"Why is something like marriage, that's supposed to be so good and so important in this fallen world, why is it so painful and hard?" That's what Tim Keller asked in his book, The Meaning of Marriage. He went on to explain that the biblical doctrine we call sin has everything to do with why marriage is so difficult.

"Why doesn't love and marriage simply come naturally?" the culture asks. Well, imagine wanting to play professional baseball and saying, "It shouldn’t be so hard to hit a fastball?" Marriage takes work. Why would it be easy to live with another human in light of all that's wrong with our own human nature?! No, marriage isn't easy, but it's important. We talked recently about how June has been deemed Fidelity Month, a month dedicated to fidelity to God, marriage, and country. In a world that doesn't seem to value marriage, let's look at why fidelity to marriage should matter.  

One of the most common questions we get at Care Net is, “Why focus on marriage?” Well, the question is more like, “What does marriage have to do with abortion?” or "Why don't you just stick to saving babies?” It's because we're focused on saving babies that we focus on the importance of marriage.

The fact is, 85% of abortions are among unmarried women. The decades-long decay of marriage has created the biggest factor in abortions. Most marriages seem to be selfish rather than selfless. Not satisfied? Simply get a divorce. Move on, no big deal! But, Scripture has something different to tell us about marriage. Marriage matters. Why? Because God created it. And the commitment, sacrifice, and loving example it shows also matters—not just to you and your spouse—but to God. While marriage may not be easy, it matters to you, your kids, and the Pro Abundant Life movement. 

Fidelity to marriage matters to you.

According to Harvard University Health, married people tend to live longer, have a lower chance of becoming depressed, have fewer strokes and heart attacks, and they tend to receive early diagnosis and treatment for diseases. “Marriage has the power to set the course of your life as a whole. If your marriage is strong, even if all the circumstances in your life around you are filled with trouble and weakness, it won't matter.” That's another Tim Keller quote from The Meaning of Marriage. I recommend that book! The point is, your marriage matters to your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Fidelity to marriage matters to your kids. 

Your children are watching. As a husband or wife, your kids are always learning what marriage looks like from the example you give. No, perfection shouldn't be the goal. But, if you value your marriage, it will show your kids the example they need. What should you do to show the best example for your kids? Keep date nights, take time together, and prioritize one another from week to week. Over time, your kids will notice that you value your marriage. In turn, they will value marriage. 

Fidelity to marriage matters to the Pro Abundant Life movement.

Marriage is God’s idea. Yes, the world seems fine with divorce. But, we know that marriage and the risk of abortion are linked. Research clearly shows that abortion is most likely to occur outside of marriage. Without strong marriages, abortion will continue. As Roland Warren, President and CEO of Care Net, says, "When the pro-life movement leaves marriage and fatherhood out of the conversation, we are helping to create situations that we’ve spent decades trying to reduce: unwed childbearing, father absence, and the breakdown of the family." The work of the Pro Abundant Life movement doesn’t end when the baby’s life is saved from abortion; it starts there. Let's commit to practicing fidelity to marriage.