Elder Quentin L. Cook on improving the spirit in our homes

Elder Quentin L. Cook (born September 8, 1940) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"One adjustment that will benefit almost any family is to make the internet, social media, and television a servant instead of a distraction or, even worse, a master. The war for the souls of all, but particularly children, is often in the home. As parents we need to make sure that media content is wholesome, age appropriate, and consistent with the loving atmosphere we are trying to create.

"Teaching in our homes needs to be clear and compelling but also spiritual, joyful, and full of love.

"I promise that as we focus on our love for the Savior and His Atonement, make Him the centerpiece of our efforts to gather Israel on both sides of the veil, minister to others, and individually prepare to meet God, the influence of the adversary will be diminished and the joy, delight, and peace of the gospel will magnify our homes with Christlike love."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Great Love for Our Father’s Children," General Conference April 2019
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This statement, to me, is a profound and somewhat frightening one: "The war for the souls of all, but particularly children, is often in the home." The efforts of the adversary to disrupt and confuse us happen in any location, but particularly in that setting that ought to be our haven from the world.

As Elder Cook warns, it is often through media that Satan works in our day, and we need to be constantly on guard against his efforts. Parents who have the privilege of teaching children must not shirk that duty or lose opportunities to have their instruction "be clear and compelling but also spiritual, joyful, and full of love."

We should pay attention when inspired leaders promise results for our actions; this should invite and encourage us to claim the blessings. Elder Cook suggests that our part of this arrangement is to:

• focus love on the Savior and His Atonement
• have the Savior as the center of our missionary and family history efforts
• minister faithfully to our brothers and sisters
• do all we can individually to prepare to meet God

Then the promises are:

• the adversary's influence will be diminished
• our homes will be magnified with Christlike love through the gospel's power

Those are marvelous promises!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)