So...Why get married? Contract vs. Covenant

In a society that ornaments glamorous and expensive ceremonies followed by nasty divorces driven by selfish greed, what would motivate one to walk down the isle of "til death do us part"?

The question was posed at a lunch table discussion amongst co-workers in which the counter response would be to co-habitate with a significant other without the "piece of paper". Please note: the following is opinion based and simply my interpretation of the subject and supporting information.

I. What is marriage?

In the secular or worldly perspective, marriage is often viewed as a contract that is usually driven by self fulfillment, self interest, and self realization (the "what can you do for me perspective"). 

In contrast, the biblical perspective instructs that marriage is a holy covenant driven by ultimately fulfilling God's will (the "how can we steer each other to bring God glory perspective"). Both perspectives can share the traditional proposal/engagement stage, followed by the ceremony, financial bonds, and familial bonds.

II. Reasons to get married? (Biblical perspective)

1.      Obedience to God's will.                  

Genesis 2:24 "...Man will leave his father & mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh”                                                                                           

2.      To abstain from sexual Immorality.

I Corinthians 7:8 “Now to the unmarried and the widows, I say it is good for them to stay unmarried, but if they cannot control themselves they should marry for it is better to marry than to burn with passion”

3.      To have a committed help mate.

Genesis 2:18 “…It is not good for man to be alone, I will make a helper suitable for him”

4.      To make us more like Christ

Ephesians 5:1-2 “Therefore, be imitators of Christ and walk in love as Christ loved us.” Family life is the greatest example of God’s unfailing love. Within this realm one learns to love unconditionally as God does and how to forgive and be forgiven.

III. Reasons marriage is frowned upon in society

1.      Lose financial benefits/ ruin spouse’s credit (if bad)

2.   Commitment issues (Can’t be faithful)

3.    Marriage is just a piece of paper anyway

4. No example of a good lasting marriage to follow

IV. Extra thoughts

1.      People should not get married just because they have been together for a while

2.      People should not get married just because of age and status

3.      Two people getting married should share similar spiritual value

4.      Two people entering the marriage should be equally willing to share this bond

5.  People in the marriage should be willing to be exclusive to each other

6. Both parties should end/ release any soul ties or previous relationships