Dating is a lot different than it used to be.
The way teenagers date is a ton different than
it used to be. What do most people want?
OR
ENDING UP WITH THE WRONG RIGHT PERSON. Let's be real. How many mature guys do you know that live for the LORD?
Likewise, how many modest, Christ-like girls do you interact with on a daily
basis? Well, my answer is simply not enough.
So often do relationships crash and burn because of the lack of dedication and immaturity represented on one or both sides of the equation. Maybe God's telling you that you don't need to be in a relationship right now. Maybe He's saying you don't need to have a future with that undesirable character in order to avoid later heartbreak. Whatever the case, He's right, and we need to listen to Him.
DATING WITH A PURPOSE. Countless relationships are started just to be able to say that they are not single or alone. These are the same ones that usually end in disaster. It is like running a marathon with no real goal or anticipation. When the going gets tough, there is no reason to stick around or try to persevere. That is the same way a half-hearted relationship is. A waste of time if it is purposeless.
But how
do you end up with the right kin d of person? First, pray about it. God knows what is best for us, so we need to seek His opinion before starting any new relationship. Secondly, set standards. High, commendable standards. When I say high standards, I don't mean judgments based on looks, money, or prestige. However, I mean qualities like Christ-like, honest, good personality, pure, loves the Lord, dresses and behaves modestly, compassionate, and humble. Thirdly, make sure that you, yourself, are following the same standards you set. How can we expect to attract someone of high quality if we are not behaving likewise? If they are truly of high character then they would expect the same in a partner - nothing less. 1 Corinthians 15:33: "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" Whether it's you or just the people you're hanging around, you're still known for that demeanor or behavior. That is why we should make sure that we are exhibiting proper behavior, and being conscious of the company we keep; bad company can bring us down. Likewise, good company can bring us closer to God. Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
PARTNER IN CHRIST? One definite is finding someone who makes me want to strive to be a better person everyday, living for the Lord and not for myself. By far the most important quality in a potential partner would be Christ-like Christian. Not only do they say they are a Christian, but they live like one too. A person to grow closer to the Lord with, what could be better?
DRAWING THE LINE. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20: "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is
outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own
body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit
within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were
bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." With any relationship comes a question: where to stop? As partners, lines should be firmly drawn. Many people have different ideas on where that line should be drawn and if it can be crossed. Most importantly, what does God say about this? "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God." (Ephesians 4:3-5) Additionally, God calls us to completely rid ourselves of these sinful desires. Colossians 3:5: "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, umpurity, passion evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."
LASTLY, I challenge you to take inventory of your relationship status. Single, dating, whatever, doesn't matter. Do you have high standards and morals that cannot be shaken? If you have a relationship, is God the center of it? Even if you are not in a relationship, is God your first priority?
~M