A New Norm

​There is a new norm in society today. Men and women are living together without being married. Even those who plan on getting married have decided to live with each other before their marriage. Most people don’t seem to think that there is anything wrong with this but rather accept it as perfectly normal behavior. In fact, more and more voices are decrying the idea of marriage as old fashion and impractical. Some would never even consider marriage as an alternative to just living together.

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​God has a different idea about it all. From the beginning, He saw that it was not good for man to be alone but made a helper suitable for him. This pleased the man. So, God said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:18-24).

From these words, we learn that marriage involves three things. First, there is a leaving of father and mother. This implies an intention on the part of the man to establish his own new home with the woman. Second, he is to be joined to his wife. The word translated “joined” means “glued or cemented.” It speaks of their commitment to stay together as husband and wife so that nothing can separate them. Third, they shall become one flesh. The two are now as one. This is God’s idea of marriage.

In marriage, the man and the woman find perfect companionship. Children are born and raised by their father and mother. This is the foundation God designed for society to be built upon. Any deviation from God’s design for the home weakens and can ultimately destroy our society. God help us to rethink the new norm in our society of just living together.

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4).