Elder Richard J. Maynes: Establishing a Christ-centered home
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181st Annual General Conference — Church News coverage
Happiness comes through establishing a Christ-centered home, Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Seventy said during the Saturday afternoon session of general conference.
"The principle of eternal families is an essential element in Heavenly Father's great plan for His children," said Elder Maynes. "Recognizing that we have a heavenly family helps us understand the eternal nature of our earthly families."
As individuals understand the eternal nature of the family they are more able to understand Heavenly Father's plan for His children, Elder Maynes said. The adversary, on the other hand, wants to do everything in his power to destroy the plan of a loving Heavenly Father.
"In his attempt to defeat God's plan, he is leading an unprecedented attack on the institution of the family," he said. "Some of the more powerful weapons he uses in his attack are selfishness, greed and pornography. ...Because Satan understands that true happiness in this life and in the eternities is found in the form of family, he does everything in his power to destroy it."
In order to prevent the influence of the destroyer in the homes of members, Elder Maynes shared examples of establishing habits in his own family — family home evening, daily prayer and scripture study — that reflect the principles of the gospel and strengthen family bonds.
"It was not always easy, convenient or successful, but over time these simple gatherings became treasured family traditions," he said. "There is great power and protection for us and our youth in establishing celestial traditions in the home."
It is through teaching and practicing the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ in homes that families are able to create a culture where the Spirit can dwell, he said.
"Through establishing these celestial traditions in our homes we will be able to overcome the false traditions of the world and learn to put the needs and concerns of others first."
Parents are responsible to teach their children in love and righteousness and will be held accountable before the Lord in how they perform their sacred responsibilities.
"It is difficult to overstate the importance parents have in teaching their children celestial traditions through word and example," he said. "Brothers and sisters, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we understand and believe in the eternal nature of the family. This understanding and belief should inspire us to do everything in our power to establish a Christ-centered home."
