Christian Dating in a Pagan World

A young woman that I know re-entered the dating scene about 12 months ago. Throughout the tumultuous months she would call me to recant the horror stories of the ups and downs of dating. As I would intently listen, all the while being thankful that I was not on the dating scene, one common theme kept emerging. What was that theme? The un-biblical way in which people date.

We misunderstand the purpose of dating and therefore we have unrealistic expectations. The dating expectations of a Christian  should be in line with God’s Word. But, we can’t expect those who do not know God through Jesus to know what those expectations are. We should not lower our standards to please another. This is a recipe for disaster.

Based on the experience of this intelligent woman it seems that so many men start off dating with lots of flattery and attention giving. But, after a while it’s like the men loose interest. I don’t know if the new has worn of and they just want to move on. Maybe they just want to have the prize, the girl, without the work related to commitment.

Do we cherish each other so little that we will degrade ourselves to less than God has planned? God has designed a beautiful unit in which His love flows through us to produce a future brighter than we can produce without Him. To receive these blessings we will have to change the way we think about dating.

Dating is not meant to be just fun and games. It’s okay if things don’t work out. It’s okay if you aren’t ready for a commitment. What is not okay is leading your date to believe something that is not true or only caring about yourself. The real purpose behind dating is to find a future mate.

So, Christian dater, stay true to God’s standards. He will bless that. You set your sights higher than those who don’t know Jesus. Keep your eyes on Him by knowing what He expects and trust that God knows your loneliness and desire to be loved. He will fill that need if you will let Him.

God is faithful to protect and heal us when we are serious about honoring Him even in our relationships. So be careful out there and don’t leave God out of those relationships, especially the ones formed while dating.

As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. 1 Peter 1:14-15