[ Christian Dating and Matchmaking ]

God's vehicle for introducing us to the person He has for us for life

A number of well-meaning Christians would propose that God doesn't need "Christian dating" in order to introduce us to the person He has for us for life. They'd say He can bring the right person into our lives without our having to be proactive. "After all, He created the Universe. Surely He could introduce us to His person for us without our having to get involved in Christian DATING, right?"

Our answer ... Yes. He certainly COULD introduce us without using Christian dating as the vehicle. AND ... He could put gasoline into our tanks without our having to use a service station. AND ... He could put groceries into our cupboards without our having to use the grocery store. AND ... He could put the Word directly into our heads and hearts without using pastors and teachers. He COULD. But He rarely does. He has the power, but apparently not the desire. (More accurately, He likely has the desire for us to make the discovery in ways OTHER than "manna from Heaven." Do you suppose that might be because of the benefits of the search process?)

Why wouldn't He just "drop that person into our lives?" Why expose us to the potential pitfalls of dating? (Even the pitfalls potentially associated with Christian dating.)

(a) Free will. We're not earthly puppies waiting for a heavenly biscuit from our Creator.

(b) Lack of skills. Few of us are equipped with the relationship skills for a lifetime committed relationship ... see the divorce rate among Christians (55%.) (By the way, the lack of skills may be in the DOING of the relationship or in the CHOOSING of the correct partner or in the TAKING RESPONSIBILITY in a number of areas ... the list could be long.)

(c) Change of expectations. We may have unrealistic expectations that need to be made real through the dating process.

(d) The list goes on.

Regardless, Christian Dating is the tool God apparently has chosen for single Christians to meet the person He has for us. The challenge / the opportunity ... to learn to enjoy the process of meeting folks we'll be spending eternity with, whether romance is the end result or not.