Only the Home

One of my favorite sayings is found in the Bible dictionary under the topic of temple. It says, “Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness.”

Did you catch that? First, it doesn’t say only the home can compare with the temple in cleanliness. And thank goodness or I’d be in big trouble!

Second, It doesn’t say only the chapel or only the church can compare with the temple in sacredness. It says only the home.

Why?

Let’s take a look at one of my favorite and probably one of the most powerful chapters in all the scriptures, 3 Nephi 17. The Savior is teaching the people in the land of Bountiful who have gathered at the temple.

1 Behold, now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he looked round about again on the multitude, and he said unto them: Behold, my time is at hand.

2 I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words which I am commanded of the Father to speak unto you at this time.

Here we have the people gathered at the temple, listening to the Savior, and He is aware that they do not understand all He is saying to them. So what does He tell them to do?

3 Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again.

What a fantastic formula!

1. Go to your homes.

2. Ponder upon the things that have been said.

3. Ask of the Father in Christ’s name that you will understand.

4. Prepare your mind for additional instruction.

Go to your homes. Jesus Christ, the most powerful teacher to ever live, is instructing the people that true understanding of the doctrines of the gospel would come in the setting of the home. That is powerful.

We know from scriptural mandate that parents are responsible for teaching their children to understand the doctrine (Doctrine & Covenants 68:25-26, Alma 39:16, Deuteronomy 6:7, Moses 6:58). The only way for children, or anyone really, to truly understand is if they are taught by the Holy Ghost. He is the one who takes the message to the hearts of those willing to hear (2 Nephi 33:1, Doctrine & Covenants 50:13-14).

As parents it is our responsibility to create a home that is a house of learning. We need to create a Christ-centered home, an environment where the Spirit feels welcome and will come and abide and teach our children.

Which leads me now to the Come, Follow Me curriculum. In his opening remarks of the October 2018 General Conference, where this curriculum was introduced, President Russell M. Nelson said:

“For many years, Church leaders have been working on an integrated curriculum to strengthen families and individuals through a home-centered and Church-supported plan to learn doctrine, strengthen faith, and foster greater personal worship.”

How many years do you think they have been working on this? Here is a hint. Back in 2007, twelve years ago, Dallin H. Oaks said this in his landmark talk “Good, Better, Best.”

“But here is a caution for families. Suppose Church leaders reduce the time required by Church meetings and activities in order to increase the time available for families to be together. This will not achieve its intended purpose unless individual family members—especially parents—vigorously act to increase family togetherness and one-on-one time.”

Why is the Come, Follow Me curriculum being implemented now? President Nelson again,

“The adversary is increasing his attacks on faith and upon us and our families at an exponential rate. To survive spiritually, we need counterstrategies and proactive plans. Accordingly, we now want to put in place organizational adjustments that will further fortify our members and their families.”

Organizational adjustments = the shortening of church to give families more time in their homes for gospel learning. And it shouldn’t just be more time on Sunday. Think about the total amount of time each day or each week dedicated to gospel, spirit-filled instruction for your children. Now think of the evil influences they face each day and each week.

Shortly before my mother-in-law passed away from cancer my daughter, Eve, was able to talk to her. Eve asked her what advice she could give to her as a young mother. My mother-in-law emphatically told her, “Teach your children the gospel. If you don’t teach them, Satan and the world will.”

We can all do better. There are changes we can make in our homes – whether it’s the artwork on our walls or the types of tv shows and movies we watch or the music we listen to – we can change them to create an environment where the Holy Ghost will feel comfortable. He can then teach and testify to our children and to us.

There are changes we can make with our time. We need to be more bold in preaching the doctrine of Christ to our children. The doctrine is the why of the gospel. When we understand the why we are better able to learn the how.

President Boyd K. Packer famously said, “True doctrine understood changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.”

President Henry B. Eyring also reiterated this truth in his April 2019 General Conference talk, “A Home Where the Spirit of the Lord Dwells.”

“Building faith in Jesus Christ is the beginning of reversing spiritual decline in your family and in your home. That faith is more likely to bring repentance than your preaching against each symptom of spiritual decline.

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 have recently been provided great help. Parents in 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.”

It is hard work but we can do it! Sometimes all we can do is to keep trudging on, deep in the trenches, holding fiercely to the promised blessings. What are some of those blessings? President Nelson again:

“The new home-centered, Church-supported integrated curriculum has the potential to unleash the power of families, as each family follows through conscientiously and carefully to transform their home into a sanctuary of faith. I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight. Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior’s teachings, and the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining. “

I want those blessings for me and my family. “Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness.” May we each work to make that so for our homes.