Skip to main content

Threats to Marriage

Marriage is an extremely controversial topic these days.  It seems to be in every night of the news, in many political discussions, as well as in many church discussions.  The legalization of gay marriage since 2015 has caused a very large reaction not only in our country but throughout the world.

In a commencement speech at BYU given by Russell M. Nelson on August 14, 2014 he shares that, “In short, as disciples, each of us will be put to the test. At any hour of any day we have the privilege of choosing between right and wrong. This is an age-old battle that started in a premortal realm. And that battle is becoming more intense every day. Your individual strength of character is needed now more than ever before.”  I believe this is true and can now see the importance of what he was talking about.  Just one year later, gay marriage was legalized.  Our prophets, apostles, seers, and revelators really do warn us about what the tumultuous times ahead of us will bring.  I think there is power in heeding every word that they share. 

President Nelson continues to share, “Dear graduates, families, and friends, the burden of discipleship is heavy. As disciples of the Lord you will stand as defenders of marriage. And as you are true and faithful, not only will He help you and protect you, He will bless your families” (2014).  I believe this is true as well now more than ever.  We know that the Lord will never ask us to do anything that he would not first provide a way for.  It is up to us to stand as defenders of marriage. 

For me, two ways stand out of how to do this.  First, I believe that the best way to stand as a defender of marriage is to live worthy of yours and be intentional with that relationship.  When we are careful and not casual with our covenants, we show an example of why the institution of marriage is important to us.  The best way to lead is by example.

Secondly, the best way to stand as a defender of marriage is to teach your children.  Each of us is given the opportunity to raise a family here on earth.  Within these noisy and tumultuous times, there is so much information being taught.  If we don’t take the responsibility to teach our children correct principles, they will find information from other sources.

I would like to end with the blessing from President Nelson, “I bless you with protection, peace, and continual growth as you stand as disciples and defenders of the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel” (2014). 

Image result for president nelson

To read the full address, please go here:
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/russell-m-nelson/disciples-jesus-christ-defenders-of-marriage/


References:

Nelson, R. M. (n.d.). Disciples and the Defense of Marriage. Retrieved from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2015/08/disciples-and-the-defense-of-marriage?lang=eng.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Relationships with In-Laws

This week we are talking about the in-laws!!!  This is a topic that many people make jokes about and that many people struggle with.  So how do we create healthy relationships with our in-laws?  What boundaries should we set and how do we do that respectfully?  We are going to explore the answers to these in this post. When we get married, we have just covenanted to love and cleave unto our spouse and no one else.   In Genesis 2:24 it says, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave unto his wife.” The dictionary defines cleave as “to remain attached, devoted, or faithful to,” and “to remain steadfast”.   This is what is required of us when we marry someone. In “Creating Healthy Ties with In-Laws and Extended Family” by James M. Harper and Susanne Frost Olsen, they say that, “a newly married couple is to separate from the families in which they grew up. One component of separating from families of origin involves creating ...

Preparing for Marriage

I am sooo excited about the topic this week!   The topic is, (drum roll please), Preparing for marriage!!!! This information really rang true to me because this is the stage that I am currently in.   Let’s get right to it. Dating is an important aspect of eventually finding someone that you will share your life with.   Assortive Dating is the idea that you date multiple people, no strings attached, just going out and having a good time and meeting new people.   This is an important stage that many people skip.   My mom likes to call it shopping for ice cream flavors.   Everyone is different and you may think you like mint chocolate chip until you try graham canyon.   This gives you an idea of what you need in a relationship and things that you could do without. In a devotional given by Dallin H. Oaks entitled “Dating vs. Hanging Out” he explains the 3 p’s of dating: “A “date” must pass the test of three p’s:   Date must h...

FAMILY 100-- When Children Leave the Covenant Path

Hey everyone!   I wanted to talk a little bit about the heartache experienced by many families when children leave the covenant path.   This is so hard on so many people and they seek for something or someone to blame, often choosing themselves to blame.   This can be extremely harmful and dangerous to any parent when they begin to feel guilty for the choices their children have made.   In successful marriages and family, they share that: Elder Orson F. Whitney taught: The Shepherd will find his sheep. They were his before they were yours—long before he entrusted them to your care; and you cannot begin to love them as he loves them….Our Heavenly Father knows, far better than any mortal, the pain and sorrow associated with having children who exercise their moral agency to their condemnation rather than exaltation. Can there be any better parent than God? Children’s decisions may bring us sorrow, no matter how faithfully we have taught our children. I foun...