We had a wonderful lesson in Relief Society this past Sunday. The Relief Society is the women’s organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormons. The Relief Society brings women of the Church together in the spirit of true sisterhood as we work towards common goals:
Build faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and teach the doctrines of the kingdom.
Emphasize the divine worth of each sister.
Exercise charity and nurture those in need.
Strengthen and protect families.
Serve and support each sister.
Help sisters become full participants in the blessings of the priesthood.
Our lesson was based on President Gordon B. Hinckley’s, (our living Prophet and the 15th President of the Church), admonition to be clean—in language, in thought, in body, in dress. This timely counsel is especially needed today in a world that is wallowing in filth. We are also commanded by the Lord to “let all things be done in cleanliness before me.” (D&C 42:41)
As sisters, we discussed the immense challenges facing us as we try to combat the prevalent attitudes and culture of our society. Our children may sometimes emulate what they see paraded before them in the media and on the internet. As we all know what is paraded before them on a daily basis is not always positive or good.
it is okay to dress sloppily and provocatively, it is normal to have unclean and impure thoughts? Where do these bad thoughts come from? Can we stop them altogether from even entering our minds?
Perhaps we may not be able to stop all bad thoughts from entering our minds, but we can definitely stop them from taking hold once they enter. We don’t have to entertain such thoughts or let them linger. We must banish them immediately. We know that we don’t do things without first entertaining the thoughts and ideas in our minds. President Hinckley taught us that “a filthy mind expresses itself in filthy and profane language. A clean mind expresses itself in language that is positive and uplifting and in deeds that bring happiness to the heart.”
Studies have shown that what we watch and what we listen to can influence our thoughts. This applies to television, movies, internet, and to video games. Video games are immensely popular with kids of all ages. My boys each have one listed on their wish list so I know there will be at least one video game under our Christmas tree this year. However, before I rush out and buy any video game I’m going to learn as much as I can about it.
A lot has been written about the violent nature of many video games. Jonathan Silverstein of ABC News published an excellent report last month titled “Ultimate Parents’ Guide to Video Games.” If you are a parent or a concerned citizen don’t miss this article. In his report Mr. Silverstein writes about a controversial game that was released recently called “Manhunt 2.” This game is a prime example of the increasing violent nature of video games. Manhunt 2 features characters that kill and torture using a variety of implements.
Video games are rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The ESRB does for the video game industry what the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) does for movies. Due to the interactive nature of video games, the rating is a little more complicated and complex. The ESRB uses the following rating system:
EC (Early Childhood), E (Everyone), E10+ (Everyone 10+), T (Teen), M (Mature), AO (Adults Only), RP (Rating Pending).
ESRB also offers important content descriptors that should further help you in determining the appropriateness for each video game.
In addition, there are a number of organizations that are leading the fight for better quality programming in the media including the video game industry. One such organization is the Parents Television Council. The web site of this organization features informative articles as well as links to current legislations and proposed bills. Pay special attention to the Violent Video Games Campaign page. If you are looking for a way to have your voice heard in this effort, this site will keep you updated about such opportunities.
Sometimes we unknowingly invite the very things that we don’t want into our homes. By going out and buying a video game without researching it first, I could be contributing to bad language and violent thoughts that might be entertained by my children.
The fact that I do not like to play video games is not an excuse to be ignorant of the kinds of games that are coming into my home. Kids sometimes exchange and borrow each other’s games. I need to know about those games too because what might be okay for another parent isn’t necessarily going to be okay with me.
I am grateful for the discussion we had in Relief Society yesterday. It is good to be reminded that we can never let our guard down. We must always be vigilant when it comes to forces and influences that can impact our families. We need to be the ones that stand at the door and tell such influences that they aren’t welcome in our homes. When it comes to video games we are the parental controls.
I am thankful for the Relief Society. The lessons that I’ve learned in Relief Society help me in my efforts to make my home more Christ-centered. The love and support that I feel simply by being a part of this great organization helps me to tackle my challenges and trials. If you’d like to attend a Relief Society meeting in your area please visit the Church’s official web site. On the home page click on “About the Church” and then on “Meetinghouse Locator.” You don’t need an invitation to attend, everyone is welcome.
Be clean – in language, in thought, in body, in dress. Is this a difficult task? Sometimes. Is it doable? Yes. Is it important? Absolutely, Yes.
