Preserve and Protect the Family, Chp. 17, was the lesson that we studied this last Sunday. The Family is the most important unit in society, in the Church, and in eternity. "The family is the most important unit in time and in eternity and, as such, transcends every other interest in life." It's interesting to learn of Pres. Hunter's teaching that the Church has the responsibility, and the authority, to preserve and protect the family as the foundation of society. In Psalms 127:3 it teaches us that children are a "heritage of the Lord." We also need to remember that not all families are the traditional family with a father, mother and their children. Each family, traditional or not, must receive priesthood watch care.
Our teacher asked us all how we protect and strengthen our families. Some answers included: consistent teaching, saying 'I love you' often, having family prayers and dinners together, making traditions, and having fun together.
Parents are partners in the leadership of the home and are under strict obligation to protect and love their children. As parents your greatest obligation is to teach your child how to return to their Heavenly Father. The results of our efforts have eternal consequences. In Proverbs 22:6 it says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it." How can you be united with your spouse in raising your children? Communication and compromise were the most common answers from the class.
Our homes should be places of love, prayer, and gospel teaching. The Family Home Evening program was designed specifically for teaching the gospel within our homes. We all recognize that there are great moments as well as not-so-great moments in FHE. The important thing is that we are consistent and try our best. If we do, our families will be blessed. When FHE was first introduced the First Presidency at the time said, "If the Saints obey this counsel [to hold family home evenings], we promise that great blessings will result. Love at home and obedience to parents will increase. Faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain power to combat the evil influence and temptations which beset them." Family councils are also held so that parents and children can better understand each other. Thoughtful family councils strengthen family ties and teaches mutual respect for each other.
A successful parent is one who has loved, sacrificed, cared for, taught, and ministered to the needs of a child. Pres. Hunter says, "Don't give up hope for a boy or a girl who has strayed. Many who have appeared to be completely lost have returned. We must be prayerful and, if possible, let our children know of our love and concern.....Parents' hearts are ofttimes broken, yet they must realize that the ultimate responsibility lies with the child after parents have taught correct principles."
Our homes should be holy places where the principles of the gospel can be lived and where the Spirit of the Lord can dwell. Pres. Hunter so wisely says, "To be a successful father or a successful mother is far greater than to rise to leadership or high places in business, government, or worldly affairs. Home may seem commonplace at times with its routine duties, yet its success should be the greatest of all our pursuits in life."
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