Blog Post 1: Laying the Foundation: Young Adulthood and Pathways to Eternal Marriage


"Laying the Foundation: Young Adulthood and Pathways to Eternal Marriage"

Entering young adulthood is a transformative period filled with significant life decisions that shape our future. Among these, preparing for eternal marriage stands as one of the most critical. The teachings of The Family: A Proclamation to the World emphasize the importance of this preparation by outlining the divine roles of men and women within the family unit. This blog post will explore how young adults can lay a strong foundation for eternal marriage by embracing these roles, fostering spiritual growth, and actively preparing for the sacred covenants of temple marriage.

Understanding Divine Roles in Young Adulthood:

The Family: A Proclamation to the World teaches that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children." As young adults, recognizing our divine roles as sons and daughters of God is crucial in preparing for the responsibilities of marriage and family life. Men are given the responsibility to preside over their families in love and righteousness, to provide the necessities of life, and to protect their families. Women are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. However, these roles are not meant to limit but to guide us in fulfilling our potential in complementary ways.

During young adulthood, embracing these roles means developing qualities such as humility, patience, faith, and a deep commitment to the Lord's commandments. It involves a conscious effort to align our lives with the teachings of the Savior, Jesus Christ, who provides the ultimate example of love and service. By cultivating these Christlike attributes, we become better prepared to enter into and uphold the sacred covenants associated with temple marriage.

The Importance of Spiritual Preparation:

Spiritual preparation is essential in the journey toward eternal marriage. The decisions made during young adulthood have lasting impacts, making it a crucial time to build a strong spiritual foundation. Regular prayer, scripture study, and participation in church activities help fortify our faith and bring us closer to the Lord. Developing a habit of personal righteousness not only prepares us for the responsibilities of marriage but also strengthens our ability to receive personal revelation and guidance from the Holy Ghost.

Temple preparation is another vital aspect of this process. The temple is the house of the Lord, where sacred covenants are made that bind families together for eternity. As young adults, it is important to understand the significance of these covenants and prepare ourselves to make and keep them. This involves living a life of worthiness, including keeping the law of chastity, paying tithing, and being honest in all our dealings. By doing so, we can enter the temple with a pure heart, ready to make covenants that will bless us and our future families.

Practical Steps for Preparing for Eternal Marriage:

  1. Engage in Self-Reflection: Regularly assess your spiritual progress and personal development. Consider how your choices align with the teachings of the gospel and the qualities you want to bring into a future marriage.

  2. Seek Spiritual Guidance: Pray for direction in your dating relationships and decisions about marriage. The Lord knows the desires of your heart and will guide you to a righteous companion who will help you achieve your eternal goals.

  3. Prioritize Temple Preparation: Make temple attendance and preparation a priority. If you have not yet received your endowment, speak with your bishop about the steps you can take to prepare. If you have received your endowment, make regular temple worship a part of your life.

  4. Foster Healthy Relationships: Build relationships based on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to live the gospel. Look for a partner who will support your spiritual growth and with whom you can build a Christ-centered home.

  5. Learn from Others: Seek out the counsel of those who have successfully navigated the path to eternal marriage. This could include parents, church leaders, or married friends who can offer insights and advice based on their experiences.

Preparing for eternal marriage during young adulthood is a journey that requires intentionality, spiritual growth, and a commitment to living according to the Lord’s plan. By understanding and embracing our divine roles, prioritizing spiritual preparation, and taking practical steps toward readiness, we lay a strong foundation for a future filled with the blessings of a Christ-centered marriage and family. Remember, the choices you make today are shaping the kind of spouse and parent you will become. Let the teachings of the Proclamation guide you in making those choices with wisdom and faith.

Call to Action:

As you reflect on your own journey toward eternal marriage, consider the steps you are taking to prepare yourself spiritually and emotionally. What qualities are you developing that will help you fulfill your divine roles in marriage? How are you prioritizing temple preparation? I invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s support one another in building strong foundations for the eternal marriages and families we hope to create.

Resource: Hawkins, Alan J., et al. Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives. BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, 2016.

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