Storybook Weddings

Read 1 Corinthians 7:1-40

31. Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.
32. I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him.
33. But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife.
34. His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband.
35. I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible. 1 Corinthians 7:31-35

When Lady Diana and Prince Charles were wed, there were high hopes for this romanticized couple. Their wedding was so perfect that it seemed to have been taken out of a storybook; few would have guessed the turmoil and pain their marriage would contain.

Perhaps marriages fail because people do not know how to build good relationships. Enter Paul and his first letter to the Corinthians. Paul knows the difficulty of building a successful marriage. He knows that marriage is rarely “storybook,” and people should think twice before they call for the preacher. His cautious approach, however, is part of the Bible’s overall celebration of love. The bottom line remains: Marriage is a gift from God.

For singles, Paul assures us that life is full and rich, and perhaps less complicated than being married. In any case, we all belong to God. Learn about marriage and about yourself in this section.

Paul said that it was OK to marry, but he advised against it because it would lead to extra problems (1 Corinthians 7:28). Many people naively believe that marriage will solve several of their most pressing problems: loneliness, sexual temptation, deep emotional needs, and purpose in life. But marriage alone solves none of these uncertainties. In addition, it often brings about greater conflicts over finances, sacrificed dreams and ambitions, child rearing, personality differences, TV viewing, and a multitude of other issues.

Only Christ can satisfy our deepest needs and protect us from temptation. As wonderful as it is, marriage cannot take Christ’s place.

Whether you are married or single, find your contentment in Christ. Do not expect loved ones to meet your every need, even if they love you with all their heart.