The Joseph, Boaz and David Profile of a man worth waiting for:

You want to marry someone for the qualities he posses now, not for the qualities you hope he will develop. The most common mistake made by married partners is marrying someone they intend to change. Since it is impossible to change a person, you will want to set standards of dating or building friendship, with men who are characterized by the following qualities.

A single woman can side step a lifetime tragedy by seriously considering these characteristics in a prospective steady date;

• Puts needs of others ahead of his own: This man accepts people just the way they are, loving others even when his love is not returned. He will continue to love someone because of his commitment to that person, not because of how he feels.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceits, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4).

• Rejoices in his relationship with Christ: You don’t have to ask this man if he is a Christian. His Joy in the Lord is evident in his life.

These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full (John 15:11).

• Maintains proper relationships: This man seeks good relationships with everyone, from his friends to his parents. He listens to differing perspectives without feeling threatened. He has the strength to back off from a fight. He works to forgive wrongs done to him and seeks to make his own offenses right. He will not hold a grudge.

Pursue peace with all men… (Hebrews 12:14).

• Refuses to jump ahead of God’s timing: He is not so eager to be something, do something, or have something that he cannot wait on God’s timing. He chooses against impulsiveness so he may be in the exact center of God’s will.

Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him… (Psalm 37:7).

• Seeks to meet the practical needs of others: He is not self absorbed that he cannot make time for the needy. He is interested in the welfare of others and is willing to give his time, money, and energy for their benefit.

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted… (Ephesians 4:32).

• Stands for what is right: He hates anything contrary to God’s holy character. He is known as a man of integrity by those with whom he works.

There will be… glory and honor and peace to everyone who does goo… (Romans 2:9-10).

• Follows through on his God-given responsibilities: He uses the talents God has given him and realizes “he + Jesus =adequacy for any God-given job.” He is neither overconfident nor absorbed with feelings of inferiority. He is not a dreamer, wishing for more ability, but a diligent steward of the talents he has been given. This man is dependable and stays with even a difficult task until it is completed.

Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2).

• Understands the importance of feelings and emotions: Some women may find themselves attracted to a demanding man, assuming that his dominance will be their security. Other women may marry a doormat they can dominate, but inevitably end up despising the man’s weakness. A gentleman is the best of both; he takes the initiative to lead but tempers it with gentle responses towards the other’s feelings.

So, as those who have been chosen by God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12).

• Flees temptation to compromise: This man refuses to be in situations that are sensual, immoral, or impure. He does not entertain friendships that lead to drunkenness or carousing. He avoids talk that could c use strife or jealousy. This man does not allow a temper to control him or anger to destroy him.

Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit (Proverbs 25:28).

These qualities are not unrealistic ideals. When a man follows Jesus, the Holy Spirit works these into his life. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, fruitfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23)

None of the men you date will have these qualities perfected. All of us are at differing levels of maturity. A man of God is one who works toward being conformed to the character of Christ. But be careful when a quality of God’s spirit is completely missing in a man’s life and he is unwilling to deal with it before marriage. Realize that if character is absent before the wedding ceremony, it will be missing after the wedding ceremony and cause considerable problems during marriage.

Do you want to marry a knight in shining armor? Then set your standards high. To be married to a man who loves the Lord and wants to serve Him is one of life’s privileges. It is worth whatever wait, whatever cost.

Nail down your convictions and refuse to compromise by dating men who are not controlled by God’s Holy Spirit. These standards will stand guard over the castle of your heart. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard you heart, for it is the wellspring of life”

Without high standards, even Christian girls are easily seduced.

I am praying for you and God is crazy about you.