I had an interesting conversation the other day. It made me realize just how far this next generation has fallen from traditional values. We are light years from the days of "Leave it to Beaver!"
I was talking with a young couple that my son knows. They are dating and also live together. I asked them if they ever considered getting married. They shrugged their shoulders and said no, things are going really good, why mess things up with marriage?
It broke my heart. The idea that marriage, and not sin, would possibly mess up their relationship. I realize that their opinions are based on what they have or have not been taught all of their lives about love and marriage. Unfortunately I have to admit that their thoughts on marriage are probably more prevalent than my own.
The world and media have instructed us that marriage is old-fashioned, outdated, inconvenient and unnecessary.
Here are a few examples:
***Look at many of the most famous stars in Hollywood, the most famous of which is Brad and Angelina, they have no use for marriage and make adultery appealing. The list is long of those who are also raising families without the commitment of marriage.
***Here is a quote on marriage:
"Marriage is a form of ownership. ... I think it's dangerous. I think you lose your personal power." ~ Goldie Hawn
***Macy's took out a full-page ad in May 2008 that solicited the business of same-sex couples planning their nuptials.
"First comes love. Then comes marriage," the ad proclaims beneath an image of two wedding rings.
"And now it's a milestone every couple in California can celebrate."
This is just a tiny sampling of what I found when searching on the subject. I don't even want to post most of what I read.
But I do want to look at what God says about marriage. After all- wasn't it HIS idea in the first place?!
Gen 2:24
24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
NIV
One man, one woman.
Just so that you don't think it's an Old Testament thing...or that marriage has evolved...
Matt 19:4-6
4 "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,'
5 and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?
6 So they are no longer two, but one.
Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."
NIV
Heb 13:4-5
4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
NIV
God does not look down on marriage, He honors it. We should also. Marriage is not outdated, it is holy. I commend those of you that are married and have fought to stay married.
Let's uphold, through our lives and words, the honor or marriage.
(I do not say any of this to condemn anyone who has been divorced.)
I'm praying for our marriages,
Sue
Come back tomorrow for the "Not a Garage Sale Giveaway"
12 comments:
Good Morning, The other day a friend made a comment about how my husband and I seem so happy together. They wanted to know what the big secret was to being married for 18 years and still happy. When I told them there were 3 in our married and that the other one was God and the center of it. They looked at me like I was an alien speaking another language.
Take Care
I find it very sad that the world view is so rapidly becoming the norm. What I find extremely frustrating is the number of children born out of wedlock and the number of siblings who don't share the same father.
I know first hand how this creates stress even among young children. How do you even begin to maintain a child's self-esteem who's father is not around when he see's his sibling's father picking her up for visitation?
Let's pray for our marriages and for the younger generations to fully understand the potential consequences of their actions.
Good Morning.
I found your blog from Patty's and was very touched by this post. My husband and I have been married for nearly 26 years now, and to be honest..it's a lot of work. If you aren't married you don't have to work at it, and when it gets rough you can just walk away. I have heard this and seen this in several friends that have chosen to live together instead of marry. I heard a comment somewhere that people now do "starter" marriages like "starter" homes you don't intend to keep it when you buy, you are just getting started.
Sallye
As a long-time Christian, sometimes I take my high view of marriage for granted. Popular culture is certainly a bad place to learn about how to be married! Thanks for your awareness, and for promoting a biblical view. :~D
That breaks my heart as well. It is everywhere, and marriage is not even considered the norm anymore. It is so sad to see all around me, thank you for this, it is so great to hear someone else honoring marriage. I pray someone comes across this message today that needs to hear it.
I hear the same thing from many young couples. They want to live together first to make sure it will "work out", or never actually intend to get married. If they only new the joy of such "ownership" they would rethink their positions!
Xandra
The whole true foundation where marriage is concerned is found in the book of Genesis. I know you're aware of that however, I was thinking we must be getting closer to the "end of the book" so to speak, with the way things are going. I figure the next chapter is Revelation in keeping with this parallel/illustration, don't you?
It is sad the way our society has devalued marriage. I like the comment that the first commenter made about God being in the center of a marriage. That is so true.
Sue,
I am glad that you are bringing to light the "marriage" issues. I am sorry to hear this young couple is so deceived by the world's lies of so called happiness.
I do want to say that you made the statement "I realize that their opinions are based on what they have or have not been taught all their lives about love and marriage." Well, there are other factors that you are not addressing ---rebellion, the "me first" will, selfishness.
The reason why I say that is that's the situation our daughter is in this type of "relationship". My husband and I have been married over 20yrs and my parents have been married over 50years. Our daughter saw the love in our home. We raised her on God's word; Deut. 6 has always been very strong in our home. She is in rebellion; not only to our teachings, but more importantly God's. She is not wanting anything to do with us. We pray for her everyday and know our Heavenly Father loves her more.
I am not trying to sound offended or harsh. I just wanted to say there are more factors to this issue.
Blessings,
Miriam
Miriam,
You make a very good point. And I want you to know that I was not referring to everyone who lives together in sin, but specifically to this couple. I know that they have never been told they were wrong at all, in fact their parents let them live together under their own roof.
So I was referring to the fact that these two have no sense of shame or remorse at all about their decision.
Thankfully, the Word has been taught to your daughter, because even though she may be in rebellion right now, the Lord will be speaking to her heart...you can count on that! His Word is in her and God will bring it forth- praise God!
You are right, rebellion is the factor when we sin. Remember, God raised Adam and Eve and they rebelled too.
I feel for parents in your postition. I'm praying for you and your family!
Sue
Sue,
Thank you for your quick & sweet response and than you for your prayers! Yes, God is faithful to fulfill His loving and mighty word!
I will pray for this young couple that you are speaking of and pray God will knock on their hearts' door. I have also recently met other young couples living this way and I talk to them.
Thank you again,
Miriam :)
Hi Sue,
Catching up with all my bloggy friends :)
Loved this post! Keep 'em coming :)
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