YOUNG PEOPLE ASK . . .

To make a wise decision  in this regard, you need what the Bible calls "knowledge and thinking ability." (Proverbs 1:4) It might be a good idea, then, to take advantage of the knowledge and experience of someone older. Christian parents are usually in the best position to help you assess your readiness for marriage. And you may also want to get some advice from mature members of the Christian congregation.  If your parents do not want you to date, you do well to cooperate with them.  Their desire to help  you "ward off calamity." -Ecclesiastes 11:10. 

If they feel that you are not ready to date, they may recommend that in the meantime, rather than restricting your attention to one person, you widen out your circle of friends. Associating with people single and married, old and young, as well as those  your own age, can help you to round out  your personality and get a more realistic view of life and marriage.

Waiting until you are ready to date will not be easy.  But it is worth the wait.  By  using "the bloom of youth" to grow into a mature, responsible adult, you will spare yourself the time to develop  into the king of person who can handle the pressures and responsibilities of marriage. You will allow yourself  time to grow into a spiritual person. That way, when you are finally ready to date, others may very well see you as someone really worth getting to know better.

Next time: HOW TO ENJOY YOUR WORK/HARD WORK - Is It Outdated? 

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2001