It is the most important decision of your life.
It is the most important day of your life.
It is the most important part of your life.
All these statements are true.
There is no denying the fact that the decision of who you will marry will define and direct the course of your life and for eternity more than any other decision that you will make.
The day that you enter the Temple and are sealed for Time and For All Eternity as President Packer put it is the most important day in your life, (see "Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple," page 15.) because it is the day that you got married, it is the day you started your own Eternal Family Unit.
Marriage becomes the most important part of your life. After God, your number one priority is your spouse.
At first glance, these phrases on what is expected about marriage can be daunting and overwhelming, but I promise you it is all worth it. I hope that this will be a short message of hope. I hope this message brings some understanding to why this great step in your life is of most importance and not to be taken lightly. I hope that as I talk about these things you will remember our conversation on the four pillars and how they are highly essential for your marriage.
Consider also as we talk, the analogy of a sure foundation to a marriage. When I was in the MTC one of my instructors used this example in relation to the family. He asked all of us about what our dream home would look like. Many of the missionaries talked about the interior of the house, myself included. Then there was one missionary who said, "I can't build anything in or outside of my house without having a secure foundation first." The dynamic changed in that class.To build a strong and beautiful home, there has to be a strong foundation. If your foundation isn't strong it (your home, marriage, family) won't survive.
The Most Important of Decisions
President M. Russell Ballard said, "If you marry the right person, at the right time, and in the right place you need not fear." (M. Russell Ballard, "The Greatest Generation of Young Adults." April 2015 General Conference.) When you think about what that means my young friends you get a closer look into the eternal perspective. These keys to getting married are assurances about your ultimate decision. The right person, at the right time, and in the right place. The right person you will find through sincere preparation. The right time will be dictated by the Lord. And the right place without a doubt is His Holy House.
My friends, I know that this decision weighs heavily on your souls, but with all the power of my soul I testify that with the Lord on your side and as you seek righteously and do your part, you will find that person that you will build eternity with. There is no greater decision other than choosing Christ, that will help your reach Eternity with the Most High. One of my mission presidents said to me, "The engagement should not be a surprise to either of you, this is to be discussed between you and your potential spouse. What should be a surprise is how you propose." I believe that, and I would invite you to just take what you may from that counsel. This decision to be married is to be taken care of prayerfully and seriously. As you find each other, get to know one another, learn from one another, and make the necessary preparations to commit to one another and be loyal to one another, basic foundations will be practiced and nurtured as you head into marriage. Some of these foundations are learning to make decisions together, learning to plan together, and learning to problem solve together. These few examples are of your first transitions into marriage, and practices that will continue after your are married.
I would encourage you to consider these examples as you plan for your wedding, (specifically for your sealing), and as you plan for marriage. Understand that yes your families are important and they can help you make the necessary preparations for your wedding, but this is your wedding, you are responsible to take charge. This should be your vision and executed with help from your respective family members. You are building a bond between you and your future spouse, this should not be hindered by anyone else.
The Most Important Day of Your Life
Because of the sacredness of the Temple we do not speak of the sacred covenants and sacred ceremonies performed therein. I encourage you to study the scriptures and discourses from living Prophets and Apostles on the subject. Preparation for this sacred occasion should be your primary concern, not your reception. At the reception it is an opportunity to spend time with families and well-wishers. It is to be a fun time, and a memorable time in your life, but is should not be your primary focus. The most important part of that day is when you two become an Eternal Family Unit. This sacred occasion is beyond anything you can ever dream of. The reason this becomes the most important day of your life, it is because it is the day you and your spouse have covenanted to shape and build eternity together. It is the most important day because you come together, and from then on it is about the two of of you becoming one. It isn't about the one or the other. Together you will face life's struggles and trials. Together you will shape the future. Together you will partake of the blessings and joys that come only through the bonds of marriage the Lord has established. Together you will become one. Together you will raise a family. Together is how you will make it to your Eternal Home. This is the day you come together, to become one. Remember also, that this is accomplished with the Lord, and a successful marriage is accomplished with the Lord. It is not easy, but it is worth it. It is wonderful.
It is The Most Important Part of Your Life
The Wedding is the sacred event that begins your marriage. Marriage is the great school of Eternity, for it prepares you for Eternity ahead. In marriage there will be adjustments as significant of how to organize your home, your bathroom, and to have a clean house. Great adjustments such as having and raising children will come to your life. A spouse's job and work will be part of an adjustment. Finances become an important adjustment. This is an important one become it no longer becomes "your money" or "my money", it becomes "our money." How to create boundaries with your families and friends becomes a major adjustment. Mutual decision making also becomes part of your marriage adjustments.
Do you remember the counsel from President Ballard, "If you marry the right person, at the right time, and in the right place you need not fear"? You need not fear your life together. With the Lord, everything will work out as long as we listen to Him and do our part.
I wish to share more with you, and go deeper into these subjects. I hope that as you have pondered these words, that the Spirit has taught you, and some clarity has come to your hearts. I know that Marriage is the most important part of life. It is a time of growing and learning to become like our Heavenly Father. It is of most importance and of most worth. Remember this wisdom, "Choose your love; love your choice." (Thomas S. Monson, "Priesthood Power". April 2011 General Conference). And to that person be absolutely faithful and loyal.
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