Covenant or Contract Marriage? Lesson 4


Wolves of Society
In most religions today Jesus Christ is known as the "Good Shepherd," watching over us as his flock. It is fitting that we can easily pin the adversary as the wolves who are trying to prey on the innocent in our flock. In a talk given by Elder Bruce C. Hafen of the Seventy he mentions three different types of wolves that are apparent in marriages. They are the wolf of natural adversity, the wolf of their own imperfections, and the wolf of excessive individualism. The interesting thing to note is that this talk was given in 1996, but we can see the application of these principles continue to plague marriages even more than twenty years later. 
The article really points out the difference between a covenant marriage and a contract marriage. We all know people around us who readily accept contract marriages and think it is not a big deal to separate. However, when we look at the problems in society today, we can usually link it back to families and where do families start? With a marriage. So, what kind of marriage to do you have or do you want to have? Do you think it is important to know?

Living a Covenant Marriage
We have been taught by church leaders the importance of a strong covenant, marital bond. In thinking about this talk and the ever-present wolves I think the most prevalent wolf in our society is the wolf of excessive individualism. In today's world there is so much me, me, me that happens. I think that the other two can fall in as a part of this wolf as well. Either of the other two wolves can rear their heads if individualism takes over. When we look inward, we only see our own problems but when we look outward and see the needs of our spouses then we can help and assist in building each other up together. In my own marriage we have had many ups and downs, disappointments and mistrust. I think however that as I have turned to the Lord and allowed me to see my husband as he does it has helped our marriage.

Elder Hafen warns us that, "Many people today marry as hirelings. And when the wolf comes, they flee.This idea is wrong. It curses the earth, turning parents’ hearts away from their children and from each other."

Keep the Wolves Out
As we humble ourselves and recognize the wolves when they creep in then we are more likely to be strong and live a covenant marriage. Satan's biggest goal is to break up marriages which in turn destroy families, all because of jealousy. Jealous because he knows he will never have a body united with his spirit and be able to make the covenants we are able to make. Decide today what kind of marriage you wish to have, contract or covenant? Decide today to fortify your marriage and family against the wolves of society who stand ready to inflict havoc at any moment.

file:///C:/Users/home%20pc/Downloads/faml300_document_covenantMarriageHafen.pdf (1 like)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Managing Conflict Lesson 9

When I read Elder Lynn G. Robbins talk titled “Agency and Anger” from the 1998 General Conference there were three different quotes that stood out to me. Stirring  Up Contention He damages and often destroys families within the walls of their own homes. His strategy is to stir up  anger  between family members. Satan is the “father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with  anger,  one with another” (3 Ne. 11:29). The verb  stir  sounds like a recipe for disaster: Put tempers on medium heat, stir in a few choice words, and bring to a boil; continue stirring until thick; cool off; let feelings chill for several days; serve cold; lots of leftovers. Satan will try anything to destroy families. He knows their role and the importance they are to Heavenly Father. Families are eternal and Satan has given up the right to have that and so he doesn’t want anyone else to have it either. So often I have let little problems become b...
Read more

Being United Lesson 12

Unity in the Gospel In our desire to be united as couples, families and saints we can turn to the Lord for direction. We can learn the importance and skills necessary from gospel principles. In a talk by Henry B. Eyring titled, "That We May Be One" he tells about different ways that we can learn and train ourselves in being united. He teaches us that by living close to the Spirit and being worthy of it helps us to be united with the Lord and be one in purpose. We find this throughout the gospel, in so many cases we are united in purpose. Elder Eyring also gave a warning against pride which is an easy destroyer of unity. When we let the small prideful things get in the way we might be left with hurt and disappoint. Elder Eyring said, “ A unity which comes to a family or to a people softened by the Spirit will bring great power. With that power will come recognition from the world. Whether that recognition brings praise or envy, it could lead us to pride. That would offend...
Read more