Q:
I was talking with someone the other day who is getting married in a few months, and I was shocked when she said she didn't expect it to last. After all, she said, most couples get bored with each other after a few years, and it's okay to move on. Is this a common attitude today?
A:
Most newlyweds aren’t this blunt—but we might be surprised how many have similar thoughts in the back of their minds. And even if they hope their marriage will last, many today assume they can always get divorced “if things don’t work out.”
But God gave marriage to us, and He has a far better plan for us! He knew that husbands and wives need each other—not just to enjoy each other’s company, but to help each other in times of need and build their lives together for His glory. This is why God’s perfect plan is that marriage be life-long. The Garden of Eden was complete—but God still declared, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18).
The most important advice I can give to any young couple is to seek God’s will for their marriage. Don’t leave it to chance, or depend only on your own judgment. God knows all about you; He knows your needs, and wants to lead you to the spouse He has for you.
The greatest enemy of love in a marriage is selfishness—putting self first instead of the needs of our spouse. This is why we need Christ, because only He can transform our hearts and make us into the husband or wife He wants us to be. Is Christ the center and foundation of your marriage—and your life?