President Ezra Taft Benson on the power and blessings of the temple

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"Let us make the temple a sacred home away from our eternal home. This temple will be a standing witness that the power of God can stay the powers of evil in our midst. Many parents, in and out of the Church, are concerned about protection against a cascading avalanche of wickedness which threatens to engulf Christian principles. I find myself in complete accord with a statement made by President Harold B. Lee during World War II. Said he: 'We talk about security in this day, and yet we fail to understand that... we have standing the holy temple wherein we may find the symbols by which power might be generated that will save this nation from destruction' (CR April 1942, p. 87).

"Yes, there is a power associated with the ordinances of heaven—even the power of godliness—which can and will thwart the forces of evil if we will be worthy of those sacred blessings. This community will be protected, our families will be protected, our children will be safeguarded as we live the gospel, visit the temple, and live close to the Lord."

- Ezra Taft Benson, Atlanta Georgia Temple Cornerstone Laying, 1 June 1983; see TETB p. 256

All who have traveled appreciate the imagery of "a home away from home" — a place where we find acceptance, serenity, love, and peace when we are far from familiar settings. President Benson provides an interesting analogy about our mortality in view of eternity.

His witness is that the temple will provide "protection against a cascading avalanche of wickedness" in the world. It's a message for parents who desire to protect their children; it's a message for citizens concerned about their nation; and it's a message for each individual who seek divine assistance in life. President Benson offers the promise, and specifies the conditions upon which the blessings are claimed:

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
May 13, 2015

President Boyd K. Packer on the responsibilities of later years of life

President Boyd K. Packer (1924-2015) served as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve (a position that no longer exists) from 1961 to 1970, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He served as president of that Quorum from 1994 until his death in 2015 at age 90.

"We are old now, and in due time, we will be summoned beyond the veil. We do not resist that. We try to teach the practical things we have learned over the years to those who are younger—to our family and to others.

"We cannot do what we once did, but we have become more than ever we were before. Life’s lessons, some of them very painful, qualify us to counsel, to correct, and even to warn our youth.

"In your golden years there is so much to do and so much to be. Do not withdraw into a retirement from life, into amusement. That, for some, would be useless, even selfish. You may have served a mission and been released and consider yourself as having completed your service in the Church, but you are never released from being active in the gospel. 'If,' the Lord said, 'ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work' (D&C 4:3).

"You may at last, when old and feeble, learn that the greatest mission of all is to strengthen your own family and the families of others, to seal the generations....

"Keep the fire of your testimony of the restored gospel and your witness of our Redeemer burning so brightly that our children can warm their hands by the fire of your faith. That is what grandfathers and grandmothers are to do!"

- Boyd K. Packer, "The Golden Years," General Conference April 2003
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Packer was 78 years old when he offered these remarks; he would live another dozen years. He shared counsel about the challenges and blessings of "senior" members of the Church, the grandmothers and grandfathers who might not be able to do as much in active assignments as they did in the past, but who have gifts and abilities to serve that can make a huge difference in many other ways.

Part of the responsibility of older members is to share the things they have learned and experienced in their lifetimes. They should look for opportunities to do that; and younger members should seek to help provide the opportunities, so that all may be blessed and edified together.

The most critical role of all for "senior" members is to let the fire of testimony burn bright in their souls. Even when they are not able to be as active in the Church as they would like, they must continue to be active in the gospel, and then to let the light of their testimony burn brightly for others to see and feel.

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

Elder Robert D. Hales on the influence of parents on youth

Elder Robert D. Hales (August 24, 1932-October 1, 2017) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"It is impossible to overestimate the influence of parents who understand the hearts of their children. Research shows that during the most important transitions of life—including those periods when youth are most likely to drift away from the Church—the greatest influence does not come from an interview with the bishop or some other leader but from the regular, warm, friendly, caring interaction with parents....

"For our interactions with youth to truly touch their hearts, we have to pay attention to them just as we would pay attention to a trusted adult colleague or close friend. Most important is asking them questions, letting them talk, and then being willing to listen—yes, listen and listen some more—even hearken with spiritual ears!"

- Robert D. Hales, "Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation," General Conference April 2010
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This message from Elder Hales is filled with warm, personal examples and stories that illustrate his counsel. Parents and church leaders have separate but very critical roles in the guidance and encouragement of young people. But the role of the parent is so critical:

It becomes so critical that parents cultivate a relationship with their children that is loving and trusting. A child needs to know that his or her parent truly cares. That is often demonstrated by the time a parent is able or willing to devote in personal interaction with the child, and by the respect we show for their thoughts and challenges. Sometimes parents need to be creative in finding that time; Elder Hales suggests we take better advantage of times such as driving in the car or meal times. But clearly, all parents should be sure they have set this as a very high priority in their life!

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

President David O. McKay on the sermons we preach by actions

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"Remember, fellow parents, that children are quick to detect insincerity, and they resent in their feelings false pretension. Parents, of all people on earth, should be honest with their children. Keep your promises to them and speak the truth always. Children are more influenced by sermons you act than by sermons you preach. It is the consistent parent who gains the trust of his child. When children feel that you reciprocate their trust, they will not violate your confidence nor bring dishonor to your name."

- David O. McKay, "Righteousness Key to World Peace," Conference Report, Apr. 1955, 26

I loved President McKay's approach to teaching and his focus on strengthening family relationships. In this excerpt, he counsels parents to live sincere and authentic lives; it's not possible to effectively teach principles to children unless our lives reflect those principles. I think the same concept applies to any interaction with others; it's impossible to understate how important "the sermons [we] act" are.

Consistency in our lives is the key President McKay emphasizes. I suppose that is part of the concept we call enduring to the end; it means that we are faithful and obedient, filled with honor and integrity, under any conditions.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President M. Russell Ballard on the sacred role of teachers

President M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985. He became acting president of the Twelve in January 2018.

"Surely no teachers in the Church are more important than fathers and mothers. No classroom is more important than the home. Parents have been commanded to teach their children the gospel. (See D&C 68:25.)

"My brothers and sisters, I believe that every human soul is teaching something to someone nearly every minute here in mortality. May we consider with great reverence the trust that the Lord has placed in us to 'teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.' (D&C 88:77.)

"May I urge each member of the Church, when you are serving as a teacher, to remember that every human soul is precious to our Father in Heaven, for we are all his children. God’s children are entitled to be taught the truths of the gospel in clear and understandable terms so that the Spirit can confirm the truths of the gospel to them."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Teaching—No Greater Call," General Conference April 1983
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

For years, the message "Teaching—No Greater Call" has been emphasized in the Church. The role we all play as teachers is far more important than we often acknowledge. President Ballard helped to explain that emphasis in this address, as he gave perspective on how that role is a part of so much that we do, both in formal callings and in informal settings. Being a parent in the home is certainly one of the most crucial teaching settings.

This insight was interesting—we truly are teaching far more frequently, even constantly, than we realize:

So we are "teaching something to someone nearly every minute" of our lives. If not in words, it's in our attitude, our actions, our priorities. Those around us notice the message more than we know, and so it is important that we never waver from the clear and pure message of righteousness. Since we are all God's children, we all deserve to be taught through righteous examples "so that the Spirit can confirm the truths of the gospel" in each of our hearts.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Gordon B. Hinckley on safeguarding and blessing children

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1961. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1981-1995, then as Church President until his death in 2008.

"As Tagore, the poet of India, once observed, 'Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man' (Charles L. Wallis, ed., The Treasure Chest, New York: Harper and Row, 1965, p. 49). Children are the promise of the future. They are the future itself. The tragedy is that so many are born to lives of sorrow, of hunger, of fear and trouble and want. Children become the victims, in so many, many cases, of man’s inhumanity to man....

"My plea—and I wish I were more eloquent in voicing it—is a plea to save the children. Too many of them walk with pain and fear, in loneliness and despair. Children need sunlight. They need happiness. They need love and nurture. They need kindness and refreshment and affection. Every home, regardless of the cost of the house, can provide an environment of love which will be an environment of salvation."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, "Save the Children," General Conference, October 1994
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

These remarks were shared 24 years ago, shortly before President Hinckley became president of the Church. In the talk, he reviews many of the challenges faced by children in today's world: starvation and disease, child labor and exploitation, inadequate parenting (especially missing fathers), physical and sexual abuse, and so on.

In the face of these terrible challenges, and knowing of God's love for His little ones, President Hinckley pleaded for more attention and care to be given to the safety and welfare of children. The root answer, of course, he said lies in "adherence to the principles of the gospel and the teachings of the Church. It lies in self-discipline."

President Hinckley also talked about "the joys... of happy parenthood" and the positive alternative to the challenges we often see. As terrible and tragic as are the challenges, just as wonderful and joyful are the successes and rewards when parenting is done with love and self-sacrifice.

We should labor first in our own homes and spheres of influence to make sure there is love and peace, following the example of the Savior as we teach and bless the little ones. Then we should be on alert for ways to share that spirit in the broader community around us to help do all we can to "save the children." What a tender, but critical and timely, message this is.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Robert D. Hales on the roles of parents

Elder Robert D. Hales (born August 24, 1932) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"The calling of father or mother is sacred and carries with it great significance. One of the greatest privileges and responsibilities given to us is that of being a parent—helping to bring to earth a child of God and having the sacred responsibility to love, care, and guide children back to our Heavenly Father. In many ways earthly parents represent their Heavenly Father in the process of nurturing, loving, caring, and teaching children. Children naturally look to their parents to learn of the characteristics of their Heavenly Father. After they come to love, respect, and have confidence in their earthly parents, they often unknowingly develop the same feelings towards their Heavenly Father.

"No parent on earth is perfect. In fact, children are very understanding when they sense and feel that parents truly care and are attempting to be the best they can be.

"It helps children to see that good parents can have differing opinions, and that these differences can be worked out without striking, yelling, or throwing things. They need to see and feel calm communication with respect for each other's viewpoints so they themselves will know how to work through differences in their own lives.

"Parents are counseled to teach their children by precept and example."

- Robert D. Hales, "How Will Our Children Remember Us?", Ensign, November 1993, pp. 8-10
Click here to read or listen to the full article

Most parents realize that the opportunity to act in that role is, as Elder Hales teaches, "One of the greatest privileges and responsibilities given to us" because it involves "the sacred responsibility to love, care, and guide children back to our Heavenly Father." Providing appropriate teaching and setting the right example is critical:

Just to raise children in today's world is very challenging; but that added need to do all possible to guide them back to Heavenly Father makes the task seem almost overwhelming, if we consider only our personal knowledge and ability. It is comforting to be reminded that no parent is perfect—we all fall short in our efforts to be ideal parents. But miracles happen when we attempt to do the best we know how.

I like Elder Hales' suggestion that among the example parents set for children is how to work through disagreements and differences in appropriate ways. When children observe "calm communication with respect for each other's viewpoints" they are taught a critical life lesson that will help in many settings, not just in their own future family.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Henry B. Eyring on the sacred role of families

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"You see, the names 'brother' and 'sister' are not just friendly greetings or terms of endearment for us. They are an expression of an eternal truth: God is the literal Father of all mankind; we are each part of His eternal family. Because He loves us with the love of a perfect Father, He wants us to progress and advance and become like Him. He ordained a plan by which we would come to earth, in families, and have experiences that would prepare us to return to Him and live as He lives....

"Our sense of right and wrong seems especially keen when we are raising our children. Innate in almost every parent is the desire to teach his or her children moral virtues. This is part of the miracle of Heavenly Father’s plan. He wants His children to come to earth, following the eternal pattern of families that exists in heaven. Families are the basic organizational unit of the eternal realms, and so He intends for them also to be the basic unit on earth. Though earthly families are far from perfect, they give God’s children the best chance to be welcomed to the world with the only love on earth that comes close to what we felt in heaven—parental love. Families are also the best way to preserve and pass on moral virtues and true principles that are most likely to lead us back to God’s presence."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Gathering the Family of God," General Conference, April 2017
Click here to watch or read the full talk

This was the opening address at the Saturday morning general session of the recent conference. President Eyring talked about the family of God, which we are all part of as brothers and sisters together. There was much encouragement to help us in family history research. But I appreciated his thoughts, shown here, about the eternal importance of our mortal families in God's plan.

The role of parents is so critical; the gifts and helps that come to them are divine and can be a real blessing. I think the enhanced "sense of right and wrong" that comes to parents as they are striving to teach children moral values is a great example of that divine endowment. God's great desire is for "His children to come to earth, following the eternal pattern of families that exists in heaven."

The love of parents for their children is "the only love on earth that comes close to what we felt in heaven." What a beautiful, inspiring thought!

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on living the gospel conspicuously

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (born December 3, 1940) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"Live the gospel as conspicuously as you can. Keep the covenants your children know you have made. Give priesthood blessings. And bear your testimony! Don't just assume your children will somehow get the drift of your beliefs on their own. The prophet Nephi said near the end of his life that they had written their record of Christ and preserved their convictions regarding His gospel in order 'to persuade our children... that our children may know... [and believe] the right way' (2 Ne. 25:23, 26, 28).

"Nephi-like, might we ask ourselves what our children know? From us? Personally? Do our children know that we love the scriptures? Do they see us reading them and marking them and clinging to them in daily life? Have our children ever unexpectedly opened a closed door and found us on our knees in prayer? Have they heard us not only pray with them but also pray for them out of nothing more than sheer parental love? Do our children know we believe in fasting as something more than an obligatory first-Sunday-of-the-month hardship? Do they know that we have fasted for them and for their future on days about which they knew nothing? Do they know we love being in the temple, not least because it provides a bond to them that neither death nor the legions of hell can break? Do they know we love and sustain local and general leaders, imperfect as they are, for their willingness to accept callings they did not seek in order to preserve a standard of righteousness they did not create? Do those children know that we love God with all our heart and that we long to see the face—and fall at the feet—of His Only Begotten Son? I pray that they know this.

"Brothers and sisters, our children take their flight into the future with our thrust and with our aim. And even as we anxiously watch that arrow in flight and know all the evils that can deflect its course after it has left our hand, nevertheless we take courage in remembering that the most important mortal factor in determining that arrow's destination will be the stability, strength, and unwavering certainty of the holder of the bow."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "A Prayer for the Children," Ensign, May 2003, p. 85
Click here to read or listen to the full article

This is fascinating counsel from Elder Holland. Parents should be living the gospel as conspicuously as they can. Children should see and hear frequent and obvious evidence of their parents' faith and testimony. They should frequently experience priesthood blessings and understand the importance in our lives of the scriptures, prayer, fasting, temple worship, and sustaining of leaders. Our examples will touch them in ways that are deeper and more lasting than our words. This kind of living example will help to launch them forth in their own paths of discipleship:

Elder Holland mentions in a footnote that the metaphor of children as an arrow shot from parents' bow comes from the Lebanese-American poet Kahlil Gibran. This is the passage, from his book The Prophet:

You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.
- Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

The counsel to live our religion "conspicuously" certainly applies directly to parents. But it could apply just as validly to the examples we set for those around us who are not family members, but friends and acquaintances in various settings.

President David O. McKay on the power and blessing of family prayer

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"Herein we get a glimpse of one thing in which this people may be the saviors, in a way, of this great nation. The home is the place where the perpetuation of the principles of liberty as well as the instructions in the gospel of Jesus Christ should be given to the children. When the home breaks up, the children begin to wander off into sin. Then the law must reach out to bring them back and try to teach them principles of service and of true government; but, oh, how helpless, how helpless the state when the home has failed!

"The inspiration of God is seen in requiring the Latter-day Saints to keep their homes intact and to teach their children the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.... The gospel of Jesus Christ should radiate in every home, that the prayer night and morning should be offered up in sincerity, that the children daily should realize that we desire in our home the presence of God. If we can invite the Savior there, we may know that the angels will be not only willing but also eager to protect our boys and girls.

"I believe that in most homes boys and girls are taught to pray before retiring for the night. I believe, however, that too generally, the morning prayers are neglected. When we come to think of it, though, it is during the waking hours that our boys and girls need the protection of God, and the guidance of his Holy Spirit, more even than when they are asleep. The dangers surrounding them today are the dangers that come to them out in society, out in the darkness of the night, when they are away from parental influence."

- David O. McKay, "Conserving Priceless Possessions," Improvement Era, October 1952, pp. 15-16
Click here to read the full article

President McKay's lament is tender: "oh, how helpless, how helpless the state when the home has failed!" Instead, he encouraged us to become "saviors" of the nation as we strengthen our homes, teaching principles of liberty as we allow the gospel to "radiate." I love this summary of how we can strengthen our home through family prayer, both night and morning:

The lessons we teach children by our actions and habits are more profound than we often recognize.

President McKay especially encouraged his listeners to take advantage of the blessings of morning prayer, inviting God's help with our families through the coming day. I've noticed in my life, and in those I've counseled with, that we do have the tendency he describes to forget or neglect the morning prayers. How eager we should be to invite God's help, guidance, and protection through the day.

Robert D. Hales on serving one another by teaching with love

Elder Robert D. Hales (b. August 24, 1932) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"As we follow Jesus Christ, His love motivates us to support each other on our mortal journey. We cannot do it alone (See 1 Corinthians 12:12)....

"'Teach[ing] one another the doctrine of the kingdom' (D&C 88:77) is a way to love and serve each other. Parents and grandparents, we tend to bemoan the state of the world—that schools are not teaching moral character. But there is much we can do. We can take advantage of the teaching moments in our own families—that means now. Don’t let them slip by. When an opportunity comes to share your thoughts about the gospel and the lessons of life, stop everything, sit down, and talk with your children and grandchildren.

"We should not worry that we are not professionally trained gospel teachers. No training class or manual is as helpful as personally studying our scriptures, praying, pondering, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will lead you along. I promise you: the calling to be a parent includes the gift to teach in the ways that are right for you and for your children. Remember, God’s power to influence us righteously is His love. 'We love him, because he first loved us' (1 John 4:19)....

"Let us remember, the most important work we do in our families is through the power of the Holy Ghost. Whenever we raise our voices in anger, the Spirit leaves our companionships and families. When we speak in love, the Spirit can be with us. Let us remember that our children and grandchildren measure our love by how much devoted time we give them. Above all, don’t lose patience and don’t give up!"

- Robert D. Hales, "'Come, Follow Me' by Practicing Christian Love and Service," General Conference October 2016
Click here to read or hear the complete talk

Elder Hales talked about various forms of "Christian service" that are open to us as we strive to follow the Savior's example of blessing our families, our brothers and sisters, and those all around us. I particularly enjoyed this segment about serving those closest to us in our family settings.

One of the most important acts of service is to teach gospel doctrine to one another, particularly those who are younger and still able to be formed and influenced in good ways. I was very impressed by this suggestion that we look for the moments in the midst of normal activities when we can pause to teach a message or share a personal experience and a testimony:

As we listen to the promptings to teach and share, we will be given help and inspiration in those settings with the words and the ways to make a difference: " the calling to be a parent includes the gift to teach in the ways that are right for you and for your children." The growing, cumulative impact of these moments will bless more than we realize. Words spoken in love and patience, and time devoted to show genuine interest and concern, will help to set feet firmly on the path of discipleship.

Robert D. Hales on the promises of faithful parenting

Elder Robert D. Hales (1932- ) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"As Paul prophesied, we live in 'perilous times' (2 Tim. 3:1). 'Satan [has been going] about, leading away the hearts of the people' (3 Ne. 2:3), and his influence is increasing. But no matter how evil the world becomes, our families can be at peace. If we do what's right, we will be guided and protected.

"The hymn often sung by our pioneer ancestors tells us what to do: 'Gird up your loins; fresh courage take. / Our God will never us forsake' (Hymns No. 30). That courage and faith is what we need as parents and families in these latter days.

"Father Lehi had such courage. He loved his family and rejoiced that some of his children kept the Lord's commandments. But he must have been heartbroken when his sons 'Laman and Lemuel partook not of the fruit' representing the love of God. 'He exceedingly feared for [them]; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord' (1 Ne. 8:35-36).

"Every parent faces moments of such fear. However, when we exercise our faith by teaching our children and doing what we can to help them, our fears will diminish. Lehi girded up his loins, and with faith 'he did exhort [his children] with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them.' And 'he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord' (1 Ne. 8:37-38).

"We too must have the faith to teach our children and bid them to keep the commandments. We should not let their choices weaken our faith. Our worthiness will not be measured according to their righteousness. Lehi did not lose the blessing of feasting at the tree of life because Laman and Lemuel refused to partake of its fruit. Sometimes as parents we feel we have failed when our children make mistakes or stray. Parents are never failures when they do their best to love, teach, pray, and care for their children. Their faith, prayers, and efforts will be consecrated to the good of their children."

- Robert D. Hales, "With All the Feeling of a Tender Parent: A Message of Hope to Families," Ensign, May 2004, pp. 88-91
Click here to read the full talk

Parenting brings challenges and blessings; sometimes those challenges, particularly in the "perilous times" of today, are overwhelming. It requires faith and courage similar to our "pioneer ancestors" who confronted different kinds of trials in their day. Even so, there are often disappointments and even heartbreaks along the way, as many including "Father Lehi" could witness.

Elder Hales encourages parents to "exercise our faith" in order to overcome fears. We do that by teaching and helping in any way we can, and setting the example of faith and obedience.

This final thought was insightful; a parent's righteous efforts to love and teach a child will eventually be "consecrated for the good of their children." In other words, ultimately and eventually, the child will be blessed by the righteousness of the parent. That's a very reassuring promise.

Spencer W. Kimball on the responsibility of fathers to inspire their family

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) was ordained an apostle in 1943 and served as President of the Church from 1973 to 1985.

"Certainly, if fathers are to be respected, they must merit respect—if they are to be loved, they must be consistent, lovable, understanding, and kind—and they must honor their priesthood. They must see themselves as fortunate trustees of precious spirit children whom God has entrusted to their care.

"What a great incentive a mother has to honor and build up her worthy husband in the esteem of the offspring when she knows that this contributes to the well-adjusted lives of her children. And what a great incentive the father has for rising to his tallest spiritual stature to merit the love and respect of all members of the family.

"And so we plead with you fathers to return to your little kingdoms and, with kindness, justice, proper discipline, and love, to inspire your family."

- Spencer W. Kimball, address to seminary and institute teachers, 9/12/75; see Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 338

"If fathers are to be respected, they must merit respect"—that's a challenging statement to ponder. President Kimball gives several suggestions on how that respect is earned:

• Be consistent, livable, understanding, and kind
• Honor the priesthood
• Recognize the trust of precious spirit children

Every man would do well to ponder those thoughts! But then he expands the responsibility: mothers can do much to build up a man in esteem of their children. That only increases the incentive the father has to live up to expectations, "rising to his tallest spiritual stature to merit the love and respect of all members of the family."

Describing a home and family as a man's "little kingdom," President Kimball concludes with this challenge:

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Ezra Taft Benson on fatherhood - our most important responsibility

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"These times require great things from fathers, and so does the Lord. Three requirements are: create a home where love and the Spirit of the Lord may abide; bring up children in light and truth; and set your homes in order.

"The sacred title of 'father' is shared with the Almighty. In the Church men are called and released. Did you ever hear of a mortal father being released?

"As I travel throughout the Church and see faithful families, I say,'Thank God for exemplary fathers and mothers.' As I see faithful young people and am proud of their accomplishments, I say, 'Thank God for diligent fathers and mothers.'

"Fatherhood is not a matter of station or wealth; it is a matter of desire, diligence, and determination to see one's family exalted in the celestial kingdom. If that prize is lost, nothing else really matters.

"I know of one family who has as its goal that each member of the family and posterity will arrive in their heavenly home—the celestial kingdom—with no vacant chairs. That is their objective. They review it at every family reunion and mention it frequently as they mingle together between reunions.

"God bless all the fathers in Israel to do well the work within the walls of our own homes. With the Lord's help we shall succeed in this, our most important responsibility."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Great Things Required of Their Fathers," Ensign May 1981, p. 36
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President Benson's counsel centers around the statement, "The sacred title of 'father' is shared with the Almighty." He presents a vision of the role of a mortal father that emulates the actions and motivations of our Heavenly Father. To him, fatherhood "is a matter of desire, diligence, and determination to see one's family exalted in the celestial kingdom."

President Benson gives the example of a family whose goal was "no vacant chairs" in their eventual heavenly destination. In many later talks, he spoke of his own family as having had that motto, normally using the similar phrase "no empty chairs." Whether he was being modest in this talk by not identifying his own family, or whether he adopted the thought for his family from someone else he knew, I don't know for sure.

Ezra Taft Benson on the power and blessings of the temple

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"Let us make the temple a sacred home away from our eternal home. This temple will be a standing witness that the power of God can stay the powers of evil in our midst. Many parents, in and out of the Church, are concerned about protection against a cascading avalanche of wickedness which threatens to engulf Christian principles. I find myself in complete accord with a statement made by President Harold B. Lee during World War II. Said he: 'We talk about security in this day, and yet we fail to understand that... we have standing the holy temple wherein we may find the symbols by which power might be generated that will save this nation from destruction' (CR April 1942, p. 87).

"Yes, there is a power associated with the ordinances of heaven—even the power of godliness—which can and will thwart the forces of evil if we will be worthy of those sacred blessings. This community will be protected, our families will be protected, our children will be safeguarded as we live the gospel, visit the temple, and live close to the Lord."

- Ezra Taft Benson, Atlanta Georgia Temple Cornerstone Laying, 1 June 1983; see TETB p. 256

All who have traveled appreciate the imagery of "a home away from home" — a place where we find acceptance, serenity, love, and peace when we are far from familiar settings. President Benson provides an interesting analogy about our mortality in view of eternity.

His witness is that the temple will provide "protection against a cascading avalanche of wickedness" in the world. It's a message for parents who desire to protect their children; it's a message for citizens concerned about their nation; and it's a message for each individual who seek divine assistance in life. President Benson offers the promise, and specifies the conditions upon which the blessings are claimed: