Living Together Isn't Normal, Natural and Non-Consequential

By Larry Tomczak, Op-ed contributor Wednesday, February 03, 2016

Larry Tomczak is a best-selling author and cultural commentator with over 40 years of trusted ministry experience.

USA Today published the results of a national survey among 18 to 31 year-olds regarding living together. A whopping 76% of young Americans said that cohabitation before marriage is fine.

If you have children or grandchildren, do you think they're being influenced by this cultural trend? It's on television, in movies and commonplace among celebrities and sports heroes.

The stark reality is that 65% of "altar-bound" singles — many of whom identify as "Christians" — now live together before marriage.

Adding to the conversation are people making statements like the following: "Look, times have changed. We have to face certain realities of living in the 21^{st century. We're going to get married eventually. Like buying a car, you've got to try it out first. What difference does a certificate really make — it's just a piece of paper. We're older… more mature… been divorced… not ready financially… aren't sexually involved... providing parents for a child… benefiting from tax incentives...have peace that God understands our unique situation… look how many people even 'Christians' are doing it!"}

Here's the deal: couples who are shacking up, living under one roof as a "pretend" married couple, are living beneath the revealed will of God for their lives. Ignoring this will bring consequences, if not immediately, then eventually.

In less than three months, my wife and I will celebrate 40 years of covenant marriage on the heels of her parents, who were at the 70-year mark. I invite you to watch this 3 1/2 minute video regarding being sexually active, cohabitating and finding your mate to discover the truth on this topic.

Larry Tomczak is a best-selling author and cultural commentator with over 40 years of trusted ministry experience. His passion is to bring perspective, analysis and insight from a biblical worldview. He loves people and loves awakening them to today's cultural realities and the responses needed for the bride of Christ—His church—to become influential in all spheres of life once again. He is also a public policy advisor with Liberty Counsel.