Marriage is hard work, no doubt about it. But, marriage has many benefits as well. Marriage represents life-long commitment and therefore provides love, loyalty, and companionship for a lifetime. The emotional benefits of a life-long committed relationship are huge.
In addition to emotional benefits, numerous researchers and writers point out other benefits such as financial benefits, legal benefits, and health benefits. One article I found suggests 6 benefits of marriage - 1) increased pay, 2) increased promotions, 3) Keeps you out of trouble, 4) Satisfies you at home (yes, that is a veiled reference to sex!), 5) Helps you beat cancer, 6) Helps you live longer.
Focus on the Family suggests the following benefits:
- More likely to live longer
- More likely to be physically healthier
- More likely to be mentally healthier
- More likely to be happier
- Recover from illness quicker and more successfully
- Generally, take better care of themselves and avoid risky behaviors
Now, I'm not encouraging you to run out and get married, just because there are significant benefits. The truth is the success of any marriage depends upon two key factors - 1) marrying the right person and asking God to be the center of your marriage and to help you along life's journey.
But the benefits do make me wonder why are so many people avoiding marriage and just living together??? I'm sure it's complicated, but the one big reason I see is "fear". People are afraid of commitment, of divorce, of marrying the wrong person, of feeling trapped, etc.!
This is why it is important to have a Christian worldview when it comes to marriage. If you are in a serious relationship, you might want to consider a few things about marriage. First, fear is no way to live and the only way to supplant fear is to "live by faith" especially in your relationships and your marriage. The Bible encourages us to live by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). Secondly, Paul taught the concept that marriage between a man and a woman is a picture of Christ's love for the church (Ephesians 5:22-23). So Christian marriage is an opportunity to model and learn about God's love for each one of us.
That gets me thinking about some other benefits of marriage - 1) marriage helps live a life of significance rather than selfishness, 2) marriage helps me build something with my life (i.e. family), and 3) marriage helps me learn to truly love.
Well, I started out to invite you to the Couple's Conference on March 15-16. We have prepared some great food and fellowship and the Marriage Oneness materials will be a real encouragement to everyone who attends. Go to www.newlifecolumbia.org if you are interested in attending. See you there, Pastor Tom.
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