It Is Not Marriage That Fails
It is estimated that nearly three-million couples will be married in the United States this year – many for the first time. Marriage is on exciting, momentous time in a person’s life. One author wrote, ” There is something about a wedding-gown prettier than . . . any other gown in the world .”1 Certainly, there is nothing more highly ordained of the Lord than a proper marriage.
Recently I watched a young bride, seeking the blessings and happiness which
marriage can provide, toke the hand of her chosen before the altar of God. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she put her arms around loved ones and said, ”I’ve never been happier.” If the marriage is a good one, the happiness felt by the bride and groom that day will be magnified many times through the years. But contrast that rewarding moment with a hastily arranged dash to a Justice of the Peace, where the atmosphere may be cold and void of spirituality. ” Hastyge seldom proveth well, ” said Shakespeare.2
People get married for a variety of reasons – many times for the wrong ones. But something we all need to remember, as one of our nations spiritual leaders once said, is that “Marriage is an enterprise for adults ” 3 One of the great tragedies this country will face during the coming year is the only one million marriages that are expected to end in divorce. That means broken homes, broken hearts and many times, broken lives.
Marriage is important. It is basic to our way of life, and it is ordained of God. But there is more to it – much more – than just a wedding ceremony. Marriage means joy and heartache . . . sharing and planning . . . love and mutual trust. It builds and tests our character, as Harry Emerson Fosdick pointed out when he said, ” It is not marriage that fails; it is people that fail. All that marriage does is show people up.” 4
So, yes, young people, and those young at heart – get married. But set sail on this fulfilling journey for the right reason, at the right time and from the proper port. And when you do, remember – as we all have need to remember – to build that marriage with LOVE or in the words of the song, “Our God is a God of love …Bless’ d is the family where love abides … [and] Bless’ d are the children whose fondest memories … are of such love. ” 5
1 Douglas Jerrold , Douglas Jerrold’s Wit: A Wedding-Gown
2Shakespeare, lll Henry V I . Act iv , sc . 1
3Hugh B. Brown, You and Your Marriage
4Harry Emer son Fosdick , Marriage
5From the song, “Our God Is a God of Love,” words by Delbert L. Stapley
January 14, 1973
Broadcast Number 2,262