Not all relationships are created equal...

Read: 1 Corinthians 6:14-15, 15:33; Ezra 9:1-2; Amos 3:3.

When it comes to dating as a Christ follower there are specific guidelines that will bring you great success! Just like if you ignore the guidelines for driving a car it will end in pain, disaster and possibly death, if you ignore the guidelines set in the Word of God as to who you should and should not date it will end in great pain, disaster and potentially spiritual death.

Why you date is the most important aspect of dating. It should only be to find a life long mate. Don't date until you are ready to find a mate. It should not be because you are lonely, insecure, and lack confidence, this will end in pain and heart ache as well. Who you date is the second most important aspect of dating. Because you are searching for someone to spend the rest of your life with you better make sure you follow biblical guidelines.

Not all relationships are created equal. In 1 Corinthians 6:14-15 it tells us not to team up with an unbeliever. In other words do not date or marry somebody who doesn't follow Christ. The reason is your outlook on why you date and how you should live will differ drastically and this person will only hinder what God has for you.

"But Pastor Travis I can change them!" Um okay, try this illustration you will need someone to help. Stand on a chair and have a person stand on the ground. Now, hold their hand and try to pull them up onto the chair with that one hand. What happened? Unless you are twice their size and work out everyday you can't do it. Now have them with that one hand try and pull you off the chair. What happened? Unless you chose someone who took it easy on you, you fell. This is what happens when we date someone who is a person of no faith. We try and pull them up to God, but in the end they pull us down. This is why not all relationships are created equal.

Amos 3:3 says how can two walk together unless they agree? The answer they cannot. What happens if you marry someone who is a person of no faith and you are going to tithe. Will they agree... no! What if you want to serve and take vacation to help out with camp, will they agree... no! What about prayer, the word, morality, worship, what kind of media you watch and listen to, how to raise your children, church? In all of these areas there will be arguements and fighting and division and a house divided cannot stand. There will be no unity from the beginning and your relationship will be doomed to fail. Not all relationships are created equal. Date and marry only those who are full of faith, believing what you do.

If you are in a relationship right now and the person you are dating is a person of no faith, you need to break it off right now if you are a student. If you are older and maybe you got saved while dating this person, consider your life since you got saved. Have they been supportive, has there been peace and unity? If not you should probably break it off and decide to only date and marry those who believe what you believe.

Your dating relationship and marriage can be the greatest time of your life or it can end in disaster, all you've got to do to make sure it's the greatest is evaluate why you are dating, who you are dating and live by a standard that sets you apart from the culture.

Prayer: God help me to end any unhealthy relationships and wait for someone who loves you. I will date when I'm ready to get married and date only those who are full of faith in you!