I want to suggest three ways each of us can become more diligent and concerned in our homes.
Elder Bednar has my attention here. An apostle is going to give advice on what we can do to have successful homes.
Suggestion Number One: Express Love-and Show it.
We can begin to become more diligent and concerned at home by telling the people we love that we love them.
As disciples of the Savior, we are not merely striving to know more; rather, we need to consistently do more of what we know is right and become better.
It is not enough to know, we must also do. This is a very important principle that translates our knowledge and faith into action.
We need to both express and demonstrate love.
Elder Bednar then quotes President Monson. This is such important counsel that I am including it to:
"Often we assume that [the people around us] must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know . . . We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us."
From the scriptures: The relationship between love and appropriate action . . . "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15)
Feeling the security and constancy of love from a spouse, a parent, or a child is a rich blessing. Such love nurtures and sustains faith in God. Such love is a source of strength and casts out fear. Such love is the desire of every human soul.
We should frequently review our relationships with those closest to us to make sure that we are showing love and that the love is having the above mentioned effects.
Suggestion Number Two: Bear Testimony-and Live it.
We also can become more diligent and concerned at home by bearing testimony to those whom we love about the things we know to be true by witness of the Holy Ghost.
We should remember that bearing a heartfelt testimony is only a beginning. We need to bear testimony, we need to mean it, and most importantly we need to consistently live it. We need to both declare and live our testimonies.
So, bearing testimony should be more than a missionary teaching technique or a Fast and Testimony Meeting event. We need to share our testimony with our family members and then live it, because they are closest to us and are always watching.
Suggestion Number Three: Be Consistent
Elder Bednar related some experiences from his family about Family Home Evening. I really enjoyed that. It showed me that even future apostles (and their families) had trials and that things like FHE did not always go smoothly. I could really relate to his examples and it gave me hope!
The consistency of our intent and work was perhaps the greatest lesson-a lesson we did not fully appreciate at the time.
Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results.
Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our homes.
We were creating family goals tonight (Jan 4th) in Family Home Evening. Many of our goals were these small "brushstrokes": weekly FHE, family prayer night and day, family scripture study on the weekdays, a family game night once a month, Mom & Dad going to the temple twice a month. We set those goals (and others) because we believe, and know from past experience, that they do help create (as much, or more, than anything else) a strong home.
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I really enjoyed the message of this talk. My favorite quote: "Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls"... no one event may be impressive, but as you look at the whole masterpiece...."the consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results." All the things that seem like just little things do have a big impact on our lives, our testimonies, and our families.
ReplyDeleteI have heard and read this talk a few times now. The three ways that we can be more diligent and concerned at home are simple, crutial instructions that I will strive to remember and apply. The last paragraph contains an important statement of doctrine that gives me hope, strength and desire to apply Elder Bednar's counsel. He testifies, "In these important pursuits we will never be left alone." I also know that Heavenly Father will bless us to be able to express love and show it, bear testimony and live it, and be more consistent. We are not left alone in our persuit to be better children of God. He, Christ and the Spirit (the Godhead) are always there for us!
ReplyDeleteHey, I have read this talk several times now, too. Danielle and I must be made for each other. This really was one of my favorite talks this conference. I loved how he talked about how consistency is the key to success in living the gospel. Being consistent is still one of my weaknesses, and Elder Bednar helped me to see what a difference it makes to just be consistent in doing the little things.
ReplyDeleteThis talk meant alot to Rob, so hea used it as the lesson for Family Home evening the first Monday after the Ensign came in the mail.
ReplyDelete3 ways to be more diligent & concerned @ home:
1. express love & show it
2. bear testimony & live it
3. be consistent
Rob had the idea to tell each other why we love each other & bear our testimonies each sunday night. we haven't done it every sunday night, but The few times we've done this has been a very great experience.