How do we help our children cling to the teachings of our Heavenly Father? How do we help them stay safe in a world that seems so interested in stuffing sin in their lives? With porn companies now seeking seven to eleven year olds as their newest customers, life has suddenly taken on quite urgent tones. And in the middle of it all, contention seems to be rising – on the freeways, in the schools, at our homes.
The Book of Mormon contains great truths to help parents arm their children in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon faithfully read will do more to help children and parents faithfully endure in the name of Jesus Christ than any other book. I have seen this in my own life. And look what President Marion G. Romney said about the importance of reading the Book of Mormon in our families. (President Romney was a leader in the Mormon church several decades ago – but his promise still holds true.)
“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their hcildren, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein.
“The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase.
“Faith, hope, and charity – the pure love of Christ – will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (Ensign, May 1980, 67).
Look again at the promises he lists for those families who read daily from the Book of Mormon!
•The spirit of reverence will increase
•Mutual respect will grow
•Consideration for each other will grow
•The spirit of contention will depart
•Parents will counsel in greater love
•Parents will counsel in greater wisdom
•Children will be more responsive
•Children will be more submissive
•Righteousness will increase
•The pure love of Christ will abound
•We will know peace, joy, happiness
These are amazing promises. And what a simple pathway to obtaining them. Simply find five or ten minutes a day to personally read from the Book of Mormon; simply find five or ten minutes a day to also read as a family from its pages. Soon you may want to read more, but all along the way you’ll reap amazing rewards for the experience as you do so consistently. Your children will be strengthened against the wiles of the devil and especially, contention will diminish over time.
Here is a link to the Book of Mormon to get started!
