November 20                                   Nah 1 - 3

WHY MARRIAGE?

MEMORISE: ‘And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.’ (Gen 2:18)
READ: 1 Corinthians 7:7-9

Before going into marriage, there is a need to consider why you should enter into this, the oldest of institutions. There are several inter-connected reasons for marriage. It could be to satisfy certain physical needs, one of which is companionship. If you feel lonely in the midst of a multitude, it could lead you to want to get married.

‘And the Lord Gods said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him’ (Gen 2:18)

Marriage is a solution to loneliness. Yet there are some homes that still suffer from this problem. Ecclesiastes 4:11-12 says two are better than one. True, but sometimes when you are on fire for the Lord and settle down with somebody who is cold (water), your fire will soon be put out. Two are better than one if both of you are on fire and working towards the same goal. This is one reason Christians should never consider marrying an unbeliever. Also, because you have so many impostors around pretending to be believers, you have to be careful. The seeming fire that brother is exuding may be of the wrong origin and become extinguished as soon as he traps you in marriage. Beware!

Are you feeling lonely? Check it. It could just mean that you are getting too distant from the Lord. Some people say they feel lonely when they are alone in a big place. It baffles me because when I am alone, I enjoy great moments with my Maker, my Husband. Is Jesus really yours Husband?

Another reason for marriage is to enable you to satisfy the sex urge. 1 Corinthians 7:7-19 says it is better to marry than to burn. To ‘burn’ is to be aflame, that is to have difficulty controlling the passions. 1 Corinthians 7:1-2 says marriage is necessary to avoid fornication. Sex is only acceptable within the bounds of marriage. Yet do be careful so that sex does not become an idol. There should be moderation in everything: in eating, sleeping, leisure and sex. Since you are going to satisfy this need legally after marriage, why do you try to engage in it illegally before marriage and bring God’s wrath upon yourself? Ask God to give you self-control.

ACTION POINT
How distant are you from the Lord? When did he last speak to you?
Ask God to give you a life partner that is on fire for him.