Conference talk from Elder Russell M. Nelson - Thus the ministry of the Apostles—the First Presidency and the Twelve—is to bring about that unity of the faith and to proclaim our knowledge of the Master. Our ministry is to bless the lives of all who will learn and follow the "more excellent way" of the Lord. We are to help people prepare for their potential salvation and exaltation.
What a blessing, to be able to learn from Elder Nelson! Our wonderful Apostles are here to help guide us! This is one of the talks that was meant for me.
In God’s eternal plan, salvation is an individual matter; exaltation is a family matter.
Individual progression is fostered in the family, which is "central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children." The home is to be God’s laboratory of love and service.
Our Heavenly Father wants husbands and wives to be faithful to each other and to esteem and treat their children as an heritage from the Lord. In such a family we study the scriptures and pray together. And we fix our focus on the temple. There we receive the highest blessings that God has in store for His faithful children.
How can we best teach our children? The Lord has given us specific instruction:
"No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by longsuffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
"By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—
"Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy." D&C 121: 41-43
When a child needs correction, you might ask yourself, "What can I say or do that would persuade him or her to choose a better way?" When giving necessary correction, do it quietly, privately, lovingly, and not publicly. If a rebuke is required, show an increase of love promptly so that seeds of resentment may not remain. To be persuasive, your love must be sincere and your teachings based on divine doctrine and correct principles.
Do not try to control your children. Instead, listen to them, help them to learn the gospel, inspire them, and lead them toward eternal life. You are God’s agents in the care of children He has entrusted to you. Let His divine influence remain in your hearts as you teach and persuade.
This life is the time to prepare for salvation and exaltation.
