[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Are You Ready ForMarriage?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]If a young man does notknow a trade or does not have a job that is adequate to care forhimself and his wife-to-be, and perhaps a child before long, can itbe said that he is well prepared for marriage? Also, has he workedwith his father in caring for practical things around the house? Ayoung woman, too, needs to share in all the household duties with hermother, becoming proficient and always having in mind the excellentqualities of a “capable wife” outlined in the Bible book ofProverbs, chapter 31. Has she really done these things? Successfulmarriage is not a prolonged honeymoon. Rather, it is a settled,deeply satisfying partnership, with each one contributing generouslytoward the success of the undertaking.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Religion is a vitalconsideration when it comes to preparing for a successful marriage.Unless the partners in the marriage can see eye to eye on the subjectof God’s requirements for his worshipers, how can they expectsuccess? How can they collaborate to teach their children what isright and true? The Bible wisely counsels: “Do not become unevenlyyoked with unbelievers,” that is, those who do not accept the truthof the Bible teachings that you rely on as a guide in life.—2 Cor.6:14, 15.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]It is not enough that oneof the prospective mates tolerates the religious views of the other.No, because issues may arise that can shatter such toleration—thematter of who has the deciding voice on vital questions affecting thefamily, for example. Can the girl see in the young man she plans tomarry someone she can accept as her “head,” someone for whom shewill always have “deep respect”? (Eph. 5:23, 33) Does the man seein his prospective wife one who will always be submissive, not acompetitor for the place of leadership in the household?—1 Pet.3:1.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]If a young man does notknow a trade or does not have a job that is adequate to care forhimself and his wife-to-be, and perhaps a child before long, can itbe said that he is well prepared for marriage? Also, has he workedwith his father in caring for practical things around the house? Ayoung woman, too, needs to share in all the household duties with hermother, becoming proficient and always having in mind the excellentqualities of a “capable wife” outlined in the Bible book ofProverbs, chapter 31. Has she really done these things? Successfulmarriage is not a prolonged honeymoon. Rather, it is a settled,deeply satisfying partnership, with each one contributing generouslytoward the success of the undertaking.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]Religion is a vitalconsideration when it comes to preparing for a successful marriage.Unless the partners in the marriage can see eye to eye on the subjectof God’s requirements for his worshipers, how can they expectsuccess? How can they collaborate to teach their children what isright and true? The Bible wisely counsels: “Do not become unevenlyyoked with unbelievers,” that is, those who do not accept the truthof the Bible teachings that you rely on as a guide in life.—2 Cor.6:14, 15.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]It is not enough that oneof the prospective mates tolerates the religious views of the other.No, because issues may arise that can shatter such toleration—thematter of who has the deciding voice on vital questions affecting thefamily, for example. Can the girl see in the young man she plans tomarry someone she can accept as her “head,” someone for whom shewill always have “deep respect”? (Eph. 5:23, 33) Does the man seein his prospective wife one who will always be submissive, not acompetitor for the place of leadership in the household?—1 Pet.3:1.[/FONT]