It’s Worse Than You Think: Why Building a Strong Marriage Starts With Telling the Truth
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” — Proverbs 14:12
Everyone wants a strong, healthy marriage. But before we can build something better, we have to get honest about where we’re starting from.
If you’ve ever committed to getting healthier—physically or financially—you know that step one is taking stock. You step on the scale. You open the bank statement. You face the reality you’ve maybe been avoiding. It’s rarely fun—but it’s always necessary.
When it comes to marriage, the reality we’re facing in our culture is worse than you think.
The Truth About Our Relationships
Over the past several decades, our culture has undergone a radical shift in how it views love, commitment, and sexuality. What began as a push for liberation in the 1960s led to the widespread belief that traditional values were restrictive—and that true happiness could only be found by following your heart.
But that message didn’t deliver. Instead of fulfillment, we’ve seen confusion, brokenness, and isolation. Relationships have become transactional. Commitment has become optional. And intimacy has been replaced with convenience and instant gratification.
The Fruit of a Broken System
We’re now living with the consequences. Divorce rates soared. Porn use has become mainstream. Dating apps make it easier than ever to “shop” for people. And instead of growing stronger, marriages are breaking down faster than ever before.
But it’s not just about marriage—it’s about families. Today, nearly 1 in 4 children in the U.S. live in single-parent homes, the highest rate in the world. And the emotional and spiritual impact on the next generation is massive.
What’s even more sobering is that this isn’t just a “church” issue. Secular voices—journalists, researchers, even former participants in the adult industry—are beginning to say the same thing: something is deeply wrong.
But There’s Hope
Here’s the good news: your marriage doesn’t have to follow the path culture is on.
God’s design for marriage is still the best path forward. It’s not outdated or oppressive—it’s healing, sacrificial, and rooted in love that lasts. But before we can walk that path, we have to recognize the one we’ve been on.
If you're ready to build a marriage that stands strong, that glorifies God, and that leads to real intimacy and connection—it starts with truth. And from there, we begin rebuilding on a better foundation.
Let’s Reflect Together:
What pain have you experienced or witnessed because of broken relationships?
In what ways has our culture’s view of love and marriage impacted your own relationships?
Who in your life models the kind of Christ-centered marriage you want to build? What sets them apart?
