Sometimes I think that we put less (rational) thought into choosing a mate, than we do when choosing a vehicle.  Oh, that one is a pretty color, but does it have a motor?  Oh, that one is a classic, but you can only drive it in parades?  Oh, that one has 500 HP, but can you afford to buy the gas?  Oh, that one is as fast as a rocket, but is it street legal?  Whatever happened to just being practical or making a wise decision?

So what makes our decision about a life’s mate wise and practical?  Are you going to have children?  Don’t pick someone who hates kids.  Are you looking for someone to raise and teach the kids certain values?  Don’t pick someone who doesn’t share those values.  Are you looking for someone that you can trust?  Don’t pick someone who looks really good but is unstable.  Are you looking for a Christian believer?  Don’t pick someone who isn’t a Christian with the idea that you will convert them.

Chances are you are not going to meet someone this week and know within two weeks, three months or even a year that this is the one that meets all the above.  Even someone who professes to be a Christian should not be accepted as such based on their word alone.  

Does their life action match what they say?  Are they under the Spirit’s control?  Do they manipulate?  Is the Word of God important to them?  What kind of friends do they have?  How do they handle money?  Do they love the brethren?  Observing all this takes time and it doesn’t need to take place in a romantic relationship.  

Before I met my wife, I came up with what I considered to be some biblical guidelines to keep me on track and to help me find God’s will for a mate.  

The desire of my heart was to find a wife that was willing to help me find God’s will and who would support me in doing so.  I was also looking for someone who would help me raise our kids according to biblical values.   My heart’s desire was for a wife who was loyal and faithful and in whom my heart could safely trust.  I was looking for a woman of godly character.  

When it was time, I knew it was to be her.  There were no nagging doubts.  I found her or I should say that God led us to each other.  I have often said of her; “I dated some prettier, but none more beautiful”. 

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.  Proverbs 31:28 – 31