July 2016 Visiting Teaching Message
Our Potential for Parenthood
Prayerfully study this material and
seek to know what to share. How will understanding “The Family: A Proclamation
to the World” increase your faith in God and bless those you watch over through visiting teaching?
“It
was essential that God’s spirit children have mortal birth and an opportunity
to progress toward eternal life,” taught Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles. “In light of the ultimate purpose of the great plan of happiness, I
believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and
our posterity.”1
Elder
Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles said:
“We
believe in families, and we believe in children. …
“‘… God
said unto [Adam and Eve], Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth’ [Genesis 1:28]. …
“This
commandment has not been forgotten or set aside in The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints.”2
Though
not all of us become parents in this life, we can nurture children of every
age. We enjoy the blessings of being part of Heavenly Father’s family,
and we experience the joys and challenges of being part of an earthly family.
And for many, parenthood awaits them in the eternities ahead.
Additional Scriptures
Living Stories
“Many
voices in the world today marginalize the importance of having children or
suggest delaying or limiting children in a family,” said Elder Andersen. “My
daughters recently referred me to a blog written by a Christian
mother (not of our faith) with five children. She commented: ‘[Growing] up in
this culture, it is very hard to get a biblical perspective on
motherhood. … Children rank way below college. Below world travel for
sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your
body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get.’ She then adds:
‘Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children
because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can
squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.’”3
Consider This
In
what ways is our earthly family like our heavenly family?
Notes
- Dallin H. Oaks, “The Great Plan of Happiness,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 72, 75.
2 2. Neil L.
Andersen, “Children,” Liahona, Nov. 2011, 28.
3. 3. Neil L.
Andersen, “Children,” 28.
