In 2012, I learned of a new term coined by the beautiful Heather Lindsey, “Randoms”. Heather was known for her “No Random” slogan, which young ladies around the WORLD identified with, including myself. Well, kind of.
Pre-Heather Lindsey, I thought dating a random was cool, as long as he was a “Christian random”. Lets face it, no one was showing any “real” interest in me; why not date the “cute” but “not fully sold out for Christ” guy I met at bible study? I mean, he loves Jesus or he wouldn’t be at bible study, right?!? Allow me to share with you how God wrecked me in the matter of seconds.
I had just returned home from staying the night with this gentleman, nothing happened, we actually watched bible study online, ate and went to sleep. When I returned home the next day, I was super excited! I remember lying down for a nap, thinking about all the things I would cook for him the next time. In the middle of my thoughts, I heard God say “How can I send you your husband, when you’re playing wife to someone else”. My response “ Come again God” but he didn’t repeat himself.
Completely perplexed, I reached for my bible. I used some random method of picking a book & chapter to read. If it spoke to me regarding what I thought he said, I’d know he really said it. So, I randomly landed on 2nd John, which only has one chapter. In that one chapter, God managed to confirm what I “thought” I heard.
So what was there to fear in dating this “Random”? Read and see:
Potential for Loss
“ Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked hard for” -2nd John 1:8a
I don’t have time to go through my back-story, however if you’re interested check out my story at lovebyencouragement.com (shameless plug). In a nutshell, I went from being a girl willing to ignore her faith for a guy, to being completely sold out for Christ. Over the last two years, I had been faithful in serving God, working in ministry, faithfully attending bible study and Sunday service, as well as spending personal time with God. I WORKED MY BUTT OFF to rekindle my relationship with Christ. One wrong mistake, and I could have been ensnared by the very thing God delivered me from 2 years prior.
Forfeited Reward
“But that you may be fully rewarded” 2nd John 1:8B
At that time, my heart’s desire was to be in a serious God-fearing relationship. I knew God was preparing me for the gentleman that would captivate my heart, but I chose to entertain others in the meantime. Plus this guy was really sweet and he liked Jesus, I would help him get to the point of love. But God already had someone for me; that someone loved God with not only his words, but also his lifestyle. Had I settled for this “random”, I would have never had the opportunity to experience the FULLNESS of my reward!
Disconnection From God
“Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God” 2nd John 1:9
In the short time of dating him, I remember some of my convictions becoming weaker. I would fake curse, saying things like “AWWWWW D-word” (mind you I’ve never been a curser) and I began drinking every now and then. Not to say having a drink is bad, but because of what drinking represented for me earlier in life, I vowed not to drink anymore. Any who, all this to say my personal conviction became weaker as I dated this “random”.
There you have it! After reading 2nd John chapter one, I couldn’t even take my nap. From then on, I made it my business to RUN from every random that presented himself to me. I could never get verses 12-13 out of my head:
(MSG) If anyone shows up who doesn’t hold to this teaching, don’t invite him in and give him run of the place. That would give him a platform to perpetuate his evil ways, making you his partner.
If you take nothing else from this blog, understand that “randoms” come with a cost. They may cost you wasted time, money, a spiritual set back, or even your final reward. Choose wisely whom you choose to date, and never forget to ask God what he thinks. He’ll do the same for you, as he did for me. Remember, warning comes before destruction!