There is no doubt in my mind that the Family is being attacked and undermined in our great nation and world. Many proclaim the right of freedom, of choice, of allowing their own opinions to dominate millions of traditions that work. There is much that is good but there is much that is changing the way the family is viewed, how it functions, how it's protected and why it's important. I could go into many topics, public education, non-married couples, media, "selfi-ism", gay rights, divorce, abandonment, abuse, abortion...the list could go on. But the most basic and essential topic is that of gender and of families: a man is a man, a woman is a woman, both are needed in a family, and that is ESSENTIAL in the plan of God.
"Essential" is not a light word. When we are told by prophets that gender is essential, than it IS! When we choose to disregard that fact it is like saying a body doesn't need food. Or a world doesn't need water or sunlight. Those things are essential, period. Within the Family Proclomation, a piece of modern scripture, there are key phrases that the Lord uses to enhance this importance.
Quotes from "The Family A Proclamation to the World:"
- marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God
- the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
- Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
- God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
- Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.
- Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.
- Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.
So, no wonder the adversary of our happiness is trying so hard to break apart this ESSENTIAL part of Gods plan for us. The family unit is what holds societies together, it is what strengthens nations and brings order and peace to this earth. There is no other unit that can teach individuals better principles than in a home. You gain so much knowledge in a home and family. If we do not protect this unit in our society we have been told by prophets of calamities that will ensue. That is also a promise. We cannot break commandments of God and escape the consequences. Even though our society has lost the concept of responsibility and has forgotten that EVERY choice has a consequence. You cannot (shouldn't!) kill without consequence. You cannot (shouldn't!) steal without consequence. We have certain laws in our society that have consequences and so does God. They don't just disappear because we are a "modern age" or because "our choice" is more important. A good home has rules to keep order and a good parent doesn't let those slip just cause they love their child and they're cute as pie so let them get away with it. No. That is where disorder and disintegration occurs. We need rules, laws and guides to keep us protected and happy.
I have a firm belief in a Heavenly Father. I know there is more to this life than just living and dying. I know that Gods laws are the highest order of happiness. I know that the family is to be led by a man and woman and that the sanctity of hat Union is crucial! I know that children are essential and need to be protected. I know that all these truths must be protected.
The prophets and the Lord have asked us point blank to protect these teachings. In the Proclamation it states, "We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society." And so I will defend the family with all my heart and soul to the best of my ability!
Some great Talks to listen to:
"Defenders of the Family Proclamation"
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/defenders-of-the-family-proclamation?cid=HP_TU_7-21-2015_dPTH_fGC_xLIDyL1-B_&lang=eng
"The Family is of God"
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-family-is-of-god?lang=eng
"Filling our homes with light and truth"
To read the whole Family Proclamation go here:
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1995/11/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1995/11/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng
