The Blessings of Church Membership as Family

by Brother Keith L. Brown 

Building a Christ-like character. . . .

 

President David O. McKay said:

Man’s chief concern in life should not be the acquiring of gold, or of fame, or of material possessions. It should not be the development of physical prowess, nor of intellectual strength, but his aim, the highest in life, should be the development of a Christ-like character.  

(David O. McKay, “True to the Faith,” p.32)

 

Gaining a strong and secure testimony. . . .

 

President Gordon B. Hinckley said:

The gaining of a strong and secure testimony is the privilege and opportunity of every individual member of the Church. The Master said, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17).

 Service in behalf of others, study, and prayer lead to faith in this work and then to knowledge of its truth. This has always been a personal pursuit, as it must always be in the future. 

(Gordon B. Hinckley, "This Work Is Concerned with People," Ensign, May 1995, 51)

Life Eternal Is To Know God and Jesus Christ

Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy. . . .

Sunday is a day for the family to devote to worship and service.

 

"We urge all Latter-day Saints to set this holy day apart from activities of the world and consecrate themselves by entering into a spirit of worship, thanksgiving, service, and family-centered activities appropriate to the Sabbath. As Church members endeavor to make their Sabbath activities compatible with the intent and Spirit of the Lord, their lives will be filled with joy and peace." (First Presidency Message, 1993)

President Spencer W. Kimball made these comments:

"The Sabbath is not a day for indolent lounging about the house or puttering around in the garden, but is a day for consistent attendance at meetings for the worship of the Lord, drinking at the fountain of knowledge and instruction, enjoying the family, and finding uplift in music and song.

"The Sabbath is a holy day in which to do worthy and holy things. Abstinence from work and recreation is important, but insufficient. The Sabbath calls for constructive thoughts and acts, and if one merely lounges about doing nothing on the Sabbath, he is breaking it. To observe it, one will be on his knees in prayer, preparing lessons, studying the gospel, meditating, visiting the ill and distressed, writing letters to missionaries, taking a nap, reading wholesome material, and attending all the meetings of that day at which he is expected." (President Spencer W. Kimball, First Presidency Message, January 1978)

Preparing as Families to Partake of the Sacrament. . . .

One of the most important invitations ever issued to us and to all mankind is to “come unto Christ and be perfected in him.” (Moro. 10:32.) How do we do that? One of the most beautiful and important ways is through the ordinance of the sacrament. Nothing seems more basic in our worship of the Lord than learning to partake of the Sacrament meaningfully. Children are taught to partake of the Sacrament before they learn to speak. Not only should they be taught to partake of this sacred ordinance, but they should also be taught what the Sacrament means to them personally. The manner in which the Sacrament is administered is prescribed by Scripture, but the way in which we receive it should not be habitual or mechanical, but an individual, heartfelt act of renewal and recommitment to serve the Lord. President David O. McKay taught, “The partaking of the Sacrament is one of the most sacred ordinances of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Associated with it are the principles fundamental in character-building and essential to man’s advancement and exaltation in the kingdom of God. . . . In the partaking of the Sacrament, there is danger of people’s permitting formality to supersede spirituality, but he who partakes of the Sacrament worthily and sincerely is truly an acceptable follower of the Son of God.” (IE, 64:214.) 

Elder John H. Groberg made these comments:

The Lord instituted the sacrament, as we know it today, during what we commonly call the Last Supper. In one sense, it was the last supper, but in another, it was the first supper—the beginning of many spiritual feasts.

The resurrected Lord instructed the Book of Mormon people:

“[Ye] shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name.

“And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done. …

“And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.” (3 Nephi 18:5-7.)

The moving tenderness and deep significance of this transcendent event are still available to us today. But we must do as they did and follow the doctrine of Christ, which is to believe in Jesus, rely on him, repent of our sins, take his name upon us by being baptized in his church, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and faithfully follow Christ all of our lives.

He knows we need much help to do this, so he provides that the ordinance of the sacrament be repeated often.

This invitation of the Savior to come unto him is issued regularly and is universal. Everyone is included—men, women, and children. Old and young alike participate. None are barred except by themselves.

The Lord said, “And ye see that I have commanded that none of you should go away, but rather have commanded that ye should come unto me.” (3 Ne. 18:25.)

But the Lord, who knows the terrible consequences of hypocrisy, also warned:

“Ye shall not suffer any one knowingly to partake of my flesh and blood unworthily, …

“For whoso eateth and drinketh my flesh and blood unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to his soul.” (3 Ne. 18:28-29.)

What does it mean to partake of the sacrament worthily? Or how do we know if we are unworthy?

If we desire to improve (which is to repent) and are not under priesthood restriction, then, in my opinion, we are worthy. If, however, we have no desire to improve, if we have no intention of following the guidance of the Spirit, we must ask: Are we worthy to partake, or are we making a mockery of the very purpose of the sacrament, which is to act as a catalyst for personal repentance and improvement? If we remember the Savior and all he has done and will do for us, we will improve our actions and thus come closer to him, which keeps us on the road to eternal life.

If, however, we refuse to repent and improve, if we do not remember him and keep his commandments, then we have stopped our growth, and that is damnation to our souls.

The sacrament is an intensely personal experience, and we are the ones who knowingly are worthy or otherwise.

("The Beauty and Importance of the Sacrament," Ensign, May 1989, p. 38.)

Luke 22:19 - 20

 19 ¶ And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

The Importance of Family Prayer. . .

“Family prayer is the greatest deterrent to sin, and hence the most beneficent provider of joy and happiness. The old saying is yet true: “The family that prays together stays together.” (Ensign, November 1988, p.69.)  -- Thomas S. Monson

James H. Moyle wrote to his grandchildren concerning the family prayer of his own home:

“We have not gone to bed before kneeling in prayer to supplicate divine guidance and approval. Differences may arise in the best governed families, but they will be dissipated by the … spirit of prayer. … Its very psychology tends to promote the more righteous life among men. It tends to unity, love, forgiveness, to service.” 

From the Teachings of President Gordon B. Hinckley:

Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Blessings of Family Prayer,” Ensign, Feb. 1991, 2

The Apostle Paul declared to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:1-4:

1 THIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

There needs to be a new emphasis on honesty, character, and integrity in our time. Only as we build again into the fiber of our lives the virtues that are the essence of true civilization will the pattern of our times change. The question that confronts us is where shall we begin?

I am satisfied that it must begin with recognition of God as our Eternal Father, of our relationship to Him as His children, with communication with Him in recognition of His sovereign position, and with daily supplication for His guidance in our affairs.

I submit that a return to the old pattern of prayer, family prayer in the homes of the people, is one of the basic medications that would check the dread disease that is eroding the character of our society. We could not expect a miracle in a day, but in a generation we would have a miracle.

A generation or two ago, family prayer in the homes of Christian people throughout the world was as much a part of the day’s activity as was eating. As that practice has diminished, the moral decay discussed by the Apostle Paul has ensued.

I feel satisfied that there is no adequate substitute for the morning and evening practice of kneeling together—father, mother, and children. This, more than soft carpets, more than lovely draperies, more than cleverly balanced color schemes, is the thing that will make for better and more beautiful homes.

There is something in the very posture of kneeling that contradicts the attitudes described by Paul: “proud … heady, highminded.”

There is something in the very practice of father and mother and children kneeling together that evaporates others of those qualities he described: “disobedient to parents, … without natural affection.”

There is something in the act of addressing Deity that offsets a tendency toward blasphemy and toward becoming lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.

The inclination to be unholy, as Paul described it, to be unthankful, is erased as together family members thank the Lord for life and peace and all they have. And as they thank the Lord for one another, there is developed within the family a new appreciation, a new respect, a new affection one for another.

The scripture declares: “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.” (D&C 59:7.) And again: “In nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand.” (D&C 59:21.)

In remembering together before the Lord the poor, the needy, and the oppressed, there is developed, unconsciously but realistically, a love for others above self, a respect for others, a desire to serve the needs of others. One cannot ask God to help a neighbor in distress without feeling motivated to do something oneself toward helping that neighbor. What miracles would happen in the lives of the children of the world if they would lay aside their own selfishness and lose themselves in the service of others. The seed from which this sheltering and fruitful tree may grow is best planted and nurtured in the daily supplications of the family.

I know of no better way to inculcate love for country than for parents to pray before their children for the land in which they live, invoking the blessings of the Almighty upon it that it may be preserved in liberty and in peace. I know of no better way to build within the hearts of our children a much-needed respect for authority than remembering in the daily supplications of the family the leaders of our respective countries who carry the burdens of government.

I remember seeing on a billboard a statement that read, “A nation at prayer is a nation at peace.” I believe this.

I know of nothing that will so much help to ease family tensions, that in a subtle way will bring about the respect for parents which leads to obedience, that will affect the spirit of repentance which will largely erase the blight of broken homes, than will praying together, confessing weaknesses together before the Lord, and invoking the blessings of the Lord upon the home and those who dwell there.

The family is the basic unit of society. The praying family is the hope of a better society. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” (Isaiah 55:6.)

Using the Scriptures As A Family Resource:

And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass.  For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children. Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard. (2Nephi 4:15-16)

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. (2 Nephi 31:20)

 

Excerpts From A Talk By President Spencer W. Kimball:

(Spencer W. Kimball, "How Rare a Possession—The Scriptures!" Tambuli, Dec. 1985, 3)

Only the faithful will receive the promised reward, which is eternal life. For one cannot receive eternal life without becoming a “doer of the word” (see James 1:22) and being valiant in obedience to the Lord’s commandments. And one cannot become a “doer of the word” without first becoming a “hearer.” And to become a “hearer” is not simply to stand idly by and wait for chance bits of information; it is to seek out and study and pray and comprehend. Therefore the Lord said, “Whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me.” (D&C 84:52.)

Besides the almost constant encouragement and promptings which we receive from our present-day leaders, the prophets of old seem to cry out to us in almost every page of the scriptures, urging us to study the word of the Lord, the holy scriptures, “which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 3:15.) But we do not always hear, and we might well ask ourselves why.

Sometimes it seems we take the scriptures too much for granted because we do not fully appreciate how rare a thing it is to possess them, and how blessed we are because we do have them. We seem to have settled so comfortably into our experiences in this world and become so accustomed to hearing the gospel taught among us that it is hard for us to imagine it could ever have been otherwise.

But we need to understand that it has only been 165 years since the world emerged from the long night of spiritual darkness that we call the Great Apostasy. We need to sense something of the depth of the spiritual darkness that prevailed before that day in the spring of 1820 when the Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith—a darkness which was foreseen by the prophet Nephi and described as “that awful state of blindness” in which the gospel was withheld from man. (See 1 Ne. 13:32.)On the American continents, the remnant of the Book of Mormon peoples had been utterly without divine guidance for more than fourteen centuries when the Book of Mormon was first published in 1830. Their sacred record had been sealed up to come forth in this dispensation of the gospel. I am deeply moved when I read the account of the great prophet Mormon standing amidst the final slaughter and destruction of his people, the Nephites, in a terrible scene of blood and carnage; for even though he knew, as did all the Book of Mormon prophets, that the dark age of apostasy must come about as prophesied, it was with anguish of soul that he reported:

“Behold, the Spirit of the Lord hath already ceased to strive with their [the Lamanites’] fathers; and they are without Christ and God in the world; and they are … led about by Satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her.” (Morm. 5:16, Morm. 18.)

In the Old World the people were also virtually without anchor, for the early church had sunk into apostasy with the death of the apostles; and although manuscripts of the Bible were in existence, they were in the hands of a comparatively few uninspired men. It was during this time that many of the “plain and most precious parts” were lost. (See 1 Ne. 13:28, 1 Ne. 32.)

We are pilgrims upon this earth, sent here with a mission to perform, a great work to do, for which we need guidance from the Lord. The fact that I was not born in the times of spiritual darkness in which the heavens were silent and the Spirit withdrawn fills my soul with gratitude. Truly, to be without the word of the Lord to direct us is to be as wanderers in a vast desert who can find no familiar landmarks, or in the dense darkness of a cavern with no light to show us the way to escape.

In one passage when the prophet Isaiah referred to the Great Apostasy, he said: “For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.” (Isa. 29:10; see also 2 Ne. 27:5.) 

Immediately afterward, however, Isaiah made direct reference to the end of darkness and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon:

“And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed:

“And the book is delivered to him that is not learned.” (Isa. 29:11-12.)

And thus began the marvelous work, “even a marvellous work and a wonder” which the Lord promised he would proceed to do. (Isa. 29:14.)

In this regard, the story of King Josiah in the Old Testament is a most profitable one to “liken … unto [our]selves.” (1 Ne. 19:24.) To me, it is one of the finest stories in all of the scriptures.

Josiah was only eight years old when he began to reign in Judah, and although his immediate progenitors were extremely wicked, the scriptures tell us that “he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.” (2 Kgs. 22:2.) This is all the more surprising when we learn that by that time (just two generations before the destruction of Jerusalem in 587 B.C.) the written law of Moses had been lost and was virtually unknown, even among the priests of the temple!

But in the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah directed that the temple be repaired. At that time Hilkiah, the high priest, found the book of the law, which Moses had placed in the ark of the covenant, and delivered it to King Josiah.

When the book of the law was read to Josiah, he “rent his clothes” and wept before the Lord.

“Great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us,” he said, “because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.” (2 Kgs. 22:11, 2 Kgs. 13.) 

The king then read the book before all the people, and at that time they all made a covenant to obey all the Lord’s commandments “with all their heart and all their soul.” (2 Kgs. 23:3.) Then Josiah proceeded to clean up the kingdom of Judah, removing all the idols, the groves, the high places, and all the abominations that had accumulated during the reign of his fathers, defiling the land and its people. He also held a solemn passover, and “surely there was not holden such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah.” (2 Kgs. 23:22.) All this that he “might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the Lord.

“And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.” (2 Kgs. 23:25.)

I feel strongly that all of us must return to the scriptures just as King Josiah did and let them work mightily within us, impelling us to an unwavering determination to serve the Lord.

Josiah had the law of Moses only. In our scriptures we have the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness; and if a taste is sweet, in fulness there is joy.

The Lord is not trifling with us when he gives us these things, for “unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12:48.) Access to these things means responsibility for them. We must study the scriptures according to the Lord’s commandment (see 3 Ne. 23:1-5); and we must let them govern our lives and the lives of our children; and, having them, we must see the responsibility we have to turn our hearts to our beloved ancestors, many of whom endured the long night of darkness that we might be, and who perhaps even now anxiously await our efforts in their behalf.

The Lord’s teachings have always been to those who have “eyes to see” and “ears to hear.” The voice is clear and unmistakable, and against those who neglect so great an opportunity the witness is sure.

So I ask all to begin now to study the scriptures in earnest, if you have not already done so. And perhaps the easiest and most effective way to do this is to participate in the study program of the Church.

We invite you to join in this excellent opportunity to study “the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68.) Teach yourself and your family “the doctrine of the kingdom,” that you may be “instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God.” (D&C 88:77-78.)

May we all read the scriptures prayerfully, study them carefully, and receive a testimony of their message that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, and that his gospel plan is the path to happiness here and eternal life hereafter.

Elder L. Tom Perry once said, "The Scriptures that are never read will never help us." (Ensign, May 1985, p.23). Franklin D. Richards once said, "Knowledge received from studying the scriptures assists us in making correct decisions in all areas of life´s activities and helps us to know God and understand his purposes." (Ensign, May 1981, p.51) And J. Richard Clark once said, "Brothers and sisters, you don´t have to be a natural student to read the scriptures; you just need to love the Lord." (Ensign, November 1982, p.15)

For as long as I can remember the Scriptures has always been an integral part of my life. I will always be grateful for a loving mother who took the time to introduce the Scriptures to each of her children at an early age and taught them not only through words but by example, just how important the Scriptures are and the impact that they can have on our lives. Growing up as a Baptist boy, I can remember that there were always one or more copies of the Bible in our home and my mother taught my brother, sisters and I to have a sincere respect and love for the Word of God.

That early exposure to the Scriptures has had a lasting effect on my life. As I grow older, my love and appreciation for the Scriptures grows deeper. At the age of 44, I have been blessed to have read the Bible in its entirety seven times. Daily Scripture reading is an intimate part of my life. I have found that there is no greater joy in my life than to feast daily at the banqueting table of God’s Word. It is through the study of the Scriptures that I find joy, peace, happiness, comfort, and most of all a deeper love for my Savior. Christ taught us in John 5:39 to "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." The apostle Paul in Romans 15:4 taught us that "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." 

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. - John 5:39

And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning. - 1 Nephi 19:23

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. - John 6:32-34

2 Nephi 29: 8-13

8 Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word?  Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another?  Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another.  And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.

9 And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure.  And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever.

10 Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.

11 For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.

12 For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.

13 And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews.

 

Why are families important? Families are important because the home is the nation’s most fundamental institution, and the strength of the family unit within each home becomes a very vital link to the survival of our society as a whole. How we interact with our family members is a direct reflection on how we will interact with others in society. History has shown that a society that upholds the family and family life will be morally preserved, while a society that neglects the family, and allows sinful influences to destroy and fragment the family, will become morally decadent. President Thomas S. Monson once said, “The home is the laboratory of our lives, and what we learn there largely determines what we do when we leave there.” (Ensign, November 1988, p. 69.) O. Leslie Stone once said, “The home is where we learn what is right, what is good, and what is kind. It is the first school and the first church. (Ensign, November 1976, p. 60.) And Rex D. Pinegar once said, “Our Heavenly Father has organized us into families for the purpose of helping us successfully meet the trials and challenges of life. The home also exists to bless us with the joys and privileges of family associations. Our family is our safety place, our support network, our sanctuary, and our salvation.” (Ensign, May 1990, p. 9.)

President David O’ McKay once said, “No other success can compensate for failure in the home. The poorest shack in which love prevails over a united family is of greater value to God and future humanity than any other riches. In such a home God can work miracles and will work miracles.” (CR, April 1964, p.5). And President Spencer W. Kimball taught us, “It is important for us to cultivate in our own family a sense that we belong together eternally, that whatever changes outside our home, there are fundamental aspects of our relationship which will never change.” (CR, October 1974, p.161.)

Brothers and sisters, our Heavenly Father expects us to regard the family with the same great regard that He has for it. And because of this, we must strengthen our commitment to our family, and most of all we must strengthen our commitment to the Lord. That we may do so humbly is my prayer. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, Amen.

 

“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.” – Psalm 127:3-4

 

 

Tags: Family Blessings Church