I often come across couples who arent married but just live together, and they might be together for many years, even have children and buy a house together. But they just arent married. And when I ask why, the most common reason given is its too expensive to get married.
Is it really?
And sometimes its even christian believers who say this.
So how are we to think of marriage is it only for the rich? Only if the hsuband is willing to provide for his household, what does this say about people who dont marry yet live like they are married. They are too poor? Can weddings be cheaper or why not just register at an office. Or does it all need to be done in church. Why is it so expensive? People say they'd rather spend the money on a house. But what does that say about priorities? Have a wedding, be married and be homeless, or not marry and have a roof over your head. Can one have both?
From what I can tell, there was absolutely no cost involved when Adam and Eve were joined together as the first husband and wife. Well, it did cost Adam a rib, and that reminds me of the following joke.
One day, the LORD came to Adam and said, "Adam, I have great news for you! When you wake up later today, you will find yourself presented with a woman who will be your helpmate. She will always give herself to you fully, in spirit, soul, and body, while remaining faithful to you, and to you alone. She will help to raise any children you might have, and she will be a keeper at home..." Before the LORD could continue any further, Adam interrupted him and said, "LORD, this sounds too good to be true! What will this cost me?" The LORD replied, "It will cost you an arm and a leg". Adam thought on that for a moment, and then said, "LORD, that price is a bit steep. What can I get for a rib?" And here we are today...
Before anybody picks up stones to stone me to death, that was not meant as any sort of attack on women. As a man myself, I fully believe that every husband should concentrate on laying his own life down for his wife, as Christ laid down his life for the church, and that a husband should focus upon nourishing and cherishing his wife as his own flesh. Furthermore, he should be actively seeking to wash her with the water of God's word, or watching over her in order to help her with her sanctification process before the Lord without neglecting his own sanctification process himself.
Anyhow, I understand that the laws of our land require such things as a marriage license, but, in my estimation, there is truly no need whatsoever for some exceedingly costly wedding ceremony and reception...which is probably one reason why women are not trampling over themselves to be with me.
Seriously, if people invested one-tenth of the time, effort, and money into their actual marriages themselves, as opposed to just the ceremony on that one specific day, then I believe that our divorce rates would shrink drastically, and that this world would be a very different place than it currently is.
But, what do I know...?