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Things to consider in dating
There is no such thing as Christian dating! What we have is a Christian couple going on a date. In the context of oriental Christian cultures, suitors are entertained at the home of the girl or at public places in the company of others. A date is for couple who have mutual understanding, marriageable, physically mature and after college if possible. The purpose of the date is familiarization (which does not include sexual experimentation). Assuming that your date is an authentic Christian, the following guidelines may help in knowing your date.
Who is the priority of your date? What is the focus of your date, companionship, pleasure, sexual adventure or exploration? Any other answer besides the priority of knowing Christ will short-circuit later on.
What is the objective of your life, the single-minded focus? Any other answer besides “the execution of God’s plan and purpose, and the glorification of Jesus Christ,” is wrong! Psalm 42:1-2 say’s, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God?”
Do you see any semblance of spiritual maturity or any application of God’s Word in the life of your date, or just plain carnality? What is that attracts you to this person, physically admiration, charisma, humor or sex? What is that you hope or trust in this person? Anything that is not founded on the Word of God is sinking sand. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight,” Proverbs 3:5-6.
Is your date hungry for the Word of God or plain hungry for you? “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied,” Matthew 5:6. Do you ever hear principles of doctrine, promises, prayer, anything about Christ? The Lord Jesus Christ said, “...It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”
Does your date have problem with authority? Is your date rebellious, arrogant, hateful, or malicious? Des he or she submits in humility? (See Romans 13:1-4). Is your date self-centered, ruled by his old sinful nature? Does this person show regard and respect for others, or for the law.
Do you see integrity? Integrity is simply ‘consistency of character.’ Christian integrity will build a wall around your family.
Be discerning enough to notice the little things. This doesn’t mean nit-picking but simply honest evaluation from divine viewpoint. Does your date live by the principles of the world?
How does your date handle financial responsibility? Does your date waste every peso they earn or do they ever earn any money to begin with? Better consider it. Does your date changes his mood base on the content of his wallet?
Does your date have manners; do they ever think of anyone but self or are they thoughtless toward others? Does this person display thoughtfulness and caring? is your date cruel toward animals?
How does this person dress? Are they neat, clean? Does this person finish what he or she start, or a well known quitter? Quitters never win, and winners never quit!
Does your date have a healthy sense of humor? Laughter will keep you from going insane!
Does your date have the self-discipline-- the spiritual strength to persevere and endure through adversity?
Does this person complain and find fault with everything? A grumbling and complaining person is ignorant of God’s grace. Grace is the attitude of gratitude!
How does your date handle criticism, violent or hostile in attitude? Is this person overly sensitive, does he falls apart every time someone corrects them or makes a suggestion?
Does this person have self-respect and spiritual self esteem? (The clear understanding of who and what they are in the plan of God)
Would this person make a great friend for life, or just for short time?
Christians must resist the temptation of seeking lifetime partner from so-called Christian dating websites. The danger of falling into the devil's snare is great. Spiritually advancing believers are grace oriented and will avoid any scheming that manifest satanic genius and ability.
JR Cherreguine Bible Doctrine Ministries
 
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