#2 Eternal Marriage

Purpose
To illustrate the difference between a temple and a temporal marriage.

Materials
-Pictures of various temples from around the world (if available)

Ask family members what happens when you throw a rock into a still pond.  Hopefully they will say that it will cause the water to ripple. Point out to family members that many of the decisions they make in their lives will have an effect similar to the effect of the pebble on the water. The effects of these decisions will continue on and on, touching other people’s lives besides their own.

Ask what they think some of the decisions could be?

Talk to the family about how probably the most important decision they would be making is the one of choosing an eternal companion. It will affect not only the rest of their life, but their children’s life as well.  Tell how that the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. 

Ask what does it meant to be married/sealed in the temple?

Lesson:

Materials:

A doughnut

A sweet roll

Story:

Hold up the doughnut and say, "This is a temporal marriage."

Hold up the sweet roll and say, "This is a temple marriage. Can you see the difference?"

Explain that a temporal marriage is like a doughnut because it is built around a big hole: "till death do us part.” Point out that the sweet roll starts small in the center but continues to wrap around itself for all eternity.

Read D&C 132:15-19 with the family.

Testify of the great joy and eternal nature of marriages that are sealed in the Lord's temples for time and all eternity.

Display a picture of a temple and a sealing room. Discuss how obtaining the blessings of eternal marriage is similar in principle to obtaining anything worthwhile. We must desire it and plan and work for it. Emphasize that eternal marriage is far more precious and worth working for than almost anything else we do in life.  Bear your testimony of a temple marriage and the importance of striving to be married in the temple.

Activity

Plan to go to a temple, and walk around it and talk more about it. 

Each family member may want to have a picture of a temple in his room with the words “I want to be married in the temple” printed beside the picture.

I am grateful that the Lord has a plan for us that we can be sealed to our spouse for time and all eternity.  I believe with all of my heart that this is so important.  I want my children to understand how truly important the decision is in choosing a spouse.  I believe it to be one of the most, if not the most important decision in their life.  This is someone they will have at their side for all eternity. 

Resources:

31106, Family Home Evening Resource Book, Lesson Ideas, Marriage, 205