Marriage – Necessary?
Whatever it is that is described in the above paragraph it is not marriage. Marriage is the vehicle where two individuals, one man and one woman, move through the necessary requirements to become one individual. I would argue (and successfully, I might add) that the process takes time, energy, effort, and knowledge, along with the leadership of the Spirit of God.
The end product (which develops at varying rates dependent on the individuals involved) is the most beautiful and wonderful creation on Earth. It is symbolic of Christ’s relationship with His Church. It is the highest and most perfect use of two people’s time and effort, and leads to, and moves through, incredible, magnificent, marvelous stages of development.
It is not about “sex or companionship or professonal success or respect or even children,” it is about a new creation of God, and anything less is, well. . .less.