Area Message
Building Forever Families
The Family: A Proclamation to the World, states: “Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.”
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe that the family is divinely ordained and that it is essential to God’s plan of happiness. Our greatest joys in this life and in the next will come as we grow in a loving atmosphere with our families.
But building forever families is not easy; it takes a lot of effort. The adversary is constantly at work to destroy our families. He knows the eternal nature of family relationships and their role in society. He works hard because he knows that if he can destroy the family, he can destroy our society.
That is why we also need to focus our efforts to build our families on a solid foundation and consistently thwart the attacks of the adversary.
One of the ways we can build a strong family is to study the gospel of Jesus Christ in the home. As he opened the 188th Semiannual General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced a new program as part of an effort “to strengthen families and individuals through a home-centered and Church-supported plan to learn doctrine, strengthen faith, and foster greater personal worship.” President Nelson shared how we have become accustomed to thinking that Church is where we learn spiritually, supported by what happens at home, and he challenged us to adjust the pattern with a more home-centered learning supported by the Church.
With programs and resources such as Come Follow Me at Home, Family Home Evening, the Children and Youth Program, and the new For the Strength of Youth guide, we can learn and apply the gospel of Jesus Christ together.
I learned from President Nelson that the principles, values, and teachings of the gospel should not remain confined to church meetings but rather need to be actively incorporated into our everyday lives, especially within the private and intimate setting of our homes. This means following the Come, Follow Me resources, reading the scriptures, praying, and having family activities together. We can also help our children by participating in the Children and Youth Program and helping them study the new For the Strength of Youth guide. By doing so, individuals and families are better equipped to understand and apply gospel principles in real-life situations. Through this effort, families become closer to each other while strengthening their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Bonnie H. Cordon, former YW general president said, we need to “come unto Christ, but don’t come alone.” Families provide a nurturing environment where individuals can encourage and uplift one another. When family members strive together to come to Christ, they can collectively reinforce their faith and understanding by sharing insights and experiences that enrich everyone’s relationship with Him.
For those who feel they are not part of a traditional family, please don’t feel that this counsel is not applicable to you. You may find special “family” relationships with those you are close to, with your supportive friends and leaders, and with like-minded people. I truly believe that the Prophet’s counsel is helpful to people in all circumstances.
I’ve found that when we study with someone else, even with your roommates, we learn a lot more and faster. Studying together has a great multiplier effect on our learning. It’s like magic for learning! The key to our greatest growth is to study with someone else and, at the same time, to study on our own. If we do this, we will be blessed with greater progress and greater understanding, and we will become closer to Jesus Christ. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them,” the Lord promised. (Matthew 18:20).
I know that spending time with family is important. We all want to have a successful marriage and family life, but we often get caught up in so many other activities that we may end up neglecting what matters most. We sometimes focus so much on working hard to provide for our family that we forget to make time for them. I would counsel against achieving success or whatever aspirations you have by delaying spending time with the family. Don’t let your head down for the next 3, 5, or 15 years only to look up at the end and say, “Now I can finally start living and spending quality time with my spouse, my children, or my family,” only to find it is too late. Stephen R. Covey once said, “It’s incredibly easy to get caught up in an activity trap, in the busyness of life, to work harder and harder at climbing the ladder of success only to discover it’s leaning against the wrong wall.”
I know that the adversary is real and that he is working to destroy families. But I also know that the Lord is real and that He is working to strengthen families. We can all do our part to help our families thrive.
I am grateful for the blessings of family. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to strengthen my family relationships through scripture study, prayer, service, and shared experiences. I know that as we work together to support and uplift one another, our family can become a powerful force for good in the world.
Through the ups and downs of life, I have come to see that there is nothing more important than family. They are our constant companions and supporters, and they bring so much joy, meaning, and purpose to our lives. I am grateful for the blessings that come from being part of a family, and I pray that we may all cherish and honor this wonderful gift from God. I know that families can be together forever. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.