5 Things Every Single Latter-day Saint Needs To Remember.

5 Things Every Single Latter-day Saint Needs To Remember.

As I talk with single Latter-day Saints around the nation I often hear them talk about disappointment and sometimes despair about their dating and marriage prospects. In a church that is so heavily focused on the family, a single member can often feel out of place and not understood. I know because I've felt this way. As a YSA when you compound being single with the so-called "decade of decision" when work, school and everything else suddenly is thrust upon you, and well, sometimes lose focus and forget a few important truths. Here are 5 things every single Latter-day Saint needs to remember.

1st. Your Marital Status Does Not Define You.

In a church where everything is focused on the family, it is easy to feel forgotten being single. But do not let your marital status define you. Strive to see yourself as God sees you. When God looks at you He sees one of His children, deliberately created and loved. He sees all the good that we can do; the souls that we can save, the hungry we can feed, and the downtrodden that we can lift up. I say we because I am also single. Remember, you are a child of God first and foremost.

"The sacred bonds of Church membership go far beyond marital status, age, or present circumstance. Your individual worth as a daughter [or son] of God transcends all.”
~Ezra Taft Benson

2nd. God's Plan Is A Plan Of Happiness, Even For You.

God's plan is not just a plan of salvation, but it is also a plan for happiness.  It is a plan for your happiness. Not only is it a plan for your happiness, but His plan is for greater happiness than you can even imagine. Whereas we might feel that God has given up on us, that maybe happiness and that family we want is not in our cards so to speak, the God of the universe has not given up on you. It does not matter how depressed or forsaken you feel, or how many mistakes you have made, remember that God has a plan custom tailored to ensure you are taken care of and are happy. So when trials come, and they always will; have faith in the plan and the God who authored it.

"We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. Although we might settle for less, Heavenly Father won’t, for He sees us as the glorious beings we are capable of becoming."
~Joseph B. Wirthlin

3rd. You Are Loved.

Personally, the most demoralizing aspect of dating is rejection. Feeling that no one loves you, it is hard. But, never forget that you are loved. You are not only loved by your Heavenly Parents, but also by Jesus Christ. If you ever feel rejected and in need of love simply ask God in prayer to feel His love. You will be reminded who you are, a son or daughter of the King. Never forget who you are! When life gets you down go to the temple and as you feel your Father's love. Remember that you have value and that He cares for you! Don't settle for someone who does not love you unconditionally as God does.

"Never forget that you are loved. Never doubt that someone surely cares for you."
~Thomas S. Monson

4th. You Don't Need To Be Married To Help Others.

We often think in order to be of service to the Lord we need to be more than we currently are. We think, "I need more education", or "I need to be married", or "I need more money." This is a lie from Satan. The Lord does use the wealthy but the willing. Jesus Christ did not call the rich Sadducee's to the Holy Apostleship but lowly fishermen!

So stop thinking you need to be more to be used by God.  He does not call the qualified but the willing. Enoch, Moses, Noah, Samuel, David, Joseph Smith, all have one thing in common, they were NOT qualified. But they were willing to accept the call. Thomas S. Monson has taught, "Whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies." So have faith and be willing, and know that you are enough! Seek the Lord's errand, and you will find the Lord using you to help his children.

"Life does not begin only upon marriage. There are important things for you to do right now."
~Ezra Taft Benson

5th. You Won't Be Denied ANY Blessing Because Of Someone Else.

I love the Millennium, it is the promise that all things will be made right. If you are denied any blessing by the actions of others, God will give you an opportunity to have that blessing in the millennium. That is to say, if you try and can not find a spouse in this life God will not deny you that blessing because of the lack of options you had, and in the millennium you will be given that chance.

So stop worrying about it! I know it is harder to do than to say. But, always remember that the Lord will provide for His Saints. And in the grand eternal scope of things, earth life is but a blip on the map, and being single for another 2-3 or 20-40 years than we planned will not affect our exaltation unless we let it.

"The Lord has promised that in the eternities no blessing will be denied his sons and daughters who keep the commandments, are true to their covenants, and desire what is right."
~Elder Dallin H. Oaks