Teach Your Kids: Devotions From Time of GraceSample

Teach your kids how to be happily married

I do not have good news. The perception of the value of marriage is on the decline in our country. Even when they are weary of casual hookups, young adults today are much more likely just to move in with each other. Just in my lifetime the average age of marriage has climbed from 22 to 28.

But I also have good news. There is a growing body of research to show that getting married and staying married is a powerful wealth builder. Children in an intact marriage show huge social and educational advantages over children of single-parent homes. Marriage provides the only God-approved way to have a sex life.

So how do you have such a great home life that your kids will joyfully look forward to getting married? Here’s a powerful principle: “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect” (1 Peter 3:7). Husbands, family leadership means you go first in studying your wife and attuning yourself to her needs. Husbands, you may crave respect, but leadership means that you go first in showing it.

One of your most important jobs is creating a home culture where your wife feels precious, important, of great worth in your eyes. Christian fathers and mothers need to model affirming behaviors, not just to make their own lives better but also because they are being watched.

The best marriage teaching is shown, not preached.