Preparing Your Children For Marriage

Prov. 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Many parents unwisely encourage their children to experiment with various philosophies of life, such as the dating culture of today. We should spend more time teaching our children the truth instead.

Here are some guidelines to prepare your children for marriage:

1. Ask God daily for wisdom and strength - James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
2. Pray consistently for their future spouse - more specifically, their salvation, moral purity, protection, maturity, work ethic, and respect for authority - 1 Thess. 4:3-4 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 1 Th 4:11-12 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
3. Teach them early on God's plan for their lives - responsibility for their own identity - "God wants you to get married and raise a Godly family of your own some day." Mal. 2:15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. God's blueprint for successful family living is found in His word - Eph. 5:18-6:4
4. Develop in them a servant's heart - marry for what you can give, not get - marriage brings many responsibilities, so you will have to be mature - instill to them that marriage is a life-long commitment - Matt. 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
5. Uphold the standard of purity in the home - the parent's job is to guard the hearts and minds of their children until they are old enough to do it for themselves - make sure they are "simple concerning evil" - Rom. 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. Teach "The greatest gift you can give your spouse is YOURSELF" - pure in heart, mind, and body - do not play the dating game and give your heart and body to many, but rather save it all for that SPECIAL ONE God has given to you.
6. Show them how to walk with God - as parents, we must remember, "you cannot impart what you do not possess" - this is true for both us and our children - must have a consecrated life yielded to God's will - Rom. 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. They must have a heart and mind of discernment - 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. - they must be a good steward of time, talent, and treasure
7. Remind them often to wait on God's timing - the right one, the right way, the right time - "if in doubt, DON'T" - no unequal yokes - 2 Cor. 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? - approval of parents with insight and counsel of your pastor.
8. Help them plan a truly Christian marriage - pre-marital counseling - Christ-honoring ceremony - establishment of a Christian home that pleases God in all areas, such as Christian service, finances, and child-rearing.