Whether you are a young adult, a mid-single, or a senior in the church dating scene, the advice from general authorities is for all. As members we can be served to remember the following scripture: “…whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.” (Doctrine & Covenants 1:38). The main servants of the Lord are what we now refer to as the “general authorities”. In general conference talks, general authorities have spoken numerous useful and helpful ideas, thoughts, and suggestions on dating. In this brief article, some useful direction and recommendations on dating from conference talks will be given from the Lord’s modern servants in these latter days. Again, regardless of your age and the general ideas of these quotes will apply so please take them to heart.
Dating Quotes:
*Date those with high standards and be careful:
“Begin to prepare for a temple marriage. Proper dating is a part of that preparation…Because dating is a preparation for marriage, date only those who have high standards. Be careful to go to places where there is a good environment, where you won’t be faced with temptation. A wise father said to his son, “If you ever find yourself in a place where you shouldn’t ought to be, get out!” Good advice for all of us.”
--President Thomas S. Monson, “That We May Touch Heaven”, October, 1990
*Choose those you date prayerfully and carefully:
“Courtship is a wonderful period. It should be a sacred one. That is the time in which you choose your mate…Choose prayerfully the one who inspires you to your best and always remember that no man injures the thing he loves. … The seeds of a happy marriage are sown in youth. Happiness does not begin at the altar; it begins during the period of youth and courtship. …Young people, choose prayerfully and carefully. Don’t rush hastily into marriage. Determine that you have common goals and interests. Especially be certain that you possess the same religious convictions and beliefs. A wise man once counseled: “Before marriage keep thine eyes wide open, then after marriage keep them half closed.”
--Elder Henry D. Taylor, “Thou Shalt Love Thy Wife With All Thy Heart”, October, 1973
*Unlike the world, value, seek, and strive for marriage:
“Much has been written and said about today’s generation of young adults. Research shows that many resist organized religion. Many are in debt and unemployed. A majority like the idea of marriage, but many are reluctant to take that step. A growing number don’t want children. Without the gospel and inspired guidance, many are wandering in strange paths and losing their way.
Fortunately, young adult members of the Church lag behind in these troubling trends, in part because they are blessed with the gospel plan. That eternal plan includes holding fast to the iron rod—cleaving to God’s word and the word of His prophets. We need to tighten our grip on the rod that leads us back to Him. Now is the “day of choosing”1 for all of us.”
--Elder Robert D. Hales, “Meeting the Challenges of Today’s World”, October, 2015
*Review and use the guidelines from the proclamation on the family to guide you in dating, and be strong link in your family with dating, relationships, and the gospel :
Quoting a wise 15 year old, Elder David B. Haight said: “…As I think of the statements in that proclamation, and as I understand more of our responsibility as a family and our responsibility for the way we live and the way we should conduct our lives, the proclamation becomes a new guideline for me. As I associate with other people and when I start dating, I can think of those phrases and those sentences in the proclamation on the family. It will give me a yardstick which will help guide me. It will give me the strength that I need.” A short time ago President Hinckley was speaking to the students at the Brigham Young University. He made the statement that life is a great chain of generations, link following link, until the end of time. In talking to the students, he encouraged them not to be a weak link but to be a strong link in their family.”
--Elder David B Haight, “Be a Strong Link”, October, 2000.
*Remember the your worthiness with the law of Chastity will greatly help determine who you choose to date and ultimately marry. So go into dating clean and stay clean.
“In your dating and courting, fully maintain the standards of the Church. Be morally clean. “Let virtue garnish [your] thoughts unceasingly” (D&C 121:45). Remember the counsel of Elder Bruce R. McConkie that “the most important single thing that any Latter-day Saint ever does in this world is to marry the right person in the right place by the right authority” (Choose an Eternal Companion, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year, Provo, 3 May 1966, p. 2).”
--President Ezra Taft Benson, April, 1988.
Final Thoughts:
There are many good talks and quotes on dating and relationships in general conference. Look for these talks and review and incorporate these ideas into your life every day. Be well equipped and success in the dating arena. Finally, remember that: “…neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.”—1 Corinthians 11:11.”
Dr. G
P.S. If you can questions, comments, or a future article request for me, feel free to contact me at drgilchrist@yahoo.com.
| 2020-03-09 | Randy Gilchrist | Dating, Healthy relationships, Spirituality |
About the author
Hello, my name is Dr. Randy Gilchrist (aka "Dr. G"). I am a licensed clinical psychologist, a licensed marriage & family therapist, and a certified hypnotherapist in private practice in Roseville, CA (www.dr-rg.com), practicing since 1997. Also, I am happily married in the temple (Manti) since 1996 and have 4 sons. I am a volunteer writer and contributor to LDS Dimension. I use my training, education, and experience to share insights with LDS Dimension on all things of interest to the LDS dating community. Please read my articles and columns on this site to assist you in your online dating journey. Also, to be considered for an answer in a future Q and A column, please email me your dating/relationship oriented questions to drgilchrist@yahoo.com. Finally, I also offer a powerful, effective worldwide custom hypnosis recording service just for LDS Dimension members for weight loss, pornography, and many other issues of concern to those in the LDS dating community (please learn more now at www.dr-rg.com/lds; email me questions to drgilchrist@yahoo.com).