In spite of the rising divorce rate there can be no mistake about God’s ideal for marriage. He intends that it be a permanent relationship. The Lord regards the wedding vows as a solemn compact intended for life. In Mark 10:2-12 Jesus asserted that from the beginning divorce was not a part of God’s ideal for marriage. There are times when marriage problems cannot be solved and the only apparent solution is divorce, but even then, divorce is only the lesser of two evils. It is never good.
In view of God’s ideal, here are some practical suggestions about marriage for two different groups.
First, to the unmarried: You should develop a very serious and sacred view of marriage and make ample preparation for it. One of the peculiarities of our society is the fact that we often spend more effort on preparing for the wedding than preparing for marriage. Admittedly, no effort should be spared to make a wedding memorable. But a wedding is, after all, no more than the beginning of marriage. It is over in a single day. A marriage may last for half a century or more.
How can you prepare for marriage?
1. Learn all you can about the meaning of marriage. Read at least one good book on the subject.
2. Get to know the person you are marrying very well.
3. Learn to adjust to each other. The most important factor in a successful marriage is the determination to make it work.
Second, to the unhappily married: Marriage should bring you fulfillment. It should provide love, understanding, security, and purpose. Yet many marriages fail to do these things. This is often because the people involved do not work to keep their marriage relationship meaningful. Most things tarnish in time. Your marriage is no exception. You must work to keep it bright and glowing. When married people say that their love has died, it may be more accurate to say they have killed it. Not by a violent, brutal act of betrayal but by sheer neglect. One of the illusions of our time is that love is self-sustaining. It is not. Love must be fed, nurtured, and constantly renewed. It demands ingenuity and consideration, but first and foremost, it demands time. Are you working to keep the fires of love burning in your marriage?