4 Things to Consider Before Dating a Non-ChristianSample

Day 3: Consider Future Challenges

“‘Haven’t you read,’ he replied, ‘that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’” - Matthew 19:4-6

When thinking about dating a non-Christian, really take the time to ponder how you'll tackle big stuff down the line, like raising kids, handling money, and other major decisions. Having different beliefs can mean you might not see eye-to-eye on some pretty key life choices, like how you manage your finances or what religious beliefs you pass on to your kids. Unfortunately, there are areas where you simply cannot compromise and find a middle ground if you want a Christ-centered relationship.

Marriage is described in the Bible as a union where two people become "one." This profound connection means you and your spouse are meant to make decisions as a unified team. However, achieving this unity becomes challenging when there are fundamental differences in your views on critical issues. For example, Christians see marriage as a life-long covenant, a sacred commitment made before God. Someone without faith, on the other hand, may perceive marriage differently, possibly viewing it as a contract that can be dissolved if it becomes too difficult.

Considering future challenges involves evaluating how these differing perspectives might affect your relationship. Raising children with conflicting beliefs can create confusion and tension in their spiritual development. Deciding on financial priorities and practices might lead to disagreements that strain your partnership — for example, if you want to tithe to your church, and your spouse doesn’t view that as a good way to spend your resources. These are just a few examples of how fundamentally different values can impact your marriage.

It's so important to consider these potential challenges and seek God's guidance through prayer. And while it might not seem like a huge problem now — because you’re thinking about dating the person, not marrying them — remember that dating is often the first step toward a more serious, long-term commitment like marriage. What may seem like small issues now can become significant obstacles later on. Addressing these differences early on and seeking God's wisdom can help prevent future heartache and make sure your relationship aligns with His plan for your life.