Young Adulthood and Pathways to Eternal Marriage

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Opening Prayer
Song - Keep the Commandments
Lesson - Dating and Choosing Eternal Companion

Discussion: We live in a world where many people do not believe in the importance of waiting until we are 16 to date. They date at very young ages, and they often date people who do not share the same standards. The world tells us that dating and marriage are not very big deals, but we know this to be false, because the scriptures and prophets tell us how important marriage is to our Heavenly Father.

Why is it important to date people with our same standards? Grandma always told me, "You will marry who you date." While occasional casual dates with nonmembers is completely acceptable, we want to be careful. Here is some Dating Advice from Prophets and Apostles:

“You young people … have an important responsibility in choosing not only whom you will date but also whom you will marry. President Gordon B. Hinckley admonished: ‘Your chances for a happy and lasting marriage will be far greater if you will date those who are active and faithful in the Church.’” (“Four B’s for Boys,” Ensign, Nov. 1981, 41.)

President Thomas S. Monson, “Whom Shall I Marry?” New Era, Oct 2004, 4–6.

“While you should be friendly with all people, select with great care those whom you wish to have close to you. They will be your safeguards in situations where you may vacillate between choices, and you in turn may save them.”

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), “A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for Youth,” New Era, Jan. 2001, 11. (source)

It is so important for us to keep ourselves clean and pure, as we prepare for temple marriage. We are going to read more from Dating Advice from Prophets and Apostles:
Be Careful
“Be careful to go to places where there is a good environment, where you won’t be faced with temptation. …

“… Because sexual intimacy is so sacred, the Lord requires self-control and purity before marriage, as well as full fidelity after marriage. In dating, treat your date with respect, and expect your date to show that same respect for you.”

President Thomas S. Monson, “That We May Touch Heaven,” Ensign, Nov. 1990, 45, 47.

“Kissing has … degenerated to develop and express lust instead of affection, honor, and admiration. To kiss in casual dating is asking for trouble. What do kisses mean when given out like pretzels and robbed of sacredness?”

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985), The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball (1982), 281.

“In dating relationships with the opposite sex, making a wrong choice early may limit making the right choice later.”

President James E. Faust (1920–2007), Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “Where Do I Make My Stand?” Ensign, Nov. 2004, 21.

“Any dating or pairing off in social contacts should be postponed until at least the age of 16 or older, and even then there should still be much judgment used in selections and in the seriousness. Young people should still limit the close contacts for several years, since the boy will be going on his mission when he is 19 years old.

“Dating and especially steady dating in the early teens is most hazardous. It distorts the whole picture of life. It deprives the youth of worthwhile and rich experiences; it limits friendships; it reduces the acquaintance which can be so valuable in selecting a partner for time and eternity.”

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985), “President Kimball Speaks Out on Morality,” Ensign, Nov. 1980, 96. (source)

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The Prophets and Apostles have given us wonderful guidance to help us along. We now know the importance dating plays in helping us choose an eternal companion. 

Review - For the Strength of You, read together and highlight what stands out to each of us individually.

Activity - Dating Game Practice (print off before Family Home Evening)

Treat - Ice cream sundaes