Marriage Monday
Within walking distance from my favorite coffee shop and our “breakfast spot” that makes worth-getting-up-early-for home fries, a university campus of 26,000 students has just begun “Sex Week.” The itinerary for the week includes a virginity workshop, a speaker known for teaching “Fornication 101”, a search for a golden condom, Sex Trivia, and advice about how not to talk to your parents about sex … among other things.
Ultimately, a battle for the hearts, minds, and bodies or thousands of students, faculty, and community members will be waged in the name of freedom. That kind of freedom will leave wounded, empty souls in its wake.
The DOMA – Defense of Marriage Act
Is anybody still speaking up for why a monogamous marriage between a man and woman is still the preferred way to go? Just this week my two teenagers told me there’s a renewal at their school of students enamored by the same sex or bi-sexual lifestyle; to explore your gender is “expected and accepted.” Little value is placed on girls growing feminine and boys growing masculine. The United States Supreme Court is currently debating the Defense of Marriage Act, defining the nature of a marriage relationship. There’s no denying that the miracle of two becoming “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24) through the vows of marriage is under attack.
What the world sees in our marriages
What does our world see when they look at Christian marriage relationships? Maybe if people saw blessings, instead of just hardships, they’d have a desire to enjoy this gift of God to man and this illustration to the world. Today’s children need to see the joy of marriage in their own homes, and if not there, then in their churches. I fear many have watched and decided they don’t want anything to do with the one man/one woman relationships they’ve seen. Our world desperately needs for the people of God to start living our Christ-like marriages.
God wants the world to see blessings like:
- Faithful marriage is the physically healthy lifestyle choice.
- A monogamous relationship sealed with vows builds trust.
- Strong families begin with strong marriages.
- A marriage commitment brings individuals joy.
- Children benefit from a father and mother’s input.
- Longevity makes a union even stronger.
- True love breeds confidence and freedom.
- Sex in a context of a trusting, permanent relationship is exciting.
- Physical intimacy can become more satisfying through the years.
- A lifetime partner is worth waiting for.
God didn’t create the passionate relationship of marriage to withhold pleasure or satisfaction from us. Quite the opposite! As we embrace God’s design, we have the chance to know the fullness of the multi-sensory experience of intimacy with the one person who calls us his own. In speaking to a wise man, the Lord says, “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth.As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love.” (Proverbs 5:18-19) 
What the next generation sees in our marriages
What do our children see when they look at our marriages? Probably not perfection, but I hope they see joy. I hope the 26,000 students at Sex Week will cross paths with followers of Christ who demonstrate the joy and health and safety and freedom that comes with choosing to give yourself intimately and completely to one partner of promise. That kind of encounter could change a student’s life!
How to pray for the battle against marriage
If you would like to pray along with our community for the hearts of those influenced during this week on our campus, you can find 10 simple ways to pray here. (When it downloads, it should look right) We covet your prayers for many making decisions this week, but also for the many godly believers shining their light in the darkness. These 10 tips will also guide you in praying for your own community as the battle is waged everywhere against God’s divine design. Let’s be prayerful, and let’s reflect the genuine joy of married life to those around us.
What messages about sex and marriage do you see deceiving young people today?
Shared this – all over the place! Thanks for bringing this to light. ~lori
Thank you Lori! We’re really praying around our Campus this week.
I have been praying since I read this but Life has been to hectic to comment. This saddens and sickens me. I know that I have not always been the best example for young people, but I am thankful God can take our broken past and use it for good. Too many young people do not value themselves and are under so much pressure to conform to the world. It is HARD to stand apart and do what is right. I pray for my grandchildren who are growing up as products of a broken home and who seen so much unfit to be seen in their short lives. They have no concept of what it is to have a loving relationship between husband and wife, and we live to far apart to be a part of their lives on a regular basis. Thankfully God is where I cannot be. I hope your prayers will help the Campus where you live and those who are trying to do what is right. I pray for America, because we become more like Sodem every day.