Singles - How you date matters

When it comes to dating it is vital to keep a godly perspective about sexuality no matter what you are struggling with.  Never forget that the guy or girl you are spending time with is a child of God and fellow brother or sister in Christ.  We will give an account to God for how we treat that person and what state we leave the relationship should there be a breakup. 

Lust is a dangerous third party in a relationship.  It can quickly destroy the fragile balance and learning process that dating fosters.  Worse yet when the relationship becomes sexual it can quickly create emotional complications and if and when the relationship ends there is real damage done.

Some good principles to dating in a godly way include:

1. Set sexual boundaries up front and stick too them.  Even if it's the woman who is being the sexual aggressor it is vital to resist giving into temptation. Not only to preserve and lead the relationship, but also to set a precedant that doing what is right is more important than doing what you desire.  Learn to say no to the make out and cuddle sessions. Small compromises almost always add up to big failures. 
2. Don't spend a lot of alone time together, even praying.  Yes I said praying.  My college fellowship leader used to say "Those who pray together lay together."  Attempting to add a spiritual unity to a dating relationship takes that bond into marriage territory.  This often sets the couple up for becoming one flesh as well.
3. Do pray for each other.  Encourage each other in the faith and maintain a brother/sister perspective when it comes to spiritual things.  The more you read the word, pray and keep the focus on God the healthier the relationship will be. 
4. Maintain your single social groups.  The tendency is for young couples to start spending every waking moment together.  The thrill of the relationship can easily dominate every aspect of your life.  But when you keep your single friends close they can provide critical guidance, warning and advice that may be obscured in the fog of love.  You are also creating a healthy precedent for the relationship where you won't be devastated and alone should a breakup happen.
5. Don't rush into marriage.  Just because your loins are burning and you are floating in infatuation doesn't mean you should immediately get married.  There is a lot of deception in the dating game and it can take a while to get to know each other.  There are also a lot of people in the world.