Relationships. Its seems that society tends to make us feel like we have to constantly and consistently be in some form of relationship. A sad result of this is that some people enter a relationship just to be in a relationship. They don't care who it is, as long as they're somewhat attractive. More often than not, these relationships are self seeking and ultimately don't last. I'm sure that all of you know that. On the flip side, we should be dating others that could potentially be our future spouse. Otherwise, if you are dating just to date, you are wasting your money (for us guys) and your precious time.
So, how does one acquire a successful relationship? I'm no expert by any means, but I just wanted to share what I believe and most importantly what the Bible says. First off, before you even begin thinking about a relationship with someone else, make sure your relationship with Christ is strong. If you are truly pursing Christ and you're living for him, he will cross your path with someone else's who wants to be in a God centered relationship. Do yourself a favor and be content with where God has you in your life and don't go around searching for someone. That's a no no. I'm not saying to not keep an eye out for anyone at all. Don't just sit around and do nothing and expect God to make your future spouse spontaneously combust out of nowhere. To sum this point up, make sure you are straining towards the goal to receive your prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:14)
SECOND. It's one thing to profess yourself as a Christian and its a completely different thing to live it. If the person you are interested in doesn't live a Godly lifestyle and the profess Christianity, RED FLAG. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul says that we are a new creation because of our faith in Christ. If this certain someone's life doesn't reflect Christ, don't consider dating them. It's as easy as that. In the next chapter of of 2 Corinthians, Paul tells us to not be unequally yoked. This goes for the unbeliever and the professing Christian that doesn't produce spiritual fruits.
THIRD. Keep an eye out for someone that is in your own youth group or college group. This is huge. If you date someone from a different denomination, you're going to have doctrinal differences. These doctrinal differences will end up in arguments that shouldn't be necessary in the first place. BUT! If they're are open to discussing your differences in a nice manner with and open mind, then it might work out. But then you'd have disagreements with their family too. Guess you'll just have to convert all of them to baptist. ANYWHO. Its a cluster. Stick to your denomination.
LAST. This is for all of you that are in a relationship. (speaking to myself as well) If you truly want to care for and respect for your "significant" other, you'll be patient and kind, you wont be arrogant or rude, and you wont insist on your own way (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Most importantly, God will be at the very core of your relationship. You should be talking about each others spiritual walk and you should be growing spiritually together. Make sure you are showing interests of the other just like you would yourself and that you have the same mind in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:4-5) Something that i have really been praying for in my life is that i would show encouragement towards Whitney in our relationship. (1 Thessalonians 5:11). So often i can find myself joking around and tearing her down when I should be building her up. And I'm not just directing that at just her. That goes for everyone in my life. God has truly helped me in this area as I have grown in my faith.
If you are genuine about your faith and so is that person that you will meet in the future or the one you might have already met, then this is a huge recipe for success.
So, how does one acquire a successful relationship? I'm no expert by any means, but I just wanted to share what I believe and most importantly what the Bible says. First off, before you even begin thinking about a relationship with someone else, make sure your relationship with Christ is strong. If you are truly pursing Christ and you're living for him, he will cross your path with someone else's who wants to be in a God centered relationship. Do yourself a favor and be content with where God has you in your life and don't go around searching for someone. That's a no no. I'm not saying to not keep an eye out for anyone at all. Don't just sit around and do nothing and expect God to make your future spouse spontaneously combust out of nowhere. To sum this point up, make sure you are straining towards the goal to receive your prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:14)
SECOND. It's one thing to profess yourself as a Christian and its a completely different thing to live it. If the person you are interested in doesn't live a Godly lifestyle and the profess Christianity, RED FLAG. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul says that we are a new creation because of our faith in Christ. If this certain someone's life doesn't reflect Christ, don't consider dating them. It's as easy as that. In the next chapter of of 2 Corinthians, Paul tells us to not be unequally yoked. This goes for the unbeliever and the professing Christian that doesn't produce spiritual fruits.
THIRD. Keep an eye out for someone that is in your own youth group or college group. This is huge. If you date someone from a different denomination, you're going to have doctrinal differences. These doctrinal differences will end up in arguments that shouldn't be necessary in the first place. BUT! If they're are open to discussing your differences in a nice manner with and open mind, then it might work out. But then you'd have disagreements with their family too. Guess you'll just have to convert all of them to baptist. ANYWHO. Its a cluster. Stick to your denomination.
LAST. This is for all of you that are in a relationship. (speaking to myself as well) If you truly want to care for and respect for your "significant" other, you'll be patient and kind, you wont be arrogant or rude, and you wont insist on your own way (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Most importantly, God will be at the very core of your relationship. You should be talking about each others spiritual walk and you should be growing spiritually together. Make sure you are showing interests of the other just like you would yourself and that you have the same mind in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:4-5) Something that i have really been praying for in my life is that i would show encouragement towards Whitney in our relationship. (1 Thessalonians 5:11). So often i can find myself joking around and tearing her down when I should be building her up. And I'm not just directing that at just her. That goes for everyone in my life. God has truly helped me in this area as I have grown in my faith.
If you are genuine about your faith and so is that person that you will meet in the future or the one you might have already met, then this is a huge recipe for success.
