Are you planning on going all the way?

I have just finished reading a great book on planning for marriage. There are several books that have had a great influence on my marriage. Books like the 5 Love Languages, Love and Respect, and Love for a Lifetime have helped me grow closer to my wife than I ever thought was possible. I am thankful that I have a strong and growing marriage, but that is the exception rather than the rule in today’s culture. Preparing for marriage takes real work. But most people spend far greater time preparing for the wedding instead of the marriage. While I am thankful for the books mentioned above, they all have something in common, they were written by older people in a very different generation from the one I live in. They provide wisdom, but lack relevance. This new book takes that same wisdom and frames it so that today’s culture can experience a marriage that lasts.

Craig Groeschel has written a great book titled, Going All the Way, preparing for a marriage that goes the distance. I have blogged before about the positive influence Craig has had on my ministry through hearing him speak at Catalyst and also reading his book Confessions of a Pastor. This new book is good, really good. I literally found myself laughing out loud at several of his stories. The basic principle in the book, finding your One first (God), then find your two (your future spouse). Sounds simple, but why do so many people have trouble with the principle? I like this book because he addresses so many of the problems and sexual myths that young adults are struggling with today. Is it alright to live together? Why are intimacy and purity important? If I’ve messed up then why try? If we aren’t having sex, then why can’t we do everything else? With so many young adults living together and sleeping around, this book will be important for every pastor to read and learn from. If the church won’t address the issue then who will?

Craig answers these questions straight on, unapologetically, with Biblical truth and sound reasoning. He has a unique writing style that has you laughing one minute and then seriously considering what he has to say the next. I plan on using this book for pre-marriage counseling. I’ve got several weddings to officiate this summer and I want the couples to really think some of the principles found in this book. This isn’t an exhaustive list of everything to think about before marriage. You won’t find detailed instructions on how to handle money, in-laws, and which way to hang the toilet paper. But you will find a book that makes you think about what’s really important in a marriage that lasts. I’m planning on giving away my copy to a new friend at the Pregnancy Resource Center. But I will be ordering more to give away. Definitely a new marriage book for a new generation.