1 Corinthians 7

As we read Paul's epistle to the Corinthians, it seems quite apparent that Paul is answering questions that were probably sent to him from the saints. One of the probable questions was in regard to those called to serve missions and how relationships and marriage was to play into these callings. Paul addresses theirs callings with -

"But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:17)

He continues -

"Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:20 - 24)

And while they are thus called to serve, Paul counsels -

"It is good for a man not to touch a woman." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:1)

But he also counsels, if those called on missions feel they will transgress, he counsels -

"Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:2)

But what would be best while serving is to -

"Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:5)

For while called to serve on missions -

"...He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord..." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:32)

And -

"...The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit..." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:34)

Because he that are married should also -

"...careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:33)

And -

"...she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 7:34)

Paul does not denounce married but sustains it saying -

"...neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 11:11)

In modern day, prophets, seers, and revelators have proclaimed -

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.