The Family: Questions and Answers

Landon Seamons gave a talk in church this past Sunday that impressed me.  He answered questions that a person might have about life and the family by using phrases from the The Family - A Proclamation to the World.  Thank you Landon for letting me share your insights on our family blog. 

 This is my favorite picture of our family

-How can I find happiness?

Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.

-Where did I come from? Why am I here?
In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life.

-Will I see my family members again?
The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave.  Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

-Did God give any commandments about families?
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife.

-Are there any commandments about families specifically for me?
God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.
God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

-Does God really care about everyone?
We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

-Does Heavenly Father want me to be a part of a family?
Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

-How does our Father want us to act in our families?
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.

-What about kids? What does Heavenly Father expect me to do with them?
Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live.

-Why should we listen to everything that God says about families?
We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God.
We warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

-What should I do? 

We sall 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. 

 You can find a copy of THE FAMILY - A Proclamation to the World by clicking here.