As an evangelist, I often have discussions with young people about the relationships that they are involved in, whether it be friendships or dating. As I am now the "old guy" in these discussions, I have often run into disagreements with these young folks. The question often comes up: Is it ok for us to date non-Christians? Unfortunately, when that question comes up, it is usually too late—they are already in such a relationship! I have had disagreements with young people, and also with their parents over this important question. The practice is usually being defended under such premises as:

• They are in love! How can that not be right?
• They are going to convert the person they are dating…if not now, after they are married!
• There aren't any Christians close by to date…
• They aren't getting serious…
• They'll be a good influence on those around them…

Recently, we have been studying the Minor Prophets in our Adult Bible study on Sunday mornings. We recently started a study of the prophet Micah. As I was preparing to teach this lesson, I came upon a quote by Homer Hailey in his commentary on the Minor Prophets. He was commenting on the nature of the people during the time of Micah, and how they were not what they should have been, even though they had some pretty good kings (such as Jotham and Hezekiah). Hailey's analysis on the matter was this:

"Micah seems not to have been very deeply impressed with these reforms. Religion had become a matter of form with the people; ceremonial observances were thought to meet all religious requirements. The reform was not from the deep recesses of the heart. There was widespread misapprehension that as long as the external acts of worship were scrupulously performed the people were entitled to the divine favor and protection."

Homer Hailey, A Commentary on the Minor Prophets, (Religious Supply, 2000), 189.