There you have it. The summary of my thoughts and feelings concerning one of life's more pleasurable adventures. I have tried to point out some possible dangers and pitfalls that have trapped so many young people. If these thoughts help even one person avoid the snares described in this book, then all the effort in writing it will have been well spent.
I don't want to leave the impression that all of dating is a time bomb waiting to go off, but rather that like a car, it can give abundant pleasure if used properly and wisely. Driving a car can be useful and fun if done carefully, but it can become a machine of death and destruction if used improperly. Just because there are dangers present doesn't mean we do not enjoy the use of a car. In the same way we do not abandon the fun and excitement of dating just because there are dangers. Rather we watch out for the pitfalls and seek to enjoy the experience.
All through the book, I have encouraged you to examine the focus of your heart. This, I believe, is the most important thing a follower of Jesus Christ can do. Our world is filled with pressures to conform, the Evil One seems constantly to attack and hurl his fiery darts, and the media paints a distorted view of reality. All of these tend to shift our Heart Focus off the Lord Jesus. I strongly encourage you to establish a Quiet Time each day in which you spend time reading Scripture and praying. Even if it is only seven minutes a day, what a difference it will make in your Walk. If you are not yet a Believer, I encourage you to call on God for mercy and gratefully accept His pardon. Look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. The Scripture is an inexhaustible well of wisdom, drink from it often and deeply. Guard the Focus of your Heart!
Arterburn, Stephen and Stoeker, Fred. Every Man's Battle. Waterbrook Press. 2000.
Arterburn, Stephen and Stoeker, Fred. Every Young Man's Battle. Waterbrook Press. 2000.
Dobson, Dr. James. Preparing for Adolescence. Vision House Publishers.
1978.
Gothard, Bill. Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts: Resources in Principles
of Life. Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts, Oak Brook Illinois, 1981.
Good News About Sex. The Christian Life Commission of the Southern Baptist
Convention. n.d.
McDowell, Josh. Various writings and lectures. 1970's.
Murfin, Dr. Bill. Personal Interviews. 1978.
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