Visiting Teaching Message for September 2016

01 September

Visiting Teaching MessagesIn this month’s Ensign the Visiting Teaching Message is titledParenthood Is a Sacred Duty. Despite the title chosen for the message, the message offers very little guidance as to why they believe family is so important.

The article pulls a quote by Quentin L. Cook, from the May 2015 issue of the Ensign where he says: “If we faithfully have family prayer, scripture study, family home evening, priesthood blessings, and Sabbath day observance,” …….” our children will … be prepared for an eternal home in heaven, regardless of what befalls them in a difficult world.

As many Christian parents can attest it’s not easy raising children in the world as it is today. Even if we raise them with the values we wish for them to have, there are still other influences in their lives that are clamoring for their attention. These often negative voices pull them off the path their faithful parents tried to place them on.

In his quote Cook mentions the importance of family prayer and “scripture” study. While I can agree that it’s important for families to pray together, and to study God’s word as a family that’s where I draw the line in agreement to his comment. The whole point of gathering the family together for prayer and/or bible study is to draw each member closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. To know how much they need Him, rely on Him and to understand how much He has done for them.

Sadly, the premise of his quote (and article it’s pulled from) is based on the Mormon ideology of a works based system that leads to righteousness. While it’s true parents do have a sacred duty to raise their children “in the way they should go” (Proverbs 22:6), it’s important we point them to the right way. Not toward a way that leaves them in bondage, and feeling as though they must work down a list of things they must do, but to one that points them to the one who sacrificed Himself for them so they don’t have “do all they can do” before receiving eternal life. (2 Nephi 25:23)

In Christ,

Melissa Grimes

(melissa@lifeafter.org)

 

References:

Quentin L. Cook, May 2015 Ensign –

Visiting Teaching Message September 2016 –

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