So what is the ideal traditional marriage? There is a glaring hole in society's current observance. What society is missing is fidelity. It is not enough to say that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Many of those opposed to non-traditional marriage have a hypocritical double standard when it comes to laws of chastity. Somehow society became accepting of living together without being married; imitating marriage but without the courage of full commitment. This became normal and proponents for same sex marriage rightly pointed out that those for whom it was legal often were not participating in what was legally theirs. I do not agree with same sex marriage but if you are advocating for God's definition of marriage then you cannot exclude His other commandments. If you truly believe the Bible then fornication and living in sin are not okay.
Marriage should include complete faithfulness to your spouse. So you want to be recognized by society, not just with a legal equivalent that gives you all of the same rights under the law, but with the validation and approval that presumably comes with the label of marriage in order to condone what you are doing? Then, contrary to common practice, I suggest that you also take upon yourselves the full commitment that should accompany marriage.
Be completely loyal to your spouse before and after you are married. If you want to be fully faithful to the idea of marriage then your commitment starts even before meeting your spouse. You don't get to only commit to that person later if you should meet them. Let's agree not to call it marriage if you are not willing to be fully and completely faithful. This means no sexual relationships outside of marriage. You are not allowed to have sex with anyone other than your spouse and only with your spouse after you are married. You will have no other sex partners and that includes digital ones. You will never be unfaithful to your current or future spouse through pornographic audio, pictures, or books. Pornography is not allowed ever. If you should ever betray complete fidelity, even before you knew them, you have a duty to disclose it to them and to ask them to forgive you. They deserve someone who is honest about their commitment and, if you have been unfaithful, they deserve to choose whether or not to forgive.
Society has a chastity problem. Fornication and adultery are portrayed as normal. This is a lie glamorized on videos, on social media, on television and in movies and books. Children are being taught that this is okay.
Self-mastery is the goal of many philosophies, religions, and any activity which require high levels of expertise and skill. It is essential to professional performers. Self-mastery is required for achieving excellence in music, dance, poetry, writing, sports and martial arts. Motivational speakers and self-help gurus teach strategies for achieving self-control and self-mastery as a road to happiness, fulfillment, and wealth.
If you want to be married and be recognized as such then be completely faithful to your marriage. You are not excused from this future commitment when you are single. You are not allowed to have sex outside of marriage. Do not participate in any activity, either before or after you are married, that is a betrayal of that commitment. Do not have sex with anyone except your spouse and only after you are married. Do not engage in any activity which might jeopardize your commitment or lead you to be emotionally unfaithful. Do not participate in pornography ever. Do not choose to live a lifestyle that permits infidelity to your current or future spouse. Be completely faithful to your future spouse even if you haven't yet met.
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