Becoming One

              

             As I have been learning about marriage this year, I have learned many things. Including many reasons why marriage is important. And many of the reasons were ones I've heard. And while they are very important and helpful one of the most important things I have learned is that marriage is given and required of us to perfect us. The Lord instituted marriage because he knew that it was the perfect way to refine and perfect us and prepare us to return to him. One way that we are perfected and refined is by "becoming one". 

              President Henry B. Eyring talks about this in his talk titled That We May Be One. He says, "The ministry of the apostles and prophets in that day, as it is today, was to bring the children of Adam and Eve to a unity of the faith in Jesus Christ. The ultimate purpose of what they taught, and of what we teach, is to unite families: husbands, wives, children, grandchildren, ancestors, and finally all of the family of Adam and Eve who will choose it"

          This unification he is teaching about is so important and I believe it begins in a family with the parents and the example they set within their marriage for their children. So how can we become one within our marriage or families? The world gives so many self-help books and techniques, all of which are great resources. Yet when listening to President Eyring speak of unifying our families and becoming one he gave such a simple powerful answer. One that touched my heart. He spoke of the Holy Ghost being the sanctifier, and that truth brings unification. He then explains why this works by saying, "Where people have that Spirit with them, we may expect harmony. The Spirit puts the testimony of truth in our hearts, which unifies those who share that testimony. The Spirit of God never generates contention (see 3 Ne. 11:29

 (Links to an external site.)). It never generates the feelings of distinctions between people which lead to strife (see Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 13th ed. [1963], 131). It leads to personal peace and a feeling of union with others. It unifies souls. A unified family, a unified Church, and a world at peace depend on unified souls." 

         I believe one of the best ways we can strengthen or prepare for marriage is by allowing the Lord to perfect and refine us. And then by becoming one. Becoming one with God, which in turn enables us to become one with our spouse. 

References:

 Eyring, H.B. (1998).That We May Be One. Ensign, May 1998

https://www.lds.org/study/ensign/1998/05/that-we-may-be-one.p16?lang=eng (Links to an external site.)