Red flags are a warning signal of potential danger—a sign that underlying problems need to be addressed. When a red flag is waved in auto racing, it means the race must stop because of unsafe conditions and danger ahead. On the beach, a red flag indicates dangerous undercurrents or something unsafe, and a double red flag means the beach is shut down for safety reasons. In the same way, God’s Word gives us red flags as a warning for the relationships that we have.
Let’s take a look at the dating pool today. Studies show that most dating people will get married at some point, but most of those marriages will not make it. Divorcees often look back and acknowledge warning signs that they minimized. Have you ever ignored a red flag?
Yes, you want to fall in love. You want all the love songs on Spotify to make sense in your situation. So when you’re dating, and the other person does something not quite right, your mind says, “Pay attention. Is this a red flag?” But your heart keeps singing the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” and you choose to ignore the bothersome trait.
Proverbs 27:12 tells us “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the. consequences.”
The Bible also gives us examples of horror that can happen when one ignores red flags—like Samson who was given the strength of superman, but pouted when things didn’t go his way, threw fits of rage and revenge, and lusted after the wrong kind of women. The Philistines offered Delilah money to learn the secret of Samson’s strength. She kept “nagging day after day until he was sick to death of it. Finally, he shared his secret with her.” (Judges 16:16,17) Samson’s hair—his source of strength— was cut, his eyes were gouged out, and he was chained and forced to grind grain.
Samson learned the consequences for refusing to heed possible warning signs. But God is faithful to redeem us and give us wisdom when we ask. For Samson, God allowed his hair to grow back so that his strength brought down the roof when he was put on display, killing thousands of his enemies and himself.
Samson’s story demonstrates a major red flag in dating for believers. Don’t get involved with someone who’s doesn’t consistently pursue Christ. “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.” (2 Corinthians 6:14).
Perhaps you can diminish this possibility by dating someone like you’ll find in the LECC congregation at 415987 Highway 9, Eufaula, where we have small group Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m. and Wednesday night activities at 6:30 p.m. We’d love for you to join us.
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
