Several weeks ago I posted a quote from Elder Neil L.
Anderson on Facebook about the Lord’s definition of marriage.
“This
past month the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve published a letter
to leaders of the Church across the world. In part it read: ‘Changes in the
civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has established.
God expects us to uphold and keep His commandments regardless of divergent
opinions or trends in society. His law of chastity is clear: sexual relations
are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded
as husband and wife . . . .’
“While
many governments and well-meaning individuals have redefined marriage, the Lord
has not. In the very beginning, God initiated marriage between a man and a
woman—Adam and Eve. He designated the purposes of marriage to go far beyond the
personal satisfaction and fulfillment of adults to, more importantly, advancing
the ideal setting for children to be born, reared, and nurtured.” (Spiritual Whirlwinds).
I
commented on how every time I’ve read this, the Holy Ghost has confirmed to me of
its truthfulness.
Overall,
the feedback I received was positive, except for one person who commented on
how human rights aren’t trends. A link
was shared regarding a study done on children of same-sex parents. The article states, “Children of same-sex couples fare better
when it comes to physical health and social well-being than children in
the general population . . .”
I disregarded
this study. Here is why.
In the spring of
2012 I was assigned to do two research argumentative papers on one
controversial issue. One paper was to be
for the issue, and the other against. I
decided to research how children fared when raised by heterosexual parents and how
they fared when raised by homosexual parents.
I found this researching
topic extremely frustrating.
Usually when researching
a topic, most research tends to lean toward one conclusion, with a few researches
leaning toward the other side.
This was not the
case.
I found many
articles and researches that claimed children raised by heterosexual couples fared
far better than those raised by homosexual couples. On other hand, I found just as many articles
and researches that claimed the opposite: those children raised by homosexual
couples didn’t fare worse, or even fared better than those raised by
heterosexual couples.
While writing
these papers I couldn’t disregard the research that claimed children raised by homosexual
couples did just fine. Nor could I
disregard the research that said children develop better when raised by
heterosexual parents.
One could feel
like Joseph Smith when he said, “In the midst of
this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be
done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If
any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?” (JS-H1:10)
Fortunately, I
didn’t feel like this. I knew where I
stood, and no amount of research was going to persuade me.
I believe there
is a living prophet on this earth today, just like there were prophets in the
Old Testament times. A prophet’s purpose
is to guide God’s children, teaching them His laws and commandments.
God’s word was
revealed to prophets such as Adam, Moses, Abraham, Daniel, and Isaiah. They told the will and laws of God to the
people. God just didn’t love those who
lived thousands of years ago. He loves
his children so much He has given us a prophet today.
Today! As in 2014!
There are also
twelve apostles, just like Christ had when He walked the earth.
IN 2014!!!
God has not left
His children to rely on imperfect research, and imperfect human ideas and
opinions. He has a mouthpiece on this
earth that speaks for Him.
Thomas S. Monson has
been called to be God’s prophet today.
He, his two counselors, and the twelve apostles are God’s prophets,
seers, and revelators.
In the midst of
all the research I pored over for my paper, I relied on what the prophets have
said about marriage and family to formulate my own opinion. “We . . . declare
that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed
only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.. . . Children
are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father
and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.” (The Family: AProclamation to the World).
To me that
clearly states marriage, as defined by God, is between a man and a wife. It is a child’s right, in the eyes of God,
that a father and mother raise them.
Are these ideas
old fashioned? Yes. If enforced everywhere would there be people
saying their rights are being taken away?
Yes. Do God’s laws change? No.
These may be
old-fashioned ideas, and I know people will think me a hater (of which I am
not) because of my beliefs, but these old fashioned ideas are God’s law. Just as God revealed his law to the
Israelites through prophets, He has revealed them today through prophets. And just as people rejected His law in Old
and New Testament times, they reject them today.
When studies of
man are contradicting, when issues in government, or in the world, or even in
the community or my family arise—I look to God’s prophets for guidance.
What is God’s law
on abortion? Or what does He say about lying? Or murder?
Or even our personal health? God
has revealed all of these things to His children through His prophets.
I love the words
of a primary song,
“Now we have a
world where people are confused.
“If you don’t
believe it, go and watch the new.
“We can get
direction all along our way,
“If we heed the
prophets—follow what they say.”
We do not have to
walk in darkness. Though at times I
personally wonder why He gives a certain commandment, I know that He is all
powerful, He sees the beginning from the end, He, through Christ, created this
world. I don’t want to base my opinions
off of man’s research. I want to base them
off of God’s word, because I know it’s 100% true.
I am so grateful the Lord has given His children a prophet
to guide us in a world full of confusion.
I know President Monson is that prophet today. God created all His children, and loves them
all equally. I am grateful for this
love. God has commanded us to love
everyone regardless of what they believe, and how they choose to live. I hope to live this commandment, and try to
everyday.
God lives. He loves
us. He has given us a prophet “Who guides us in these latter days.”
 |
| President Thomas S. Monson |
