Marriage: The shopper's analogy
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Elder Russell M. Nelson used "patterns of the shopper" as an analogy for his Sunday afternoon sermon about celestial marriage.
Elder Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve observed that wise shoppers study their options thoroughly before they make a selection and focus on the quality and durability of a product. In contrast, some shoppers look for bargains or splurge, only to learn later that their choice did not endure well. Still others cast aside their integrity and steal what they want.
"The patterns of the shopper may be applied to the topic of marriage," he said. "A couple in love can choose a marriage of the highest quality, or a lesser type that will not endure. Or they can choose neither and brazenly steal what they want as 'marital shoplifters."'
He said only those who are married in the temple and whose marriage is sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise will continue as spouses after death and receive exaltation.
Quoting passages from "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," Elder Nelson said celestial marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other relationship. "The earth was created and this Church was restored so that families could be formed, sealed and exalted eternally."
Citing scriptures, he affirmed that marriage between a man and a woman "is not only an exalting principle of the gospel, it is a divine commandment."
The reward of eternal bonds in marriage and family "requires more than a hopeful wish," Elder Nelson said.
"On occasion, I read in a newspaper obituary of an expectation that a recent death had reunited that person with a deceased spouse, when, in fact, they did not choose the eternal option," he said. "Instead they opted for a marriage that was valid only as long as they both should live. Heavenly Father had offered them a supernal gift, but they refused it. And in rejecting the gift, they rejected the Giver of the gift."
He added: "Mercifully, God's great plan of happiness and its eternal blessings can be extended to those who did not have the opportunity to hear the gospel in mortality. Temple ordinances can be done vicariously for them.
"But what of the many mature members of the Church who are not married? Through no failing of their own, they deal with the trials of life alone. Be we are all reminded that, in the Lord's own way and time, no blessings will be withheld from His faithful saints. The Lord will judge and reward each according to heartfelt desire as well as deed."
Meanwhile, he said, "mortal misunderstandings can make mischief in a marriage." He added that each marriage starts with two built-in handicaps: two imperfect people.
"Harmony in marriage comes only when one esteems the welfare of his or her spouse among the highest of priorities," he declared.
"God's plan of happiness allows us to choose for ourselves," Elder Nelson affirmed. "As with the patterns of the shopper, we may choose celestial marriage, or lesser alternatives. Some marital options are cheap; some are costly and some are cunningly crafted by the adversary. Beware of his options; they breed misery!"
