Sharing
and Defending Family Proclamation Principles
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| Samuel the Lamanite |
This may seem to be a good topic to end on,
however, as we learn we must prepare to learn with a desire to share our
knowledge with others. As we learn more about the Family and God’s way of
strengthening the family, our responsibility to share our new knowledge with other
family members, friends and the community increase. We are not just responsible
for our family. This is our world, and we all need to take interest in others
salvation and happiness.
President Spencer W. Kimball taught;
“…the time will come when only those who
believe deeply and actively in the family will be able to preserve their
families in the midst of gathering evil around us.” (Kimball, 1980,p.4)
Our families are our most important
responsibility entrusted by the Lord. We should lead, guide and teach, as the
Lord would have us do in order to receive the blessings necessary for happiness
in marriages and families.
“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”
should motivate us not only to apply true principles to protect our own
families, but it should also move us to share these principles with others.
(Hawkins, 2012, p.354 Successful Marriages and Families)
“The
statement by the prophet Joseph Smith applies here – that when we gain a
witness of the truth, we will not be “content with blessing (our) family alone,
but (range) through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.”
(Smith, 1976,p.227)
Many people are looking for meaning in
life, answers to soul-searching questions and comfort to know that life
continues beyond the grave. Families can be together forever.
“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. (Packer, B.K.
2008, Feb. 9 Worldwide Leadership Training)
There are times we need to defend our
beliefs and the Family. Elder Holland
says,
“Be strong. Live the
gospel faithfully even if others around you don’t live it at all. Defend your
beliefs with courtesy and with compassion, but defend them.” (Holland. Jeffrey
R. April. 2014.The Cost and Blessings of Discipleship)
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-cost-and-blessings-of-discipleship?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-cost-and-blessings-of-discipleship?lang=eng
I remember a time when we invited an
acquaintance over for dinner and a discussion about our faith with the
missionaries. During the discussion, our guest pointed out that he did not
believe Jesus was the Promised Messiah and carried on for a bit. I have to say
that the spirit impressed me strongly to bear testimony of the divinity of
Jesus Christ. In a bit of a shaky, soft, kind voice, I shared with him that
Jesus is the Christ the Promised Messiah and I shared how the spirit witnessed
to me that this is true. The spirit changed in the room from contentious to
peace. I don’t think I changed his mind, but I knew I defended my faith and I
did so in a way that I felt my Savior would have.
Whether we are defending or sharing truth
we should do so with love and kindness. The truths we share have great
significance and as we do, we can educated and invite others to learn more
about how to strengthen the Family.
Be courageous in defending and sharing the truths from The Family Proclamation, and if you need encouragement, watch this mormon message on courage.
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