Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
(John 16:13 KJV)

One of the reasons why so many marriages suffer from breakups and problems is that the couple never laid the proper groundwork—something they should have done before they started dating.

Many of the qualifications for choosing the right life partner will be in the dating standards that you've set. You can evaluate each standard ahead of time by asking yourself, "How will such-and-such factor affect a relationship? Will it help build or destroy a marriage?"

Here are some basic standards that everyone should consider. Keep in mind that the list would be longer depending on the individual's personal standards, and the standards God has set for them:

1. Is the person a Christian?
   (2 Cor. 6:14)
   
2. Is this person compatible with my life goals?
   (Col. 1:28-29)
   
3. Does the person have any self-control?
   (1 Thess. 4:4)
   
4. How does the person relate to other members of his or her family? Is there harmony at their home?
   (Num. 14:18)?
   
5. Is the timing right to pursue this relationship?
   (Gen. 29:20)
   
6. What is the person called to do? Is that gift compatible with mine?
   (1 Cor. 7:32; Matt. 6:33)
   
7. Am I being comprehensive enough spiritually so that God can fulfill my deepest needs?
   (1 Cor. 7:36)

Setting A Standard And Slowing Down
You are to set standards that are important to you and stick with them. That way, when you find someone compatible with you, you will know you have discerned the right life partner.

Now this is not the time to jump into marriage. This is the time that you can know that you need to spend some time with this person to know what they are like.

We've had people tell us, "I don't have to wait, because God sent me this person." We say, "Well if this is the person God sent you, that person will still be there in a year or two. Slow down and take your time." They often don't. They rush into marriage because they've fallen for the trap of the enemy.

But you don't have to fall for the enemy's trap. If you feel you are in a hurry for anything, that is when you need to slow down. Satan is pushy; but God will never push you. God will gently lead and guide you into the relationship with the right life partner.

Study References: Ps. 31:3; Isa. 49:10

Copyright © Keith Butler Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.