MARRIAGE: A UNION BEYOND MERE ENJOYMENT

It is often said that marriage is to be enjoyed, not endured. This sentiment, however, is frequently echoed by young women who appear unaware of the deeper purpose of marital commitment. Many who hold this view tend to abandon their unions at the first sign of conflict, treating marriage as something temporary rather than a lifelong covenant.  

A major factor behind this unfortunate trend is immaturity. Had these individuals attained a reasonable level of emotional and mental maturity before saying “I do”, they might have been better prepared for the responsibilities, sacrifices, and boundaries that sustain a marriage. Without such grounding, they quickly fall into pitfalls that tear their relationships apart.  

In this discussion, we will examine why some women enter marriage only to exit within a short time, almost as though it were a casual game. In later articles, we shall turn our attention to the shortcomings of men and explore ways to address those deficiencies.  

For some women, marriage is viewed as a business partnership. They see themselves as equal stakeholders in the union, emboldened by the belief that “what a man can do, a woman can do also.” This mindset often leads them to challenge their husband’s authority in the home. Any attempt to remind them of biblical teachings on submission is dismissed with the argument that times have changed.  

Unsurprisingly, many men struggle to accept such conditions. They feel diminished, even emasculated. Sadly, some respond in destructive ways—resorting to violence in an attempt to assert authority and demand respect. While such actions are never justified, they often stem from a breakdown in recognition of the husband’s role within the marriage.  

In today’s world, women work side by side with men in virtually every profession, including the military and paramilitary. Some of these women understand the importance of avoiding unhealthy competition with their husbands and strive to maintain balance in their homes. Yet, many others disregard this wisdom, insisting on absolute equality in all matters.  

This approach, however, is misguided. A woman who truly desires success in her marriage must embrace the principle of respect and submission to her husband. With this foundation, every other aspect of the union can flourish, enabling the marriage to withstand challenges and ultimately succeed.