The world is filled with seekers. They are those who search for the real truth: truth about life before this world was, the truth about life’s purpose, and the truth about life after death. There are many prospective answers from all different corners of the world. But ultimately, the answer that satisfies our soul is the answer that comes from God. Jesus Christ said, “Ask and ye shall receive.” However, in the process of asking, He requires not just honesty and trust in Him, but also our real intent.

Serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I met two men who taught me what “real intent” really means. They were cousins. They were, just like you, seekers of the truth. Every visit we had with them was meaningful because of the questions they asked, such as, “Will I see my mother again?” “Why does God allow suffering to occur?” “What is sin?” and many more.

In six months of visiting them and answering their questions, they showed me two elements of real intent that should always go together – recognizing the reason behind your question and what you are willing to do after you receive the answer.

The Reason behind Your Question

Those two men always challenged my missionary companion and I. It was as if every lesson we had with them was an interview. One was very intelligent and his questions provoked a lot of thought. We usually answered him after a long pause, and much searching from the Bible and the other holy scriptures, and sometimes, had to answer him on our next visit. In the end, we invited him to ask God but unfortunately, he would not. His reason was just to increase his own knowledge, without being willing to act on it. Nothing else.

The other person was just the opposite. He was not particularly intelligent and did not speak eloquently. Yet his questions, although the same as his cousin’s, felt more genuine. He was longing for answers to those questions. Every answer we give him puts a bright smile on his face. And just like his cousin, we invited him to ask God and pray for the truth. Then one day, he told us, “I did what you asked me to do.” He further said that an overwhelming feeling came over him – one that his soul had been thirsting for. His reason was not just to know the answers but to receive them gladly in his heart.

What Are You Committed To Do?

The Bible says, “where much is given, much is required.” It is not enough to receive the truth. When he received what he sought for, he was required to act upon it. Then his intentions became clearer. He wanted to do what was right before God. That was what the truth required of him. Consequently, he became happier, livelier, and more satisfied. He not only knew the answers to his questions but he also discovered that he is a child of a loving God who knows all truth and wants to share it with him.

Real intent means knowing why the answers are important to us and then acting upon the answers we receive. Real intent means being genuine and being committed. If you are someone who has been seeking the truth and has not found it yet, ask God with real intent. If you are someone who has never really thought about asking God, evaluate yourself and see if you have real intent in you. If you are someone who has already received the truth, rekindle and fan the flame of that feeling. Cultivate a relationship with your Heavenly Father based on continual prayer, and act with real intent on the answers He continues to offer, and you can have a never-ending stream of guidance in your life.

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“Are you sure about your decision?”

These were the words I heard for months. And yet, on the 17th of May, at the age of 22, I got married. Obviously, marriage is not a simple decision a person makes in his or her life. One has to consider it thoroughly before pursuing that decision full of the unknown. The traditions, values and culture we live in have a role to play in its consideration as well.

Getting married at a young age is something common for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called Mormons. Some people may see it quite absurd, weird or unpopular. In fact, it is not what our culture generally accepts here in the Philippines. Now, let me tell you why I decided to get married earlier than most and what cultural aspects I had to ponder about.
 

Thinking about Responsibilities

When friends asked me, “Why are you getting married so early?” I laughed and just jokingly answered, “True love” But of course, it is more than that. I see why they ask me such questions. We Filipinos are known for our deep appreciation for family. We want families to be happy. Much of that happiness comes from love, financial security, and being responsible for it. We want to make sure that the family we are going to build after marriage will be bound together with strong and loving ties.

I’ve learned in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ that we all have in ourselves, an innate potential to be a responsible husband or wife and father or mother. I have much yet to learn to become a good husband and a father, but the Lord will help us because marriage is a commandment He has given us. He knows we will make mistakes and that’s how we learn and become better. Because He loves us, He will not allow us to fail if we are faithful.
 

Being Mature in the Society and for God

There is a common saying among those who have walked on this country earlier than us,

“Papunta pa lang kayo. Kami, pabalik na.”  (You are just about to embark on this journey. While we, we are already coming back from the journey.)

Maturity is not just about being a grown-up. It means really knowing the twists and turns of a situation, the detours should it be a wrong road, and the U-turns if at all possible. Our society respects those who have this maturity. I may not appear as mature enough to get married in the eyes of many in my culture, but God has granted unto us the freedom to choose according to the knowledge we have attained so far in this life. The decision to marry, when carefully considered and prepared for, is honored by God. And when we do our very best to cherish our marriage, He will bless it to be a successful and a happy marriage!
 

Faith versus Uncertainty

It took me four months to prepare for my marriage and they were filled with anxieties, second-thoughts, and doubts. There were also excitement, eagerness, and heavenly assurance. But my thoughts weren’t at all consistent. For the most part, it was of fear and doubts. The future is just so gloomy or so I thought. No wonder my relatives were all shocked with my decision. But then I remember, Thomas S. Monson, the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.” Faith is trust. Faith is hope. My faith in Jesus Christ to help me in this decision carried me through these months of uncertainties.

One thing that also made me unsure was the life I am leaving behind. I was enjoying the single life. Not many things to worry about. Carefree. I am working. I can buy what I want within my means. I am also supporting my family back home. Lastly, I am a student. Life was just so fun! But I didn’t know until now how great life is with a loving spouse. I just can’t describe the overwhelming feelings of joy, gratitude, and love with the life I have right now – a married man.
 

The Culture of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

If there is one thing our ancestors forgot to tell us, but were very obvious in their actions, it is that they enjoyed and appreciated life more when they were married and had their family of their own. Filipino culture with regards to marriage and family is a culture I will always be proud of. I have a firm testimony that the Lord appreciates the traditions, values, and culture of strong families. Some people might see me or others who married young, as people who are going against the current trend of the society. But my decision to get married in my 20s to start a strong, happy and gospel-centered family is a decision based on the faith in the gospel principles of Jesus Christ. And whatever circumstance you are in now when it comes to family or marriage, the gospel will help you to achieve your righteous desire.

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