Obey should be Left out of Marriage Ceremonies
The word obey has many different meanings and many different interpretations. Why the word obey should be left out of a marriage ceremony is, perhaps, because of what it has meant to us most of our lives, and what we think of when hearing the word obey.
Perhaps the word makes us think of when we were children. We were taught to "obey" our parents. This, simply put, meant that we were to do as we were told. In referring to the word obey in this particular explanation, and in relationship to how it would be applied to marriage, then it is easy to see why the word should be left out of a marriage ceremony. As adults, most of us are capable of making decisions on our own behalf. Neither partner should have to do what the others tells them to, but instead, work together as a couple, not with either one wanting to have control or "be the boss".
Many of us were taught that the biblical meaning of the word obey is a supreme test of faith. We should obey God, putting all our faith in him and believe in his teachings. It also says that we must obey God rather than men. This would be another reason why the word obey should be left out of marriage ceremonies. In this meaning, it would certainly apply to both the man and the woman, that both should obey God above all else.
We were taught as children that we must obey the law. If we didn't we would suffer the consequences, which are usually not good. Obeying the law means there are a set of rules we must follow. While there are standards in a marriage that should apply, it doesn't mean that if we don't obey them we will serve the consequences. Couples know what is expected from each other in their marriage and will pull together to achieve happiness.
Other ways in which the word obey is referred to is that of a slave, or servant, in which is said that all servants should obey their master. First of all, neither partner should be referred to as a servant, or the other a master. Nor should either bow down to the other, which is another way in which obey is defined, and another reason why the word obey should be left out of marriage ceremonies.
The definitions and references we think upon when hearing the word obey does not seem to be what a marriage should be based on. Children should obey their parents, man should obey God and citizens should obey the law. But marriage should be a partnership based on love and respect. Entering into a marriage based on all the definitions and references that define the word obey is an excellent reason why it should be left out of marriage ceremonies.
