A few days ago an interesting discussion occurred inside our lab. The bottom of the heated debate is this..
"Why am I getting married? It doesn't change anything between us."
To be honest I am not surprised that a lot of people think this way. That marriage is overrated and an expensive way to tell the world about the other person you are dating.If you love each other you will date and eventually have sex. It is pleasing a man made rule which we call religion. Marriage is a piece of paper. It doesn't change anything.
I heard I lot of these talk nowadays. That people choose to live together but not get married. Why bother? Either one is already married in the past and it didn't worked out or they choose not to be married mainly because it is more convenient in the budget. (what budget?) What if one day they wake up realizing they no longer love the other person? Not being married means there is no strings attached.
I may get it wrong for I have seen people who are not married but are more devoted and COMMITTED to their partners. Often married people are more miserable, the responsibility and expectations of society is upgraded, and a breakup is a social commotion. You don't get all the drama if you just stay together and live like married people except signing the papers. Easier, right?
In the same way I bow my head to people who chooses to do otherwise. To make vows in front of the church and society that they WANT to be faithful and committed to the other person they are holding hands with. Not a spur of a moment thing but a life changing decision that they wish to fulfill the rest of their lives. Marriage, for me, is not just a contract but a promise made to God. To be together through thick and thin, through sickness and in health, til death. Be together even if the other one changes or doesn't change. Be strong in spite of weakness and celebrate in greatest victories. Marriage is thinking the welfare of the other more of their own.
God has often said that the church is His bride. He will take care of the church. Give all its needs despite of being cranky sometimes. He will be patient and show compassion, kindness, be slow to anger and be forgiving, to love at all time. Being married to the church means He will die for the church and save it from any harm. Marriage in God's vocabulary is servanthood and self sacrifice.
At the back of my mind it could have been good being together with someone but isn't it more beautiful to be loved in such a way that He/She promises to take care of you more than their life? Marriage is not just a piece of paper. It is not just an oath. It is a way of life you choose to take. To be responsible for another person than your own.
I may never know the best things marriage can offer (let the best people tell you about that.. ^_^) but I know one thing is for sure. Why will I settle for something that society thinks is cool if I can have the real deal? Isn't NOT being married just an excuse?
People are having casual sex anyway, right? (well that's another topic to discuss) but then again, it is far more beautiful shared inside the sanctity of marriage. I have heard, I have seen, I have known. Believe me things are beautiful in it's own time. Marriage will always be better than partnership. Love is always greater than lust. Inviting God inside a relationship (through marriage) will always be the best choice.
