One of the most important things about the family is that it
is not a temporal unit but an eternal one. This is one of the reasons that the
LDS church sees the family unit differently than the world sometimes sees it.
We believe that not only can families truly be together forever through sealing
ordinances but also that it is only through eternal family relationships that
we can reach our highest potential. Robert D. Hales explains: “While our
individual salvation is based on our individual obedience, it is equally
important that we understand that we are each an important and integral part of
a family and the highest blessings can be received only within an eternal
family.” This is why the family relationship is the most vital to protect and
is also why the family is under constant attack by the adversary. Because Satan
desires that we be miserable like he is, Satan does not want us to be with our
families forever or to achieve our ultimate goal of becoming like Heavenly
Father and inheriting all that He has. As the Family: A Proclamation to the
World states: “The family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal
destiny of His children.” The importance of family cannot be overstated and
while not everyone has an ideal family situation or the relationships right now
that they would desire, we can remember that we come from an eternal family and our Heavenly Father loves us immensely and will always be
there for us as we strive to build and strengthen our families.
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It's such a blessing to know that my family is forever. It is so important that we strengthen our families and protect them from Satan's temptations. I am so blessed to have a strong family. In a world that may be confusing at times, it gives me hope to know that families help us attain that ultimate goal - to be like our Father in Heaven.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I fall into the lazy way of thinking that since my family is forever, they will be there regardless of my actions. I don't think that is true. This article helped me realize that families CAN be eternal. We need to each take a stronger role within our families and consistently be Christ-like so we can strengthen our families and help other members draw closer to God. By doing our most and best things within the family, we can enjoy the blessings of Eternal Life with our families.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to know that we have the ability to have eternal families and that we wont be separated from them once we die. To be connected to my spouse and children forever through the bonds of God's power is so awe inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThe teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints can provide great comfort. From them, we learn of the Lord's "Plan of Happiness". A faithful study of this plan provides a knowledge of the eternal destiny of the family, which helps to decrease both the fear and sting of death.
ReplyDeleteThe eternal nature of families has been on my mind lately. 3 weeks ago my Granddad died. I was born and raised in Australia, I immigrated to the US 26yrs ago, when Granddad died last month it was a shock and I had no time to prepare for it and I was half a world away. At first I was so sad that I didn't have the chance to say goodbye or tell him how much I loved him, or what his love had meant to me. As I prayed for peace, the knowledge that we are sealed and that this life is not the end of our relationship and that he knows how much I love him brings such sweet comfort. To know that he is with my Nana again makes me happy because I know he missed her. To know that my family last for all eternity makes me work harder to be worthy to be with them.
ReplyDeleteFamily reunions help us share the stories of those that we came from. I really am appreciative of the strong foundation that my family has built. As I hear stories of how my ancestors dealt with the challenges of life, depression, losing a job, losing a loved one. I feel courage and strength come inside of me. If they can do it and make it through than so can I. It feels me with confidence to know that families are forever.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. Families can be eternal.
ReplyDelete