Devotional | Not a Good Reason
Marriage is a holy institution and we have a responsibility to steward it well for the coming generations. The simplicity of the Good News is centered in Jesus and is directly connected to the institution of marriage. God gave us (the church) to one husband—Jesus.
‘“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.’ Ephesians 5:31-32
Our spirit is literally united to Christ, one spirit with the Lord. Marriage is a type and shadow of Christ and the church. Marriage is something seen that unfolds and unveils something unseen—our relationship with Christ and the church. It’s called holy matrimony for a reason.
Five Reasons NOT to Get Married
Entering the institution of marriage in order to achieve happiness will actually ensure unhappiness. God not only wants us married, He wants us happily married, but we cannot look to marriage to make us happy.
‘Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.’ Proverbs 29:18
‘I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.’ Galatians 2:20
No person, place, or thing can make you happy. God’s plan is for us to be happy in our relationship with the Lord. If we are looking to a person to make us happy, it will only produce unhappiness because no person can be the source of our happiness.
‘Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God]. [1 Sam 3:1; Amos 8:11, 12] ‘ Proverbs 29:18 AMP
Our relationship with the Lord is our source of happiness, and it is through our relationship that we can enjoy our spouse and one another.
‘Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;’ Proverbs 3:13
‘Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.’ Job 5:17
Happiness is found in the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of God. The proper application of knowledge is a source of happiness.
‘Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.’ Psalms 127:3-5
Happiness comes from serving and loving others. Raising children is a perfect example of serving selflessly which is a true source of lasting happiness. The blessing of children in our lives brings happiness.
We can’t look to marriage and a spouse for our value or acceptance. Humans vacillate in what we value. We may personally value something today that we don’t value next year. There are seasons in marriage where our value can increase and decrease. Marriage cannot be the source of our value.
‘Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.’ 1 Peter 1:18-19
We find our value in the price God paid for us. We were literally ransomed by the blood of Jesus Christ. The life of Jesus is how much we’re worth to God. That is our value. The price God paid by giving Jesus on the cross must be the source of our value. Marriage is an institution where we celebrate our value together in the Lord.
There’s no doubt that marriage enhances who we are and how we complement each other’s differences. We are stronger together than apart (Deut. 32:30). However, we cannot look to a human being to complete us. It is not as if we were each incomplete before meeting our spouse and we completed one another in marriage. That’s not possible.
‘For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.’ Colossians 2:9-10
The source of our completeness is our relationship with Jesus. He makes us complete and whole. A good marriage is two people who are each complete in Jesus, coming together and celebrating their wholeness in the Lord.
There are decided advantages in marriage to problem solving—joint wisdom, experience and the prayer of agreement. But getting out of trouble is not a purpose for marriage.
‘But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you.’ 1 Corinthians 7:28
Paul says there are issues in marriage that we wouldn’t have in singleness. Marriage does not solve problems.
Marriage is not something to enter into with the thought “if it doesn’t work, we can quit.” Entering the institution of marriage to ‘try it out’ is a recipe for defeat. Marriage is not a social experiment—wait and see if it works or not. Marriage is a covenant and is designed to be till death do us part.
God authored and created marriage, which is the oldest institution known to man. Marriage came before government, nations, and the church. Marriage was given to mankind as a gift from God to man.
To learn more, download this FREE booklet and get a deeper understanding of the Purpose of Marriage and the plan God set in place from the beginning.
Your Marriage Connects Back to God’s Original Plan.
Use the code MARRIAGE for a free copy valid 5/28/25 – 6/7/25
Discover The Purpose of Marriage in a USB Package
This content will help you discover the purpose of marriage, the reasons we SHOULD get married and the reasons we should NOT get married. The Purpose of Marriage USB package offers more than just the booklet—it’s a full set of teachings and study tools designed to increase your spiritual growth and connection with God.
The comprehensive package is perfect for individual study or group discussion, empowering you with foundations from the Word of God to understand God’s original plan for marriage as a picture of Jesus and the Church.
What’s Inside the USB Package:
- The printed booklet entitled The Purpose of Marriage
- Study materials and workbooks for deeper understanding
- Brother Duane’s video teachings that expand on the book’s key principles
We were created male and female by God for the institution and covenant of marriage.
Getting married is second only in importance to acknowledging Jesus as Lord of your life.
Whether you are single, newly married, or have been married for years, take a deep dive into the Word with Brother Duane Sheriff. We have everything you need to begin a deeper connection with the Lord.
Step 1: Download your FREE digital booklet
Step 2: Go all in with the USB package for in-depth study materials
