The Value of Marriage

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

Anytime God wants to do something in a society or the world at large, He uses a family. When the God-given family structure malfunctions, the society is doomed. It is said that, one of the reasons the Roman Empire fell was divorce. God did not set up the institution of marriage by mistake. Marriage is one of the greatest gifts God gave man. Our purpose of exercising dominion on earth (ruling with authority), being fruitful, multiplying and replenishing what God gave to us, was intended to be possible through marriage. So Gen 1:27 says ‘Male and female he created them in the image of God’.

History shows that, the strength of any society depends upon the strength of its families, and the Church is no different. Family is the rock-solid foundation on which a society’s superstructure is erected. It is remarkable and interesting to note that, when God wanted to fulfill His purpose in creation, He did it through Adam and Eve. When He wanted to save the world from the coming flood, He did it through Noah’s family. Also, when He wanted to bless the fallen man, He did it through Abraham and his family.

With this knowledge, the devil has waged war on the institution of marriage, especially Christian marriages. Many Christians, including Global Christian leaders of great influence have fallen as casualties of this onslaught, and the negative repercussions are been felt in many homes and the society at large.

Below are some disheartening statistics about the negative effects of divorce

1.    75% of delinquents and most adult criminals are from broken homes.

2.    75% of prisoners in our jails come from female-headed families.

3.    75% of drug users are from broken homes.

4.    More than 75% of the criminal minors handled by the Florida Division of Youth Services are from broken homes.

5.    In Baltimore, Maryland in U.S.A, 60 % of their juvenile criminals are from broken homes.

6.    More than one in three children of broken families drops out of school.

No wonder God says ‘I hate divorce’ (Malachi 2:16).

Marriage is a gift God gave man, and like any other gift it has to be maintained through work. Work to build your relationship with your spouse. Enjoy your marriage; marriage was made to be enjoyed, not endured.  Are you having challenges in your marriage? Don’t give up, pray and get some counseling, with God all things are possible. Do it for the sake of love and your kids.

“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery." (Mat 19:9). The next study is about ‘Marriage as God intended'.