Marriage Is Not Obsolete

It’s no secret that the sanctity of marriage has decreased in our society. U.S. Census data released two months ago showed that marriages hit an all-time low of 52 percent for adults 18 and over. Among the reasons for this are a higher number of divorces and the increasing number of unmarried couples cohabitating. Last week, a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed that 39 percent of its respondents now believe marriage is “obsolete." Yet Hebrews 13:4 says, "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge."

Once while riding a train in Florida, I sat next to a divorced man who vowed never to marry again because of the pain he experienced from his ex-wife. I can relate as I’ve gone through two short marriages with women who weren’t faithful to me. Still I haven’t given up hope of finding a godly woman to spend the rest of my life with.

One thing that I find annoying is when people suggest I can do more for the Lord as a single man. Though the Apostle Paul wrote that singles can “…serve the Lord without distraction” (1 Corinthians 7:35), there are numerous Scriptures that point to the benefits of having a helpmate…

“And the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’” - Genesis 2:18

“How could one chase a thousand, 
and two put ten thousand to flight…” - Deuteronomy 32:30

“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband…” - Proverbs 12:4

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD.” - Proverbs 18:22

“Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.” - Proverbs 19:14

“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.” - Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)

“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” - 1 Peter 3:7

Incidentally, I’m not putting down individuals who choose to remain single. Some folks don’t have a desire to be married. Nonetheless I’ve heard numerous testimonies of married people who initially weren’t looking for a spouse and God blessed them with one.

If you desire a mate, don’t let well-meaning Christians discourage you from praying for one. And certainly don’t let worldly people try to convince you that the institution of marriage is obsolete. Marriage was God’s idea in the first place.

“As the Scriptures say, ‘A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.” - Ephesians 5:31-32 (NLT)