The Strouds

Why is the family important in the plan of salvation? What does this mean for you and your family?

In 1995 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a proclamation entitled “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”  This proclamation stands firmly and boldly and declares the standards of God in regards to the family unit. The proclamation states:

WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that 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.

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The Family is not a mere convenience, but rather, the center for God’s plan of happiness. Today, Satan attacks the family unit through means of pornography, the acceptance of single parenting, cohabitation, and the unpopularity of marriage. It is not wonder that Satan would demean and belittle something so central to God’s plan. If he is successful in destroying the family unit, then he has won a major battle.

The family begins with a couple, a man and a women who have been lawfully wed, and if members of the Church, sealed in the temple for time and all eternity.

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HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). 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. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

Parents are to care for their children’s physical needs, as well as their spiritual needs as they raise their children to be law-abiding citizens with lives focused on Christ. This proclamation is not just for members of the Church. Think of the effects this proclamation could have on society if all were to follow its teachings. If parents took responsibility to teach their children to obey the law, to be accountable for their decisions, and not only that, but to love them unconditionally. 

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The proclamation goes on:

THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

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Children are to be reared by a Father and a Mother. Parents have important and distinct attributes that they are able to pass on to their children. There are great blessings that come from having a Father and a Mother in the home. Children are also deserving of parents who honor complete fidelity within their marriage. While we accept that all are not members of our Faith we believe that happiness is best found when children are raised on Christ-centered principles such as faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, and love. While many may not believe in Christ, it is hard to argue with principles taught by him such as respect, love, compassion, hard work, and play.

Lastly the proclamation states: 

WE CALL 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. 

Again, these principles are not just for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If citizens worldwide were to uphold these standards society would be safer, happier, and more successful. The family is the foundations of God's plan of happiness. God wants us to be happy, and has given us principles to abide by in order to achieve that happiness.