Only 35% of couples who live together eventually get married.

Why get married when you can just move in together? More so than ever, this seems to be the prevailing attitude of many couples today.  Perhaps they want to avoid the turmoil associated with the risk of divorce.  Then again, they may consider marriage to be a useless ritual, an old fashioned tradition that modern families need not practice.  Whatever the case, it is estimated that over 4 million couples currently live together outside of wedlock; that’s eight times as many as in 1970 (source).

While there are a variety of potential pitfalls associated with cohabitation, a recent Houston-area tragedy exemplifies one major risk.  On May 26, Deer Park resident Donny Pearson was arrested for sexually assaulting a 23-month-old girl.  His young victim was his live-in girlfriend’s daughter.  Research – along with a good dose of common sense – indicates that the risk of child molestation increases when single moms invite their boyfriends to move in.  While there are certainly cases when a child’s biological father is sexually abusive, it is more likely for a man to molest someone else’s children, especially when welcomed to live in the same house.

Those who choose to cohabitate may argue that a flashy ring, expensive wedding dress, and tasty groom’s cake are all frivolous and useless as it pertains to the health and  long term stability of romantic relationships.  To that any reasonable person would have to agree.  But two lives joined together through an unwavering commitment to honor the Lord’s standards and love for a lifetime – for better or worse – is hardly frivolous.  If such a commitment includes diamonds, designer gowns, and mouthwatering groom’s cake, so be it.

When deciding what level of commitment to enter into with the opposite sex, it is of the utmost importance that we consider what is best for our kids – those born and those yet to be born to us.  Not surprisingly, the Biblical plan for love and marriage is designed to provide children with the best possible family environment – one where Mom and Dad are joined as inseparable helpmates for life through the sanctity of marriage (Malachi 2:15).