So what does it mean?

   Unfortunately, in more ways than one, marriage is becoming obsolete in today's society. Some people don't have the money, others do not see it as necessary, and then there are people who simply do not care. Cohabitation is a trend that seems to be on the rise. The idea of living together before marriage seems like the perfect way to "test drive the car before sealing the deal". While this may seem like a stupendous idea and the perfect way to determine whether or not a marriage will be successful, studies have shown that this is simply not the case. In fact, cohabitation can sometimes cause marriages to be less likely at being successful. If this is the case, why do so many people choose this path? Is marriage just another fading fad? Or are we, as people in this world, ignorant to love and the real purpose for marriage?
   Knowing that God created marriage, what was his purpose? What is his opinion on dating? If the two have different meanings, why do people believe that marriage is unnecessary. Genesis 2:18, 24 says, "And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him and help meet for him...Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
   God sees marriage as a source for salvation. In marriage, a person genuinely cares about another soul, puts someone else's needs first. Marriage is a sacred bond that is not to be toyed with. When a couple performs their vows, they not only make a promise to love and cherish one another to each other, but also to God. Dating is the process by which the relationship is tested, marriage is the promise.
   Cohabitation is not a substitute for marriage. Living together is not the same as being married. In today's society, marriage is not looked upon as seriously as it was decades ago. Marriage is a a lifestyle a person must commit to, it is not perfect, nothing ever is. Though many people claim they do not need marriage to show how they feel, they are wrong. If people believe marriage to be unnecessary, they simply aren't ready to commit. They must not feel as strongly as they say, or they do not know the meaning of marriage. Marriage should not be taking lightly, it is a serious promise and requires full devotion on both parts.
   Marriage is commitment. Marriage is accountability. Marriage is salvation. Marriage is not a ring. Marriage is not a legal obligation. Marriage is not a legal contract. Marriage is a holy covenant with God.
  
   "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
                                                                                                     Matthew 19:6 (NRSV)

For more information (click):

 

Who Needs Marriage? How an American Institution Is changing

The Decline of Marriage And Rise of New Families: Survey results