God's design

One of the amazing things about grace is that God chose us before “the foundation of the world.” He did not look down through the tunnel of time to see what kind of person we would be and then pick us for his team based on our future performance. God did not choose us because, in his omniscience, he knew that we would choose him. Fallen man does not seek God. This divine selection was based solely on God’s grace. And his choosing was for a purpose.

Why have a wedding with a license, minister, and guests? Why not just say—let’s move in together and start doing life? Isn’t a wedding ceremony a waste…of time…of money?

Today many couples are taking a relationship shortcut. Before getting married, half will live together before marriage. My purpose in this week’s devos is to show why living together before marriage is not a part of God’s design. We pray that you will use this information to make godly decisions and give godly counsel.

When our daughter ran cross-country in high school and track in college, she would always check out the course before the race. A test run is a wise thing to do before lining up against the other competitors. But…a test run for marriage. We need to think that through.

Taking a test drive before you buy a car. Good move. Trying on a pair of pants to make sure they fit. Yep. Checking out a home before taking on the mortgage, who wouldn’t do that? Even when you order online, you try things out and try things on. So why not live together before marriage?