‘My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?’ James 2:1-4(NLT)
‘Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.’ Philippians 2:1-4(NLT)
‘In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. ‘ 1 Peter 5:5-6(NLT)
Have you ever gone on a date with someone where you were unable to get one word in because all they did was talk about themselves? There are many first date horror stories out there that can bring a good laugh. In fact, I have a few myself.
I went on a date with a girl while I was in college that started off innocently enough. We were casually talking about my family when she asked if she could meet my parents. I told her that she could meet them at church any Sunday since they were the pastors. She pressed on to say that she wanted to be invited to our family dinners, and then went even further to mention that she wanted to go on our family vacation that we had every year! This was all on the first date.
You can imagine the red flags that were popping up in my heart. Safe to say, we never went on another date. As you get to know the person you’re interested in, pay attention to three more red flags God gives us to see beneath the surface of the relationship.
1) They treat you sweet but everyone else different.
2) They worship me, myself, and I.
3) They can never admit they’re wrong and find pride easier than humility.
If you see these red flags in your dating relationship, ask the Holy Spirit what your next step should be. Maybe it’s time to have an honest conversation that brings about change. Character, humility, and selflessness are qualities worthy of pursuing. God has a great spouse in store for you, don’t settle for less than His best!
Let’s not be so caught up in outward appearances that we forget to look at the heart. Let’s look with eyes of faith and hearts full of wisdom and ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate things to us that we need to know so we can walk out this dating season with joy and peace!
Pray with me today: “Heavenly Father, help me to become more and more like you. Cause me to live selflessly, humbly, and full of love for you, your church, and your people. Grow me through the processes of relationships and teach me to always keep my eyes on You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
from Red Flags: A 10 Day Devotional On Relationships