“Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and ... the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 129).
Marriage between a man and a woman isn't a new thing only invented for societal convenience. When the first parents were placed in the garden, they were given in marriage, Genesis 2:18-24. Marriage is necessary for progression, Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4; 138:48. Without it we cannot progress. "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." Romans 8:16-17
In these days of rampant unwed parentage, it seems silly to say without marriage families aren't complete. Nevertheless, the pattern the Lord set forth includes father, mother, and children.
Julie B. Beck wrote eloquently about this, Teaching the Doctrine of the Family. "Satan knows that he will never have a body; he will never have a family. So he targets young women, who will create the bodies for the future generations."
We must protect and promote the institutions of marriage and family. We must teach and model modesty and restraint. Life within a righteous family is beautiful and worth every sacrifice to achieve. Many from dysfunctional or broken homes don't believe this, which is totally understandable. Without any vision or example to follow, it is difficult to slash one's way through the forest of disinformation in the world or to understand why one would want to. After forging my own path, I testify it is worth it. However, it is a lot easier and successful if one immerses one's self in God's word to learn the character of Christ, obedience to His commandments, and how to treat family members with Jesus' charity (pure love) in addition to having the Holy Ghost as a constant companion for inspiration.
