Most girls dream of their prince charming; what he will look like, how he will act and what talents he will have. The world tries to fill young girls minds with stories of princesses' living in beautiful castles whose hearts are won by their prince charming. They marry and live happily ever after in a perfect world. These young girls get so caught up in the enchanting world and set out to make it a reality in their life. But they become disappointed when they discover that its exactly what the world said it was, a fairy tale. So what then should a young girl look for in a man; is there some sort of list? The answer? Yes. First off, I believe every girl needs to understand that she is precious and valuable in the sight of her heavenly Father. Once she has opened her heart to God and accepted Him as her Savior, she becomes His child, and since He is the King of Kings that makes her a princess and He wants only the best for His princess! God has created someone special, someone just right for her and will bring them together at just the right time. But she must be willing to wait and trust in Him.
One of the best illustrations I have found is a simple tea cup. You are like a tea cup; beautiful, delicate, fragile and lovely. Did you know that every tea cup has a matching saucer, a perfect match. I understand that there are many saucers out there and they all can fit the bill, more or less. Some are a very close fit, some are a match that could work and some don't really match at all but some say its better than none at all. But understand, there is only one saucer that fits you perfectly; it was designed by your loving heavenly Father just for you!
I would like to give a list of character traits that should be evident in the man you are considering. I found them in a book entitled "Lady in Waiting", I believe they are excellent and worth writing down.
Puts the 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. Phil 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. John 15:11 Maintains proper relationships ~ This man seeks a good relationship 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 to him and seeks to make his own offenses right. He will not hold a grudge. Heb 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. Ps 37:7 Seeks to meet the practical needs of others ~ He is not so 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. Eph 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. Rom 2:9-10 Follows through on his God-given responsibilities ~ He uses the talents God has given him and realizes that through God he can do all things. He is neither overconfident nor absorbed with feelings of inferiority. He is not a dreamer, wishing for more ability, but a diligent steward of talents he has been given. This man is dependable and stays with even a difficult task until it is completed. 1 Cor 4:2 Understands the importance of feelings and emotions ~ Some girls 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 gentle man is the best of both; he takes the initiative to lead but tempers it with gentle responses toward the other's feelings. Col 3:12 Flees temptations 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 jealousy. This man does not allow a temper to control him or anger to destroy him. Pro 25:28
I know that this seems like a daunting list, a list that seems unattainable but if a man is walking in the Spirit and giving his life to God these traits should be evident in his life. I understand that nobody is perfect and of course will not have all these qualities perfected but a true man of God is one who works toward being conformed to the character and image of Christ.
I see a perfect example of this kind of a man in the Bible called Boaz. He was a man who had many of these qualities because he walked with God. He cared about the needs of others and often went above and beyond the laws of helping the poor. He was not lazy, and looked out for the well being of his friends and neighbors. Ruth waited on God and He rewarded her with a wonderful man! I believe she would testify that it was well worth the wait! I would encourage every girl to wait on the LORD, and to set a guard over the castle of your heart (Pro 4:23). There will be many temptations out there but you are worth so much, please don't settle for second best! I would encourage every girl to build relationships with older people, beginning with your parents. Older people can see so much more than you can; seek their advice and be willing to heed it. If you wait on God and trust Him with all your heart He will bring you your Prince Charming....a man who is truly worth waiting for!