WWJD By Dr. Richard Youngblood
Question: What are the advantages to being married as
opposed to remaining single? What would Jesus do?
Jesus would never insist that you must be married to live a fulfilled life. The apostle Paul insisted on a person’s right to marry or not marry (1 Corinthians 7:1-7 & 9:5). However, Paul did encourage unmarried persons to remain single because of a crisis at the time—which is unknown to us (1 Corinthians 7:26-28). Thus, there may also be conditions today that make singleness better for some people. However, given most normal conditions, I believe that marriage is to be generally preferred over singleness. Let’s consider some of the reasons for this recommendation.
Basic to our need for marriage is
the way we have been created. Contrary
to what many believe, God did not create marriage primarily for the purpose of
the sexual relationship and procreation.
He created man and woman for companionship. God said, “It is not good for the man to be
alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18). She would be
a “suitable helper,” the likes of which was not found for him among the animals
(Genesis 2:19-20). The two were created
to meet physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs through a complementary
companionship. Most of the time these
needs are best met in an intimate companionship between a man and a woman who
are committed to one another for a lifetime.
This means that a healthy marriage is based on a healthy companionship
instead of just sex appeal. Companionship
lasts; sex appeal does not always last.
The advantages to this
complementary companionship are numerous.
A team of two working together can accomplish more with less effort that
two working separately. Solomon said, “Two
are better than one, because they have a good return for their work” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). He further added that “if one falls
down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to
help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:10). This world can also be cold and harsh without
a faithful companion to provide comfort and warmth when needed. As the wise man said, “If two lie down
together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?” (Ecclesiastes 4:11). In addition, companionship provides a measure
of security in a dangerous world. “Though
one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
While
companionship is foundational to marriage, we do not deny that God also created
us with a drive for sexual fulfillment. In
his letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul admonished husbands and wives
to fulfill their marital duties to one another in order to keep Satan from
tempting them because of a lack of self-control (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). He also added, “It is better to marry than
to burn with passion” (I Corinthians 7:8).
These warnings are especially needed in a time that places so much
emphasis on sexuality. When a man and a
woman living in a loving and complementary companionship meet one another’s
sexual needs, they live a life that is fulfilling, holy and safe from the
devastating effects of sexual immorality on emotional, spiritual and physical
health.
God is
good, and marriage is good. This does
not mean one cannot live a good and holy life without marriage; but in view of
the above, I believe that Jesus would recommend marriage for most of us living
today.
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