On Becoming Goodly Parents

Today I was re-reading a talk from the last General Conference during my personal scripture study.  I love General Conference when it happens but I love even more how studying the talks later allows the Holy Ghost to bring things to my attention in new or emphasized ways.  I thoroughly enjoyed Elder L. Tom Perry’s talk Becoming Goodly Parents.  Here is just a portion of his talk:

“Lessons taught in the home by goodly parents are becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread. As we know, he is attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society—the family. In clever and carefully camouflaged ways, he is attacking commitment to family life throughout the world and undermining the culture and covenants of faithful Latter-day Saints. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. While other institutions such as church and school can assist parents to “train up a child in the way he [or she] should go” (Proverbs 22:6), this responsibility ultimately rests on the parents. According to the great plan of happiness, it is goodly parents who are entrusted with the care and development of Heavenly Father’s children.”

Following this paragraph Elder Perry gives five specific ways parents can create strong family cultures.  At the end of his talk he says this:

“The onslaught of wickedness against our children is more subtle and brazen than it has ever been.  Building a strong family culture adds another layer of protection for our children, insulating them from worldly influences.”

Isn’t that what we all want?  To protect our children while they are children and equip them to meet the challenges they will face as they grow?  If you want to know what Elder Perry’s five suggestions were go read Becoming Goodly Parents!