The phrase, I do is commonly used in a marriage ceremony between a man and a woman. It is all encompassing. What it means is that a man has decided to take a woman to be his wife for as long as he will be living on the earth, and he will not ‘embrace’ another woman. However, how many men have kept or are keeping this vow? Some men are changing wives whenever they discover that what they are getting in the marriage is not what they bargained for. So, the option left for them is to divorce the woman. Should that be the norm or standard? 

Marriage is like going to a gift shop to get a wrapped gift kept in a box. The instructions about this gift are two fold: you are not to open it before getting home and secondly, you cannot return it. Whatever you take is permanently yours and you can’t replace it with another. If this is deeply understood by most men, perhaps the rate of divorce in our society will be largely reduced.

What does it really mean to say I do to a woman in a marriage ceremony? So, in this article, I will be sharing six reflections for men.

1. Leaving and Cleaving

Saying I do to a woman is the same as making a declaration before God, the people present at the wedding ceremony and to your wife that you have completely and without change of mind, embrace her in marriage. You can’t say I do to your wife but still clinging to the apron strings of your mother. You said your goodbyes to them the minute you said ‘I do’ to your wife. You now have a home to build and a marital destiny to fulfill. However, this does not nullify taking care of your parents when the need arises.

2. Your Eyes are for your Wife Only

It is impossible not to see or take notice of other women more attractive than your wife. However, you have been bound by an oath not to stray from her into the arms of another woman. You cannot leave your wife for another woman. Doing so is adultery which is contrary to your wedding vows.

3. Partners in Progress 

Marriage is for two individuals; a man and a woman who have decided to build a home together. Your wife is therefore your partner and not your competitor. It will be out of place to feel threatened by your wife’s progress whether in career or in business. You should complement her while she in turn compliments you.

4. In all Weather 

The implications of saying I do to a woman is telling her that no matter the situation, you will both encounter, she will always be your wife. No circumstances, no situation therefore should change your resolve about your confession. Time will test your resolve, circumstances will shake your vows but you must remain unmovable.

5. There is no Room for Divorce 

Divorce is likened to separating two iron welded that no part of one is left on the other. That situation is not possible. Now, imagine that the iron is flesh joined together, and separating them will lead to bleeding, hurts and excruciating pains. So, divorce is a foreign body in the red blood cells of ‘ I Do’

Conclusion 

Marriage is a wonderful union recognized even in heaven and the vow is its seal. Therefore, caution must be taken in choosing the woman you say I do, to. Once you have said it, it cannot be unsaid.

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