Women: Satan Distorts the Value and Role of Women

I was blessed to be raised in a home and then marry into a family where the role of women and mothers was greatly valued. I believe that men and women have God-given traits that compliment each other. I also think that Satan works hard to make women feel undervalued or convinces them they need to be more like a man to be equal. I love how the Gospel of Jesus Christ supports womanhood.

M. Russell Ballard, “Women of Righteousness,” Ensign, Apr. 2002

I am concerned about what I see happening with some of our young women. Satan would have you dress, talk, and behave in unnatural and destructive ways in your relationships with young men. The adversary is having a heyday distorting attitudes about gender and roles and about families and individual worth. He is the author of mass confusion about the value, the role, the contribution, and the unique nature of women.

Today’s popular culture, which is preached by every form of media from the silver screen to the Internet, celebrates the sexy, saucy, socially aggressive woman. These distortions are seeping into the thinking of some of our own women.

My dear sisters, we believe in you. We realize that you are the emotional (and sometimes spiritual) glue that holds families together. We believe that the Church simply will not accomplish what it must without your faith and faithfulness, your innate tendency to put the well-being of others ahead of your own, and your spiritual strength and tenacity. 

James E. Faust, “Womanhood: The Highest Place of Honor”

“I wonder if you sisters fully understand the greatness of your gifts and talents. One of your unique, precious, and sublime gifts is your femininity. Femininity is not just lipstick, stylish hairdos, and trendy clothes. It finds expression in your qualities of your capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength. It is manifest differently in each girl or woman, but each of you possesses it. Femininity is part of your inner beauty.

One of your particular gifts is your feminine intuition. Do not limit yourselves. As you seek to know the will of our Heavenly Father in your life and become more spiritual, you will be far more attractive, even irresistible. You can use your smiling loveliness to bless those you love and all you meet, and spread great joy. Femininity is part of the God-given divinity within each of you. Be proud of your womanhood.”  

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “The Moral Force of Women.” Oct. 2013

Certainly there are trends and forces at work that would weaken and even eliminate your influence, to the great detriment of individuals, families, and society at large. Let me mention three as a caution and a warning.

A pernicious philosophy that undermines women’s moral influence is the devaluation of marriage and of motherhood and homemaking as a career. Some view homemaking with outright contempt, arguing it demeans women and that the relentless demands of raising children are a form of exploitation.8 They ridicule what they call “the mommy track” as a career. This is not fair or right. We do not diminish the value of what women or men achieve in any worthy endeavor or career—we all benefit from those achievements—but we still recognize there is not a higher good than motherhood and fatherhood in marriage. There is no superior career, and no amount of money, authority, or public acclaim can exceed the ultimate rewards of family. Whatever else a woman may accomplish, her moral influence is no more optimally employed than here.

A third area of concern comes from those who, in the name of equality, want to erase all differences between the masculine and the feminine. Often this takes the form of pushing women to adopt more masculine traits—be more aggressive, tough, and confrontational. It is now common in movies and video games to see women in terribly violent roles, leaving dead bodies and mayhem in their wake. It is soul-numbing to see men in such roles and certainly no less so when women are the ones perpetrating and suffering the violence.

The Joy and Importance of Motherhood

My Mom's mother, my grandma, wasn't able to have children for the first 16 years of their marriage, so when they were finally blessed with children, they became the joy and center of their lives. This focus on the blessing of having children became ingrained in our family culture.

My mother taught me that being a mother is a gift to look forward to. I also remember her saying many times, "When you are a mom you give up your own life for 30 years." I realize this isn't a popular principle right now and I acknowledge we need to take care of our own needs. But now that my 30 years are past, I can see the great blessings that have come from that sacrifice. As the Savior taught, "He who loses his life shall find it." The joy that motherhood has brought into my life can't be expressed in words.

For me, one of the biggest challenges of being a stay-home mom is that much of what we do isn't visible. What we cleaned in the morning doesn't stay clean, the laundry pile never stays down, and the time we spend reading, teaching and talking with our children usually isn't immediately apparent. Over the years when I would get discouraged and tired, I would read General Conference talks to remind myself that what I was doing was highly valued. Here are some of my favorites:


First Presidency Letter Regarding Parents Teaching Children  Published: Saturday, Feb. 27, 1999

We call upon parents to devote their best efforts to the teaching and rearing of their children in gospel principles which will keep them close to the Church. The home is the basis of a righteous life, and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfill its essential functions in carrying forward this God-given responsibility.

We counsel parents and children to give highest priority to family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities. However worthy and appropriate other demands or activities may be, they must not be permitted to displace the divinely-appointed duties that only parents and families can adequately perform.

 Russell M. Nelson, “Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women,” Ensign, May 1999

 “May years ago the First Presidency issued a statement that has had a profound and lasting influence upon me. “Motherhood,” they wrote, “is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels.”

Because mothers are essential to God’s great plan of happiness, their sacred work is opposed by Satan, who would destroy the family and demean the worth of women.”  

Elder Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Correct Principles,” May 1993

When as mothers, you are consistently in the home, at least during the hours the children are predominantly there, you can detect the individual needs of each child and provide ways to satisfy them.  Your divinely given instincts help sense a child’s special talents and unique capacities so that you can nurture and strengthen them.

Parents don’t make the mistake of purposefully intervening to soften or eliminate the natural consequences of your child’s deliberate decisions to violate the commandments.  Such acts reinforce false principles, open the door for more serious sin, and lessen the likelihood of repentance.

You must be willing to forgo personal pleasure and self-interest for family-centered activity, and not turn over to church, school, or society the principal role of fostering a child’s well-rounded development.  It takes time, great effort, and significant personal sacrifice to ‘train up a child in the way he should go.’  But where can you find greater rewards for a job well done?

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “The Moral Force of Women.” Oct. 2013

Certainly there are trends and forces at work that would weaken and even eliminate your influence, to the great detriment of individuals, families, and society at large. Let me mention three as a caution and a warning.

A pernicious philosophy that undermines women’s moral influence is the devaluation of marriage and of motherhood and homemaking as a career. Some view homemaking with outright contempt, arguing it demeans women and that the relentless demands of raising children are a form of exploitation. They ridicule what they call “the mommy track” as a career. This is not fair or right. We do not diminish the value of what women or men achieve in any worthy endeavor or career—we all benefit from those achievements—but we still recognize there is not a higher good than motherhood and fatherhood in marriage. There is no superior career, and no amount of money, authority, or public acclaim can exceed the ultimate rewards of family. Whatever else a woman may accomplish, her moral influence is no more optimally employed than here.

Jeffrey R. Holland, “Because She Is a Mother” Ensign, May 1997

“In speaking of mothers generally, I especially wish to praise and encourage young mothers. The work of a mother is hard, too often unheralded work. Through these years, mothers go longer on less sleep and give more to others with less personal

Remember that families are the highest priority of all, especially in those formative years.  

Do the best you can through these years, but whatever else you do, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones.  Please know that it is worth it then, now, and forever. When you have come to the Lord in meekness and lowliness of heart and, as one mother said, “pounded on the doors of heaven to ask for, to plead for, to demand guidance and wisdom and help for this wondrous task,” that door is thrown open to provide you the influence and the help of all eternity.”

PRESIDENT BOYD K. PACKER, Children of God, BYU Women’s Conference, May 5, 2006

There is another dangerous trend as mothers, sometimes beyond their control, are being drawn out of the home. What could a mother possibly bring into the home that can equal her being at home with the children while they grow and mature?

Now the birthrate is declining in every country in the world. In order for a nation’s population to remain stable, the birthrate must be just over two children per woman of childbearing years. That trend is seen in the Church. Worldwide, the birthrate among members married in the temple is notably higher than in the world, but this rate too has been declining. Worldwide, the birthrate of Church members is only slightly higher than the world at large.

The First Presidency has written, “Marriage is ordained of God, and the paramount purpose of this sacred principle is to bring into the world immortal spirits to be reared in health and nobility of character, to fill the measure of their mortal existence.”   In the ordinary home and the ordinary family, in almost every conceivable way, the destroyer leads humanity carefully away from the source of all happiness.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Behold Thy Mother” Oct. 2015

Today I declare from this pulpit what has been said here before: that no love in mortality comes closer to approximating the pure love of Jesus Christ than the selfless love a devoted mother has for her child.
This kind of resolute love “suffereth long, and is kind, … seeketh not her own, … but … beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” Most encouraging of all, such fidelity “never faileth.” “For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed,” Jehovah said, “but my kindness shall not depart from thee.” So too say our mothers.

To all of our mothers everywhere, past, present, or future, I say, “Thank you. Thank you for giving birth, for shaping souls, for forming character, and for demonstrating the pure love of Christ.” To all mothers in every circumstance, including those who struggle—and all will—I say, “Be peaceful. Believe in God and yourself. You are doing better than you think you are. In fact, you are saviors on Mount Zion, and like the Master you follow, your love ‘never faileth.’” I can pay no higher tribute to anyone.

How to Be a Better Parent: Counsel From Prophets and Apostles

1.   MAKE PARENTING A PRIORITY – Our Children need quantity and quality time

Thomas S. Monson, “The Path to Peace,” Apr. 94

So frequently we mistakenly believe that our children need more things, when in reality their silent pleadings are simply for more of our time.

Neal Maxwell, “Take Especial Care of Your Family,” Apr. 94

Obviously, family values mirror our personal priorities.  Given the gravity of current conditions, would parents be willing to give up just one outside thing, giving that time and talent instead to the family?  Parents and grandparents, please scrutinize your schedules and priorities in order to ensure that life’s prime time relationships get more prime time!        

Howard W. Hunter, “Being a Righteous Husband and Father,” Oct. 1994

Your leadership of the family is your most important and sacred responsibility. The family is the most important unit in time and in eternity and, as such, transcends every other interest in life. Effective family leadership, brethren, requires both quantity and quality time.

L. Tom Perry, “Therefore I was Taught,” Apr. 94

Family life, where children and parents communicate together in study, play, and work, has been replaced by a quick, individual, microwave dinner and an evening in front of the TV set.  I’ve often thought of the happy times we had when our family was young. 

There are two areas I would determine to improve if that privilege were granted to me to have young children in our home once again. 

• The first would be to spend more time as husband and wife in a family executive committee meeting learning, communicating, planning, and organizing to better fulfill our roles as parents. 
• The second wish I would like, if I could have those years over, would be to spend more family time.  This includes more consistent, meaningful family home evenings.”

Neal A. Maxwell, Things As They Really Are, 4

Our "luggage," as we leave this life, will include the intelligence we have acquired while here. (D&C 130:18‑19.) Not everything we have learned will be useful enough to go with us; memorized phone numbers, a brief convenience here, would not be helpful there, but a highly developed capacity to love others will be essential equipment in the celestial kingdom.

Neal A. Maxwell, We Will Prove Them Herewith

Should it surprise us that in striving to acquire and develop celestial attributes, the greater the interpersonal proximity, the greater the challenge?  Is not patience, for instance, best developed among those with whom we interface incessantly?  The same is true with any of the other eternal attributes.  Hence the high adventure of marriage and family life ‑‑ and why it is that in our time so many run away from these challenges thinking they can avoid having to confront themselves by losing themselves in other endeavors or life‑styles.

2.      UNDERSTAND AND BALANCE DISCIPLINE

James E. Faust, “The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope,” October 2001

With reference to our mortal acts and the Atonement, President J. Reuben Clark Jr. contributed this valuable insight when he said:

“I feel that [the Savior] will give that punishment which is the very least that our transgression will justify. I believe that he will bring into his justice all of the infinite love and blessing and mercy and kindness and understanding which he has. …

“And on the other hand, I believe that when it comes to making the rewards for our good conduct, he will give us the maximum that it is possible to give, having in mind the offense which we have committed.” 30

As Isaiah wrote, if we will return unto the Lord, “he will abundantly pardon.” 31

Gordon B. Hinckley, Bring up a Child in the Way He Should Go,” Oct. 93
Love can make the difference-love generously given in childhood and reaching through the awkward years of youth.  It will do what money lavished on children will never do.
And patience, with a bridling of the tongue and self-mastery over anger. And encouragement that is quick to compliment and slow to criticize.
These, with prayers, will accomplish wonders.  You cannot expect to do it alone.  You need heaven’s help in rearing heaven’s child. 
Howard W. Hunter, “Parents’ Concern for Children,” Oct. 1983

We should remember that errors of judgment are generally less serious than errors of intent.

Even if there was a mistake made with full knowledge and understanding, there is the principle of repentance for release and comfort. Rather than constantly dwelling on what we perceive as a mistake or a sin or a failure to the detriment of our progress in the gospel or our association with family and friends, it would be better for us to turn away from it.

3.   STUDYING DOCTRINE WILL IMPROVE BEHAVIOR QUICKER THAN TALKING ABOUT BEHAVIOR

Boyd K. Packer, “Washed Clean,” April 1997

My message is to our young people. We have great concern for young people who grow up without values on which to base their conduct. I have long believed that the study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than talking about behavior will improve behavior.

Elder Henry B. Eyring, “The Power of Teaching Doctrine,” Apr. 1999
The question should not be whether we are too tired to prepare to teach doctrine, or whether it wouldn’t be better to draw a child closer by just having fun, or whether the child isn’t beginning to think that we preach too much. The question must be, “With so little time and so few opportunities, what words of doctrine from me will fortify them against the attacks on their faith which are sure to come?” The words you speak today may be the ones they remember. And today will soon be gone.
The best time to teach is early, while children are still immune to the temptations of their mortal enemy, and long before the words of truth may be harder for them to hear in the noise of their personal struggles. 

4.    TEACH CHILDREN TO EXERCISE AGENCY

Elder David A. Bednar, “Seek Learning by Faith,” Ensign, Sep. 2007

Consider the question posed by Heavenly Father to Adam in the Garden of Eden, “Where art thou?” (Genesis 3:9). Obviously the Father knew where Adam was hiding, but He, nonetheless, asked the question. Why? A wise and loving Father enabled His child to act in the learning process and not merely be acted upon. There was no one-way lecture to a disobedient child, as perhaps many of us might be inclined to deliver. Rather, the Father helped Adam as a learner to act as an agent and appropriately exercise his agency.

I have observed a common characteristic among the instructors who have had the greatest influence in my life. They refused to give me easy answers to hard questions. In fact, they did not give me any answers at all. Rather, they pointed the way and helped me take the steps to find my own answers.

Experience has enabled me to understand that an answer given by another person usually is not remembered for very long, if remembered at all. But an answer we discover or obtain through the exercise of faith, typically, is retained for a lifetime. The most important learnings of life are caught—not taught.

Please note how this inspired challenge is a classic example of learning by faith. First, you and I were not commanded, coerced, or required to read. Rather, we were invited to exercise our agency as agents and act in accordance with correct principles. President Hinckley, as an inspired teacher, encouraged us to act and not just be acted upon. Each of us, ultimately, had to decide if and how we would respond to the challenge—and if we would endure to the end of the task.

Quentin L. Cook, “Stewardship – a Sacred Trust,” Oct. 2009

We are responsible for the talents we have received. Children who are not taught that they are accountable for their time and talents are increasingly subject to the foolishness and unrighteousness that are so pervasive in the world.

What the Scriptures Teach About How to Be a Better Parent

We are supposed to liken the scriptures unto ourselves and I have found in my life that the example of Nephi building the boat illustrates some critical points to remember when parenting.

The first point is that Nephi didn’t build the ship after the manner of men. This is a good reminder that we shouldn’t always base our parenting choices on what is popular at the time. I often try to remind myself that “The Lords ways are higher than my ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).”

The other important lesson from Nephi is that “the Lord did show [him] from time to time after what manner [he] should work the timbers.” Also, that Nephi had to “go to the mount oft, and [he] did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto [him] great things.]

I remember one time when my daughter was in high school, I noticed that she was being extra quiet and keeping to herself. I tried on several occasions to talk with her and ask what was wrong. She kept assuring me that everything was fine. I kept praying for help to know what to do, and one day I had a feeling about what was concerning my daughter. As I approached her on that specific concern, she opened up and we were able to talk through the problem.

The other scripture from the list below that has really blessed my parenting is from Alma Chapter 4. Alma the Younger was both the chief judge and the high priest over the Church. The members of the Church were becoming more wicked. So “Alma delivered up the judgment-seat to Nephihah, and confined himself wholly to the high priesthood... that he himself might go forth among his people that he might preach the word of God unto them.” 

I have seen that one of the challenges of today is that parents can get so busy doing good things, that they are not around enough for their children. When I was a young mother back in 1987, President Benson gave his talk, “To Mothers in Zion.” His first of ten suggestions was:  

First, take time to always be at the crossroads when your children are coming or going—when they leave and return from school—when they leave and return from dates—when they bring friends home. Be there at the crossroads whether your children are six or sixteen.

In the almost 30 years since, (my youngest in now in high school) I have found this to be very wise counsel.

See also Elder Bednar’s talk: “More Diligent and Concerned at Home.”

Here are some of the scriptures from the Book of Mormon which provide insight on parenting and relationships:

1 Nephi 18:1-3 And we did work timbers of curious workmanship. And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship.

Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build the ship after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me.

And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.

2 Nephi 25:28 I have spoken plainly unto you that ye cannot misunderstand.

2 Nephi 33:4 I know that the Lord God will consecrate my prayers for the gain of my people.

Jacob 2:8-9, 35 And it supposeth me that they have come up hither to hear the pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth the wounded soul. And because of the strictness of the word of God, which cometh down against you, many hearts died, pierced with deep wounds.

Alma 4:18-20 [Alma] delivered the judgment-seat unto Nephihah. And this he did that he himself might go forth among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the word of God unto them. Alma delivered up the judgment-seat to Nephihah, and confined himself wholly to the high priesthood of the holy order of God.

Alma 6:6 They should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God.

Alma 10:7 For he [Alma] has fasted many days because of the sins of the people.

Alma 39:7 I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good.

Alma 42:1,30 For ye so try to suppose that it is injustice that the sinner should be consigned to a state of misery. I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do you let the justice of God, and his mercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in humility.

3 Nephi 11:29 He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.

3 Nephi 22:13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

3 Nephi 25:6 I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall turn [bind or seal J.S.] the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Mormon 8:20 Behold what the scripture says – man shall not smite, neither shall he judge; for judgment is mine, saith the Lord, and vengeance is mine also, and I will repay.

Moroni 8:2-3 My beloved son, Moroni...I am mindful of you always in my prayers, continually praying unto God the Father in the name of his Holy Child, Jesus, that he, through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you through the endurance of faith on his name to the end.

Women: Should Mothers Work? A Gospel Perspective

Should mother's work outside the home? This can be a hard decision with many factors to consider. There is definitely an endless amount of advise on this from a worldly standpoint. I would suggest that we prayerfully ask for humility as we study the words of the prophets to find the right answers for ourselves. Sometimes life doesn't give us a choice, but when it does, the blessings of following the prophets can't be measured.

Read this great collection of quotes from various prophets about mother's working: Eternal Marriage Student Manual, page 237-40. Here is one of the quotes: 

“One apparent impact of the women’s movement has been the feelings of discontent it has created among young women who have chosen the role of wife and mother. They are often made to feel that there are more exciting and self-fulfilling roles for women than housework, diaper changing, and children calling for mother. This view loses sight of the eternal perspective that God elected women to the noble role of mother and that exaltation is eternal fatherhood and eternal motherhood. [‘To the Elect Women of the Kingdom of God,’ Nauvoo Illinois Relief Society Dedication, 30 June 1978.]” (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 506–7, 548–49).

Here are a few other quotes that have helped me find joy in raising my children:

Elder Richard G. Scott, "The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness," October 1996

One of Satan’s most effective approaches is to demean the role of wife and mother in the home. This is an attack at the very heart of God’s plan to foster love between husband and wife and to nurture children in an atmosphere of understanding, peace, appreciation, and support. Much of the violence that is rampant in the world today is the harvest of weakened homes. Government and social plans will not effectively correct that, nor can the best efforts of schools and churches fully compensate for the absence of the tender care of a compassionate mother and wife in the home.

This morning President Hinckley spoke of the importance of a mother in the home. Study his message. As a mother guided by the Lord, you weave a fabric of character in your children from threads of truth through careful instruction and worthy example. You imbue the traits of honesty, faith in God, duty, respect for others, kindness, self-confidence, and the desire to contribute, to learn, and to give in your trusting children’s minds and hearts. No day-care center can do that. It is your sacred right and privilege.

Of course, as a woman you can do exceptionally well in the workplace, but is that the best use of your divinely appointed talents and feminine traits? As a husband, don’t encourage your wife to go to work to help in your divinely appointed responsibility of providing resources for the family, if you can possibly avoid it. As the prophets have counseled, to the extent possible with the help of the Lord, as parents, work together to keep Mother in the home.²² Your presence there will strengthen the self-confidence of your children and decrease the chance of emotional challenges. Moreover, as you teach truth by word and example, those children will come to understand who they are and what they can obtain as divine children of Father in Heaven.

President Hinckley "To the Women of the Church, 2003:

Then we have you older women who are neither young nor old. You are in the most wonderful season of your lives. Your children are in their teens. Possibly one or two are married. Some are on missions, and you are sacrificing to keep them in the field. You are hoping and praying for their success and happiness. To you dear women I offer some special counsel.

Count your blessings; name them one by one. You don't need a great big mansion of a house with an all-consuming mortgage that goes on forever. You do need a comfortable and pleasant home where love abides. Someone has said that there is no more beautiful picture than that of a good woman cooking a meal for those she loves. Weigh carefully that which you do. You do not need some of the extravagances that working outside the home might bring. Weigh carefully the importance of your being in the home when your children come from school.

Mothers, take good care of your daughters. Be close to them. Listen to them. Talk with them. Lead them from doing foolish things. Guide them into doing the right thing. See that they dress in a comely and modest fashion. Safeguard them from the terrible evils that are all about them.

Nurture your sons with love and counsel. Teach them the importance of personal cleanliness, of neatness in their dress. Sloppy ways lead to sloppy lives. Instill in them a sense of discipline. Keep them worthy of service to the Church as missionaries. Give them things to do so that they may learn to work. Teach them to be frugal. Labor and frugality lead to prosperity. Teach them that nothing really good happens after 11 o'clock at night. And do not spoil them. If they go on missions, they may be compelled to live in circumstances that you would not wish for them. Do not worry about them. Give them encouragement.

Stir within your children the desire for education. This is the latchkey to success in life. And at the same time, teach them that as President David O. McKay was wont to remind us, "No other success can compensate for failure in the home." 1

Elder Richard G. Scott, "The Power of Correct Principles," May 1993

“When as mothers, you are consistently in the home, at least during the hours the children are predominantly there, you can detect the individual needs of each child and provide ways to satisfy them.  Your divinely given instincts help sense a child’s special talents and unique capacities so that you can nurture and strengthen them.

Recently I reviewed the history of many missionaries and found a powerful correlation between exceptional missionaries and mothers who chose to remain home, often at great financial and personal sacrifice.

How grateful you mothers of youth like these must feel as you see some of the fruits of your sacrifice.  You have a vision of the power of obediently, patiently teaching truth, because you look beyond the peanut butter sandwiches, soiled clothing, tedious hours of routine, struggles with homework, and long hours by a sickbed.

You must be willing to forgo personal pleasure and self-interest for family-centered activity, and not turn over to church, school, or society the principal role of fostering a child’s well-rounded development.  It takes time, great effort, and significant personal sacrifice to ‘train up a child in the way he should go.’  But where can you find greater rewards for a job well done?”

Now the most important principal I can share: Anchor our life in Jesus Christ, your Redeemer.  Make your Eternal Father and his Beloved Son the most important priority in your life--more important than life itself, more important than a beloved companion or children or anyone on earth.  Make their will your central desire.  Then all that you need for happiness will come to you.” 

Elder L. Tom Perry, “Mothers Teaching Children in The Home, April 2010”

My mother understood the value of teaching her children about standards, values, and doctrine while they were young. While she was grateful to others who taught her children outside the home at either school or church, she recognized that parents are entrusted with the education of their children and, ultimately, parents must ensure that their children are being taught what their Heavenly Father would have them learn. My siblings and I were quizzed very carefully by our mother after we had been taught away from the home to be certain the correct lessons were reaching our ears and shaping our minds.

Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility. While other institutions, such as church and school, can assist parents to “train up a child in the way he [or she] should go” (Proverbs 22:6), ultimately this responsibility rests with parents.

Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world.

I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation. We see so many challenges today from distracting and destructive influences intended to mislead God’s children. We are seeing many young people who lack the deep spiritual roots necessary to remain standing in faith as storms of unbelief and despair swirl around them. Too many of our Father in Heaven’s children are being overcome by worldly desires. The onslaught of wickedness against our children is at once more subtle and more brazen than it has ever been. Teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the home adds another layer of insulation to protect our children from worldly influences.