Don't Trample the Grass

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 9
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Many of the world's activities carried on in dating are those which can easily damage the tender grass of Christian courtship. There are many places and many things the world does that a Christian couple could never, in good conscience find rest or peace doing.
I'm not going to make a list of acceptable dating activities.
That's your responsibility before the Lord and part of the prayer life and Bible reading life that ought to characterize you and your partner in courtship. However, don't pattern your courtship activities after the world's, just because something is perceived as a cool or exciting thing to do. Always be concerned for the thoughts and the feelings of your partner. Above all, be concerned for the thoughts of the One who created you and brought you both together.
One word regarding acceptable activities. I would encourage young couples to learn the joy of serving the Lord together, either in gospel work or in ministering to brethren. "Ye know the house of Stephanus...they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints" (1 Cor. 16:1515I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) (1 Corinthians 16:15)). There are innumerable ways to serve the Lord and His dear people while experiencing all the joy and excitement of courtship.
On the other hand please consider this. God never directs his dear children to go to places where they will be surrounded by defilement, lust, corruption, or violence-nor to a place that will cause their hearts to be attracted in love for this world. Be careful where you grow grass in your courtship. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:1515Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15)).