Defenders of Marriage

When we talk about being ‘Defenders of Marriage’ I think of being ‘Disciples of Christ’. I think it is first important to understand what being a Disciple of Christ is. I love this message given by Sister Sheri L. Dew, “At the heart of becoming disciples is doingwhat we promise to do every time we partake of the sacrament - which is to “always remember” the Lord (see Moroni 4:3; 5:2). This means remembering Him when we choose what media we’re willing to expose our spirits to. It means remembering Him in how we spend our time and when choosing between a steady diet of pop culture or the Word of God. It means remembering Him in the middle of conflict or when temptation looms. It means remembering Him when critics attack His Church and mock truth. It means remembering that we have taken His name upon us. (Mosiah 5:7).”

We do live in very confusing times. Our youth seem to be experiencing pressure to identify who they are. By identifying they mean are you straight, gay, bi, etc. I have made it a point to talk to my girls at home and in Young Women’s class that the only thing they need to worry about identifying with is that they are Daughters of God. This is a great topic that leads right into talking about their Divine Nature.

Russell M. Nelson stated, “Social and political pressures to change marriage laws are resulting in practices contrary to God’s will regarding the eternal nature and purposes of marriage.” We need to stand strong and defend marriage and what it stands for. We need to protect the children and give then the chance to be able to have a mother and a father in their life. We all have different experiences and connections with those that are gay, and whatever that experience is we need to continue to defend marriage, but in a Christ like way. We should not be mean or hate and we need to choose our words carefully. We also need to remember that whatever choices people make, we need to love them, just as Christ does.