 |
 |
| About a year back, there was some controversy over the different convictions we each maintain. Yes, at one time, I felt determined to place my convictions on others. Now, was I doing this to look down on other people? No. I was telling others about my convictions to try and reach them about some circumstances over the issues of dating and not dating. As I've matured, I am now able to humble myself and look back to see that my motives may have been harsh. So, if you're willing to listen, and I hope you are, I would like to share both perspectives of this tough issue on whether to date, or not to date. HERE GOES... Dating. What is dating? Simply, getting to know another person one on one while using emotional and physical support to keep the relationship together. You may be asking yourself, "What's so wrong with that?" Well, nothing is wrong with that in the eyes of our society, but how about through the eyes of God. |
| While dating, there are so many different things to look into. The real problem, however, doesn't exist in dating, it exists in our motives. Let's be honest, many of us want to date because it feels good to know someone "cares" about us; maybe even "loves" us. But if you would take a moment to hear another side, I think you'll be alarmed. Dating and being insecure really don't mix. Too often teens will be swept into false love and lose their purity. What's purity? Purity is to be clean in the eyes of our Lord. There are things that should be saved for a loving marriage that are currently being idoled and misused in premature relationships. If two Christians are dating, usually each one of them has the conviction to save sex until marriage. However, as that couple's feelings deepen for each other, their convictions begin to fade. It may suddenly seem like it's "time" or in other circumstances, the two will have to abruptly break-up because the feelings are beginning to hinder on their partnership. In such cases, dating is made drastic. Really, dating should just be a lot of fun. Don't take fun the wrong way, though. I don't mean that you should do whatever you want with that person just because it "feels" right. To date in a fun enviornment, is to be at ease. If you really have an interest in a person, get together with a group of friends and see this person for who they really are. Have you ever gone out with a friend of the opposite sex and a few other people together? It's enjoyable! There's no pressure; you can just spend some fun time getting to know another person. Earlier on I used the word insecure. I would like to emphasize on that a little more. When I used the word insecure I also meant looking to see if you have insecurities in your walk with God. You really shouldn't start pursuing a relationship with any potential mate until you are certain of your relationship with the Lord. The last thing you want to do is become distant from God. He's the one who will work full-time to put your relationship together, if it be His will. Also, here's an interesting thought: Pretend you had pursued a lot of intimate relationships and none of them worked out. One day you met the one you knew God had called you to marry. Then, on your wedding day, you were surprised to find all of your past partners at the church. As you took your spouse's hand and repeated your vows, each and every one of your past partners took your hand as well. Asking them what they were doing, they each said that you had promised your heart to them. How many times have you promised your love, life, heart or soul to someone? What if on your wedding day you find yourself only able to promise a small portion of your love to the one God intended for you. It's a sad thought. Some of you have been wondering whether or not Pat dates. The answer is: No, Patrick does not date. He, like many others, feels that dating takes time out of more important blessings in life. Does he want to get married? Yes, but only when he feels the Lord is drawing him to do so. I am more than certain that Pat lives these convictions because he has shared them with me. The choice to follow these convictions lies in your hands alone. Now, I believe that God wishes for us to be patient in Him. The Lord has someone in store for each and every one of us. But when we put so much stress on trying to find that person right now, it causes our patience and trust in God to drift. The Lord truly wishes for you to look to His face and depend on Him. He doesn't wish for you to be anxious about your future. Trust God, and truly consider the consequences of immature intimacy. If you would like more information, support or if you're curious about this issue, please check out Josh Harris's book, "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" at your local bookstore. Still not convinced? Ladies, I would like to invite you to read this article from a Christian band of boys called, "Superchic[k]." Yes, this is directed to you women from a man's perspective. Please continue... [This article is courtesy of GuidePosts FOR Teens. Check out this Site!] "Hey, we wanna say something to all the girls�we�re sure most of you girls have figured out by now that the sexier you dress, the more attention you get. It�s a basic fact of life. Sometimes when you feel lonely or insecure, that attention can seem like a good thing. But even though it feels good, it�s not good for you. You deserve to be loved, not just lusted over. We know it�s a hard thing to walk away from this type of attention, but like everything else God asks us to do, it�s a step of faith, a step away from something we know�to something better for us. When you dress to impress, yeah, guys will notice, but when you try to walk the narrow line that is honoring Christ, a whole different set of guys notice. You probably just can�t tell�cause they�re not going to look you up and down. Instead of thinking about you with no clothes on, they�re going to think about you in your wedding dress. Instead of one night of sex, they�re thinking about what it would be like to grow old with you. Instead of wondering if you�re a cheap date, they wonder if you�re gonna be a good mom. So if you�ve been feeling left out, cause you don�t show off your body, you don�t date yet, or if you�re thinking about maybe taking it a little easier on us guys by dressing a touch more conservatively�I promise you�re going to get noticed. In fact, I can name at least five skateboarding, guitar-playing, skydiving, motorcycle-riding, snowboarding, rock-climbing guys in this band who are going to think you�re the bomb. And if you�re out there thinking it�s too late for you�that maybe you�ve gone too far, lost too much, made one mistake too many�we have a promise for you, too: God is a God of second chances. God will always love you. And yes, there are guys out there for you, too. Guys who will understand what you�ve been through and will still cherish you. Because we�re all on the road towards purity, we�ve all made mistakes and needed forgiveness�and the kind of guy who�s looking for a wife, not a weekend, will understand that." Huge thanks to Guideposts for Teens. {home} All rights reserved. Courtesy of Patrick Levis: Our brother in Christ, 2001-2003. |
| Scroll to the bottom to read a touching article dedicated to girls from a group of guys. |
|
|
|
|