7 Worldly Habits Christians Have Adopted In Dating

Issues in the Christian Dating Scene

Overview of Problems

• The Christian dating scene faces various issues, including debates on the biblical nature of dating and conflicts among believers regarding relationship standards. These problems often intertwine with idolatry surrounding marriage and the influence of social media on dating practices.

Seven Worldly Habits Adopted by Christians

• The speaker aims to highlight seven worldly habits that negatively impact Christian relationships, emphasizing their dishonoring nature to God and detrimental effects on spiritual growth. This discussion is timely with Valentine's Day approaching.

1. Casual Dating

• Casual dating is discouraged for Christians; relationships should be intentional and aimed at marriage rather than for fun or boredom. Engaging in casual dating can lead to wasted time, broken hearts, and straying from God's will. If not ready for a serious relationship, individuals should focus on building friendships instead.

2. Dating Unhealed

• Entering a committed relationship while having unresolved personal issues (e.g., insecurities or past traumas) is deemed inappropriate. Such baggage can hinder one's ability to love others as God intends, making it essential to seek healing through God before pursuing romantic relationships.

3. Publicly Announcing Relationships

• Keeping relationships private is recommended to avoid external influences that may affect decision-making and create unnecessary pressure from public scrutiny. Wise counsel is important, but not all advice comes from good intentions; thus, discretion in sharing relationship details is crucial for maintaining peace and integrity within the relationship.

4. Commitment Before Covenant

• Treating a boyfriend or girlfriend as a spouse before marriage leads to disorderly conduct within relationships (e.g., cohabitation or financial entanglements). Such actions can complicate breakups and foster excuses for remaining unmarried since individuals may already fulfill spousal roles without formal commitment under God’s covenant. It’s vital to wait until marriage before engaging in significant commitments like shared finances or living arrangements.

Bad Dating Habits for Christians

Cohabitation Before Marriage

• The speaker advises against treating a partner as a spouse or expecting spousal duties without marriage, emphasizing the importance of the marital covenant.

• Cohabitation is normalized in society and often portrayed positively in media, but it is described as foolishness and compromise rather than wisdom.

• Living together does not guarantee transparency; individuals can hide aspects of themselves even when sharing space.

• Practical reasons like saving money are cited for cohabitating, but the speaker warns against entangling lives without marriage due to legal and emotional complexities.

• Living together increases the risk of sexual immorality, which contradicts Christian values; believers should avoid situations that lead to sin.

Leading People On

• The speaker identifies leading someone on without genuine interest as selfish and unloving, violating the commandment to love one's neighbor.

• Christians are encouraged to be honest and transparent about their intentions in relationships, even if it's uncomfortable.

• Setting clear expectations allows individuals to make informed decisions about their involvement with one another.

Traveling Together

• Traveling alone with a significant other poses risks of falling into sexual immorality due to limited boundaries during shared accommodations.

• The speaker questions why couples would travel together if they aren't considering marriage, suggesting that such intimacy warrants serious commitment.

Conclusion on Worldly Dating Habits

• The discussion highlights seven worldly habits adopted by Christians in dating that can lead to heartbreak and confusion.

• Encouragement is given for fostering healthier dating environments through adherence to scriptural principles.