By Pastor Doug Batchelor
When dating, I think most teens know the basic principles. You weren't born yesterday, and you shouldn't be treated like you were born yesterday. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't think through every situation; you should approach every relationship as if God is in the same room with the both of you.
Of course, simply socializing with another Christian is very different than choosing someone for a romantic relationship. When mingling with other members of the faith, especially of the opposite sex—do the smart thing!
Ensure you’re in a Christian environment that is spiritually edifying.
And when it comes to choosing a potential partner for life, you don’t want to be unequally yoked. Being compatible, both emotionally and spiritually, is important.
However, it is best to avoid the trappings of worldly dating that consists largely of hugging and kissing simply to see if you’ve got chemistry. Though the Bible does say to greet each other with a brotherly kiss, it’s talking about something very different. When Jacob kissed Rachel, it was a greeting—a peck on the cheek is much different than the kissing that turns into foreplay and fornication.
I’m kind of old-fashioned, and I think that when two people are courting they are better off having little physical contact. I think holding hands and a farewell kiss on the cheek is probably plenty. When you start fooling with nature, it can get carried away very quickly. Don’t fool with temptation. People don’t have to share a bed to find out if they’re compatible.
I tell young couples that if they want to determine if they can get along, they should try sharing a checkbook or go shopping together. These will say a lot about a potential partner. Also, if you want to know them better, find out what their values are and what they read. Also watch how they treat their parents, because that’s how they are going to treat you. These are the things that really matter.
What do you guys think?