because of the importance of families, they are central to God's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
The first presidency of the church has proclaimed that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the creators plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
The Lord set the example for eternal marriage when he married Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden when they were still immortal marriage was never intended to be a temporary contract. It was always intended to be eternally binding.
Just as baptism is a commandment of the Lord, so is temple marriage....It is part of our destiny, we cannot fulfill our ultimate arms without it.
** Choose sides. Cheap temporary vs nice long lasting which would you rather have? **
Set up a place setting on one side of the table with glass/china place setting. The other side has cheap paper place setting.
If you were having a dinner with your Father in Heaven, which place setting would you rather have him come to dinner with?
You wouldn't accept a worldly form of baptism, would you? God has his mode of baptism-- by immersion by one who holds the priesthood authority. Then why would you choose a worldly form of marriage? he has his mode of marriage also-- it is a temple marriage.
Of all the combinations of human relationships, the only one that can result in exaltation and eternal progression is the relationship found in the eternal marriage of a man and a woman.
To be fully exalted requires a couple made up of a man and a woman. Individuals do not become God, only couples can do that. Men and women are not complete without each other. We each have traits that must be honed and developed. women need men, and men need women in order to become perfect.
Deciding who to Marry
** Looking for a mate board activity
If you had to start all over again, what are the qualities you would choose in a mate?
This is the church of Jesus Christ, not the church of married or singles or any other group of individual. The gospel we preach is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which encompasses all the saving ordinances and covenants necessary to save and exalt every individual who is willing to accept Christ and keep the commandments.
No blessing, including that of eternal marriage and an eternal family will be denied to any worthy individual. If you are not married, do not worry. The Lord is mindful of you. If you are faithful, all blessings will be yours.
This may be a real test of faith, but the faith required to live according to that belief will lead you in only good directions. You will fill your life with meaningful and worthwhile activities that will bless you and all those within your sphere of influence.
Building a Successful Marriage
Having a great marriage does not happen by accident. Marriage is a learned behavior. Our conscious effort, not instinct, not being able to read minds, determines our success.
Marriage is not so much about marrying the right person, as it is about "being the right person."
Your spouse is your compliment, your partner, your best friend. That means he will not think or act like you. He has the skills and talents that you lack, just as you have what he is lacking.
In order to become "one" you will have to negotiate and concede, give and sacrifice, love unconditially and accept love when you may feel unlovable.
The conscious effort to do one's part, is the greatest element contribution to success in a marriage.
While marriage involves two people, it largely depends upon each individual if it is to be a success. We have to individually give it our all. We have to individually be our bet each and every day.
Think about the couples that you admire most, those who have learned to work together, support each other and adore and admire each other.
Does this mean these couples do not have faults? Or do their partners choose to keep their "eyes have closed" to them?
We must continually love everyday and that means continual courtship.
President Hinkley has said "I am satisfied that happiness in marriage...is an anxious concern for the comfort and well being of one's companion. Any man (or woman) who will make his wife's (or her husbands) comfort their first concern will stay in love throughout their lives and through the eternities."
Charity:
Most partners have imperfections. None of us are perfect.
"Perhaps any of us could get along with perfect people, but our task is to get along with imperfect people." Richard L. Evans
Fidelity:
"In the scriptures we fid only two situations in which we are commanded to love with all our hearts. We are commanded "though shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart (Matthew 22:37) and "Thou shalt love they wife (husband) with all they heart. (D&C 42:22)
When the Lord says all thy heart is allows for no sharing or dividing nor depriving" Spencer W. Kimball
Our personal exaltation depends on our relationship with our spouse. If we haven't learned to become one as a couple, then we will never be truly happy in an eternal marriage.
This makes your spouse the most important person in your life, more important than any other family member, more important than any activity, job, or hobby.
Other Quotes:
"When we speak of marriage as a partnership, let us speak of marriage as a full partnership. We do not want our LDS women to be silent partners of limited partners in that eternal assignment. Please be a contribution and full partner." President Kimball
"When husband and wives become one, they do not lose their individuality. Being one does not mean having the same interests and talents. Much of the joy in marriage comes from the different interests and perspectives of the partners. While unity in goals and devotion is essential, individuality in other areas lends strength to a marriage." Come Follow Me #4 page 107
"If a man marry a wife by...the new and everlasting covenant...by him who is anointed...and if (they" abide in (the Lord's) convenant...it...shall be of full force when they are out of the world." D&C 132:19
"You are under no obligation to accept a proposal from someone unworthy of you for fear you will fail of your blessings...the Lord knows the intent of your hearts, and in His own due time He will reward you with opportunities made possible through temple ordinances..." President Howard B Lee
"In the Church, I believe there is a destinct need to develop confidence in the individual, not as he or she should fit into some culturally defined timeline but as he or she follows personal revelations...it is important to have confidence that other people are doing right...and have unique offerings we need." Catherine Edward in 'Having Faith in God's Timeline'
While marriage involves two people, it largely depends on each individual if it so be a success. We have to individually chose to accept and live the gospel covenants. We have to individually give it our all. If we do, no blessing will be denied to us.
Specific actions to strengthen a marriage... (Russel M. Nelson)
Appreciate:
"as grateful partners look for the good in each other, wives and husbands will strive to become the persons described in those compliments"
Communicate
strive to elevate and motivate
Contemplate
allows to anticipate and resonate with each other and the Lord
Commitment is a binding fore in a good marriage. Emotions come and go. One day we may see the person we love as all things perfect and desirable. Another day irritations or conflicts may bring us to the point of dislike for the same person. Emotions may fluctuate but loyalty does not. If commitment is firm, we do not give up or desert a relationship when adverse circumstances occur. (Come Follow Me #4 p.106)
Benefits of an Eternal Marriage:
1. We know our marriage can last forever. Death can only part us temporarily, so we work harder to have a happy marriage.
2. Our family relationships continue throughout eternity We teach and train our children carefully, we show greater patience, and love for a happier home.
3. Because we have been married in God's way, we have an outpouring of the Spirit on our marriage.
Handout:
Bag with 2 kisses, 2 hugs, and a mini Snickers
Marriage for Eternity with Lyrics:
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