Brannon Howse: February 23, 2015

Topic: Brannon talks about marriage and the Biblical qualities in his wife that he believes has largely contributed to a very happy and solid marriage of 24 years and counting. Brannon is not saying all marriages have to be like that of he and his wife. Yet, he does offer some Biblical insight into marriage, practical tips for a successful marriage, and some things young unmarried people might want to look for in a future spouse. Topic: Some of the things a young man should consider when looking to get married include:

Do not marry a feminist or someone that is hostile to the male gender.
Marry a Christian that embraces a Biblical worldview.  
Marry someone that is romantic, affectionate, and compassionate.
Marry someone that is not dominated by selfishness.
Do not marry someone that wants to compete with you.
Marry someone that has self-control including in the area of finances as well as temperament.
Marry someone that does not harbor bitterness but is quick to forgive.
Marry someone that is disciplined, orderly, and organized.
Marry someone that wants to cook and make your house a home and loves doing so.
Marry someone that is committed to the work to which God has called you so you will be a team.
Marry someone with which you share common interests, activities, and life goals.
Marry your best friend.
Do not make a practice of taking separate vacations, having different friends, and different lives.
Look for a potential spouse with a similar upbringing that you want to base your marriage and family upon. Shared family values and standards will make it much easier to model that same home and duplicate in your children.
Try and find a potential spouse that was raised in or that at least now attends a Bible teaching church that values marriage.
Try and find a potential spouse that comes from a family that has a long history of parents, grandparents, and great grandparents that remained married. This high standard for marriage will likely mean your family members will encourage the marriage during any difficult times and not encourage it to be dissolved.
Try and find a potential spouse whose parents modeled the values, standards, and home you want to duplicate.