Threats to Marriage

This week we studied topics relative to the doctrine of eternal marriage. 

I am currently a single student at BYU-Idaho. Although I am not married, I have been able to see and observe friends and roommates get married. Some marriages good, others not as good. Being able to observe has given me the opportunity to get an idea of what I want and don't want in a companion, and in a spouse. Elder Bednar said that no organization can replace the home or it's essential functions. In my opinion, building a home where the spirit resides, the family feels safe, and there is love is truly essential. The home is where the foundation for children is built. This is where they are taught the fundamental principles of the gospel.Elder Benson says that one of the most important things we can teach our children is about the temple, and how it's is a sacred place where we can take place in priesthood ordinances.  We should encourage our children to make the temple a goal. Our children should want to have an eternal marriage, just because they see us an example of a good temple marriage. I like that Elder Benson gives the promise that as we attend the temple, we will love our family more deeply. 

He asks us to consider how we are preparing to be better spouses, or if not married, how are we preparing to be a good husband or wife? Joseph Fielding Smith said that once he was sealed in the temple, he experienced a different kind of love. He described it as "loving with the spirit." It was a deeper love because it was an eternal love. One that doesn't end. I love how he put that. That is something that I look forward to. 

God created males and females for a reason. They are divinely different but each compliments the other in a way that same sex relationships can't. Children are entitled to grow up with a father and a mother in the home. In today's world, with infidelity and divorce so common, young adults, like myself, fear marriage than they have before.  Marriage is hard. Covenant couples should work through their problems rather than give up. (excluding cases of abuse, infidelity or other serious things.) A good marriage should not be 50-50. Each should be giving 100% to the other spouse. We should be actively serving our spouse without thinking about what we may get in return.