Did you know that all the way back in 1977, President Kimball outlined a "never-failing formula" for every couple to build a successful, satisfying, and eternal marriage? Read it for yourself!
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President Spencer W. Kimball was the prophet of my youth and during the emergence of my personal testimony. I love him, and trust his counsel still. He and his sweet wife, Camilla, have (yes, I say that in present tense) a beautiful marriage. I enjoyed watching them together. So when he spoke on marriage, I listened. In anaddress titled “Oneness In Marriage”, this beloved prophet made this hope-filled promise:
“There is a never-failing formula which will guarantee to every couple a happy and eternal marriage; but like all formulas, the principal ingredients must not be left out, reduced, or limited.” [1]
“Never failing formula… guarantee… every couple… happy and eternal marriage”. Does he have your attention? He did mine. And I’m going to share with you this formula for creating the kind of marriage you dreamed of as a young woman, and now as an adult you have the power to create, now. It’s short, simple and uncomplicated; though, because we’re human, not always easy.
First,
“There Must Be the Proper Approach to Marriage”
“We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim 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.” [2]
Marriage is the beginning step towards a family; which unit is central to God’s plan for our happiness in both this life and in the eternities. When this is understood it should help us take very seriously this sacred institution and the choosing of a companion for it.
Lead image fromLDS.org.
For more on this topic, check out Elder Robbins' Love Is a Choice: Making Your Marriage and Family Stronger or Dr. Stephen R. Covey and Sandra Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Marriage.
We all know that actions speak louder than words. We may say “I love you,” but do our actions back up that claim? In Love Is a Choice, Elder Lynn G. Robbins teaches us that love is more than a feeling — it is a commitment, a promise to be responsible, respectful, and responsive to the needs and experiences of other. And like any other action we undertake, perfecting the act of love requires a lifetime of practice and good choices.
