Seven years ago, I published a post called Are You Ready for a Romantic Relationship? right before Valentine’s Day. In that post, I shared a few indicators that someone might not be ready for a romantic relationship. But honestly, I didn’t focus enough on the most obvious (and significant) indicator that someone isn’t ready for a romantic relationship, so I’ll do that in this post. Consider it a very delayed sequel.
Definitely Not Ready
I met a girl named Moriah* at church a few years ago. We were friends for a short period of time. However, when I didn’t see her at church anymore, our friendship faded.
It wasn’t long before I learned that Moriah was engaged, which was actually disappointing to hear because her fiancée wasn’t a Christian. I shouldn’t have been as surprised as I was. After all, I’ve had crushes on non-Christian guys. They can be really handsome, charming, and sweet. But they lack what’s most important.
I wish Moriah had known that before she started dating her now-fiancé. Thankfully, he did become a Christian recently. However, the love stories of those who aren’t on the same page spiritually often turn out differently.
What Marriage Can Be
Friends, I know Valentine’s Day is supposed to be fun, but I need to share an unfun truth with you because it’s important: If the guy you like doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus, he’s not ready to have a relationship with you.
Unfortunately, a non-Christian boyfriend can quickly turn into a non-Christian fiancée, and a non-Christian fiancée can quickly turn into a non-Christian husband. A non-Christian husband simply doesn’t understand the purpose of marriage because the purpose of marriage is to represent the relationship between Christ and the Church. A husband and wife are called to spur one another on toward Christ, living out His plan for their relationship as the husband lovingly leads and the wife lovingly submits.
I understand how hard it is to be single on Valentine’s Day—and every day. I get how painful it is to not date while all your friends are dating. I realize how lonely it is to wait for the guy who follows Jesus but hasn’t entered your life yet. But ultimately, you’re not going to enjoy having a relationship where you spend all your time on the edge of your seat, hoping and praying your guy will give his life to Jesus someday. Marriage can be so much more than that!
Joined for a Purpose
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial [Satan]? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you. And you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 2:14-18 ESV)
In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, he explained that believers and nonbelievers shouldn’t be yoked together (i.e., joined or linked to one another). They have so little in common. They don’t even share the same faith!
But as I mentioned earlier, a marriage in which the husband and wife seek to honor Christ together paints a beautiful picture of His relationship with the Church. This is something we need to remember on hard days, friends. It’s so much better to be alone than to be with the wrong guy. So even if you’re currently single, it truly is a happy Valentine’s Day if you’re not with the wrong guy.
*Name has been changed.
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 