Post 8 ֎ The Beginning of Forever

“The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World).

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints we believe that the family can be eternal. When we get married we do not just get married “until death do we part” but we get married for “time” (meaning our time here on earth) and for “eternity”( meaning we can be with our spouses and families beyond the bounds of death). Christ made all of this possible for us and a person with the correct Priesthood authority can make the “sealing” bond, which bounds us to each other for eternity. These sealings are performed in temples. We have temples across the earth for this and other sacred purposes. Katherine and I were sealed in the Johannesburg Temple.

This is one reason Latter-day Saints take marriage so seriously and why a daily renewed commitment to marriage is so vital. Marriage in the temple does not automatically qualify us for a spot in Heaven. We need to stay true to the promises we make in the temple every day of our lives here on earth.

“The Prophet Joseph Smith declared—and he never taught more comforting doctrine—that the eternal sealings of faithful parents and the divine promises made to them for valiant service in the Cause of Truth, would save not only themselves, but likewise their posterity” (Hawkins et al pg. 173).

To me this is the main reason why the family is “under attack”, The adversity does not want us to find joy in our families. Thus the attempts at breaking up marriage. I have made my fair share of mistakes in my marriage but I have been willing to work at it, to change, and to constantly recommit to being better. My marriage is the greatest source of strength, comfort, true love and overall happiness in my life. I feel it is one of the main reasons I have been so blessed in my life.

I challenge you, the reader, whether you’re single, currently married or just do not believe in the institution any more, to try it if you’re single. Work toward strengthening your marriage if you are married. It will be the most worthwhile quest you embark on in this life. Worthwhile lasting endeavors are built over time, it requires constant work and a solid foundation. A healthy happy marriage is not something you can physically see like a building, but is a feeling of strength and commitment that can help us reach heights we could never have dreamed of otherwise.

“I urge each one to qualify for and receive all the priesthood ordinances you can and then faithfully keep the promises you have made by covenant. In times of distress, let your covenants be paramount and let your obedience be exact. Then you can ask in faith, nothing wavering, according to your need, and God will answer. He will sustain you as you work and watch. In His own time and way He will stretch forth his hand to you, saying, “Here am I””. (Christofferson, Todd D. “The Power of Covenants” April 2009)