Marriage is essential - Church News

Strengthening marriage and the home "has never been more needed in the world than it is today, as the sanctity of marriage is attacked and the importance of the home is undermined," Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve told those attending the Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting on Feb. 11.

He gave two reasons why marriage is essential:

"Reason 1: The natures of male and female spirits complete and perfect each other, and therefore men and women are intended to progress together toward exaltation.

"Reason 2: By divine design, both a man and a woman are needed to bring children into mortality and to provide the best setting for the rearing and nurturing of children."

Those reasons, he said, "suggest guiding principles for those who are preparing to marry, for those who are married, and for our service in the Church."

He listed three principles:

"Principle 1: The importance of eternal marriage can be understood only within the context of the Father's plan of happiness."

He said, "Emphasizing marriage without linking it to the simple and fundamental doctrine of the plan of happiness cannot provide sufficient direction, protection, or hope in a world that grows increasingly confused and wicked."

"Principle 2: Satan desires that all men and women might be miserable like unto himself."

"Given what we know about our enemy's intent," Elder Bednar continued, "each of us should be especially vigilant in seeking personal inspiration as to how we can protect and safeguard our own marriages — and how we can learn and teach correct principles in the home and in our Church assignments about the eternal significance of gender and of the role of marriage in the Father's plan."

"Principle 3: The ultimate blessings of love and happiness are obtained through the covenant relationship of eternal marriage."

He explained, "Ultimate happiness, which is the very object of the Father's plan, is received through the making and honoring of eternal marriage covenants."

Elder Bednar told Church leaders that as they understand doctrine and are examples of righteous marriage, they have the spiritual resources they need "to learn about, to teach, to strengthen, and to defend righteous marriage."

Listing those resources, he said, "We have the fulness of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. We have the Holy Ghost and revelation. We have saving ordinances, covenants, and temples. We have priesthood and prophets. We have the holy scriptures and the power of the word of God. And we have The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

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