BYUI FAML FPP- Finding an Eternal Companion-

Finding an Eternal Companion

How should I get married?  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a pattern that it encourages the youth to follow.  In the beginning dating should be done frequently, in groups and with many different types of good people, preferably members.  This allows a person to find the type of person they might be interested in.   Later, exclusive dating will come in to the picture.  This transition should not be entered into lightly.  It should be discussed between both partners.  This is a step that can lead to harmful circumstances, so it is important that both people are careful when coming to his decision.  In the book Successful marriages and families it says “couples will be better served by having longer periods of exclusive dating, followed by shorter engagements. The exclusive dating stage is the primary period in which to make the decision whether or not to marry someone.” An engagement gives a person the chance to confirm their marriage decision.  Last, the marriage should take place in the temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It is only here that we be sealed for time and eternity to our eternal companion.  

When is the right time to get married? We will consider prophetic counsel on the timing of marriage.  Elder Dallin H. Oaks has taught “It’s marriage time. That is what the Lord intends for His young adults sons and daughters.”  The Lord has a family ideal in mind that we should aim to achieve.  You may not see marriage in this life time but it is up to you to prepare yourself to be ready when the opportunity presents itself.  “The Lord’s servants have counseled young adults to put marriage as their highest priority in their preparations for adult life, placing it above education, career and other very important pursuit.” This advice does not intend for the youth to rush to marriage but rather to not put it off. 

Who should I marry? While the world would have you marry your soul mate the church would have you marry an eternal companion.  An eternal companion is a person that is worthy to take to the temple and that you can be sealed to for all time and eternity. We desire an eternal marriage because of the commitment and because of the Christ like attitude that should accompany your prospective spouse. (2) Elder Bruce C.Hafen of the seventy says, “Contract companions each give 50 percent; covenantcompanions each give 100 percent.” (1) This is the type of person that we should seek to marry.