To enjoy blessings, one's own house must be in order
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During the reign of Hezekiah, his people were protected by the Lord because of their righteousness. Their worship at the temple epitomized their obedience to the commandments of God.
Just as Hezekiah led his people in godliness and temple worship, a righteous husband and father can lead his family. President Howard W. Hunter highlighted this in a priesthood session address at the October 1994 general conference:"A man who holds the priesthood leads his family in Church participation so they will know the gospel and be under the protection of the covenants and ordinances. If you are to enjoy the blessings of the Lord, you must set your own homes in order. Together with your wife, you determine the spiritual climate of your home. Your first obligation is to get your own spiritual life in order through regular scriptural study and daily prayer. Secure and honor your priesthood and temple covenants; encourage your family to do the same.
"Take seriously your responsibility to teach the gospel to your family through regular family home evening, family prayer, devotional and scripture-reading time, and other teaching moments. Give special emphasis to preparation for missionary service and temple marriage. As patriarch in the home, exercise your priesthood through performing the appropriate ordinances for your family and by giving blessings to your wife and children. Next to your own salvation, brethren, there is nothing so important to you as the salvation of your wife and children."
