The State of Marriage

Which one of the following statements sounds the most like our current culture?

(1) Marriage is awful! Delay it as long as you can. Get educated and established while you’re still free. Have fun while you can, because one day you may saddled in this pitiable state called marriage; Or,

(2) Marriage is wonderful. Your mother and I want to do all we can to prepare you for the best season of your life. We want to come alongside you as you get ready to partner with your spouse and raise a God-honoring family. We want to help you find a husband or wife who loves the Lord with all their heart!

It is number one isn’t it? Don’t believe it? Listen to how people in our culture talk about marriage, how it is belittled at every turn, and you will understand why children are growing up not looking forward to participating in it.

What is a parent’s responsibility in preparing children for marriage?

A few weeks ago, I talked about guarding the hearts of our children and protecting them as they begin to think about looking for a mate. I also mentioned a resource for parents, a book called, What He Must Be …If He Wants to Marry My Daughter. I am challenging every parent at Covenant to read Voddie Baucham’s book. As I have been preaching in the “Sound the Alarm” series, we simply cannot leave the raising of our children to chance. I would say that taking an active role in our sons’ and daughters’ dating lives is included in that discipleship training.

Do you care who your children marry? Of course you do! When I asked two weeks ago how many in the congregation want their children to grow up and marry Christians, it was unanimous. We want our sons and daughters-in-law to be followers of Christ, committed spouses and parents, men and women who honor and respect parents, and people with outstanding values that mirror Christ. If we want that for our children, we are going to have begin building those values into them, praying for their spouses, and spending lots of time with potential suitors in our homes.

What He Must Be… is a book for parents (and grandparents) of all ages! Young parents will begin to lay a solid foundation with a healthy view of marriage. Parents of elementary school children will wake up in a cold sweat as they realize their children are just a few years away from bringing boys and girls home to meet them! Parents of teenagers will get practical in a hurry as they realize the time for them to become mother and father “bears” is upon them. Parents of college-aged students and young singles will get great ideas about how to relate to boyfriends and girlfriends in a healthy way that partners with their sons and daughters. Others (grandparents, singles, aunt and uncles) will read Dr. Baucham’s words and be able to encourage our parents to stand and lead their families.

The subject is very hard to talk about. Parents often walk a fine line between meddling and helping.  But, this book will be invaluable to the process! What He Must Be …If He Wants to Marry My Daughter. None of us can afford not to read it!