mistake to be made by their younger son Jacob. He would not choose a wife from the daughters of Canaan as Esau had done, but from his own people (Genesis 27:46; 28:1-9). Young people, do not date and certainly do not marry, someone that displeases your parents. Their counsel will not always be perfect, but what they teach you is done with your best interest in mind. So strive to honor them as God commands. How do you know if someone is the “right one” for you? That is not always easy. You may date that person, but make sure you get to know them as well as possible. Ask yourself if this is someone you want to spend the rest of your life with (I Cor. 7:39). It should come natural to a Christian young person to desire to date and marry a Christian. A child of God should most readily be attracted to a fellow child of God - an individual that shares the one faith and one hope in common (Eph. 4:4-6). Please keep in mind young person that just because someone you might consider dating is a Christian does not mean you should marry them. They may be weak in the faith. They may be living a hypocritical life. They just may not be for you and vise versa. But whoever you do decide on - choose someone that will help you get to heaven! |
Blessed is the man who listens to me, |
