FAMILY 100--Eternal Families

The Eternal Family: The single most important thing in this world and in the world to come.  It is so easy to overlook this fact and the fact that so many things get placed in front of it.  Eternal families begin with the most crucial step: marriage, more specifically a sealing in the temple.

In the book “Successful Marriages and Families” by A.J. Hawkins, he states, “President Joseph Fielding Smith said, “Marriage according to the law of the Church is the most holy and sacred ordinance. It will bring to the husband and the wife, if they abide in their covenants, the fullness of exaltation in the kingdom of God” (Smith, 1955, p. 84)." (2012, p. 347).

There is a very distinct difference between covenantal and contractual marriage. It is important to note this difference and the quality of effort that is put in, Bruce C. Hafen (2005, p. 76–77) clarified the nature of a covenant relationship by contrasting it with a contractual relationship: When troubles come, the parties to a contractual marriage seek happiness by walking away. They marry to obtain benefits and will stay only as long as they’re receiving what they bargained for. But when troubles come to a covenant marriage, the husband and wife work them through. They marry to give and to grow, bound by covenants to each other, to the community, and to God. Contract companions each give 50 percent. But covenant companions each give 100 percent. Enough and to spare. Each gives enough to cover any shortfall by the other." (Hawkins, 2012, p. 28)

To really invest in a covenantal marriage, we must give 100 percent at all times.  It is a crucial component of a successful and happy marriage. 

Another important aspect of a successful marriage is the fact that husband and wife are equal partners in all things.

As we have seen, the family proclamation’s exhortation to equal partnership in marriage does not mean that husband and wife are identical, but it does mean that in a very real and meaningful sense they must stand as equals before each other to find the joy that is their heritage in marriage. (Hawkins, 2012, p. 44)

I love that this points out the distinct difference between being identical and being equal.  It brings new light and understanding to the idea that we must be equal partners.

I know that as we make and keep sacred temple covenants and work with the Lord to love and care for our spouse and family, we will find many blessings and an abundance of happiness.

References:

Hawkins, A. J., Dollahite, D. C., & Draper, T. (2012). Successful marriages and families: proclamation principles and research perspectives. Provo, UT: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.