The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ
Dallin H. Oaks, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
President Oaks emphasizes the centrality of family in God's plan and the importance of temple ordinances.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Focus on Eternal Families
President Oaks discusses the importance of eternal families in the plan of salvation, highlighting the role of temple ordinances in achieving this divine purpose.
The doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints centers on the family.
The family is ordained of God and is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.Key Points:
- Temple ordinances enable eternal family relationships.
- The family proclamation emphasizes the family as central to God's plan.
- Exaltation is a family affair, achievable through gospel ordinances.
- Reflect on a time when temple ordinances strengthened your family relationships.
- Share a personal story of how your family has been blessed by living gospel principles.
- Discuss how your understanding of eternal families has influenced your life choices.
Addressing Modern Challenges to Family
President Oaks acknowledges the societal trends that challenge traditional family structures and encourages Latter-day Saints to uphold the sanctity of marriage and childbearing.
Exaltation is a family affair. Only through the saving ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ can families be exalted.
Latter-day Saint values and practices should improve—not follow—those trends.Key Points:
- Decline in marriage and birth rates is a concerning trend.
- Latter-day Saints should maintain their understanding of marriage and family values.
- Urban living and modern distractions can dilute family-centered activities.
- Consider how your family has adapted to societal changes while maintaining gospel values.
- Share an experience where you prioritized family activities over modern distractions.
- Discuss how your family navigates challenges to uphold the sanctity of marriage.
Teaching Gospel Principles in Non-Traditional Families
President Oaks shares personal experiences to illustrate how gospel teachings can be effectively imparted in non-traditional family settings.
Heavenly Father’s plan assures this possibility for everyone.
The family circle is the ideal place to demonstrate and learn eternal values.Key Points:
- Single parents and grandparents play vital roles in teaching gospel principles.
- Non-traditional families can still focus on eternal family goals.
- Teaching by example is the most effective method.
- Recall a time when a non-traditional family member taught you an important lesson.
- Share how your family has adapted gospel teachings to fit your unique circumstances.
- Discuss the role of extended family in supporting gospel learning in your home.
Strengthening Family Bonds through Shared Activities
President Oaks emphasizes the importance of shared family activities in building strong family relationships and teaching practical skills.
Families unite when they do meaningful things together.
What those children really want for dinner is time with you.Key Points:
- Shared activities like gardening, camping, and family reunions strengthen family ties.
- Teaching practical skills is essential, alongside gospel principles.
- Turning off technology can help families find time for what truly matters.
- Share a memorable family activity that strengthened your family bonds.
- Discuss how your family balances technology use with quality time together.
- Reflect on a skill you learned from a family member that has been valuable in your life.
Following Christ's Example in Family Life
President Oaks encourages families to model their lives after Jesus Christ, highlighting the blessings of service and unity.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is our ultimate role model.
Following Christ and giving ourselves in service to one another is the best remedy for the selfishness and individualism.Key Points:
- Christlike service and self-sacrifice strengthen family unity.
- Family prayer and worship invite divine blessings.
- Family stories and traditions are powerful teaching tools.
- Reflect on a time when Christlike service brought your family closer together.
- Share a family tradition that has reinforced your faith.
- Discuss how your family incorporates Christ's teachings into daily life.
