Apart from how you walk with God, marriage is the most important life decision you’ll ever make. While “falling in love” may come easy, marrying well in the Lord requires careful prayer and counsel, as well as the resolve to keep personal passions and hormones in their rightful place. It should be pursued for the right reasons with a clear mind and calm judgment—and ultimately be driven by the desire to honor and please the Lord.

In this podcast, Scott Brown and Jason Dohm, joined by special guest Trent Moody, outline eight things one needs to consider and do before marrying. First, recognize the importance of the decision. Second, get good counsel from others about your potential spouse, and don’t ignore it if it’s sound. Third, don’t marry for the wrong reasons—including for beauty (which fades), or wealth (which is fleeting), or out of a sense of panic. Fourth, seek the input and approval of your parents. Fifth, make sure there is genuine, mutual love between both parties. Sixth, have a visible means of financial support. Seventh, determine that there is equal yoking on spiritual things. And, eighth, make it a matter of earnest prayer.

Falling in Love is Easy—Marrying Well is Not: 8 Things You Must Know