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Historically, marriage was a way to legally transfer property. It was an agreement between two families trying to secure their heritage and their children's future. Over time, however, it has gone through many changes and transformations to become what we romantics view as the ultimate commitment.

I am thankful that the church has stepped in to sanctify the union of a man and a woman. Marriage has became, not only a way to transfer property, but a way for a man and a woman to legally commit to eternity with a partner and observe certain rules regarding their relationship. Vows are voiced aloud in front of God and witnesses to testify to the sincerity of the commitment.

As I look around me in the present day I see that this is not the case. Marriage seems to be a symbol of status, not the commitment it once was. People seem to fit in to one of four groups: those that get married and honor their vows, those that get married and don't recognize the value of their vows, those that pretend they're married, and those that don't get married.

Let's talk about the first group. Those people who understand the magnitude of their vows and what they are supposed to encompass. These people are a dying breed. My parents have been married for 42 years, and struggled through thick and thin, honoring their vows and giving their word and meaning it. I am not saying they were perfect, by any stretch of the imagination, but I believe they understood the magnitude of commitment and have spend their lives together knowing that it wouldn't be easy, and divorce was not the answer.

The second group of people is that group of individuals who really honestly seem to be in love with the idea of being married, but not the restrictions and commitment that is required. These are the people to mean the vows they say on the day they say them and for a short term afterward. When the relationship moves out of the honeymoon phase and into the real life phase they decide forever is too long and it is time to quit. Marriage is too hard and they don't want to work for it.

The third group of people is my favorite. People who pretend they are married. They live together, share income and expenses and even have children together, but won't swear before God and witnesses they committed to their family. As if admitting it will somehow curse what they have worked so hard for.

The last group is a strange lot of those that really prefer not to get married, or those who wouldn't mind advocating commitment but the law says they can't. I admire this group. They know either way. Whether they are interested in getting married and cannot or they would never entertain the idea of getting married.

How else can I demonstrate the sanctity of marriage lost? We have celebrities marrying and divorcing at whim, which is generally publicly announced and broadcast on all forms of media. Parents divorcing and demonstrating it is ok to leave if you want to.

My personal thought is what my parents have always taught me, think before you act. In a moment you could make a decision that affects not only your life, but everyone around you. Look beyond tomorrow, think thirty years from now. Are you going to still think the way he laughs is cool, or will it become annoying? Are you still going to be ok with her cute little turned up nose as it starts to droop? Think about it.

Learn more about this author, Trisha Clark.
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