Marriage from A to Z

What is the purpose of marriage?

“I want to be married!”  “I can’t wait to get married!”  I am sure that you have heard these two statements from someone or perhaps you said them yourself.  So many want to be married but few know God’s purpose for marriage.  God has a purpose and a plan for everything.  Have you ever wondered what is His purpose for marriage?  Is your marriage fulfilling God’s purpose? Let’s see!

The following are four purposes for marriage:

1. Mirror His Image – (Genesis 1:27) “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”  Contrary to what the world may say, this scripture says that God made a male and female in His image.  Marriage is to reflect the relationship that Christ has with His bride, the Church.  A marriage between a husband and a wife was meant to bring glory and honor to God.  Husbands are to love their wives just like Christ loved the church.  Marriage is God’s institution and He created a male and female to come together and be a reflection of Him.  What do people see when they see your marriage? Our marriages should be so attractive that we make others want to know Christ.  It’s an opportunity to display Christ to our friends, family, co-workers and neighbors.
2. Multiply a Godly Seed – (Genesis 1:28) “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it;”  Another purpose for marriage is that a husband and wife would be fruitful and multiply.  Sex was made for married people to multiply. It is a blessing to be able to multiply however, multiplying Godly seeds should be the goal.  This means that we are not just bringing babies into the world, we are being intentional about making disciples for Christ.  In addition, it doesn’t have to mean physically giving birth.  Couples can also fulfill this purpose by sharing the gospel with others to make followers of Christ. Just because you don’t have children doesn’t mean you can’t be fruitful and multiply. However, if you do give birth, know that God wants you to teach them about Him.   How much are you teaching your children about God?  What kind of example are you living before your children?  Can they learn how to love and live for God by watching you?
3. Manage His Creation – (Genesis 1:28) “Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”  God gave us responsibilities here on earth.  We are to be good leaders. We are to care for the animals that He has placed on earth.   Each of us have an assignment and a job to do. This purpose reminds us that God created us to work.  He gave us different gifts, skills and talents to work and manage things on earth.
4. Mutual Companionship – (Genesis 2:18) “And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”  God knows how He made us.  He knew that we would need a companion. So He created marriage for a male and female to come together as one.  When a man and a woman get married they enter into  covenant with God and this should not be broken.  This union was meant to last unto death.  Therefore, serious thought should be given before marrying anyone.  Ask yourself, “Am I willing to stay with this person through sickness and health, for better or worst, richer or poorer?  Will he/she be a good companion for me?”  If not, don’t marry.

Until next week . . .

Carolyn