When my husband and I were preparing for our wedding, I remember meeting his family for the first time and his aunt pulled us aside and asked “why do you want to get married?” In that moment I thought this must be some trick question… you know how in-laws can be… and so wanting to make a good impression, I said because we love each other and we believe this is what God wants us to do. She responded in the most unusual way and that moment is forever etched in my memory. She said while my response was all well and good, the reason God ordained marriage was found in this scripture:

Didn’t the LORD make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth.

MALACHI 2:15 NLT

As my husband and I have added years on to our nuptials and with that children, the responsibility to raise godly children weighs heavily on us. Last year as I was reading through the book of Judges, I came across many instances where “a whole generation did not know God” and in wondering how this was ever possible, I realized the importance of marriage.

In marriage, a family is born and that is the only physical representation we have on earth of what God envisions of a His glorious church- Christ the Bridegroom and his church the bride. Jesus promises that he will build His Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matt 16:18) . One of the ways God builds His Church is through the union of marriage in the creation of families. As godly children are raised in families, God’s kingdom is advanced and established on earth. Generations are born who know God and can raise generations that know God and so forth. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Parents can also be complicit in raising generations that do neither know God nor serve Him. This is why marriage as an institution is very prone to the devil’s attacks. If the enemy can tear down the basic unit of the church, then it appears he is winning but he will NEVER win. Because every time our children (biological or otherwise) lift up praise to God, the enemy is defeated

From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger.

PSALM 8:2BSB

Yours Truly