Ready for Eternal Marriage?
Here are five ways to prepare as a youth.
When I’d been married only two weeks, I almost burned our apartment down. I was making toast when suddenly our brand-new toaster burst into flames.
While I stood there in shock, my new husband took action. He ran the toaster outside and dumped it upside down. Along with my blackened toast, out came … a thoroughly toasted instruction manual. Oops.
Thankfully, you don’t need to be perfect at making toast (or at anything else) to be ready for eternal marriage. But there are a few simple things you can do to prepare, as a youth, right now.
If you think eternal marriage doesn’t apply to you yet, keep reading anyway. Yes, marriage may be a few years away. But marriage and family are central to Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness—in other words, they’re really, really important. Check out these five ideas and start preparing now.
1. Improve Your Relationships
How are your relationships with your parents and siblings? If you just cringed a little, this might be something to work on. You can also work on your relationships with other people. Branch out! Talk to someone new, even someone of … the opposite sex. The more you practice relationship skills, the easier it will be when you start dating seriously.
2. Strive to Keep the Law of Chastity
For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices says: “Because sexual feelings are so sacred and so powerful, God has given you His law of chastity to prepare you to use these feelings as He intends. The law of chastity states that God approves of sexual activity only between a man and a woman who are married” ([2022], 23). Striving to keep the law of chastity will prepare you for a more meaningful marriage relationship.
3. Consider Serving a Mission
I served a mission in Guadalajara, Mexico. Living with a companion 24/7 was tough sometimes and prepared me for future relationships. I also grew spiritually. President Russell M. Nelson has said: “I reaffirm strongly that the Lord has asked every worthy, able young man to prepare for and serve a mission. … For you young and able sisters, a mission is also a powerful, but optional, opportunity.” If you want to serve but aren’t sure if you’re physically or mentally able, talk to your bishop about options that fit your circumstances, including service missions.
4. Go to the Temple
You knew the temple was the place to be, but did you know that it can help you prepare for eternal marriage? As you participate in temple baptisms (and, later, other ordinances), you’ll be blessed with God’s power to help you, including in dating and marriage. Serving your ancestors in the temple also prepares you to serve your future spouse (trust me—in marriage, service is essential). And staying worthy of a temple recommend and keeping your covenants will prepare you to be sealed in the temple in the covenant of eternal marriage someday.
5. Repent Each Day
Besides almost burning the house down, I’ve made lots of mistakes since getting married. But because of Jesus Christ, that’s OK! In marriage, no one is perfect. You won’t be perfect now, either. Just keep trying to follow the Savior and repenting along the way. As you do, Heavenly Father will prepare you, help you, and guide you. Once you do get married, keep working to improve. Luckily eternal marriage is just that—eternal. You and your spouse can keep repenting and progressing together toward eternal life.