A Christ- Centered Clarity

My parents have reminded me since I was a young girl, that they often pray for the man I will end up with. I never truly understood why they did this. I thought it was my decision who I dated, married or if I decided to stay single. Due to my little understanding of this and my naïve heart, I dated who I wanted and I dated too young. It seemed like fun and games, spending time with my “boyfriend”, going out to eat, having double dates, texting all day long. Before getting serious with someone, you can be blinded by the fun and not realize the hole you’re slowly digging yourself into. It could be months before you find out this person is not a believer. And then what happens? 


Your first thought may be, like me, “I am a strong believer and will not let the opinions of my significant other diminish my beliefs”. Unfortunately, no matter how strong your faith may be, the bible says very clearly “Do not be deceived; bad company ruins good morals”. In other cases, people believe they can do “missionary dating” which is exactly what it sounds like. Date someone who is not of your belief system, but believe you can change that. Sometimes this interaction does work, and I think that would be amazing to fall in love with someone while teaching them to also love Jesus. But I believe that loving Jesus comes first, and God demanded that we not be unequally yoked with our significant other (2Corinthians 6:14).

God did not create dating to fill a missing gap in your life, he doesn’t want you to abuse the company of another to reduce your loneliness. God wants us to find an equal match and use it to his benefit. If you are feeling lonely, seek Him, if you are tired, seek Him, if you are weary, fearful, sad, hurt, SEEK HIM. Your partner should not replace your love or desire for God. He has a plan for all of us, this includes our person to be. Do not grow weary, continue to seek Him and trust in His plans for you. God has greater things in line for your life then you can even imagine.  

You may be thinking I’m jumping the gun here when I’m talking about the future and marriage, especially if you’re only young. But if you can’t see yourself marrying your partner in the slightest, then you're in the wrong place. You are setting your heart up to be hurt or you’re intentionally hurting another. I cannot imagine sitting in church on Sunday morning as a married woman without my husband or having my children ask me “why daddy doesn’t have to go to church”. Relationships whether just friends or more than that, can be very complicated things. We were born to be creatures of comfort and to interact with other humans. I can guarantee you cannot think of one day in your life that you didn’t interact with anyone. Whether via txt or in person, it seems like we can’t go very long without seeking the attention of others. Let’s ensure we are implementing responsible decisions when making our hearts vulnerable to another. 

Finding someone special can take time and patience. If you are feeling weary about who you are currently with or maybe discouraged about your lack of companion, I’d advise you to bring these concerns to God. Only He can reveal the truth about your future. Be cautious, guard your heart and let the Lord guide your path. 

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

2 Timothy 2:22