Defenders of Marriage

Today it seems that marriage is constantly attacked and ridiculed.  Celebrities are idolized for having children and adopting children outside of marriage.  People are living together before marriage and getting married at later years, if even at all.  Having children before marriage is so commonplace that shows such as, "16 and Pregnant," are aired on popular channels.  

As Disciples of Jesus Christ, we have covenanted to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ and always remember Him.  What does that entail to take His name upon us?  I think Russell M. Nelson lays it out perfectly in his address to BYU Graduates titled, "Disciples of Jesus Christ-Defenders of Marriage."

"The day is gone when you can be a quiet and comfortable Christian. Your religion is not just about showing up for church on Sunday. It is about showing up as a true disciple from Sunday morning through Saturday night—24/7! There is no such thing as a 'part-time' disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus invited anyone who wants to be His disciple to take up His cross and follow Him.  Are you ready to join the ranks?"

We can't really call ourselves disciples of Christ if we attend church but don't stick up for what is true and right during the week.  Are we brave enough to be amongst what seems nowadays the minority that believe marriage should be between a man and a woman?  Are we true defenders of Godly marriage, or do we sit amongst the sidelines, hoping that somebody else will be courageous to speak up?

I hope that we can all gain courage and strength to be defenders of our faith and religion.  If we don't have the courage yet, I know that we can pray for help and God will bless us with opportunities to grow.  Nobody is perfect and we are all striving towards Christ-like attributes.  Let's start by sharing our testimonies with our friends and those around us.  Let's let our coworkers and neighbors know that we believe in God and the eternal family.  Let's let our light shine and glorify our Father by being true representatives of Christ.

Let's be defenders of marriage.  We can let our lights shine by working on our own families and making them the best they can be.  I think the best way to be defenders of marriage is to work on your own marriage and make it the strongest and happiest it can be.  Others will see that there is something different about you and want to see what it is.