Elder L. Tom Perry: Mothers Teaching Children in the Home

Wow, only the Saturday afternoon session and this is the third talk about mothers! Must be a message in that.

Elder Perry said, "Please allow me to . . . share a few of the lessons I learned from my mother about teaching the gospel in the home." He then talked a bit about his mother and added, "Times are very different today, but while times may change, a parent's teaching must never be devalued. Many activities link the values of one generation to the next, but perhaps the most central of these activities is parents teaching children in the home."


I hope that Theresia and I have done an adequate job of teaching in the home. Even though we just have Calais and Taylor at home now, we are still trying to do a good job. I hope also that our children have learned the importance of what Elder Perry is talking about and will strive to teach their children well, in their homes.

Elder Perry counsels, "Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. [We do try to do those things.] They know the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world.


One thing that struck me about that section is the phrase "daily parenting." It really is a daily endeavor. You can't take a week off or a month off because you are really busy, or distracted. Parents need to do those things that Elder Perry suggests, every day. It is a constant effort. And worth it. Our children are examples of that. We worked at it. We were also blessed with special spirits for children. And it has worked very well so far.

The leaders of the Church spend a great deal of time thinking about how to improve teaching in the Church.  Our teaching in the home prepares us to teach more effectively at church, and our teaching at church helps us to teach more effectively at home. 


I think this is one area that can really use attention in the church (speaking locally), improved teaching and improve speaking (talk giving.)


There is no such thing as overpreparing to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, for gospel insights, whether or not they are used during class time, can always be taught in the home.


We see so many challenges today from distracting and destructive influences intended to mislead God's children. We are seeing many you people who lack the deep spiritual roots necessary to remain standing in faith as storms of unbelief and despair swirl around them. Too many of our Father in Heaven's children are being overcome by worldly desires. Teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the home adds another layer of insulation to protect our children from worldly influences.


I noticed that this is yet another talk that mentions distractions. That last paragraph was very well put. It sums up a lot of thoughts I've been having lately.