Love and respect should be in homes
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President Gordon B. Hinckley told members living in 107 Utah stakes that he is a product of a home defined by love and mutual respect. As a boy, the Church leader knew peace and security because of the love his parents had for one another. His late wife, Sister Marjorie Pay Hinckley, enjoyed the same blessings of a happy and secure childhood.
Many families today are not so fortunate, said President Hinckley at an Oct. 21 multi-stake conference held in the Conference Center and broadcast via satellite to scores of meetinghouses from Park City to Herriman, Utah.
Troubled marriages, dictatorial attitudes, abuse and bullying can be found in some households. Such domestic situations are tragic "because it is so different than what our Father in Heaven wants," said President Hinckley.
The thousands who participated in the multi-stake conference were counseled to take care of each other, to focus on eternity and to slow down for prayer and thoughtful worship. President Hinckley was joined on the program by President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve; Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Presidency of the Seventy; Primary General President Cheryl C. Lant; and Brother William D. Oswald, second counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency.
Much of President Hinckley's address focused on fostering love and mutual respect in families. He encouraged couples to recognize one another's virtues.
President Packer offered a message rich with hope for family members of all ages. The faithful, he said, have no need to fear. "Don't be afraid. Be happy. Life is good. You can find a full and a righteous life ahead for your children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, because the work is not done.
"Parents, assure your children, particularly your little children, that they need not fear if they will be prayerful."
Mortality is replete with challenges, he added. There are so many things in life "that are not quite right." There is divorce, unemployment, problems with housing and food. Some perhaps think they are not doing as well as they ought to.
He counseled the members to remember the eternal nature of blessings.
"As Latter-day Saints, we do not get everything done," President Packer said. "We do not get it done in our lifetimes. Sometimes we see challenges and problems that do not get fixed. And yet if we have the patience and have the understanding, we know that we are in an eternal pattern in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it goes on.
"No blessing will be denied the righteous who are striving to do that which is good."
President Packer said he is sometimes asked what the Brethren think about the criticism that is sometimes directed at Church leaders, particularly in the environs of Church headquarters. His answer: "Not much! We don't have time."
In fact, it is not the Church's problem, President Packer added. "(The problem) is theirs. We do not oppose them, and we do not go out preaching against them or trying to disturb them. They can go their way. So it becomes their problem."
President Packer also spoke of the power of the Holy Ghost in blessing families.
"As we look across the Church and visit the Church in the world, we have the assurance that wherever we go there will be leaders to lead the Church, guided by inspiration," he said. "But more and more, we see fathers and mothers clinging to one another, raising their children, following the counsel and guidance of the Holy Ghost."
Elder Andersen encouraged members to follow Christ's example and search for moments of spiritual rest. Slow down. Take time to pray, meditate and ponder.
Observing the Sabbath is a vital step in "slowing down." Keeping the Sabbath Day holy helps keep one "unspotted from the world." Elder Andersen said the weekly sacrament ordinance is a highlight of the Sabbath and challenged members to find increased reverence before partaking the sacrament.
Regular temple attendance is another way members can slow down. Elder Andersen spoke of the two new temples being built in the south end of the Salt Lake Valley. Each will give worshippers an opportunity to "be still" and draw closer to God.
Darkness is about and war is being waged between good and evil, said Sister Lant. There are enemies at work, intent on destruction. "We must rally our forces within our families to protect ourselves."
Some dangers are easy to spot: gangs, crime, abuse, pornography or, perhaps, addiction to prescription drugs. But other perils are more difficult to recognize. Seemingly innocuous things such as text messaging, television and materialism can weaken families if not properly used and controlled.
Sister Lant said security can be found in the basics such as personal prayer and family scripture study. Families can also take time to evaluate how they spend their time and resources. "Sometimes we think we need more stuff than we really do."
Making and keeping sacred covenants also offers valuable protection, she added.
Brother Oswald spoke of the importance of being valiant in one's testimony of Christ. He shared several examples of everyday people who demonstrated valiance through obedience, scripture study and service. One's reward in the next life is reflected by his or her being valiant in mortality.
"How blessed we are to be disciples of Jesus Christ," Brother Oswald said.
The Oct. 21 multi-stake conference is one of 30 such gatherings that have or will occur in 2007. Another 30 multi-stake conferences are scheduled for 2008.
E-mail to: jswensen@desnews.com
