Dating versus Waiting (pt. 2)

After taking a look at the negative side of this issue in the Dangers of Dating, we'll flip the coin and view the positive side of the Wonders of Waiting. As Pastor Burke has already described the idea behind waiting, we'll look at the results or rewards of doing this God's way. The first reward we see is the Fulfillment of Faith. How is that a reward, you may ask. Hebrews 11:6 -

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Now let's take and apply this principle to modern dating. First, as a child of God, what is our purpose here on earth? To please him who has created us - Revelation 4:11. With that in mind we must then ask ourselves, Does God have a way for us to please him? Yes, we find the answer in Hebrews 11:6 - through faith. Then acknowledging that dating is a modern worldly practice, can and should a child of God be involved in it knowing that "...whatsoever is not of faith is sin"? (Romans 14:23) The answer simply and logically is - no. The reward is that we know that we have pleased God with our life and we did things according to His plan. Again, realizing the importance of this area, knowing the consequences both good and bad that lie in the outcome of our choices, would God leave us on our own to just muddle through and hope for the best? If so, then He wouldn't be much of a God. But I believe that God does have a plan for every area of our life because God is not the author of confusion, but of peace - I Cor. 14:33.
The second reward is Praise of Purpose. We find an example of this in Daniel 1:8, a familiar verse showing the power of conviction in the life of a young man. How many sermons have been preached on this single verse in praise of Daniel? Too many to count; I'm sure that is not why he did it, but the fact is he is held up for us as an example. How many young lives have been used for just the opposite - an example of what not to do. Would it not be far better to guide our young people down a path that they too may be held up as a Daniel, someone to emulate and exemplify, instead of a Samson, someone to pity and think what could have been. Let us help our young people to purpose in their hearts that they will not defile themselves with the ways of this world, but rather to seek to please God in all they do.
The third and final reward is that of Single-mindedness through Separation. This in itself is not the reward, but it leads to the reward. Proverbs 18:1

"Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom."

All through the book of Proverbs we are told of the rewards of wisdom. To apply it to this situation let's look at it like this: a typical young person, so pressed by the world's philosophy and pressure from peers, does not separate himself but rather joins in to do what everyone else does. So desperate to obtain the favor of his peers, he will "go out" with anyone just to be accepted. Concern for character and personal qualities is not considered - who can take the time? Who can find a virtuous woman? No one - she is a gift from God, and He doesn't just give that to anyone, but those who seek it. The reward here is that through this single-mindedness, a young person will be given God's best - one with the Choicest of Characteristics. (II Pet 1:5-8)
In closing, we refer back to Hebrews 11:6 - God will reward those who believe Him. So really, to put it simply, it's a matter of do we believe God or not? We can rationalize and bring out all sorts of examples of this, that, or the other; what it all boils down to is we cannot please God without faith - if we trusted Him with our eternal salvation, can we not trust Him with our earthly spouse?