Marriage

---

Allow me to be controversial for a moment. Marriage. What are the chances of success in marriage today? Divorce is probably at its highest rate now than it ever was during our mothers’ and grandmothers’ times. Is it more acceptable in society? Most certainly. But is it in church? Maybe, maybe not. Most importantly, is it acceptable in the eyes of God? Jesus did not advocate divorce but does he disapprove? Does it mean that every divorcee is an eternal sinner in the eyes of God, even our brethren and sisters in Christ who have found themselves divorced? What does this say to us who may or may not be contemplating marriage? It raises fear mostly. No one wants to set themselves up for disappointment. And yet God says he has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of courage and a sound mind. So if I am not scared, how do I feel about marriage? What do YOU feel?

Although our ‘mothers’ (in church and in our society at large) often raise their eyebrows at us as if to beckon us to quickly make a move and ‘tie that knot’, it is almost easy to ignore their pressure as there are so many things that one has to ‘achieve’ before making up our minds on the issue. Some of us stall for time saying we are still building our careers or finding/discovering ourselves and/or getting over that hurtful breakup, some of us are waiting [for the Lord] in hope that one day ‘Mr Right’ will come along, some us have relinquished the idea completely and have adopted the ‘life goes on’ attitude, with or without a marriage partner.

And yet the glamour of marriage is almost too good to resist. Sometimes seeing a bride glow in white, I secretly wonder ‘Could that ever be me?’ ‘How does it feel?’ and etc. I have heard the saying that it is every girl’s dream to walk down the aisle. Too presumptuous? You decide. Paul said it is better to be alone. I suspect he meant life is less complicated when you are unmarried. But when God created Eve, He foresaw the loneliness of man without a partner hence He said, ‘It is not good for MAN to be ALONE’. Does that mean man the human species or man the male species? Are we meant to be partnered? Maybe, maybe not. Or maybe it happens at different times for different people. Just because you’ve crossed the 30-year boundary line does not mean you are a failure (contrary to popular belief). Between you and God, something is bound to work out for your good, remember God knows all that is best for each and every one of us and He is the giver of GOOD gifts, in His own time.

Ok, so what about you who wants to walk down that aisle but are too scared in the midst of divorce, unfaithfulness, abuse and etc in today’s marriages? Take courage in this, God is an advocate of marriage since He is the original founder (and consecrator), so surely it can not be all that doomed. Just a note: the concept ‘happily married’ is elusive as there are good and bad days. Truth is, marriage is a journey that two people embark on daily by the grace of God. Sometimes you have to agree to disagree but stay focused on your commitment to walk the walk together. I hope you will be inspired (and not intimidated by fear) to continue to aspire for marriage if that is what is in your heart. Otherwise if not, then be content with yourself and God, and live your life abundantly!

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE