Marriage

The world tells you that marriage is boring and stupid, that you should keep your options open, play the field and enjoy yourself before your life ends with becoming permanently shackled to another person. The world lies. And why does it lie? Because it's currently under the control of the father of lies (John 8:44 ), and it hates you (John 15:19 ).

In reality, marriage is a beautiful thing (Prov 18:22), as a man leaves his parents and unites with his wife as one (Gen 2:24). I know some people have problems, and it takes two to resolve conflict, but divorce should be a much more rare occurrence than it is today (Matt 19:8-9). I say these things because I've been married for 25 years, have three children, one grandson and another on the way. I love my wife more than ever before, as we've grown, matured and experienced life together. I am blessed to have a Proverbs 31 wife (Prov 31:10-31).

To get to this point in a relationship, it takes a deep knowledge of your mate, the building of trust through sacrifice and difficult experiences, as well as the good times, uplifting one another, and enjoyment of each other, regardless of circumstances.

As we share our lives together, growing closer through all the Lord has given us and brought us through, we realize that humans long for this closeness with a spouse, we are designed to know and be known, and this intimacy cannot be gained overnight, it takes time to develop.

Marriage between a man and a woman is not only a beautiful gift, but an expression of love from our Creator, and an example of His relationship with us through the Church. That is what makes marriage so sacred, that is why it cannot be re-defined and defiled, attempting to make it something contrary to the guidelines that God has set. Anything else (fornication, adultery, homosexuality) is an abomination and rebellion against the God who has given us this wonderful gift.

Keep the marriage bed pure (Heb 13:4), do not listen to the deception and lies of the world that hates you, but hold fast to the Word of God and His moral standard for what He's given you.

Glorify the Giver of this amazing gift, be blessed and rejoice in the wife of your youth (Prov 5:18), protecting and caring for her even as Christ has provided the example in His sacrificial death for the Church.