As a single man or woman who desires to be in a covenant relationship, you can prepare now for marriage in ways you may not realize. Hips, lips, size of breasts, skin and fingertips are fine, along with triceps, biceps and quadriceps.
But when the proverbial rubber meets the proverbial roadway of marriage, we must not allow the packaging to deceive us, thereby underestimating the content (i.e., character, communication skills, work ethic, morals, etc.).
The spirit that one brings to marriage with a partner who is spiritually mature in the ways of God is crucial to having and maintaining a successful union experience. This is one of the most significant factors in your future covenant.
Here are just a few examples of the areas of interest:
1) If you keep a perfect house but tolerate anger outbursts to dictate your relationships, your impending marriage will struggle.
2) If you prepare an elegant five-course meal but live in persistent insecurity, you will find it problematic to accept your partner’s love.
3) If you are great with kids but never communicate your real thoughts and feelings, you will alienate your future spouse.
For a marriage to thrive, two important ingredients are necessary: intimacy and vulnerability. Preparing for marriage is not just about cooking, cleaning, sex and honeymooning. It’s far more about the content of our hearts.
God knows what your future marriage and life overall will have its demands. Recorded in the Word of God, we find these instructions: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch [i.e., marriage] can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine” John 15:7.
Also, in Psalm 127:1, it states: “Unless the Lord builds the house [i.e., marriage] neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” And in 2 Timothy 2:19, the Word tells us, “But God’s Truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and all [i.e., married folks] who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”
He is giving opportunities each day to prepare you for what lies ahead. But if you try to rush through this season and discount the guidance He offers, you will come to marriage ill-prepared for its demands. It’s still good to learn to cook, clean and manage time and money. But do these things out of a desire to honor God.
Let this season of preparation transform you and live with eternal perception. As you allow your singleness to complete its full work in your heart, you’ll find yourself well prepared for the marriage God has ordained.
