Families: the foundation to happy lives
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Those with a knowledge of the Plan of Happiness have "the opportunity and also the responsibility to help restore faith in the family," said Elder Kenneth Johnson of the First Quorum of the Seventy.
"In many ways our commission is comparable to those who work in the field of medicine and scientific research," he said. "Using established laws, they determine how suffering can be alleviated and the quality of life improved."
Elder Johnson said it is important to note that these "natural laws" are not created or voted on but already exist and are merely discovered.
"Discovering the laws of physics and complying with them brings progress, enabling man to rise to higher levels of attainment than would otherwise be possible," he said. "I believe that this premise also applies to ethical standards and moral values."
Reflecting on the important lessons he learned in his own home, Elder Johnson said it is "our responsibility to safeguard the homes as a center of learning where these virtues can be instilled in an atmosphere of love and through the power of example."
He said, "It was in the home that I learned principles of provident living and the dignity of work." Other important lessons included "the development of a sound character ... loyalty, integrity and dependability."
Making reference to the guidelines stated in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," Elder Johnson said, "We should never forget that freedom and happiness in all aspects of life come by understanding and living in harmony with eternal principles. They provide a sure foundation upon which to build a productive and happy life."
