Being Fully Aware Of The Responsibility Which...

Being fully aware of the responsibility which is mine, yet duly grateful for it, I am mindful of the prayers which have been and are being offered and the thoughtful remembrance of President Brown this morning, invoking the blessings of the Lord upon all who should stand here. From all this, I receive strength. I desire the inspiration of the Lord with the thought in mind that our hearts may be touched that we may be built up in our faith and testimony of this glorious restored gospel of Jesus Christ. ¶

Recently I read a survey which had been made by the American Institute of Family Relations, a reputable research organization which indicated that forty million homes in America need help. ¶

This survey did not refer to the need for financial help — something deeper. It found that there is a lack of harmony, unity, tranquility, and a distinct lack of compatibility in many families. This survey caused me to reflect on the need of spiritual values in all our homes. I ask myself the question, "Do I live in a mere house or a beautiful spiritual home? What am I doing to bring spirituality into our home?" ¶

Whether it be a fale in the South Pacific, an igloo in Alaska, a hogan on the reservation, an hacienda in Mexico, a tent, a trailer, a flat, an apartment, or a house in any other part of the world, each in its own place can be a home regardless of the cost of materials that went into its construction or its furnishings. Each can be a home or a castle for the family who lives therein by acceptance and application of the spiritual values taught by the gospel of Jesus Christ. In other words, it will not be a home unless the breath of life is breathed into it through spirituality. ¶

We have seen houses under construction which when completed, have been listed as "model homes." Recently I saw an advertisement which asked, "Is there living power in your home?" Here again is reference to material furnishings for a house — extra comforts and conveniences. Are any of these things the genuine requisites of a home? Victor Hugo recognized one requirement for a happy home when he wrote: ¶

"A house is built of sticks and stones and tiles and posts and piers, But a home is built of loving deeds that stand a thousand years." ¶

Love — loving deeds. Victor Hugo may have had a glimpse into immortality. However, he placed a time limit of a thousand years. We know that the family unit will continue for time and all eternity, but he uttered a great truth. ¶

A home is built of love, a basic virtue that must be accepted and practised if the houses we live in are to become homes. ¶

What are some of the spiritual values which will help to make a house a home? ¶

All male members of our Church should hold and every member honor the priesthood. ¶

Have family prayer night and morning. ¶

Honor the Sabbath day to keep it holy. ¶

Attend church services together as a family. ¶

Obey the law of tithing. Our example will teach our children. ¶

Fast two consecutive meals once a month and contribute the cost to the fast offering donation. ¶

Cultivate the habit of reading the four standard works of the Church and the best in literature. ¶

Have children baptized when they reach the age of eight years. ¶

By our own words and actions, guide and help children early to love the Lord and to develop a testimony of the restored gospel. ¶

Prepare each young man to look forward to a mission so that when the time comes, he will have a genuine desire to go out and serve the Lord as a missionary. ¶

Teach children to look forward to temple marriage. Through love and encouragement, help them to understand what it means to have such a ceremony performed in the temple and then to honor and obey the covenants which they will make there. ¶

Parents should love and respect children. ¶

Children love and honor parents. ¶

Keep busy. ¶

Be considerate of others and be unselfish. ¶

I offer these as a few suggestions which will help make a house a home. ¶

In my travels over the Church, I have found many homes that are truly spiritual shrines to the families who live therein. May I tell you of one or two of these homes? I think of a family of eight children. The father is busy as a counselor in a bishopric, the mother active in auxiliary work. These good parents have never lost sight of their responsibility to teach their children spirituality, to train them in the ways of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They know this is accomplished first and foremost in the home. They attend church together, participate in studying the scriptures together, hold family night where all have an opportunity further to develop and utilize the talents God has blessed them with; also the children are taught and assisted in their schoolwork. ¶

A large room in their home is designated the children's room with each child having a desk of his own. They are taught in things virtuous, lovely, and of good report. They are taught to sing, and when they become old enough, they learn to play some musical instrument. They have many fun times together as a family unit. ¶

Here is truly love at home. Theirs is not just a house. They work together and for each other. They forget selfishness. I was informed by the father and mother that the sons are saving so they may be able to fill missions when called by their bishop. ¶

Recently it was my privilege to attend the funeral service for a man who emigrated to the United States when he was twenty-one years of age, a nonmember of the Church from Germany. ¶

He fell in love with a faithful member of the Church, and she proceeded to teach him the gospel of Jesus Christ, thus he was informed of the great principle of eternal marriage. After studying and gaining a conviction, he was baptized. He loved and lived the principles taught by the gospel of Jesus Christ. ¶

In due time, he was found worthy to receive a temple recommend. They were sealed over the altar of God for time and for all eternity. Twelve children were born to this union. All of their children have been married in the temple of the Lord and are serving in some capacity in the Church at the present time, following the beautiful example taught by the parents. ¶

They came through many hardships, financial depressions, etc., yet never lost sight of the fact that they were rich with spiritual blessings. Now the love, the harmony and unity taught in this one home extends to twelve other homes. ¶

May I quote a statement from President McKay: "The secret of good membership in the Church or good citizenship in the nation lies in the home." (The Improvement Era 66: ¶

[April 1963] p. 252.) With these truths in mind, let us stay close to our children: play, work, pray, and worship together. These values will truly bring living power into the place we live regardless of where it may be and will make it a worthy home for his spirit children. Then our house will be a home — our castle — a sacred place. ¶

I pray that all of us here assembled and all within the sound of my voice, especially those having membership in the Church, will desire to take inventory and make of our houses homes where the Spirit of the Lord may dwell and where all are unashamed to keep and live the commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ. ¶

Then I pray for all who are listening in who may not have membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. May you come to a knowledge and acceptance of the truths of this glorious gospel which will bring peace and harmony in your home. ¶

I bear you my witness that I know that God lives. I know that Jesus is his divine Son. I am grateful for this testimony. I bear witness of the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith and those who have succeeded him down to President David O. McKay whom I uphold and sustain as the mouthpiece and prophet of the Lord, holding the keys of the kingdom and the mantle of authority. May we be consistent in living the gospel of Jesus Christ in our homes, remembering again that our latter-day prophet has said: "The secret of good membership in the Church or good citizenship in the nation lies in the home." ¶

God bless us to this end, I pray humbly in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶