We talked a few chapters back about integrity and being women of sexual integrity. We are called by God to maintain that sexual integrity all through life, whether single or married, young or old. So, that said, does being "in love" change that you are called by God to demonstrate sexual integrity? No.
When we start talking about boyfriend / girlfriend relationships, my wholehearted first advice is take a step back and seek wise counsel. If you've never read "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris, I'd highly recommend it. Dating and boyfriend / girlfriend relationships in America today are encouraging "throw away" relationships .... think of someone who test drives a car off a car lot ~ you know "try before you buy" ~ relationships have become the same way. Many times dating relationships are looked at as a try before you buy (marry) situation. Each time we try out someone in a more serious relationship, we are giving them a part of ourselves {emotionally and sometimes physically}. I mentioned this in an earlier post in the example of getting to the marriage altar and a whole line of girls are on your future husband's other side.
Something else to consider in a dating or boyfriend / girlfriend relationship is what is the purpose in considering yourselves dating? Is it for social status ~ so you can tell all your friends you have a boyfriend? Is it for your self esteem ~ so you feel desirable to someone?
Well ~ we'll get into this more in coming chapters. But for now, you need to consider why getting into a more serious relationship is necessary.
The number line on page 193 makes an excellent point ~ take a minute and look at the timeline and get the big picture. I hope you'll see that it is worth the wait to enter your marriage pure .... without the baggage of past relationships and compromise.
