Like most things in mortality that we attempt to correct, we often overcorrect.
This is the case for a trend happening in many young single adult (YSA) wards.
A few decades ago (around the time I was strutting around my own singles ward), there was a more blatant push for single adults to get married.
We all have our own stories, but this emphasis became excessive and out of control.
It was the topic of many church meetings and passive-aggressive jokes as the YSA bishopric saw itself as a matchmaking service.
Thankfully, since then, there has been a cultural shift.
However, have we overcorrected?
Many YSA bishoprics and stake presidencies wear it as a badge of honor that they focus solely on personal relationships with Jesus Christ rather than pursuing marriage.
This would make sense if we were any other Protestant denomination that has no belief in eternal marriage—or, better stated, no belief in the sanctifying and exalting nature of eternal marriage.
Can you imagine if we sent missionaries out into the world to simply focus on individuals’ personal relationships with Jesus Christ and never mention baptism?
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost…and help them have a relationship with Jesus Christ.”
In our theology, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is essential; however, it is very much tied to restored ordinances, one of which includes an eternal sealing to an eternal partner.
These ordinances are given to us for the very purpose of having a relationship with Jesus Christ.
(Here comes my overly-used newsletter phrase…)
NOW DON’T GET ME WRONG…
I’m not saying we should go back to meat-market traditions where an awkward bishopric member in his 50s encourages you to chat with the attractive prospect on the other side of the linger-longer.
We shouldn’t emphasize marriage; however, we should emphasize the eternal marriage ordinance that sanctifies, strengthens, and puts couples on a path of exaltation.
Are people getting married too young?
Aren’t they too immature to know what they want in life?
Shouldn’t they focus on education?
To each their own; however, when given the opportunity, I’m leaning into any ordinances offered to me, and I wouldn’t want to discourage anyone else from the same exalting path.
Ten times out of ten, I’ll bet on the couple who gets married too young in an eternal sealing bond performed by divine authority rather than the person who thinks they need a personal journey.
I got married at 23, and it has been a transformational relationship between me, my wife, and Jesus Christ that has developed me into a more heavenly person (with a long way to go).
So, to my dear YSA leaders, let’s not get weird about it, but never hesitate to suggest a next step that includes a saving ordinance.
Nothing will enhance their relationship with Jesus Christ like an eternal sealing ordinance.
See what others are saying about this message HERE.
Sincerely,
Kurt Francom
Executive Director
Leading Saints
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