Dating has changed.

In the world of superficial swiping and countless dating apps – the Apostle Paul offers some timeless dating advice: Find a fellow Jesus follower.

Why you might ask?

Paul’s words in the King James Translation are, “Do not be unequally yoked.” A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are pulling. The imagery is that of two incompatible oxen sharing the same yoke. Instead of working together to pull the load, they would be working against each other.

So, if Christ is your priority and you marry someone whose priority is anything other than Christ, over time you’ll find yourselves drifting apart. God’s practical instruction that Christians are to be bound with fellow Christians allows us to be joined together in a deep relationship of love, respect, compassion, and understanding  – all centered around a common faith in Christ.

But that’s not all. If it’s important that believers marry other believers, then that same standard should remain true in dating.

Why?

Well, we tend to marry the people that we date! Therefore, Christians should be cautious about getting into a serious relationship with anyone not committed to following Jesus Christ.

Determine a person’s spiritual commitment in the beginning by asking and observing their faith lived out. Set clear boundaries early on in your dating life, so you don’t find yourself faced with the decision of choosing a person over Christ.

Dating isn’t easy. Choosing the right partner for life isn’t easy.

But the Bible has laid out some specifics that can help if you’re willing to follow them.

Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH