Building faith in Jesus Christ is the beginning of reversing any spiritual
decline in your family and in your home. You will best lead by example. Family
members and others must see you growing in your own faith in Jesus Christ and in
His gospel. You've recently been provided great help. Parents of the Church have
been blessed with an inspired curriculum for families and individuals. As you use
it, you will build your faith, and the faith of your children in the Lord Jesus
Christ. Your faith in the Savior has grown as you fall on President Russell M
Nelson suggestion to read The Book of Mormon.
You mark passages and words that refer to the Savior. Your faith in Jesus Christ
grew, but like a new plant, such faith in Jesus Christ will wither unless you find
continued resolve to ponder and pray, to increase it. Your example of growing in
faith may not be followed by all members of your family now, but take heart from
the experience of Alma the Younger. In his painful need for repentance and
forgiveness, he remembered his father's faith in Jesus Christ. Your children may
remember your faith in the Savior at a moment when they desperately need
repentance. Your praying as a family can play a crucial part in making home a
sacred place. Even when family members are not living in the home, prayer can
build bonds of love. Prayer in the family can reach across the
world. For me, the old saying: "The family that prays together stays together" could
be expanded to: "The family that prays together is together even when they are
far apart." Because none of us is perfect and feelings are easily hurt, families
can become sacred sanctuaries only as we repent early and sincerely. Parents can
set an example. Harsh words or unkind thoughts can be repetitive quickly and
sincerely. A simple "I'm sorry" can heal wounds invite both
forgiveness and love. The Prophet Joseph Smith was a model for us as he dealt
with vicious attacks with traitors and even with disagreements in his family. He
forgave quickly, even though he knew the attacker might attack again, he asked for
forgiveness and he gave it freely. Our family members will grow in their desire
to share the gospel as they feel the joy of forgiveness that can come even as
they renew covenants when they partake of the sacrament. The missionary spirit will
grow in our homes as children and parents feel the joy of forgiveness in
the sacrament service. Both for parents and children, the temple is the best
opportunity to gain a feeling for and a love of heavenly places. As temples are
being added across the earth, it is possible for many parents to visit
temple grounds with their families. A few may even be able to attend open houses
when temples are built. You will find some of your greatest joys in your
efforts to make your home a place of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a
place that is permeated with love--the pure love of Christ. The restoration of
the gospel start with a humble question pondered in a humble home, and it can
continue in each of our homes, as we continue to establish and practice
gospel principles there. Some have tried with full heart for that blessing yet
has not been granted. My promise to you is one that a member of the Quorum of
the Twelve Apostles was made to me: "You just live worthy of the celestial
kingdom and the family arrangements will be more wonderful than anything you can
imagine." I know that because of the atonement of Jesus Christ we can repent
be cleansed and become worthy to live in loving families forever with our
Heavenly Father and with His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. I so testify this is true,
in the name of Jesus Christ. amen.