This is a good point. The media is a frequent and easy target. But we need to make sure that we, as parents, are not contributing to the problem. We need to be positive examples of reverence to our children.
Ask yourself these questions: Am I an example of respect in my home by the way I treat those I love the most? What is my demeanor during a sports event? If my child has a disagreement with a teacher, coach, or peer, do I listen to both sides of the issue? Do I show respect for the property of others as well as take care of my own? How do I respond to others with whom I disagree in matters of religion, lifestyle, or politics?
These are good guidelines for reverence and to measure how we are forsaking the world. The world has one way of acting in each of these areas. But our Heavenly Father would have us act a different way. That way, His way, is the way of reverence and Christ-like behavior (discipleship.)
Reverent behavior is not a natural tendency for most children. It is a quality that is taught by parents and leaders through example and training.
This was a sort of 'news flash' for me. Reverence is not a natural tendency, it must be taught. That makes it a very important responsibility for parents.
Cites Elder Boyd K. Packer talk: Reverence Invites Revelation. It reminds me that we must create in our hearts, our homes, and our meetings places of reverence that will invite the Spirit to comfort, guide, teach, and testify.
We need to create these places in meetings too because that is the purpose of meetings, to have the Spirit 'comfort, guide, teach, and testify.'
What can we do? We can exemplify reverence as we pray humbly, use the proper language of prayer, and speak the names of Deity appropriately. We can handle the scriptures with respect and teach doctrine from them with conviction. Reverence will increase as we show proper respect not only for the General Authorities but for local priesthood and auxiliary leaders as well.
Not only good things to practice ourselves, but also to teach our children.
Our chapels provide places for many different functions, but on Sunday they are places of worship. Only in an attitude of reverence can the Spirit confirm the truths of the gospel through the word of God, music, testimony, and prayer. Reverence will increase if our socializing is done in the foyer and if sacrament meeting begins with the prelude music, not the opening prayer.
More good advice on what to do individually and what to teach our children. It is important to practice these things as adults. This quote would be a good point of discussion for Ward Council. I especially like the advice that 'sacrament meeting begins with the prelude music.' I need to practice that.
To teachers and leaders of children of youth: Love those in your class. Often the child who is the most disruptive needs your love the most.
I need to remember this for my public school classes too.
Years ago President Packer promised the Lord's blessings to those who worship in reverence. Surely those promises apply today: "While we may not see an immediate, miraculous transformation, as surely as the Lord lives, a quiet one will take place. The spiritual power in the lives of each member and in the Church will increase. The Lord will pour our his Spirit upon us more abundantly. We will be less troubled, less confused. We will find revealed answers to personal and family problems."
I would sure like to receive those promised blessings. So I need to see what I can work on. First, I think, would be to start Sacrament meeting with the prelude music.
