Introduction
As Christian youth, the decision of who to marry is a profound one that can have a lasting impact on our lives. Many young believers grapple with this question, wondering if there is a “right” or “wrong” choice when it comes to a life partner. The good news is that yes, it is possible to navigate this decision in a way that honors God, even if we make mistakes along the way.
The Freedom of Choice
Proverbs 31:10 (ESV)
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”
As human beings, we have been endowed with the precious gift of free will by God. This means that we have the ability to make our own choices in life, including the decision of who to marry. Just as we can choose to follow God’s will, we also have the freedom to stray from it. When it comes to marriage, this freedom of choice means that a Christian youth may marry someone who may not be the ideal match in God’s eyes.
In making this choice, we must look beyond material considerations and seek the characters of godliness and the true love of Christ in the person we hope to marry. Marriage can only be truly enjoyed when we choose the right person for our lives – someone who will pray with us, study the word of God together, and help us grow spiritually, someone who will be a partner in pursuing the kingdom of God.
The freedom to choose our own path is both a blessing and a responsibility. It allows us to shape our lives according to our own values and beliefs, but it also means that we must be willing to accept the consequences of our decisions. When it comes to marriage, the choice we make will have a profound impact not only on our own lives but also on the lives of our future spouse and any children we may have.
It is important to approach this decision with wisdom, discernment, and a deep understanding of God’s plan for our lives. We must seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, the wisdom of Scripture, and the counsel of trusted mentors and community members. By doing so, we can ensure that our choice of a life partner is aligned with God’s will and will lead to a fulfilling and God-honoring marriage.
At the same time, we must also recognize that even the most carefully considered choices can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes. Life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change in ways that we never anticipated. In these cases, it is important to maintain a spirit of humility, grace, and reliance on God’s faithfulness.
The freedom of choice is a gift that we must steward with great care and wisdom. As we navigate the path of marriage, let us do so with a deep sense of responsibility, a commitment to seeking God’s will, and a willingness to trust in His plans for our lives, even when they may not align with our own. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of the life that God has designed for us, and bring glory to His name through our choices and our marriages.
Honoring God in Marriage
When we have made the choice of a life partner and entered into the covenant of marriage, the focus shifts from finding the “perfect” spouse to honoring God within the marriage we have. At this point, the union becomes valid in the sight of God, and we are called to uphold the sanctity of this sacred bond.
The Bible is clear on the matter of divorce, stating that “God hates divorce” (Malachi 2:16). This means that we are not to seek to dissolve our marriage simply because we feel we may have made the wrong choice. Instead, we must trust that God can work within the circumstances we find ourselves in and redirect our lives to accomplish His purposes.
Certainly, there are situations where divorce may be necessary, such as cases of abuse, and abandonment, . However, these should be the exception, not the rule. The ideal is for us to remain committed to our marriage, even when it is difficult, and to seek God’s guidance and grace to navigate the challenges we may face.
One of the foundational ways we can honor God in our marriage is by prioritizing our relationship with Him. This means regularly praying together, studying the Word of God, and seeking to align our lives with His will. As we grow in our individual relationships with the Lord, we will naturally find that our marriage is strengthened and enriched as well.
Additionally, we must be willing to put the needs of our spouse before our own. This requires sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to serve one another in love. The Bible instructs husbands to “love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25), and wives to “submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22).
These roles are not about domination or submission in a worldly sense, but rather about cultivating a Spirit-filled partnership where each person seeks to honor and build up the other. When we approach our marriage in this way, we reflect the love and unity that exists between Christ and the church, and we bring glory to God through our relationship.
It is also important to remember that the choices we make in our marriage have a lasting impact, not only on our own lives but also on the lives of our children and future generations. As we strive to honor God in our marriage, we are setting an example for those who will come after us, and we are investing in the legacy of faith that we will leave behind.
The key to honoring God in marriage is to continually seek His guidance, to prioritize our relationship with Him, and to commit ourselves to serving one another in love. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of the life that God has designed for us, and we can be a testament to the power of His love and the beauty of His plan for marriage.
Read also: We are the temple of the Holy Spirit
Conclusion
The decision of who to marry is a weighty one for any Christian youth, but it is not one that should cause undue fear or anxiety. While we have the freedom to make less-than-ideal choices, God’s grace and guidance are ever-present, ready to redirect our steps and work in and through our marriages to fulfill His purposes. By trusting in His plan and submitting our lives to Him, we can navigate this important decision with confidence, knowing that He will be faithful to lead us home.
