How Should a Christian Date? A 5-Day Devotional by Eric DemeterPrøve

Day 3: A 4,000-Pound Paper Weight: A Sturdy Frame Supports Dating Several years ago, I had an idea about how to earn some fast cash. Since four-wheel-drive vehicles—like Jeeps and SUVs—sell for a premium in Colorado, I thought I’d buy one in the Midwest, drive it home, and sell it for a profit. Soon, I found a sporty pickup with a perfect V6 engine and cardinal red paint. Underneath, however, corrosion and rust plagued the kick panels and frame. Naively, I handed over the cash and drove it to the mechanic for an inspection. Rust had eaten through the truck’s foundation, and it was unfixable. The frame was corroded and wasn’t safe to drive one block, let alone across the country. I had bought a lemon. For our foundation to be solid, that foundation needs to be Christ. We prepare for dating by developing a sturdy and rust-free relationship with Him. Though the timing of the relationship we long for might be out of our control, it’s always up to us how close we get to God. Before you enter a relationship, challenge yourself to get rid of as many “rusty areas” in your life as possible. These can include addictions, past wounds, wrong values, and cattiness. Many of the failures in a healthy marriage are because of character issues. There’s no limit to how far you can run with God during your single years. Spouses make terrible saviors, so decide who will be the Lord of your life today. The greatest gift you can give your boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse is your relationship with Christ. Reflect Check your spiritual frame. What areas in your life is God calling you to be more like Him, and what is your plan to get there? Prayer Father, you are my God, the Rock on which I stand. By Your grace, strengthen my relationship with You so that I might be spiritually strong throughout my single life and when I marry. Point out to me where you’d like me to grow. I desire to be transformed more into Your likeness and be ready for marriage.