Tips for Dating

I get a lot of dating advice. Some of it good, some of it so bad I can’t believe that person actually hooked up with anyone.

But when I need an expert’s opinion on dating, I go no farther than Genesis 24. It is God’s guide to the single’s dating life. I bet you didn’t know that.

So here goes. From my single heart to yours, tips for dating from Genesis 24.

1. Everyone needs a Neil Clark Warren. It’s true. Let me give you the setting. Isaac needs a wife to produce the myriads of descendants promised by God to Abraham. Who does Abe turn to? You got it. Neil Clark. Or his servant Eliezer. Abraham trusts his servant like no one else, so he sends him to do the dirty work in finding a bride. Don’t shy away from help when it comes to dating. We all need it!

2. Don’t confuse the must haves from the wants. We’re all dreaming of that guy with the 6 pack abs and sculpted biceps, but the truth is that that is a want, not a must have. Abraham summed up his must haves into just 2 things: she has to believe the same things, and she has to be willing to move. Those are big things. They are God things. Have you figured out your must haves? Someone reminded me of the 2 main things earlier this year. He said: the guy has to love Jesus, and have a job. He’s right!

3. Get God in on the job. The first thing Eliezer does when he gets to his destination is pray. He prayed fervently, he prayed with faith, but more importantly, he prayed specifically. God wants to know the details. Tell him often and tell him all.

4. Don’t be skin deep. Sure Rebekah was beautiful. It says so in verse 16. But that’s not the only thing Eliezer was looking for. He threw her a pop quiz. “I need a drink” he said, “oh, and so do my handful of camels.” Whoa. Who does that? Someone who is looking for a generous servant hearted selfless wife, that’s who. I’m not sure I would have fit the bill, but I’m still single, so that goes to show – be kind to strangers!

5. Meet the Fockers. The earlier you do that the better off you’ll be. The Fockers are weird. Laban, Rebekah’s brother, led the pack in obnoxiousness and would only reveal his true colors later on in Genesis. But without the fockers there would be no wife. Eliezer knew that and put that high on the list. Don’t put off meeting the family.

6. Keep your eye on the ball. When Eliezer got to the Fockers’ home, they wanted to take their time, but he was on a mission. He knew the goal: find a wife for Isaac, and nothing would deter him from it. Remember that ultimately dating is for marriage. Be focused. Don’t drag it out.

7. The little blue bag goes a long ways. Hey guys, you don’t need any more advice on this than what you’re reading right here. Get gifts. Girls love em. Eliezer was loaded with goodies. We know you’re not from Abraham’s family, but every little gift means something. Learn from the experts in God’s word 

8. Sooner or later you’ve got to commit. Rebekah had to commit. She was asked to leave the comforts of home and marry a guy she didn’t know – by faith! I’m freaking out just thinking about it. And Isaac had to accept Rebekah even though he’d never seen her before – by faith. How is your faith when it comes to dating?

All right. Hope this helps. Wish I had an Eliezer to rent out, but for now I’m relying on my friend Neil.

What have you found to be helpful in your search for a significant other? Leave a comment below with your advice, especially if you’re married!

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