Preparing Kids for Marriage

(Disclaimer: 1. this is no guarantee and 2. this is not a Bible study)

Marriage effects every area of your life. When it's such a big deal t almost all Americans, why do we not focus more on specified preparing our children for marriage?

So - some suggestions and ideas to prepare your kids for marriage.

#1. Think about it. (You will never hit a target if you never shoot at the target.) Ask yourself, is this important? And who will it affect?

#2. Pray - - for the child, for the future spouse. James 5:16 (b)

#3. Start Early - with prayers and with preparation. Kids are quick learners, they pick things up fast.

#4. Introduce your child to Jesus. You can't force it, but you can introduce it. There is nothing more life forming than Jesus living in you!

#5. Disciple your child. It's about more than being saved. It means grounded in the faith.
According to a poll by Geo. Barna: "the born again Christian divorce rate is identical to the national average.... EXCEPT... Evangelicals" (which have the lowest rate of all religious groups)
Evangelicals are more likely to measure their life views by an outside measure (the Bible) rather than by their own ideas, feelings.

Why???
A. they have a high view of Scripture
B. they have more knowledge of Scripture Deut. 6:4-9 - the responsibility rests on the parents!!! Eph. 6:4

#6. Focus on building godly character. Godly offspring are not born, they are developed. Mal. 2:15
Because:
A. Godly character will rise to the challenge. (more than education/ability
B. Godly character is more apt to seek a Godly partner! As water seeks its own level...so does emotional health!!

#7. Teach practical marriage skills.
Like, money management, housework, cooperation, teamwork, mutual assistance. Contrast that with a Prince/Princess attitude - where a child is brought up thinking they are owed everything!

#8. Teach respect for the opposite sex.
Because, that's who they're going to marry!!

#9. Be positive about marriage! Marriage is God's design, intent, and is potentially - "very good!" Teens of both sexes still desire a good marriage and family life, but, they are NOT optimistic about the possibility of having that!
If you are happy with marriage you need to say so!!

#10. Model marriage. Kids learn from watching more than listening. This includes conflict resolution, apology, forgiveness, compromise. It means eat together, work, play, pray, do ministry together!

#11. Resource your child. Many good books available on this subject for all ages. At that stage they are (A.) interested and (B.) concerned

#12. Educate yourself. So.....when they want advice and counsel, you have Helpful answers!
Parents are the primary influence for a young child.
That influence doesn't have to end at marriage!

Note: during the process, it may look like wasted effort, lost cause, BUT, generally leads to Prov. 22:6.