Rock, Paper, Pen- The Pen on the divorce paper beats the ring and wins every time-a phrase coined by Warren A. Lyon.

When it comes to a definition of marriage, who can argue with a common-law couple that was in a common-law union for thirty years, took a picture in a beautiful seaside restaurant and had their friend from  college who is a pastor say a prayer over them as they made vows to each other with an exchange of rings? He wore black and she wore white. They had a big celebration at a hotel/church hall/condo rec room(like Isaac's bedouin tent space-enough space for the witnesses and would-be well wishers) and had their Pastor conduct a blessing as they held hands with guests watching; just so that no one would have any doubt about their declaration of being together-just like dating exclusively but this time everybody is invited on the date. They exchanged popcorn rings and prepared joint wills after turning 40 years of age.   They had joint insurance policies for the discount and traveled together. They also signed documents with respect to their pension rights and had a small joint account. They also made a big "almost matching" deposit in a "locked in" savings account. You needed two signatures for any withdrawals.     They attended church every Sunday, worked as deacons and their common-law union was recognized by the governing common-law marriage provisions under the legal provisions.  They both had a fear of being left but it didn't really matter since their fear was dissipated by an on-going faithfulness with no fear of social doubts as occasioned by a cell phone being turned off by one party. They trusted each other and their sense of strength was safeguarded by the factual realization that the fear of being left was really caused by the tainted emotions and  vision sowed by bad late-night tv that depicted people who forget to keep their clothes on for a few million dollars.   They did not watch bad late night tv so they could be at peace with cell phones being left off during business meetings and they could be comfortable as their partners have conversations with old friends. In the old days, you had no immediate "minute by minute" mobile phone access. Now that you do, it should not present a new relational avenue of doubt or grounds not to trust.  Regardless of your model for union, do not judge your neighbor or suggest they are living in sin.  It's like judging someone for choosing a partnership business structure instead of an incorporation. Either way, you can rent a stall at the local flea market or store at a mall and work together( read Ecclesiastes 4).  If adultery is the only grounds for divorce in the word, what does the word say is the only source of marital union? It is copulation with the appropriate intention of staying together in fidelity, covenant in honor of the Lord.