Ideas for Lesson on Family Proclamation
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Jane Dumont
Subject: RS: family paragraph / proclamation
Carol Holmstrom wrote she would be teaching RS next Sunday, using
the proclamation on the family paragraph that talks about parents have a
solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.
"Nothing can compensate for failure in the home." What is failure?
She really wants me to bring up that we are to teach our children, but we're
not a failure if they choose the wrong path.
- The following three points may be of help in your preparations. The complete
article follows. Jane D.
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# 1
Christensen used this point on priorities (see Matthew 6:19-21): "No
other success can compensate for failure in the home." (DavidO. McKay)
Both father and mother have a sacred duty to rear their children in
love and righteousness." Christensen also said "They share these
duties as equal partners. Careers, investments, sports, television,
Web surfing or other activities shouldn't be allowed to displace the
family in importance for either husband or wife.
# 2
Christensen suggested that to teach values to children we should see
Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Proverbs 22:6. He further stated "It is in the laboratory
of the home that children are taught (or not) about tolerance,
respect, loyalty, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship; obedience
to law, health and nutrition; charity and service; the thrill of learning;
the sanctity of sex; and the importance of hard work.
# 3
Mr. Christensen summarized his talk by saying, "These are some of
Christ's ideals for marriage and family living. If we find ourselves
lacking -- and we will - we shouldn't despair. Jesus didn't condemn
those who made poor choices. His method was to love, teach correct principles,
forgive and minister to those who needed help. We should do the same."
====================================================
LDS Leader Argues Families must strive for ideals (Families must strive
for ideals) Topeka KS Capital-Journal 17Mar00 D1
http://cjonline.com/stories/031700/com_christensensheldon.shtml By John
E. Christensen: Special to The Capital-Journal
TOPEKA, KANSAS -- This is a summary of a talk given by a member of
the LDS church, John E. Christensen, who serves in the stake presidency
of the Topeka Kansas Stake. He and his wife, Carol, former president
of Interfaith of Topeka, are the parents of one son and seven daughters.
They have lived in Topeka since 1979, where John is library director
and professor at Washburn University School of Law.
When asked why he wrote the article, Christensen said, "Because my
wife and I are striving to raise our family according to Christian precepts,
and because of the importance of marriage and family in LDS culture,
I agreed to address the topic 'What would Jesus say today about marriage
and family?' "
"An 1896 story published by Charles Sheldon titled "In His Steps,"
has influenced individual followers of Jesus and Christian denominations including
my own, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." wrote Christensen,
"Talks given at LDS General Conferences have referenced this
work and prominent church leaders have acknowledged the personal impact
of "In His Steps." In 1969, the Sunday School published a study guide
for adult classes titled "In His Footsteps Today."
He added "The query "What would Jesus do?," which guided the
characters in Sheldon's story, can assist disciples today in applying
Jesus' teachings in everyday life. Some of the points Christensen spoke
of included:
Chastity and fidelity (see Matthew 5:27-28) which states in part: No
sex unless you are a man and woman, legally wedded husband and wife
and none before marriage. After marriage there should be no sexual relations
with anyone else.
On communication and mutual respect in marriage Christensen said:
"Marriage requires the giving and keeping of confidences, the sharing of
thoughts and feelings, unfailing respect and understanding, and a frank
and gentle communication."(see Ephesians 5:25,33); also LDS author
and General Authority Richard L. Evans.
Christensen used this point on priorities (see Matthew 6:19-21): "No
other success can compensate for failure in the home." (DavidO. McKay)
Both father and mother have a sacred duty to rear their children in
love and righteousness." Christensen also said "They share these
duties as equal partners. Careers, investments, sports, television,
Web surfing or other activities shouldn't be allowed to displace the
family in importance for either husband or wife.
On division of labor, Christensen sited 1 Timothy 5:8, and stated
"Ordinarily, fathers are responsible for providing the necessities of
life, and mothers are primarily responsible for nurturing their children.
Fathers should take the lead in ecclesiastical instruction in
the home and insure that family nights are consistently held." He also
stated that "If additional income is needed, women should work inside
the home. Husbands should share household chores with their wives and
see that the children do likewise."
Christensen suggested that to teach values to children we should see
Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Proverbs 22:6. He further stated "It is in the laboratory
of the home that children are taught (or not) about tolerance,
respect, loyalty, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship; obedience
to law, health and nutrition; charity and service; the thrill of learning;
the sanctity of sex; and the importance of hard work.
Christensen's next point, that of continuing courtship in marriage
said, "Take time each day to communicate with your beloved. sharing.
Spend time together each week, away from the house,talking, planning,
expressing concern for their well-being."(see Matthew 7:12) He also
sited Psychologist Erich Fromm who defined love as "the active concern
for the life and growth of that which is loved."
On divorce (see Matthew 19:3-9) Christensen said, "Marriage is more
than a casual commitment of convenience. In a day when one-third of
all marriages end in divorce, we need reminding: "Marriage is for 'adults
only' -- both of years, and maturity of attitude. "
Christensen went on to say that "It is necessary to forgive ourselves
and others in marriage and family life. We often fall short of Jesus'
injunction to be perfect. To forgive and forget offenses enables imperfect
people to grow and improve and exemplify unconditional love. (See Matthew
5:48, 18:21,35)."
Mr. Christensen summarized his talk by saying, "These are some of
Christ's ideals for marriage and family living. If we find ourselves
lacking -- and we will - we shouldn't despair. Jesus didn't condemn
those who made poor choices. His method was to love, teach correct principles,
forgive and minister to those who needed help. We should do the same."
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