July 2016

Prayerfully study this material and seek to know what to share. How will understanding “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” increase your faith in God and bless those you watch over through visiting teaching? For more information, go to reliefsociety.lds.org.

Our Potential for Parenthood

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 “It was essential that God’s spirit children have mortal birth and an opportunity to progress toward eternal life,” taught Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “In light of the ultimate purpose of the great plan of happiness, I believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity.”1

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:

“We believe in families, and we believe in children. …

“‘… God said unto [Adam and Eve], Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth’ [Genesis 1:28]. …

“This commandment has not been forgotten or set aside in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”2

Though not all of us become parents in this life, we can nurture children of every age. We enjoy the blessings of being part of Heavenly Father’s family, and we experience the joys and challenges of being part of an earthly family. And for many, parenthood awaits them in the eternities ahead.

Additional Scriptures

Psalm 127:3; Matthew 18:3–5; 1 Nephi 7:1; Moses 5:2–3

Living Stories

“Many voices in the world today marginalize the importance of having children or suggest delaying or limiting children in a family,” said Elder Andersen. “My daughters recently referred me to a blog written by a Christian mother (not of our faith) with five children. She commented: ‘[Growing] up in this culture, it is very hard to get a biblical perspective on motherhood. … Children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get.’ She then adds: ‘Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.’”3

Consider This

In what ways is our earthly family like our heavenly family?

Notes

1. Dallin H. Oaks, “The Great Plan of Happiness,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 72, 75.
2. Neil L. Andersen, “Children,” Ensign, Nov. 2011, 28.
3. Neil L. Andersen, “Children,” 28.


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Sugardoodle
The Idea Door
Inkablinka
My Happy Tribe 

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