Scripture Study |
Latter-day Counsel |
Scripture study as individuals and as a family is most fundamental to learning the gospel. Daily reading of the scriptures and discussing them together is a powerful tool against the temptations of Satan. This practice will produce great happiness and will help family members love the Lord and his goodness. Home is where we become experts and scholars in gospel righteousness. President Spencer W. Kimball, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 129 Brethren, do you understand that we emphasize the teaching of the scriptures
because they are the constant? From them we learn the purposes of life,
the gifts of the Spirit. From them we learn about personal revelation,
how to discern good from evil, truth from error. The scriptures provide
the pattern and the basis for correct doctrine. From doctrine, we learn
principles of conduct, how to respond to problems of everyday living,
even to failures, for they, too, are provided for in the doctrines. In addition to our having loving family "sociality," which,
one day, will be "coupled with eternal glory," we stress again
and again the available remedies of family prayers, family home evenings,
and family scripture study (D&C 130:2). Moreover, personal revelation
regarding parenting can provide customized guidance and reassurance! The area presidency taught these principles first to the stake presidencies.
They, in turn, instructed their high councils, and from there the teaching
was done to bishops. The bishops then instructed their ward members,
and a follow up letter was delivered by the home teachers to each family
unit. The fathers were encouraged specifically to lead their families
in daily prayer and scripture study. My sincere counsel to you today is to recommit yourselves to these
two basic practices that have been the source of so many blessings for
the Saints in Peru. Never let a day go by without holding family prayer
and family scripture study. Put this, the Lord's program, to the test;
and see if it does not bless your home with greater peace, hope, love,
and faith. I promise you that daily family prayer and scripture study
will build within the walls of your home a security and bonding that
will enrich your lives and prepare your families to meet the challenges
of today and the eternities to come. |