Catching up with a long-time friend recently, we recalled together the tragic death of a mutual acquaintance a few years back. The young man, barely in his 30’s, died of a drug overdose. Drug use had apparently plagued him for years. My friend added, “My son says he’s been to more funerals than weddings.” How sad that a generation only in their first half of adult life, are witness to such loss of lives due to drugs.
“More funerals than weddings” expresses another awareness: less weddings. This is a reality today. There are fewer marriages among the young and maturing adult generation. I am guessing that you can name many young-ish single friends or adult children of friends who, surprisingly to you, are not married. In other words, they seem like the type who could be married, but they are not and are advancing past the age when a marriage would include having children.
Plenty of statistics and analyses give us facts and provide likely causes so that is not my purpose. I point to God’s planned design for humankind. God ordained marriage and family right from the start: He gave Adam EVE! Before and after the sinful fall, God instructed His creation to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1 v 28; Genesis 9 v 1). In fact, even during a period of punishment in captivity, God encouraged His people to “flourish” in family life and build prosperity (Jeremiah 29).
Of course, I must pause here to be understanding. It is not wrong to be single; there is nothing wrong with you if you are unmarried. And I care deeply for those who desire to be married but for whom a spouse has not come into their lives. Being married is not a happily-ever-after status either! Rather, it is two fallen people making a go of it in what is an ongoing sanctifying process … but God still calls us to flourish. I know single people flourish too. Thank you, Lord.
Christians can be ambassadors for marriage. We can ask the questions and provide support. We can talk up healthy dating and courtship. We can connect those who are open, though I have never successfully set up a match. We can pray specifically. Years ago, my friend Dana told me she had a list of eligibles that she prayed for. I did the same and smile to see God work on my list, even as I also add more names. I will make sure my little ‘grands’ have wedding clothes in the dress-up box, and we should take preteens to Christian weddings when they are invited!
Jesus joined in the joy of marriage by performing His first miracle at a wedding (John 2) and Scripture ends with the most amazing wedding reception ever: the wedding feast of The Lamb (Revelation 19 v 6-9) ! Hurray for marriages!
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Hurray for marriages indeed! Well said!