![]() In the midst of these concerning trends, we are also conscious that God’s plan is for all of His children and that God loves all of His children, everywhere. In many countries and cultures (1) the traditional family of a married mother and father and children is coming to be the exception rather than the rule, (2) the pursuit of a career instead of marriage and the bearing of children is an increasing choice of many young women, and (3) the role and perceived necessity of fathers is diminishing. 4 The median age for first marriage is now at its highest level in history: 26 for women and almost 29 for men. In America, the percentage of young adults ages 18 to 29 who are married fell from 59 percent in 1960 to 20 percent by 2010. 3 This threatens the survival of cultures and even of nations. The United States now has the lowest birthrate in its history, 2 and in many European Union nations and other developed countries, birthrates are below the level necessary to maintain their populations. Responsible sources report the following: III.īecause of what we understand about the potentially eternal role of the family, we grieve at the sharply declining numbers of births and marriages in many Western countries whose historic cultures are Christian and Jewish. We believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity. We look on marriage and the bearing and nurturing of children as part of God’s plan and a sacred duty of those given the opportunity to do so. Only this marriage will provide the approved setting for mortal birth and to prepare family members for eternal life. We know that the marriage of a man and a woman is necessary for the accomplishment of God’s plan. We know this is possible only in a family relationship. Our theology begins with heavenly parents, and our highest aspiration is to attain the fulness of eternal exaltation. We are correctly known as a family-centered church. Knowledge of God’s plan for His children gives Latter-day Saints a unique perspective on marriage and family. If we Latter-day Saints, who have been given this knowledge, do not establish our priorities in accord with this plan, we are in danger of serving other gods. The plan of salvation explains the purpose of creation and the conditions of mortality, including God’s commandments, the need for a Savior, and the vital role of mortal and eternal families. This plan, sometimes called the “great plan of happiness” ( Alma 42:8), explains our origin and destiny as children of God-where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. II.įor Latter-day Saints, God’s commandments are based on and inseparable from God’s plan for His children-the great plan of salvation. If so, our priorities have been turned upside down by the spiritual apathy and undisciplined appetites so common in our day. The question posed by the second commandment is “What is our ultimate priority?” Are we serving priorities or gods ahead of the God we profess to worship? Have we forgotten to follow the Savior who taught that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments? (see John 14:15). The principle is not whether we have other priorities. The principle is more important than individual examples. If none of these examples seems to apply to any one of us, we can probably suggest others that do. What other priorities are being “served” ahead of God by persons-even religious persons-in our day? Consider these possibilities, all common in our world: Thus we offend God when we “serve” other gods-when we have other first priorities. Its Hebrew origin means “possessing sensitive and deep feelings” ( Exodus 20:5, footnote b). Jehovah explains, “For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, … shewing mercy unto … them that love me, and keep my commandments” ( Exodus 20:5–6). More than merely forbidding physical idols, this states a fundamental priority for all time. The commandment then adds, “Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them” ( Exodus 20:5). “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing” in the heavens or the earth ( Exodus 20:4). The second of the Ten Commandments elaborates the direction to have no other gods and identifies what should be the ultimate priority in our lives as His children. ![]() Centuries later, when Jesus was asked, “Which is the great commandment in the law?” He answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” ( Matthew 22:36–37). In the first, the Lord commanded, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” ( Exodus 20:3). Given by God to the children of Israel through the prophet Moses, the first two of these commandments direct our worship and our priorities. The Ten Commandments are fundamental to the Christian and Jewish faiths.
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