`Take especial care of your family'
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"Of all the work of `perfecting the Saints,' none compares to that done in healthy families," said Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve in an April 1994 general conference address.
"President David O. McKay taught, `The home is the basis of a righteous life, and no other instrumentality can take its place nor fulfill its essential functions.'"Sometimes, unintentionally, even certain extracurricular Church activities, insensitively administered, can hamper family life.
"Instructively, after the resurrected Jesus taught the Nephites, He said, `Go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said,' and pray and prepare `for the morrow' (3 Ne. 17:3.) Jesus did not say go to your civic clubs, town meetings, or even stake centers!
"Attending to all family duties includes really teaching our children `to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God.' (D&C 68:25). . . .
"When parents fail to transmit testimony and theology along with decency, those families are only one generation from serious spiritual decline, having lost their savor."
Further, Elder Maxwell said: "Obviously, family values mirror our personal priorities. Given the gravity of current conditions, would parents be willing to give up just one outside thing, giving that time and talent instead to the family? Parents and grandparents, please scrutinize your schedules and priorities in order to ensure that life's prime relationships get more prime time! Even consecrated and devoted Brigham Young was once told by the Lord, `Take especial care of your family.' (D&C 126:3.) Sometimes it is the most conscientious who need this message the most!"
