4 SIGNS THAT YOU MAY NOT BE READY TO DATE

4 SIGNS THAT YOU MAY NOT BE READY TO DATE

, you are at a new stage in your life. You have this attraction

to the opposite sex that just wasn’t there when you were

7 years old and still playing on the swing set in the backyard.

Just because you have this new desire for romance doesn’t

mean it’s time to date. Navigating through the complicated

world of boy-girl relationships is like learning to fly a 747 jet.

You need lots of instruction, preparation, and maturity before

you try to take off.

Here are 4 signs that you may want to wait a while before you

get your engines going.

1. Your parents feel you are too young. Unless

you are out of the house, 27 years old, and have a

mom and dad who just can’t let go, listen to them.

They have been down the road you’re on.

2. You have a significant problem with lust. If

you are struggling with pornography and lack control

in your thought life, conquer this area first.

(2 Tim. 2:21-22.)

3. God is not first in your life and priorities. A

s t rong commitment to Christ is the foundation for

any good relationship.

4. You believe dating will finally make you happy

and fulfilled. People are not your answer. If you look

to them for your hope and fulfillment, they can quickly

become another one of your problems. Only Jesus

Christ can fill you with a love that will take away that

empty void.

EVERY GUY WANTS IN A GIRL

EVERY GUY WANTS IN A GIRL

right, ladies, turnabout is fair play. You have some expectations

too. In a world that has become increasingly corrupt

and vulgar, you can stand above the crowd by the way you

choose to live. Anyone can follow the masses, but it will be

the few who do the right thing who are exalted, promoted, and

blessed with the best relationships and a bright future.

What does a real man want in a girl?

1. Devotion. A real man will chase a girl who chases

after God and is unwilling to compromise and give in

to the world. Be devoted to Christ and devoted to His

plans for your life. Guys will follow!

2. Wisdom. Knowledge is the acquiring of facts and information.

Wisdom knows what direction to go with those

facts and information. Guys search for a young woman

who has the ability to discern and make good decisions.

3. Encouragement. Throughout the Bible, we are

instructed to encourage one another, inspiring others

with our words and good works. Learn to build people up,

not tear them down. A man needs a woman who

believes in him and will be a regular source of strength

and encouragement.

EVERY GIRL WANTS IN A GUY

EVERY GIRL WANTS IN A GUY

said that a good man is 1 in 1000 and a good

woman is nearly impossible to find. (Eccl. 7:28.) So guys, if

you want to be that 1 in 1000, you can separate yourself from

the pack by living up to these 3 uncommon characteristics.

1. A spirit of desire. Proverbs 21:25 says that the

desire of a lazy man kills him. Girls are looking for

young men who have vision, drive, and desire for life

and are willing to work to reach their goals.

2. A spirit of kindness. Proverbs 19:22 tells us that

kindness is what is desired in a good man. Learn

proper etiquette and manners in the way you should

treat people.

3. A spirit of justice. A just person is someone who

has learned to distinguish right from wrong and is not

afraid to stand up for truth. Don’t back down to the

pressure of friends to do wrong or compromise. Have

some backbone and be counted.

CHRISTIAN DATING IS DIFFERENT

CHRISTIAN DATING IS DIFFERENT

world’s idea of dating is dangerous at best. That’s why the

Scripture tells us not to be conformed to this world, but to be

transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Rom. 12:2.) We

renew our minds with the knowledge of God’s Word.

Here are 3 ways a Christian dating experience should be different

from one in the world.

1. In the world, people date to check someone out; a

Christian date is focused on building someone up.

Dating in the world is like “trying someone on” like a

pair of shoes—if they don’t fit quite right for you, just

disregard them and move on to someone else. A

Christian’s focus should be on encouraging each other

in life and in one another’s walk with God.

2. The world bases a large part of success in their dates

on connecting physically, while Christians should be

prizing spiritual things first. It’s not that you shouldn’t

be attracted to someone by looks, but maintaining

sexual purity must be at the top of your commitment to

each other.

3. The world will often lie and deceive to achieve their

goals in dating. Christians are to be committed to

integrity and honesty. Don’t try to be someone you are

not. Tell the truth. If someone doesn’t like the “real

you,” don’t worry about it. Obviously, that person isn’t

“the one.”

DATING IS NOT A GAME

DATING IS NOT A GAME

Dating is not really a biblical word at all. That doesn’t mean

it’s wrong to go out with someone on a “date.” But it is important

to remember what the Bible has to say about developing

romantic friendships. If you begin dating without some clear

guidelines and boundaries, you are headed for disaster.

Let’s start by taking a quick glance at what dating is not.

1. Dating is not for those who aren’t ready. In my

opinion, dating shouldn’t even be a consideration until

a young person is at least 16 years old. That’s been

“the law” with my 3 teenage boys, and they’re doing

just fine with it. That doesn’t mean you can’t have good

friendships with the opposite sex; just keep things in a

group environment.

2. Dating is not a great way to “really get to

know someone.” Why? Because everyone is on best

behavior during a date. If you really want to get to

know someone, watch the person at school every day,

or both of you get a job together at McDonald’s. Eight

straight hours over a hot greaser full of fries will tell

you the real tale.

3. Dating is not all it’s cracked up to be. Think

about 2 people out together who hardly know each

other. They’re young and have limited social skills.

They have to try to create awkward conversation for

hours on end. The point is, it’s usually a whole lot

easier to get to know someone among a group of

other friends who can help fill those awkward

moments, keeping things fun.