A woman in England was cut out of her grandmother's will because she was living without the benefit of marriage for a year and a half. The Telegraph reports Caroline Barrett lost out on her share of a 220,000 pound estate because her staunch Catholic grandmother, Bridget Murray, objected to the modern practice of people living together without marriage. A judge refused to overturn the intent of the lady, expressed in her will, even though attitudes about such matters have radically changed. Leaving the matter at the will of the deceased the judge in the case commented, "It was a matter for Mrs Murray how she divided her estate even if, on one view, it might not have been particularly fair, or even capricious."

"Fair or capricious" may be a view on this issue. But what is God's view? Ah, there is the view so often discarded when it comes to matters of the heart such as marriage, love and sex. While this minor court case will not change the course of modern morals it does give opportunity to consider a basic biblical teaching.

Today the issue of couples living together without marrying is very common. It is not only young people doing it but quite often is found among middle aged and older couples. The number of people in these relationships has increased. For whatever the given reason, economics, tax related or just plain "because I can and no one can can tell me how to live my life" this trend has increased in America and Europe and is here to stay.

Frankly, we all have seen this trend come the point where no one seems to question the wisdom or morality of the custom. Marriage has been under assault from so many quarters for so many decades that even the condition of marriage today is rocky and precarious. A leading candidate for the Republican presidential nomination this year has been accused by an ex-wife (the second of three marriages) of wanting to live in an "open marriage" with the woman now his third wife.  An "open marriage" is just an excuse to commit adultery and have casual sexual encounters without any restrictions. This from a man seeking the highest elected office in the United States. Does anyone really care? You really have to wonder.

Concerning marriage we could quote a great deal of Biblical teaching. Marriage begins in Genesis between the first man and woman, a union divinely given. Throughout scripture it is seen as the highest state of human relations, a type of the relationship between Christ and the Church according to Paul (Ephesians 5:22-32). An entire chapter (1 Corinthians 7:1-40) is taken to sort through and give direction to marriages buffeted by the twin storms of public immorality (first century Greece) and interfaith marriage. Arguably the bottom line on marriage from God's word is the statement in Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge."

When conducted according to God's law marriage is the supreme expression of a relationship that mirrors the divine. But we have traveled so far this ideal today that it seems no one properly understands this truth nor do many know how to apply the principles to create a successful relationship. Sin, violating any of the spiritual law of God, exacts huge tolls that burden our societies. 

Mrs. Barrett in England learned that some actions can deprive one of a rightful inheritance. All who continue to flaunt the moral law of God run the risk of losing a greater spiritual inheritance unless we learn and reverse course. Living in sin costs.