This I was able to read and was impressed by the counsel and information that was given from Elder Bednar in his address "Marriage is Essential to His Eternal Plan" Ensign June 2006. He emphasizes the points of the Plan of Salvation and how the pattern of husband and wife is not merely a social custom, but one that has been designed by our Father in order for us to grow and become like He is. Elder Bednar mentions that a man and a woman are intended to progress TOGETHER towards exhalation. Each member contributes differently but equally to achieving oneness and unity- BOTH are needed, for one completes and complements the other. SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PLAN!
The guiding principles that Elder Bednar gives in order for us to understand more completely how marriage is essential to Heavenly Father's plan for us are given below:
1) THE IMPORTANCE OF ETERNAL MARRIAGE CAN BE UNDERSTOOD ONLY WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE FATHERS PLAN OF HAPPINESS.
2) SATAN DESIRE THAT ALL MEN MIGHT BE MISERABLE LIKE HE IS.
*Knowing the intents of the enemy can help us to prepare against his attacks. What is my role in protecting marriage?
3) THE UTMOST BLESSINGS OF LOVE AND MARRIAGE ARE OBTAINED THROUGH COVENANT RELATIONSHIP OF ETERNAL MARRAIGE.
I was asked to also look up the definition of the word ORDAIN. If marriage is ORDAINED of GOD, then it is set apart, it has been decreed, selected or appointed and also conferred holy orders upon. One of the definitions stated: to invest someone with sacerdotal functions or to enact. I can see more clearly how this word emphasizes the importance of what God has intended marriage between a man and a woman to be.
Throughout this week I have thought more about how I can implement and be able to stand up for marriage as I realize the eternal significance of what marriage means to God and to me.
