Revised Gospel Principals Manual

[sethpayne]

I see a lot of anti-Mormons like Aaron Shaf and others getting really indignant over the changes in the manual. Could someone explain to me the big deal about the Church making corrections and changes to this manual?

Hi Romm,

I think the main problem with Aaron Shaf is that he has the Complete Works of John Calvin shoved half-way up his arse. He's hoping that all of his bitching will help get the rest of it up there.

Seth

[David T]

It's all in an Open Office document

[David T]

Chapter 29: The Lord's Law of Health

Because our bodies are important, our Father in Heaven wants us to take good care of them. He knows that we can be happier, better people if we are healthy. The Spirit of our Heavenly Father The Holy Ghost can be with us if our bodies and minds are clean.

If we do not obey the Word of Wisdom, the Lordâ??s Spirit may not dwell with withdraws from us.

The Lord also counsels us against the use of â??hot drinks.â? Church leaders have said that this means coffee and tea, which contain harmful drugs substances . We should avoid all drinks that contain harmful drugs substances .

Those who misuse drugs need to repent of this habit seek help, pray for strength, and counsel with their bishop so they can fully repent and come clean .

We should avoid anything that we know is harmful to our bodies. We should not use any substance that is habit forming. We should also avoid overeating. The Word of Wisdom does not tell us everything to avoid, but it does give us guidelines.

Grains are good for us. Wheat is especially good for us. Grains may be used also to make mild drinks.

A latter-day prophet has told us that people â??should learn to keep their bodies healthy by right living, . . . by inhaling pure air, taking plenty of exercise, and bathing . . . often in fresh waterâ? (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 241). we should keep our bodies healthy. He counseled, â??Nutritious meals, regular exercise, and appropriate sleep are necessary for a strong body, just as consistent scripture study and prayer strengthen the mind and spiritâ? (Thomas S. Monson, in Conference Report, Oct 1990, 60; or Ensign, Nov. 1990, 46).

The Lord promises us that we â??shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasuresâ? (D&C 89:19). We will be taught important truths by the Holy Ghost through revelation. President Boyd K. Packer taught: â??Our physical body is the instrument of our spirit. In that marvelous revelation of the Word of Wisdom, we are told how to keep our bodies free from impurities which might dull, even destroy, those delicate physical senses which have to do with spiritual communication. The Word of Wisdom is a key to individual revelationâ? (in Conference Report, Oct 1989, 16; or Ensign, Nov 1989, 14).

The Lord also promises that the destroying angel shall pass us by. Elder Spencer W. Kimball said that

in our time this means we will be saved from spiritual death: â??For observing the Word of Wisdom the reward is life, not only prolonged mortal life but life eternalâ? (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 211). President Heber J. Grant said, â??If you and I desire the blessings of life, of health, of vigor of body and mind; if we desire the destroying angel to pass us by, as he did in the days of the children of Israel, we must obey the Word of Wisdom; then God is bound, and the blessing shall come to usâ? (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant [2002], 192).

[cinepro]

Grains are good for us. Wheat is especially good for us. Grains may be used also to make mild drinks.

A moment of silence for Postum...

[sethpayne]

A moment of silence for Postum...

And for Sam Adams.

[David T]

Chapter 30: Charity

The scriptures tell us that charity is felt within the heart comes from a pure heart (see 1 Timothy 1:5).. We have pure love when, from the heart, we show genuine concern and compassion for all our brothers and sisters. (See 1 John 3:1624.)

The prophet Moroni Mormon tells us, "Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must failbut charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever" (Moroni 7:4647; see also 1 Corinthians 13; 2 Nephi 26:30; Moroni 7:44-45, 48).

The Savior gave us the example of his life to follow. He was a perfect man the Son of God . He had perfect love, and he showed us how we must to love.

President Harold B. Lee Thomas S. Monson reminded us that there are those who need more than material goods: "It is well to remember that there are broken hearts and wounded souls among us that need the tender care of a brother who has an understanding heart and is kind" (Stand Ye in Holy Places, p. 228). Let us ask ourselves the questions: 'Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?' [Hymns, no. 223]. What a formula for happiness! What a prescription for contentment, for inner peace to have inspired gratitude in another human being.

"Our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved" (in Conference Report, Oct. 2001, 77; or Ensign, Nov. 2001, 60).

When we have charity we are loyal, we believe the best of others, and we defend are kind to them. When we really have charity these good feelings stay with us forever The scriptures teach that "charity never faileth." (see 1 Corinthians 13:4 - 8 ).

Second, when we have uncharitable feelings, we can pray to have them taken away greater charity.

Third, we can learn to love ourselves, which means that we understand our true worth as children of our Heavenly Father. The Savior taught that we must love others as we love ourselves (see Matthew 22:39).

We will come to love ourselves only better when we can feel the deep, comforting assurance that the Savior truly loves us.

Fourth, as we love ourselves, our love for others will increase. We will not think we can avoid thinking we are better than other people. We will can have patience with their faults.

[David T]

Chapter 31: Honesty

Complete honesty is necessary for our salvation. An Apostle of the Lord has said: â??Honesty is a principle of salvation in the kingdom of God. . . . Just as no man or woman can be saved without baptism, so no one can be saved without honestyâ? (Mark E. Petersen, in Conference Report, Oct. 1971, p. 63; or Ensign, Dec. 1971, p. 72). President Brigham Young said, â??If we accept salvation on the terms it is offered to us, we have got to be honest in every thought, in our reflections, in our meditations, in our private circles, in our deals, in our declarations, and in every act of our livesâ? (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 293).

Stealing is taking something that does not belong to us. When we take what belongs to someone else or to a store or to the community without permission, we are stealing. Taking merchandise or supplies from an employer is stealing. Copying music, movies, pictures, or written text without the permission of the copyright owners is dishonest, and is a form of theft. Accepting more change or goods than one should is dishonest. Taking more than our share of anything is stealing.

Some employers are not fair to their employees; they pay them less than they deserve should.

These excuses and many more are given as reasons for dishonesty. To the Lord, there are no acceptable reasons. President Kimball taught that when we excuse ourselves, we cheat ourselves and the Spirit of God ceases to be with us. We become more and more unrighteous. (See Faith Precedes the Miracle, p. 234.)

[cinepro]

Chapter 31: Honesty

Stealing is taking something that does not belong to us. When we take what belongs to someone else or to a store or to the community without permission, we are stealing. Taking merchandise or supplies from an employer is stealing. Copying music, movies, pictures, or written text without the permission of the copyright owners is dishonest, and is a form of theft. Accepting more change or goods than one should is dishonest. Taking more than our share of anything is stealing.

The irony! The irony!

[BCSpace]

The irony! The irony!

Then there is the converse when when removes a comment from one's blog that damns the hypothesis one has been working so hard on for so long....

[David T]

The irony! The irony!

Seeing as very shortly the complete text of this will be distributed on a grand worldwide scale for free by the publishers in print and online editions (and that the majority of this text already is free and available), and that the purpose of this study is in defense of the material which has elsewhere been libeled, I didn't and don't feel too dishonest about the text reproduction here

But maybe I'm just a justifier...

[David T]

Chapter 32: Tithes and Offerings

Our Heavenly Father knows all of the things we need. He has given us this commandment and promise: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).

We have been given commandments to help us prepare in every way to live in the presence of our Heavenly Father. He has given us a way to thank him for our blessings. Willingly paying tithes and offerings is one way we thank him. As we pay these offerings, we show the Savior that we love Him and will obey His counsel: "And verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people" (D&C 64:23).

In modern times the Prophet Joseph Smith prayed, "O Lord, show unto thy servants how much thou requirest of the properties of thy people for a tithing" (D&C 119, section introduction). The Lord answered: "This shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people. And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever" (D&C 119:34). A tithe is one-tenth of our increase. This means that we give one-tenth of all we earn before we pay for our own needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. If our increase is in the form of flocks, herds, or crops rather than money, we give one-tenth of those things (see Leviticus 27:3032) The First Presidency has explained that "one-tenth of all their interest annually" refers to our income (see First Presidency letter, Mar. 19, 1970) .

When we pay tithing we show our faithfulness to the Lord. We also teach our children the value of this law. They will want to follow our example and pay tithing on any money they earn recieve .

As members of the Church, we give tithing and other offerings to the Lord in money, goods, and time.

Tithing is used by the Church for many purposes. Some of these are to

1. Build, maintain, and operate temples, meetinghouses, and other buildings.

2. Provide operating funds for stakes, wards, and other units of the Church. (These units use the funds to carry out the ecclesiastical programs of the Church, which include teaching the gospel and recreation and conducting social activities.)

3. Help the missionary program.

4. Educate young people in Church schools, seminaries, and institutes.

5. Print and distribute lesson materials.

6. Help in family history and temple work.

Missionary Funds. Members contribute missionary funds to the Church to help spread the gospel around the world. These funds are used to support missions and missionaries in almost every country.

Other Donations. Church members may donate to other efforts of the Church, such as missionary work, the Perpetual Education Fund, temple construction, and humanitarian aid.

The blessings we have been promised are both material and spiritual. If we give willingly, Heavenly Father will provide our daily needs for food, clothes, and shelter. Speaking to Latter-day Saints in the Phillipines, President Gordon B. Hinckley said that if people "will accept the gospel and live it, pay their tithes and offerings, even though those may be meager, the Lord will keep His ancient promise in their behalf, and they will have rice in their bowls and clothing on their backs and shelter over their heads. I do not see any other solution. They need a power greater than any earthly power to lift them and help them" ("Inspirational Thoughts," Ensign, Aug. 1997, 7). The Lord He will also help us grow "in a knowledge of God, in a testimony, in the power to live the gospel and to inspire our families to do the same" (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 58 Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J Grant [2002], 124).

[David T]

Chapter 33: Missionary Work

The Apostle Paul was a great missionary sent to the Gentiles. After he was converted to the Church, he spent the remainder of his life preaching the gospel to them. At different times during his mission he was whipped, stoned, and imprisoned. Yet each time he escaped from his persecutors, he preached continued to preach the gospel as diligently as before (see Acts 23:1012; Acts 26).

In June 1830, Samuel Harrison Smith, the Prophet's brother, began the first missionary journey for the Church. Since that time thousands of over one million missionaries have been called and sent forth to preach the gospel.

Newspapers, magazines, television, radio, satellites, computers, the Internet, and related discoveries technologies help give the gospel message to millions of people.

Every member of the Church is to be a missionary.

We can teach our children the importance of sharing the gospel, and we can prepare them spiritually and financially to go on missions. We can also prepare ourselves to serve full-time missions in our senior years.

We can help support financially missionaries contribute to the ward, branch, or general missionary fund to give financial support to missionaries whose families are unable to support them.

We can give copies of Church magazines. We can also share gospel messages by using features available on the Church's official Internet sites, LDS.org and Mormon.org.

The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith that missionaries would receive great blessings. Speaking to elders who were returning from their missions, the Lord said, "Ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you" (D&C 62:3). He has also said that those who work for the salvation of others will have their sins forgiven and will bring salvation to their own souls (see D&C 4:$; 31:5; 84:61).

[Earl]

Stealing is taking something that does not belong to us. When we take what belongs to someone else or to a store or to the community without permission, we are stealing. Taking merchandise or supplies from an employer is stealing. Copying music, movies, pictures, or written text without the permission of the copyright owners is dishonest, and is a form of theft. Accepting more change or goods than one should is dishonest. Taking more than our share of anything is stealing.

Hmm... As to theft, very clear. The note pad I use on my desk is straight from the supply closet at work. I am a thief. Assuming that "acceptable use provisions" do not apply, I download a free mp3 track by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir which someone is offering on a bootleg website. I am a thief. I am dishonest.

I enter and live in the United States illegally. I use a "borrowed" social security number when I apply for work. I check the box on the employment application form that says I am legally able to work in the United States.

Does the new manual address these questions? Using the standard of honesty described in the manual, it would seem that the above actions are dishonest. [The fact that the church says it is not an enforcement department of state or federal immigration laws and regulations does not have any affect on whether those activities are dishonest.]

It seems odd that the manual would cite examples that include paper clips and thumbtacks, yet ignore a very clear cut issue of honesty that, if left unchecked, would contribute to the undermining of the Constitution.

Seems to me that the failure to deal with a substantive issue such as illegal immigration in a section on honesty is one example of why church manuals are an unreliable source of church doctrine.

Oh, I also missed the chapters on Grace and Mercy. Well, these essential doctrines, which have more impact on the eternal lives of all of God's children than any other doctrines, are no doubt discussed elsewhere. And further, the chapter on "Developing Our Talents" should not be short-changed or cut back. We need to have talented singers and professional football quarterbacks.

Earl

[David T]

Oh, I also missed the chapters on Grace and Mercy

You did. See The Atonement. I'm serious. Grace and Mercy are all throughout that chapter, especially in Boyd K, Packer's parable of the Mediator.

And while I haven't covered it in the new edition yet, 'Obey the Laws of the Land' is covered in Chapter 35: Obedience.

[Earl]

You did. See The Atonement. I'm serious. Grace and Mercy are all throughout that chapter, especially in Boyd K, Packer's parable of the Mediator.

And while I haven't covered it in the new edition yet, 'Obey the Laws of the Land' is covered in Chapter 35: Obedience.

Did not see the word "grace". As a major and fundamental theme of Paul, I do find it odd that this basic concept is not discussed or even named in a principles manual. If "Developing Our Talents" is given a separate section, it is painfully apparent that the authors just did not deem grace important enough to mention.

While Obey the Laws of the Land may be in the new manual, it is not mentioned in the Obedience section of the old manual. Is illegal immigration thus mentioned in the new manual? Again, if employer supplies and copying sheet music are given as examples of dishonesty, I find it odd that illegal immigration is not mentioned at all. The principles manual is certainly not the place to list all crimes and misdemeanors, not at all. But illegal immigration is not uncommon among the saints in the US (and please no parsing of the concept, as to whether it is "undocumented", or felony, or whatever) and is becoming a huge social and political issue.

Earl

[rayhale]

I donâ??t know if the new Gospel Principles book will be taught in Gospel Doctrine, but it would make sense. With the new manuals like Preach My Gospel and now the new Gospel Principles, it would make sense to teach adult members that have never read, or learned from these books, to teach from them for one or two years, so they will know what is in these new books, however going through the new Nursery book would go too far.

[David T]

I don't know if the new Gospel Principles book will be taught in Gospel Doctrine, but it would make sense. With the new manuals like Preach My Gospel and now the new Gospel Principles, it would make sense to teach adult members that have never read, or learned from these books, to teach from them for one or two years, so they will know what is in these new books, however going through the new Nursery book would go too far.

It won't be used in Gospel Doctrine. It's the course of study for the next two years in Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums and Relief Society 2&3 Sunday Lessons, as well as the standard course for the Gospel Principles class (for investigators, recent converts, etc).

[David T]

Chapter 34: Developing Our Talents

We all have special gifts, talents and abilities given to us by our Heavenly Father. When we were born, we brought these gifts, talents and abilities with us (see chapter 2, â??Our Heavenly Familyâ?). Each of us has been given at least one special talent.

* FYI, Later in the chapter is a quote from Joseph Fielding Smith that â??every son and...daughter of God has received some talent...â?

Our Heavenly Father has said it is up to us to receive the gifts he has given us (see D&C 88:33). This means we must develop and use our talents. We have a responsibility to develop the talents we have been given.

Sometimes the Lord gives us weaknesses so we will work hard and overcome them. Because we are mortal and fallen, we have weaknesses. With his help, our weaknesses can become our strengths With the Lord's help, our weakness and fallen nature can be overcome (see Ether 12:27). Beethoven composed his greatest music after he was deaf. Demosthenes overcame weak lungs and a lisp to become one of the greatest orators of all time Enoch overcame his slowness of speech to become a powerful teacher (see Moses 6:26-47) .

[rpn]

Seeing as very shortly the complete text of this will be distributed on a grand worldwide scale for free by the publishers in print and online editions (and that the majority of this text already is free and available), and that the purpose of this study is in defense of the material which has elsewhere been libeled, I didn't and don't feel too dishonest about the text reproduction here But maybe I'm just a justifier...

What you are doing is critiquing a work in multitude of separate quotes which are specifically identified as such. That is not a copyright violation.

Further, the church copyright allows all non-commercial personal use, which this arguably (though not definitively) is.

[David T]

Chapter 35: Obedience

The Book of Mormon tells us that Nephi and his older brothers received a very difficult assignment from the Lord (see 1 Nephi 3:1â??6). Nephiâ??s brothers complained, saying, â??It is a hard thing you require of us.â? that the Lord required a hard thing of them.

Sometimes we may think a commandment is too difficult for us to obey. Like Nephiâ??s brothers, we may say, â??It is a hard thing you God requires of us.â?

It was a â??hard thingâ? when the Lord commanded Abraham to offer his beloved son Isaac as a sacrifice (see Genesis 22:1â??13; see also chapter 26, â??Sacrificeâ?). Abraham had waited many years for the birth of Isaac, the son God had promised him. How could he lose his son in such a way? The deed This commandment must have been most repugnant to exceedingly difficult for Abraham. Yet he chose to obey God.

In the Garden of Gethsemane he prayed to his Father, asking if he might avoid the agony he was enduring and the suffering to come on the cross. Then he ended his prayer by saying, â??O my father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless Not as I will, but as thou wiltâ? (Matthew 26:39).

* For the record, there are three scriptures referenced under the topic 'Obey the Laws of the Land' in the 'Additional Scriptures' section in the end: The same as in the former edition.

[Earl]

Chapter 35: Obedience

* For the record, there are three scriptures referenced under the topic 'Obey the Laws of the Land' in the 'Additional Scriptures' section in the end: The same as in the former edition.

Jolly good. Confirmed.

Now, then. Am I the only one who finds it odd that the new manual identifies theft of employer supplies as dishonest, but is silent on illegal immigration? I repeat, I do not believe the manual should or needs to provide lists of crimes and illegal acts. Nevertheless, illegal immigration is found among the saints, and I believe that it is found with increasing frequency. Illegal immigration has serious social and political consequences.

Earl

[David T]

Chapter 36: The Family Can Be Eternal

"Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. . . . The family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children" ("The Family: A Proclamation to the World," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

The first family on earth was established by our Heavenly Father when he gave Eve to Adam in marriage (see Moses 3:2124). Since then, each of us has been commanded to marry and have children so that through our own experience we can learn to be heavenly parents. President Brigham Young explained that our families are not yet ours. The Lord has committed them to us to see how we will treat them. Only if we are faithful will they be given to us forever. What we do on earth determines whether or not we will be worthy to become heavenly parents (see chapter 2, "Our Heavenly Family").

After Heavenly Father gave Eve to Adam brought Adam and Eve together in marriage, He commanded them to have children (see Genesis 1:28). He has revealed that one of the purposes of marriage is to provide mortal bodies for His spirit children. Parents are partners with our Heavenly Father. He wants each of His spirit children to receive a physical body and to experience earth life. When a man and a woman bring children into this world, they help our Heavenly Father carry out His plan.

When people are married outside the temple, the marriage ends when one of the partners dies. When we are married in the temple by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, we are married for time and eternity. Death cannot separate us. If we obey the commandments of keep our covenants with the Lord, our families will be together forever united eternally as husband, wife, and children. Death cannot separate us.

Parents are to As parents come to know God and strive to be like Him, they will teach children to love one another.

President Harold B. Lee taught, "The most important of the Lord's work that you will ever do will be the work you do within the walls of your own home" (Strengthening the Home [pamphlet, 1973], p. 7 Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee [2000], 134).

The following story illustrates this point: After performing a temple marriage ceremony, President Spencer W. Kimball greeted the parents of the young couple. One of the fathers said, "My wife and I are common people, and have never been successful, but we are very proud of our family." The father explained that all eight of his children had now been married in the temple. All are faithful and serve in the Church, teaching the gospel in their families. President Kimball looked at the calloused hands and wrinkled face of the father and said: "That is the greatest success story I have heard. . . . You are fulfilling the purpose for which you were sent to this world by keeping your own lives righteous, bearing and rearing this great family, and training them in faith. Why, my dear folks, you are very successful. God bless you" (Spencer W. Kimball, in Conference Report, Oct. 1971, pp. 15253; or Ensign, Dec. 1971, pp. 3738).

Satan knows how important families are to our Heavenly Father's plan. He seeks to destroy them by keeping us from drawing near to the Lord. He will tempt us to do things that will draw our families apart.

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared, "Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities" (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

All of us want to have happy, successful families. The following things will help us achieve this:

1. Have family prayer every night and morning (see 3 Nephi 18:21). Pray together as husband and wife.

2. Teach children the gospel by meeting together as a family at least once a week to study gospel principles. "There shouldn't bethere mustn't beone family in this Church that doesn't take the time to read from the scriptures every day" (H. Burke Peterson, in Conference Report, Apr. 1975, p. 79; or Ensign, May 1975, pp. 5354) every week in family home evening.

3. Study the scriptures regularly as a family.

3. 4. Do things together as a family, such as work projects, outings, and decision making.

4. Kneel together as husband and wife each night in prayer.

5. Learn to be kind, patient, long-suffering, and charitable (see Moroni 7:4548).

6. Attend church meetings regularly (see D&C 59:910).

7. Follow the counsel of the Lord in D&C 88:119: "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God."

8. Keep a family history and gather family genealogy , perform temple work together, and receive the sealing ordinances of the temple.

[cinepro]

Jolly good. Confirmed.

Now, then. Am I the only one who finds it odd that the new manual identifies theft of employer supplies as dishonest, but is silent on illegal immigration? I repeat, I do not believe the manual should or needs to provide lists of crimes and illegal acts. Nevertheless, illegal immigration is found among the saints, and I believe that it is found with increasing frequency. Illegal immigration has serious social and political consequences.

Earl

Since illegal immigrants are among the most faithful of the saints (and among the most converted in my neck of the woods), it would probably be bad salesmanship. "Biting the hand that feeds you" and all that.

[handys003]

Hey, Thanks for the tip off. I was not even aware of the new version nor saw any memo regarding such. As Ex. Sec I will bring up to the Bishop Sunday for ordering as at least our Gospel principles class should be using it.

[David T]

Chapter 37: Family Responsibilities

As husbands, wives, and children we need to learn what the Lord expects us to do to fulfill our purpose as a family. If we all do our part, we will be able to live together as a family forever united eternally.

In marriage neither the man nor the woman is more important than the other In the sacred responsibilities of parenthood, â??fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partnersâ? (â??The Family: A Proclamation to the World,â? Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). They are equal partners and should work together to provide for the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of the family.

Parents should understand that sometimes children will make wrong choices even after they have been taught the truth. When this happens, parents should not give up or become discouraged. They should continue to teach their children, to express love for them, to be good examples to them, and to fast and pray for them.

The father is the patriarch of the family and has important responsibilities that are his alone. He is the priesthood holder and has the duties of priesthood leadership. â??By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their familiesâ? (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). A worthy father who is a member of the Church has the opportunity to hold the priesthood, making hi the priesthood leader of his family. He should guide his family with humility and kindness rather than with force or cruelty. The scriptures teach that those who hold the priesthood should lead others by persuasion, gentleness, love, and kindness (see D&C 121:41â??44; Ephesians 6:4).

When a man holds the Melchizedek Priesthood, he can share these blessings by naming and blessing babies, administering to the sick, baptizing children, and giving special priesthood blessings and ordinations . Under the direction of a presiding priesthood leader, he can bless babies, baptize, confirm, and perform priesthood ordinations.

President David O. McKay said that motherhood is womanâ??s noblest calling (see Treasures of Life, p. 54 Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 156). It is a sacred calling, a partnership with God in bringing his spirit children into the world. A motherâ??s most important responsibility is to bring children into the world and to care for and teach them. Bearing children is one of the greatest of all blessings. If there is no father in the home, the mother presides over the family.

Latter-day prophets have taught, â??Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their childrenâ? (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). A mother needs to spend time with her children and teach them the gospel.

President Spencer W. Kimball said that children should learn to work and to share responsibilities in the home and yard. They should be given assignments to keep the house neat and clean. Children may also be given assignments to take care of the garden (see Conference Report, Apr. 1976, p. 5; or Ensign, May 1976, p. 5).