Deeply and Actively

"The time will come when only those who believe deeply and actively in the family will be able to preserve their families in the midst of the

gathering evil around us.”

-President Spencer W. Kimball, Families Can Be Eternal, Ensign, Nov. 1980, 4.

There are two words that really stand out to me in this quote by President Kimball: Deeply and Actively.  It is one thing for a person to claim that they believe in the family, and quite another thing for them to show that belief through action and example. 

Reflecting on this subject has caused me to do a little soul searching. Do I believe in the family? Absolutely! Am I demonstrating that belief deeply and actively? If not, what can I do to fulfill my end of this prophetic statement? After some prayerful consideration, I realized that the answer to this question lies within an inspired document presented to the world nearly a quarter of a century ago - The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

Elder Boyd K. Packer said that "true doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior" ("Little Children", October 1986). If I am to "believe deeply" in the family, I must understand the doctrine of the family. I must truly comprehend the centrality of the family in Heavenly Father's plan. Understanding the true doctrine of my divinity as a literal daughter of God will enable me to be an active participant in that plan. 

The Proclamation is more than just a guide to having a happy family. It is revelation from the Lord through His servants. Adherence to its principles is imperative to deep and active belief. 

At a time when more people than ever are choosing not to have children - either in or out of the bonds of marriage - the Proclamation reminds us that the commandment to "multiply and replenish the earth remains in force." At a time when same-sex marriage has become legal throughout the United States and other countries, the Proclamation reiterates that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God." At a time when co-habitation is at an all-time high, the Proclamation states that "children are entitle to birth within the bonds of matrimony." 

The Family: A Proclamation to the World unabashedly sets forth God's will on the subject of marriage and family. That it is available to all of His children and not just to those who belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a blessing. What I decide to do with it could increase the impact that I have on those around me as I work to "deeply and actively" believe in the family and in the influence of righteous families around the world.