A Christ-Centered Home
“I have sometimes seen children of good families rebel, resist, stray, sin, and even actually fight God. In this they bring sorrow to their
parents, who have done their best to set in movement a current and
to teach and live as examples. But I have repeatedly seen many of
these same children, after years of wandering, mellow, realize what
they have been missing, repent, and make great contribution to the
spiritual life of their community. The reason I believe this can take
place is that, despite all the adverse winds to which these people have
been subjected, they have been influenced still more, and much more
than they realized, by the current of life in the homes in which they
were reared. When, in later years, they feel a longing to recreate in
their own families the same atmosphere they enjoyed as children, they
are likely to turn to the faith that gave meaning to their parents’ lives.”
-President
Spencer W. Kimball
“Family study of the scriptures should be the practice in our homes
each Sabbath day. Daily devotionals are also a commendable practice, where scripture
reading, singing of hymns, and family prayer are a part of our daily
routine.
-President
Ezra Taft Benson
“The home is what needs reforming. Try today, and tomorrow,
to make a change in your home by praying twice a day with your family. … Ask a
blessing upon every meal you eat. Spend ten minutes … reading a chapter from
the words of the Lord in the [scriptures]. … Let love, peace, and the Spirit of
the Lord, kindness, charity, sacrifice for others, abound in your families.
Banish harsh words, … and let the Spirit of God take possession of your hearts.
Teach to your children these things, in spirit and power. … Not one child in a
hundred would go astray, if the home environment, example and training, were in
harmony with … the gospel of Christ.”
-President
Joseph F. Smith
“Obviously, family values mirror our personal priorities.
Given the gravity of current conditions, would parents be willing to give up
just one outside thing, giving that time and talent instead to the family?
Parents and grandparents, please scrutinize your schedules and priorities in
order to ensure that life’s prime relationships get more prime time! Even
consecrated and devoted Brigham Young was once told by the Lord, ‘Take especial
care of your family’ (D&C 126:3). Sometimes it is the most conscientious
who need this message the most!”
-Elder
Neal A. Maxwell
“Countless things can be done within the walls of our homes
to strengthen the family. May I share a few ideas that may help identify the
areas that need strengthening in our own families. I offer them in a spirit of
encouragement, knowing that each family—and each family member—is unique.”
-Elder
Robert D. Hales
“Hold family home evenings every week without fail. This is a wonderful time to share your
testimony with your children…Family home evenings will help create an island of
refuge and security within your own home.”
-Elder
Joe J. Christensen
“The responsibility for establishing a Christ-centered home
lies with both parents and children. Parents are responsible to teach their
children in love and righteousness. Parents will be held accountable before the
Lord in how they perform their sacred responsibilities. Parents teach their
children with words and through example.”
-Elder
Richard J. Maynes
“It is difficult to overstate the importance parents have in
teaching their children celestial traditions through word and example.”
-Elder
Richard J. Maynes
“When parents preside over the family in love and
righteousness and teach their children the gospel of Jesus Christ by word and
through example, and when children love and support their parents by learning
and practicing the principles their parents teach, the result will be the
establishment of a Christ-centered home. Brothers and sisters, as members of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we understand and believe in
the eternal nature of the family. This understanding and belief should inspire
us to do everything in our power to establish a Christ-centered home.”
-Elder
Richard J. Maynes
“One of the things we have discovered is that when we bring
the Savior’s example and teachings into our family discussions and interactions,
they have become much more powerful and purposeful.”
-Darren
E. Schmidt
“Another thing we have sought to do to establish a more
Christ-centered home is to have pictures of Christ, the temple, and other
gospel-related things where they can readily be seen and where our children can
know what is truly important to us.”
-Darren
E. Schmidt
“Be certain that every decision you make, whether temporal
or spiritual, is conditioned on what the Savior would have you do. When He is
the center of your home, there is peace and serenity. There is a spirit of
assurance that pervades the home, and it is felt by all who dwell there.”
-Elder
Richard G. Scott
“The prophetic counsel to have daily personal and family
prayer, daily personal and family scripture study, and weekly family home
evening are the essential, weight-bearing beams in the construction of a
Christ-centered home.”
-Elder
Richard G. Scott
“Don’t rationalize away future happiness by taking shortcuts
instead of applying sound gospel principles. Remember: little things lead to
big things. Seemingly insignificant indiscretions or neglect can lead to big
problems. More importantly, simple, consistent, good habits lead to a life full
of bountiful blessings.”
-Elder
Richard G. Scott
“Doing all we can to invite the gentle, guiding influence of
the Holy Ghost into our lives is critical in our attempts to center our homes
on the Savior.”
-Elder
Richard G. Scott
“As you center your home on the Savior, it will naturally
become a refuge not only to your own family but also to friends who live in
more difficult circumstances. They will be drawn to the serenity they feel
there. Welcome such friends into your home. They will blossom in that
Christ-centered environment.”
-Elder
Richard G. Scott
“One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is
the power of a Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught, covenants are
kept, and love abounds.”
-Elder
Richard G. Scott
“We need not worry if we can’t simultaneously do all of the
things that the Lord has counseled us to do. He has spoken of a time and a
season for all things. In response to our sincere prayers for guidance, He will
direct us in what should be emphasized at each phase of our life. We can learn,
grow, and become like Him one consistent step at a time.”
-Elder
Richard G. Scott
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