If we took a moment to reflect on dating amongst those that do not believe in God (or who haven't heard), and who don't read the Bible, we could probably realize three things. There is not much commitment, there is not much by way of purity even in its loosest definition, and there is not too much selflessness. They share and give, but usually expect something in return for their favors. Obviously Christians will have a different approach, are we not the bearers of love and truth? I dare say that Christians today hate to hear that purity is abstaining from physical contact. They want to kiss and hold hands, so how could God disapprove? I've seen Christians who have dated nearly every person of the opposite gender in their youth group. (Sounds like a lack of commitment there.) I also am aware that boyfriends sometimes do things for two reasons: They messed up and are trying to buy forgiveness, or they know that they can score points with their date to use at a later time. I fail to see a difference in these "Christian relationships."
What about true Christian relationships though? I believe there is such a thing as true Christian relationships, but part of the phrase "Christian relationships" is the word Christian. This brings us to the question, what then is a Christian? What makes a Christian a Christian, and what are his actions based on. Is a Christian determined by surroundings, or the way he acts, and what he believes?
Throughout history Christians have been those who have suffered and died all for the name and sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christians base there lives on honoring, serving, and obeying Christ. However, in today's society, Christians in America suffer almost no persecution, and aren't at risk of more than maybe the brunt of a joke. Christian's surroundings are never the same, and Christianity is more than a set of codes or dos and don'ts, it is something that has to do with the inside. Christianity summed up could probably be, in its true and purest form, serving Christ foremost, and following every word he said to the best of our capabilities. It is these people that do good deeds and serve Christ, not for the chance to maybe achieve a spot in Heaven, but rather because they know they already have a spot in Heaven and wish to show their gratitude by honoring God. This should be applied to Christian dating.
Faith is called the evidence of things unseen. Faith is not the evidence of things unheard, unfelt, untasted, and unseen, merely just unseen. I asked a friend once, "�did you see God this week?" He replied "No, but I think I felt Him." Faith is the maturity to realize that sight will not show you everything about anything. Faith is not only knowing there is a God, but knowing He will provide your necessities if you let Him. For if Faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain, then why is it so hard to believe that God will provide food, clothing, shelter, and yes even a spouse, if you are fully serving Him, and are in need of such a thing as God determines. Faith is not merely sitting back, and telling God to do everything for you, but is when you are so busy working for God that you leave yourself open to abuse, hunger, homelessness, and rejection, and trust God to take care of you.
Having faith makes you powerful, and able to do great deeds for God. Servant hood makes you a master. If you think the dating relationship that you have, or will have, shows or grows your faith, and allows you to be more a servant than you could otherwise be, then it may be God's will for you. Be careful of a dating relationship, that is your way of saying, "I'm not ready to marry, but I like this person, and I think that I might marry them in the next few years. I don't think God knows to hold them for me, so I'll ask them out, and I can reserve them for the future all for myself." Maybe, that's not exactly how you see it. Maybe you think it is ok to date with your spare time, but realize this: You might not have time to serve at church, serve in encouraging friends, serve at a soup kitchens, go on missions trips or just merely spend time with God. Look at your life, and ask the question, am I using my relationship to honor God and serve, or is my relationship based on me or us? What would you do if you were not dating? Could you put the time you spend dating to better purposes?
Page 1
Opening Page
(CONTINUE TO PAGE 3)