Eternal marriage should be treated 'differently'
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In matters of marriage and fine silverware, "If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently," said Elder F. Burton Howard of the Seventy.
"You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don't expose it to the elements. You don't make it common or ordinary. . . . It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more valuable and precious as time goes by."
Speaking during the Sunday afternoon session, Elder Howard said, "Far too many marriages today end in divorce. Selfishness, sin and personal convenience often prevail over covenants and commitment.
"Eternal marriage is a principle which was established before the foundation of the world and was instituted on this earth before death came into it."
Eternal marriage, though a grand and glorious gift, is not free, he said. "It is conditional, and . . . may be withdrawn if we do not keep the conditions of the covenant. . . .
"We all know that," he continued, "but sometimes we don't give much thought to what we have to do to receive these blessings."
He listed three obligations stated in the scriptures.
"First, an eternal marriage is eternal. . . . Eternal implies continuing growth and improvement. . . . It means that each partner will be blessed with the company of the other partner forever. . . .
"Second, an eternal marriage is ordained of God. This means that the parties to the marriage covenant agree to invite God into their marriage. . . . It means to be equal companions. . . .
"Third, eternal marriage is a kind of partnership with God. He promises a continuation of lives. . . . There is a oneness with the Creator. . . . There is an obligation to teach children the gospel. . . .
"Those who verbally or physically abuse their wives or husbands; or those who degrade or demean or exercise unrighteous dominion in a marriage are not keeping the covenant," he said.
Elder Howard illustrated the thoughtful care his wife gave her fine silverware over the years, how she stored it carefully and used it only for important occasions and took great care to keep it shiny and clean.
"Eternal marriage is just like that," he said. "We need to treat it just that way."
