Wise words

Fellow Christian blogger Denny Hartford wrote something about marriage I just felt I had to reproduce here. Wrote young Mr Hartford (younger than I am, that is):

Marriage is supposed to be (and can be) about sharing, loving, forgiving and showing forbearance towards one another. And done right, two people move closer together, not farther apart. Love over time thus becomes more beautiful, more productive, stronger - an invaluable resource for not only partners and children but the general culture as well.

But when ego, career advancement, a love for money and position (not to mention roving affections) are allowed priority status in one's life, when these things assume the place that should be reserved alone for one's spouse, the pure and ennobling love of marriage cannot survive.

And neither can the culture. For though a secular judge can come along and divide the spoils, he cannot repair the broken hearts nor the damage done to children and extended family and friends. And with each sacred vow that is broken, the moral structure that underlies a secure and healthy nation is broken a bit more too.

New research figures published this week show that marriage is the number one factor in relationship stability. Said Harry Benson, author of a report by the Bristol Community Family Trust: "Based on data of 15,000 new mothers, marriage is the single biggest predictor, above and beyond the effects of income, education, age, ethnic group, benefit receipt and birth order."

The research shows that one in three unmarried couples with children separate before their child's fifth birthday, which is four times the rate of separation for married parents. Unmarried parents living together are at least twice as likely as married parents to split up in every category of income and education. And of couples who remain intact until their children are 15, at least 97 per cent are married.

Marriage is a wonderful thing. It was instituted by God Himself. It is not just a social convenience, nor an alternative to serial partners, nor something to be made a mockery of by same-sex relationships. It is intended to be a picture of the relationship between Christ and His church. It is the divinely appointed basis for the family and the basis for society.

Marriage vows are intended to be for a lifetime. Marriage is precious. Give yours the place it deserves.