First Things First

It is always wise to begin at the beginning. If you want to be a successful single and eventually have a successful marriage there is one principle for you to consider first. That principle is total commitment.

Romans, chapter 12, verses one and two, really explains total commitment. Here it is as it appears in the Good News Bible:

"So then, my brothers, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship you should offer." Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God, what is good and pleasing to him and is perfect."

Because God, in his mercy, gave his Son to save us from our sin and make us his chosen people, we respond to his mercy by giving ourselves to him. Pleasing God becomes our goal. Because we have that single goal, we can live confidently, knowing that he will help us to choose what is best for us.

Total commitment creates total confidence in God about our future and the important decisions we make. No commitment, no confidence. Total commitment, total confidence. Before we decide who we are going to marry, God wants us to decide to totally commit our life to him. Partial commitment has caused many unsuccessful marriages. A partially committed Christian will always make some harmful decisions, but a person who really wants God's best seldom has regrets.

How do we make such a commitment? Just tell the Lord that you put yourself completely in his hands, and that you want only his best for your life. Then be sensitive to the Holy Spirit as he directs you in the decisions you make.

Remember, Father knows best! He has a better plan for your life than what you would ever choose for yourself. So, if you are dating a really handsome guy or a really cute girl, but you know that either the relationship or the timing is not right in the Father's eyes, give it up.

Don't call your Heavenly Father unloving if he tells you something isn't good for you. The point is that until you are willing to be told "No" without blaming God, your Father, for being unloving, you don't really want to know his will for you and the relationship. Honestly desiring to please God protects us from needless frustration.

If you are a follower of Jesus, can you date or marry someone who isn't? Find out in the next article.