[Original photo credit: Bobjgalindo CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0, via Wikimedia Commons]

Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

A children’s hymn talks of the possibilities:

I have a family here on earth.
They are so good to me.
I want to share my life with them through all eternity.
While I am in my early years,
I’ll prepare most carefully,
So I can marry in God’s temple for eternity.

[Chorus]
Families can be together forever
Through Heavenly Father’s plan.
I always want to be with my own family,
And the Lord has shown me how I can.
The Lord has shown me how I can.

In temples we are bound more specifically to Christ-like attributes by committing to keep covenants we have made there…one being the covenant of marriage and family.  Some of these necessary attributes are described by the Apostle Peter: (2 Peter 1:4-8)

 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A marriage brings blessings and challenges not heretofore experienced.  If we can apply Christ-like attributes, in accordance with temple covenants, an eternal relationship will develop that can overcome all problems.

When difficulties and challenges come into our lives, as they will, the sacred ordinances and covenants of the temple can help us.  Disagreements are inevitable in marriage, but if we can “disagree without being disagreeable,” we can work things out.

“The story is told that reporters were interviewing a man on his birthday. He had reached an advanced age. They asked him how he had done it.

He replied, “When my wife and I were married we determined that if we ever got in a quarrel one of us would leave the house. I attribute my longevity to the fact that I have breathed good fresh air throughout my married life.”  (Slow to Anger, Gordon B. Hinckley, October 2007 General Conference)

If we can have patience and avoid saying things that are hurtful–go for a brief walk, or ‘count to ten’ before something is said that cannot be recalled–we will better approach the Christ-like relationship.

The temple marriage/sealing ordinance and related covenants give us great encouragement to solve problems, rather than to give up.  The knowledge that the Savior is on our side and that through the Atonement He can lighten our burdens can be a great comfort.

I know that our Father in Heaven loves us and wants all to return to Him.  He sent His Son to facilitate that return, and has provided the sacred ordinances and covenants of the temple to help us on our way.

David W. Dibb
Scientist and Association Executive: Soil Chemistry/Fertility and Plant Nutrition
Married to my sweetheart Vivian for almost 46 years
4 wonderful children, 7 even better grandchildren
2 missions: North Argentina; South Africa Durban
15 years of temple service and counting
(Highest credential of honor:  My dad)

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Click here to read a complete version of The Family: A Proclamation to the World. The celebration will continue from Sept 17-30.

Remember that during the world-wide-web Family Proclamation Celebration, you can read more posts every day at We Talk of Christ, at Chocolate on My Cranium, and at Middle-Aged Mormon Man.

Every time you leave a comment on any of the Proclamation posts or participate in any of the Blog Hops, you are entered in a drawing to win a giveaway prize.

← The giveaway this week is a Dream Big Family Rules Subway Art sign from Landee on Etsy. “One of the reasons we love to create things for our homes is because our favorite people live there! We love our families and want them to be in a happy & healthy environment. We always try to create products that are positive, motivating and uplifting. Stop by our shop and find that special detail for your home that you’ve been looking for!“