Many singles feel that the weight of loneliness is too heavy to bear and they seek comfort in marriage. But is it wise to marry for only that reason?
Some eat because they are hungry. As simple as that. Other people choose specifically each food that they eat because they have a goal: either to lose weight, save a few cents, to satisfy their ecological conscience or other reasons. We can eat for the sole purpose of satisfying our hunger or have an additional purpose. The initial result will be the same, but those who have an additional goal will have a double reward. The same goes for all of our other activities. We can sleep because we are tired, or choose our sleep hours precisely for an additional purpose. We can work for money or some other more glorious purpose.
Marriage is no different. We can get married simply to enjoy life together. But why stop there?! Why not give another purpose to our marriage? As servants of God, we should all have another purpose for every activity and decision. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23 NIV). Whenever we undertake something new, we should not only think of our needs, but of growing the Kingdom of God. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33 NIV).
As children of God, we have an important mission. God did not save us to give us a good life, but so that we could be of service to Him, and show His love, and make disciples of Jesus (Matthew 28:19). We will not all be pastors or preachers, but we will all be “(…) Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV). During your time of being single, (if God promised you that you would get married) pray for your future marriage by giving a goal to your union. Not only will you be a married couple, but you will also be a couple that has an impact on the Kingdom of God. Don’t get married just to have kids! Because they will leave one day! Don’t get married just for immigration reasons, or for more money, or a big house! Aim for a much more important goal: to grow the Kingdom of God.
By setting a goal for our future marriages, we will pay more attention to the person we choose to marry. Those who have an ecological purpose for abstaining from certain foods might seem crazy or too radical for those who do not share this goal. Do you see the resemblance here? If you see your future union as a way to enlarge the Kingdom of God, you are not going to accept anyone as a partner! In the same way, your criteria may seem crazy or too radical for those who do not share your goal (2 Samuel 6:20-22)!
The last point to remember: those who eat anything without thinking, just to satisfy their hunger, usually have bad habits that will make them suffer later. If you agree to share your daily life with anyone, you will suffer later. Maybe not physically, but emotionally and certainly in your spirit. Your faith will be severely tested; and if your salt loses its flavor, it will no longer be useful (Luke 14:34-35).
Give a glorious purpose to your future marriage and always keep that in mind. Bear the restrictions with determination. “Me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).