Dating. Yes, I said it. Dating is a big thing, and always has been. Now, I hope that none of you guys view me differently after this post, but here are just some things on my mind about dating. I also am going to cover some dating rules if I ever date.
Dating, Invented by the Romans in 500 B.C... Kidding haha. Dating, to me, is something that amazes me. Two people. A man and a woman (hopefully) just loving each other to the extreme depths of one's heart and soul. Their love is a track race that goes on for a distance of lightyears to come. Ahh yes, the butterfly/penguin kisses, the arm around the shoulder move while watching a movie, frolicking in flowers, then maybe afterwards go on a picnic, and reflect on what the day consisted of while looking into the eyes of the significant other.. Ahh yes..
Seems to good to be true? Unfortunately, I'd have to say "Well, kinda." I always wanted a relationship with someone where everything fell into place, and everything has worked out okay. But in the past, I have only looked out for me, and it's never turned out for the best.
I am not ashamed to say that I am a Christian. Yes, I do believe in Christ, and I have a personal relationship with Him. "Why are you saying this?" You might ask? Well, I believe that having a relationship with Christ is a big deal when it comes to dating. For us Christians out there, dating is tough. I know a lot of great, nice girls out there who are genuinely nice, but don't have a relationship with God. I hate to say it, but despite your beauty and awesome personality, I probably wouldn't date you.. Why? Well, let's talk about it. 2 Corinthians 6:14 says this; "Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live in darkness?"
Now, I know what some you are thinking: "Did he just say that women who don't have a relationship with God are wicked and unclean? How rude!" Look, it's just that, if I want to have a relationship with someone that is more than a friend, I don't want her to pull me away from God. (Because, the guy that I am, I would get so consumed in her, just love her to death, and do whatever she asked me to do!) A quote from this book I am reading really stuck out to me and (besides being true) made me laugh; "Beauty and lust have clouded people's judgement since the beginning of time"
Now aside the regular part of the relationship, there is another; the physical part. Just a note of future reference to all the girls out there, I am NOT having sex until I am married to my wife, and will only do that stuff with my wife ONLY. It's a custom I live by, and have held that for a whopping 18 years. If I were to ever date, I would go over things with the other about things like appropriate physical touch, appropriate topics to discuss, respecting each other, pure speech, and most importantly, having a spiritual-based relationship. I think it is most important to make sure to check up and see how each other's walks are going with God on a regular basis. Not to the point where one might find it annoying of the repetitive day-by-day questioning, but still.
I'd also want me and the significant other to encourage each other. Build each other up. You might ask "Isn't that what couples are supposed to do in the first place?" I don't know, you tell me. Why is the divorce rate so high in America? Because we fight. We don't get along. Someone is right, the other is wrong. Rice Krispie's is better than Cocoa Pebbles (believe
me, it happens.) We just don't encourage one another like we should anymore. We got the "take care of me" mentality.
You know how often I get bothered when my older sister asks me to do something for her? All the time! I admit to pleading guilty to this mentality before. I just want to worry about myself, and you can have the leftovers. No way. We can't have that.
Now the last topic (I think) of this dating thing is respect. I know if some girl was angry at me because I wouldn't date them if they didn't have a relationship with God, I would just flat out be like "Listen, if you are a true friend of mine like you say you are, and you are caring and concerned for me, you will respect my decision of this rule for having a relationship with me. There's nothing wrong with being friends, I'd like that a lot to be a part of your life. Find God, and here I will be also.
Another part of respect is respecting the significant other. The person. The whole kit and caboodle. Men, don't abuse women. They are human, like you. Imagine if their father was in the room when you were about to hit her. Would ya do it then? Thought so. You might think you feel powerful, but just wait till' you're looking a the face of God someday, at the judgement seat. Boom. And oddly enough, (but still needs to be discussed) women, don't abuse men. You might not do it physically, (if you are a bench-pressing, protein-chugging buff, [or the man is not as strong as you] you probably will do it physically) but you use another way; your mouth. You control the man you're with. This works both ways, but don't control their lives. They have a life, just like you. If you were about to date someone, and hey had a "I will control you for the rest of your life" sign on them, would you date them then?
I know your eyes are probably dead from reading all of this stuff, but it was on my heart, and I wanted to talk about it. Like I said before; If you are a girl who doesn't have a relationship with God, and it seems like I have offended you, or judged you in any way; I apologize. That was not my intent. Have a wonderful day, and remember!: "In case I don't see ya; Good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight" :)
Sincerely,
Canaan
