THE SACRED MARRIAGE

 

Have you ever wondered why the Saviour chose the marriage metaphor for His covenant relationship with us, His Church? I think it is because there is no holier union of any individuals than that of marriage. A marriage union is one of love, sacrifice, unity and endurance. Or so it is meant to be.

Marriage in this life is a great teaching opportunity. It can help us reflect on our ‘marriage’ union with the Saviour himself. Let me explain.

We are told that if we want to get to celestial kingdom, we need to start living by its principles now. The same goes for a celestial marriage. Marriage will not make itself celestial overnight or by the wave of a magic wand when we walk through the pearly gates. A celestial marriage starts in this life and not only through the temple ceremony but through every day sacrifices, mindfulness and love.

I remember one prophet saying years ago that if each person put their marriage partner before themselves, both would win, and that marriage would be successful. If each partner is in pursuit of the other’s happiness, there would be no divorce.

However, the very opposite is unfortunately true. Often we allow our personal issues to navigate our response to our marriage partner disregarding their feelings or the effects that response would have on them. Likewise, when we are in the moment of self-gratification, we seldom think of how we are affecting God.

The same principles of a successful marriage apply to our relationship with the Saviour. He is the husband and we are the bride. We know that His pursuit is our ultimate happiness: “For behold, this is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).

Has he not ensured that already as He taught us, covenanted with us, hung on the cross for us? Is He still not ensuring that by the inexhaustible gift of forgiveness through our repentance?

I have reflected a lot this week on what I could do to make the Saviour happy. The more I thought of this marriage metaphor, the more I could see how giving up anything unworthy of my relationship with Him would not only ensure His happiness but would in turn benefit me and ensure mine too. I saw the things of this world that I was clinging to as amazingly insignificant compared to this principle.

We know when we are not in alignment with God, we are not really happy. When we are in alignment with the world or the natural man, the pay off we get from it never lasts and lack of self-respect, depression, anxiety and dissatisfaction is sure to follow.

If we suffer any of this on continual basis, we are not happy, and we are not making the Saviour happy either. He has suffered all these things for all so that we need not suffer (D&C 19:16). This is an act of a true loving husband. So what then should be the act of a true loving wife?

The wedding is at hand. Are we ready to be arrayed in a wedding garment of ‘fine linen, clean and white’? (Rev. 19:8). Are we ready to forsake spiritual Babylon and prepare ourselves to “go forth to meet the Bridegroom”??? (D&C 133:5,7,10,14). Are we worthy to be called His bride???

 

I have no life but this,

To know Thy approving glance;

To kneel at Thy feet,

To know there is a chance.

I have no life but this

To follow the path to Thy throne

To be greeted with a holy kiss,

And know the reality of such bliss.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Filling Her Lamp by Dan Burr)