Another important topic in "Developing A Strong Marriage" is this great truth: There must be A Commitment To Stay Together. Genesis 2:24 says, "There-fore shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife." The word "cleave" means to glue or to cling. Marriage is an institution in which both husband and wife must be totally committed to cleave to each other until death separates them. They must be glued together in a bond so strong and so tight that nothing but death can dissolve the relationship. Sadly, too many couples enter into marriage thinking they can walk away whenever they please. The prom-ises that were made at an altar often become meaningless to this generation. Marriage vows are being interpreted to mean until disagreement do us part, till debt do us part, or till someone more attractive do us part. This was never God's intentions. God's design for the home is that both husband and wife remain together in holy matrimony all the days of their life. To do less is to disagree with God's word and to rebel against His commandments. I realize that man's sinful and depraved nature often creates conditions in which marriage becomes a difficult if not impossible situation. The safety concerns for either wife or husband neces- sitate the separation, or perhaps the dissolving of the marriage. When questioned about divorce in Mark chapter 10:2-9 Christ recognized that the law made pro-vision for divorce because of the "hardness of your heart". However, Christ once again stated God's position by repeating the words of Gen. 2:24 when He declared that one must "cleave unto his wife". He goes on to state that, "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder". God's position on divorce is very clear. He intends for husband and wife to remain together. Someone has well stated that, "There are two processes that must never be started prematurely: embalming and divorce". If your marriage remains together you must place strong emphases on cleaving to each other. To do less is to fail in this most important area of your life. Remember, if you would "Develop A Strong Marriage", then you must have A Commitment To Stay Together.
