In today’s society, the concept of real marriage faces more scrutiny and attacks than ever before. With the rise of cohabitation and the increasing acceptance of diverse relationship structures, many men find themselves questioning the necessity and value of getting married. However, beneath the surface of these modern trends lies many reasons why marriage is a profound positive step for men to man up to. Whether you are thinking about marriage or simply curious about its benefits, keep reading through this blog to discover 5 reasons why men need to get married.
#1 It is not good for man to be alone.
“And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him”. (Genesis 2:18)
After God created heaven and everything on the earth, God said that everything was all good, except for one thing. It is not good for the man to be alone.
When God (the creator, who knows the purpose of everything) said these words, he spoke in the present tense, not the past. This indicates that it wasn’t good then and it is still not good now for men to be alone. 50 years ago, 70% of men under 30 were married. Now, according to a recent Pew Research, it is almost the reverse with 63% of men under 30 not married. Most men under 30 are single (not good according to God) and are missing out on the benefits of being married.
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
God intended the marriage bond between a man and his wife to last for a lifetime. The beauty of this lifelong companionship is always having someone to help and encourage you. Always having someone who you can trust, feel connected to and be comfortable with. Always having someone who provides emotional support and looks out for your well-being. Studies consistently show that married men tend to experience better mental and physical health compared to their single counterparts. The commitment in marriage provides a stable environment where men can thrive, offering a sense of purpose and shared responsibility.
#2 "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." (Hebrews 13:4)
Too many men in our community have a negative attitude towards marriage. They see marriage as something that ties them to a formal contract and prefer cohabitation over marriage. This wrong concept about marriage is a lie from the pit of hell. Marriage is not a bad thing but a good thing. The Bible says that marriage is “honorable in all,” which means it is worthy of respect. It is a way to prevent impurity and a defiled bed. For those who prefer cohabitation over marriage, God will call the sin of cohabitating by its proper name, which is fornication and adultery, and he will bring those who practice it to judgment. "Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife..."(1 Corinthians 7:2). The marriage bed is God’s way to help a man avoid God's righteous judgment from fornication and to be satisfied with his wife.
#3 Marriage helps men to be more Christ-like and overcome selfish tendencies.
“...but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5).
Most unmarried men tend to focus primarily on their needs, desires, and interests without considering the impact on others. They are more prone to being “lover of their own selves” by prioritizing personal indulgences, such as excessive spending on hobbies or entertainment. As for the married man, to have a meaningful marriage, he cannot live for himself but must be mindful of the needs of his wife and children. According to Philippians 2:5, the mind that Christ had should be in us. Jesus showed compassion, commitment, mercy, empathy, and love for others. He also sacrificed himself for the well-being of others by taking on the punishment for our sins. The commitment and support that marriage requires, help men to reduce self-centered behaviors and be more considerate of others, making them more Christlike. Men behaving like Christ will make the world a better place for everyone.
#4 To obtain God’s favor.
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22)
Even though the man had abundance in paradise, God (in his infinite wisdom) saw that it was not good for him to be alone and granted him favor by blessing him with a wife. Proverbs 31:10 says, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Having a godly wife is more valuable to man than any personal, business, or monetary success. Not only will she contribute to his comfort but she will also forward her prayers to God on his behalf. Having a godly wife constantly praying to God on your behalf, is an emblem of his favor, and an assurance of further favors from him. Having a godly wife is also a clear sign that God desires to do you good.
#5 To leave a Godly Legacy
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
When men do not get married and have children, many out-of-wedlock children are raised by single parents, in most cases the mother. Many single mothers face a set of challenges such as financial strains, maintaining consistent discipline without reinforcement from a father, or providing role models for their children, especially male role models for sons.
The Bible says to “train up a child in the way he should go.” The ideal way to train children is by setting a good example for them. When a man gets married, stays and has children with his wife, the children benefit from observing a healthy and loving relationship between their parents. This also serves as a positive role model for their children demonstrating the value of commitment and partnership. Faithful married couples can also provide more consistent discipline, rules and expectations for their children, which is essential for fulfilling the mandate to train our children.
In conclusion, despite the contemporary trends and skepticism towards marriage, the institution remains a cornerstone for personal and spiritual growth, especially for men. The biblical principles highlight that it is not good for man to be alone, emphasizing the need for companionship, emotional support, and mutual encouragement that marriage provides. Additionally, marriage is deemed honorable and pure, offering a protective boundary against moral pitfalls. It fosters Christ-like qualities in men, encouraging them to be selfless and considerate, ultimately making them better individuals. Moreover, marriage is a gateway to obtaining God's favor, as a godly wife is considered a blessing beyond measure. Finally, marriage enables men to leave a lasting, godly legacy by raising children in a stable and nurturing environment. Embracing marriage not only enriches men's lives but also strengthens the fabric of society.