In June of 2015, The Supreme Court of the United States issued its ruling on same-sex marriage. In ruling that same-sex marriage is lawful, the majority says: “No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were” (OBERGEFELL V. HODGES). These principles are certainly true, but what the majority of lawyers on the Supreme Court failed to recognize is that marriage is ordained of God. It’s His institution and He therefore expects all of his sons and daughters to follow His law.
In an address given to BYU students at the August 2014 commencement, President Russel M. Nelson says, “Marriage was not created by human judges or legislators. It was not created by think tanks or by popular vote or by oft-quoted bloggers or by pundits. It was not created by lobbyists. Marriage was created by God!” (Nelson). Marriage between a man and a woman who are lawfully married was instituted in the beginning with Adam and Eve. God has not changed, nor will He change, His law regarding marriage. It is an eternal law with glorious eternal rewards if we live righteously, keep His commandments, and observe all of our covenants.
One of the purposes of marriage is to establish an eternal family. The Proclamation on the Family states, “The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife” (“The Family: A Proclamation To The World”). If we are blessed with children, then our obligation to them is to teach them the importance of family life and the potential of having their family intact in the world to come. Families can be eternal, but only within the bounds the Lord has set for us while on earth.
Happiness and joy in this life can last forever if we follow God’s laws. In the Book of Mormon, we learn of the term “plan of happiness” from Alma as he describes God’s plan on for us (Alma 42:8,16). This type of happiness transcends death, pain, trials, and tribulations that all families encounter because they turn to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for direction and peace. The direction that we have received from them regarding marriage is clear. As long as we abide by their precepts, we will be happy and have joy in this life and the life to come.
I see same-sex marriage as an institution that offers little hope after we die. Because marriage is ordained of God, same-sex marriages will be dissolved upon death with no opportunity for that union to continue in the next life. It grieves my heart to know that families established in same-sex unions will not continue. Happiness in this life is nothing compared to the incomprehensible joy that we can have in the next. I want that for all of God’s children.
In the same BYU address, President Nelson says, “Disciples of the Lord are defenders of marriage” (Nelson). It’s imperative that Christians everywhere, myself included, denounce same-sex marriage as an institution. Note that I mentioned the institution of marriage. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I can be bold in my assertions, but I must show kindness and love to all of God’s children.
Most of the people who will enter into a same-sex relationship and get married have not received the truth. Although I strongly believe that The Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage is wrong and is contrary to God’s law and will, I don’t need to condemn those who make that choice. God has ordained men on earth to be His voice. That’s their responsibility. Instead, I can share God’s plan of happiness with all I come in contact with and allow them to learn and act for themselves. I can be a disciple of Christ and bear testimony of truth.
It’s true that marriage “embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family.” (OBERGEFELL V. HODGES). But the greater truth is “that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God” (“The Family: A Proclamation To The World”). I know that families can be together forever if we accept God’s will for us and follow His commandments. It can be difficult. It takes unwavering commitment and willing sacrifice, but the joy that comes from having an eternal family is worth it.
Works Cited
Nelson, Russell M. “Disciples Of Jesus Christ-Defenders Of Marriage”. BYU Speeches, 2014, https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/russell-m-nelson_disciples-jesus-christ-defenders-of-marriage/. Accessed 23 Jan 2019.
“The Family: A Proclamation To The World”. Lds.Org, 2019, https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng&old=true. Accessed 23 Jan 2019.
The Supreme Court of the United States. OBERGEFELL V. HODGES. 14–556, 2015, p. 33.
Forever And A Day 