“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall be one flesh.” Genesis 2:24
God designed marriage for partnership, for pleasure, and for parenting. His definition of marriage today is consistent with His design in the Garden of Eden. Anytime we try to redefine what God has already defined, chaos and perversion are sure to follow. Biblical marriage is unchanged. Nevertheless, the same thing that infected Adam and Eve’s marriage attacks the institution of marriage today—Satan’s lie that God’s way is not the best way or the only way. Our society has completely bought into this lie and we’re paying the price.
First, God created sex and placed it within the confines of marriage. It’s pretty clear that American culture is rebelling against God’s design. For decades, the entertainment industry has depicted promiscuity as glamorous and liberating. Sex before marriage is now the status quo, which has led to an escalation of sexually transmitted diseases, abortions, and fatherlessness across the country. The sexual revolution has eroded the foundation of marriage and the home. Sex outside of marriage is outside of God’s design because He knows it’s harmful to us.
Our society is also redefining what marriage means. There is a difference between a legal marriage and a biblical marriage. Every biblical marriage is legal but not all legal marriages are biblical. Biblical marriage is between a man and a woman. God hasn’t changed His mind. And contrary to popular belief, His Word does not adapt as cultural trends evolve over time. Yet, the biblical stance on same-sex marriage does not alter God’s love for homosexuals. Neither should it keep believers from expressing godly love to them.
Finally, Americans are giving up on their spouses far too easily. Marriage is more than two consenting adults agreeing to live together. It’s a lifetime commitment. Many people treat marriage like a contract that reads, “As long as we both shall love,” rather than a covenant relationship that vows, “As long as we both shall live.” As a follower of Christ, seek every avenue possible to reconcile with your spouse before throwing in the towel.
Our nation needs to heed the warning in Hebrews 13:4, “Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” What worldly means is Satan using to infiltrate your attitudes towards marriage and sex? Agreeing with God’s definition and following His plan not only protects you, it also honors and glorifies His Name.
Read the previous devotion in this series: Sin is Unchanged
Read the next devotion in this series: Forgiveness is Unchanged
