Anchor in Society

Does marriage really matter? I have always grown up knowing marriage is important though as a youth I’m not sure I knew the true importance of it until now. In an ever-shifting world of moral values, more than ever before we must take a stand for what we know to be true. In the Proclamation to the Family we read, “The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.” When I read the word essential, I tune in. Air is essential to our lungs. Blood is essential to our heart. Water, food, shelter. All of these are basic essentials are needed for survival. Our loving Heavenly Father gave us the gift of marriage and families. Without marriage, children, families and society suffers. In the Primary song, The Family is of God written by Matthew Neely, the chorus beautifully reminds us of His plan. “God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be—“ Reaching our full potential begins with marriage between a man and woman.

Where is our strength? In the article The Divine Institution of Marriage we read, “Strong, stable families, headed by a father and mother, are the anchor of society. “ That statement provides a good visual for me. An unmoving anchor is defined as a family containing a father and a mother. The important role marriage plays in society is overlooked and underplayed. It’s not just a role in society, it is the role. Marriage is a key player in providing the stability and safety individuals need to thrive. Looking at the above anchor provides even more clarification. The family is balanced with a mother and father and they are indeed equals. Think of an anchored boat close to the shore and the boat is representing society. In the water, the boat is ever moving, shifting and changing positions, just like the opinions and morals of the world today. Millions of families, led by a father and mother, work together to stay safe on the shore.

How do we move forward? The last statement in The Proclamation to the family issues a charge for each one of us. “We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.” It is our responsibility as members of the church and members of society to use our voice and vote to support marriage and eliminate threats that take away the important union of man and woman.