Companionship is Biblical. "And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him" (Gen. 2:18). Dating is very often a natural occurrence. It may come sooner than one expects. How will you respond to the first date? Will you seek God's guidance as well as parental advice and consent?

In this article we want to consider the importance of guidance from, and communication with, parents.

Dear friend, before you were born, your parents, being truly concerned for you, had many prayers and hopeful desires. Much anxiety also filled their hearts as the time drew closer for you to be born. The special day of your birth soon arrived. How gladdened were your parents to receive you! However, with receiving you from the hands of the Lord came many anxious questions. Such questions as, I wonder what is in store for this child? Will it prove to be a child of God's grace? Will this child bring joy or sorrow? etc.

Over the years, as your parents observed your development, they could see what type of character you possessed. Do they witness that you are easily led astray? Do you have any resistance to sin, temp­tation and peer pressure? Or do you cave in to sin and every wicked way? These and many other things are witnessed by parents.

Your parents, over the years, have shown you much love. They have often sacrificed for your benefit, frequently without your realizing it. Your parents love you and are concerned about your welfare. This will especially be evident when dating occurs. Parents want you to have a decent date. They don't want to see you or the other person hurt. Very often the first date creates anxiety for parents.

Several things are critical for you to implement. First, don't hesitate to speak to your parents about your date. It is to your advantage to ask advice from your parents as to what they think of him or her. Secondly, remember that your parents have firsthand experience regarding dating. They dated before you did. Throughout their dating years they may have learned some very good lessons. They may have had some very bad experiences. It would be to your profit to listen to firsthand experience. Thirdly, your parents are very perceptive. They can often tell whether your date has ulterior motives. They can soon figure out if your date cares about you, or if he or she is infatuated and seeking to gratify fleshly lusts. Don't think your parents narrow-minded or old-fashioned if they discourage you from dating someone with nega­tive traits. Listen to what they have to say. Your parents love you and want the best for you. Remember God has set your parents over you. They are bound by their baptismal vows to steer you in the way that you should go, not in the way you want to go. Fourthly, one of the main concerns of your parents will be your date's religious affiliation. Does your date attend the same or a similar church? Does your date have the same convictions? Is your date seeking the best for you spiritually and temporally? Is your relationship ac­ceptable to God in order for God to give His approval? Is your relationship dragging you down to hell or upwards to heaven? Is your date a godly person? Is your date a wild and loose type of person who may be popular among peers, but carries a bad reputation?

Remember, dear friend, your date selection is criti­cal. It is not enough that your eye is pleased. It is not enough that your tastes are met. It is not enough that your minds are compatible and your affections set on each other. There is more! There is a life to come! You have a precious, never-dying soul.

How is your relationship with God? Is Christ your companion? He is the perfect, loving and worthy companion who will never leave you nor forsake you. "For Christ the King forsake the world and every former friend." The heavenly Bridegroom, Christ, seeks your eternal gain and promises the supply of every temporal provision. This Bridegroom is the chiefest among ten thousand. He is altogether lovely. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righ­teousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Mt. 6:33).