According to God’s Word, the foundation for a good marriage is laid long before the wedding ceremony. It is established when two people
begin dating.
As children grow older, “When can I begin dating?” is a question
they commonly ask their parents. Though the Bible gives no specific age
when dating is appropriate, wise parents will teach their maturing children
sound biblical principles that will help them follow God’s standards
of behavior. Parents should determine when their children are ready to
date based on their maturity and readiness to accept responsibility for
their actions. Before parents allow dating, they should teach and encourage
their children to follow biblical standards rather than turning them
loose to do whatever comes naturally.
Teaching children God’s standards before allowing them to date may
sound terribly old-fashioned and restrictive to some with supposedly
enlightened ways of thinking. But most governments do not allow people to drive
automobiles until they demonstrate the knowledge and ability to do so in
a safe manner. No responsible parent would put his or her adolescent child in
an automobile in the middle of a busy highway without having given that child instruction on how to drive.
Dating in our modern world is not without its dangers. Without proper
instruction, too many youths become promiscuous, contract sexually
transmissible diseases, experience unwanted pregnancies and choose
wrong paths that seem enjoyable and right at the time but lead to untold
anguish (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). They need instruction early and interactive
discussions on why and how biblical values can protect them from
such suffering.
Without this proper instruction, many people will never experience a happy marriage. Loving parents would never wish misery on their children!
But leaving them ignorant is a sure path to heartache. A thorough
understanding of God’s standards for dating and marriage is one of the
greatest blessings children can receive from their parents.
Yet many, of course, are far past that point, having already reached
adulthood—some having perhaps gotten married and even divorced.
Teaching young people proper behavior for dating is obviously ideal. But
what about adults? Do the principles change? Because adults are older,
does that give them license for more liberties than adolescents may take?
Are all things appropriate for consenting adults?
As we shall see, God’s standards for dating apply to people of all
ages. He does not have two sets of guidelines, one for adults and one for
youths. Following the biblical laws is equally beneficial no matter one’s
age. Breaking God’s laws is equally disastrous for people of all ages.
