Drawing Specific Inspiration from the Proclamation

     During a general relief society session of General Conference, President Hinckley introduced The Family: A Proclamation to the World. In the following decades, the general belief of the family unit by society has drastically changed. The Family proclamation offers a backdrop to the eternal truths of the family unit taught in the restored gospel. This sacred document can do so much more than simply defend the sacred doctrinal truths of the family. Consistent study of the Proclamation can aid in the efforts of everyday members of the church to gain much needed personal revelation. Furthermore, young adults who face important decisions concerning marriage, family, career, etc. can gain direction from the Lord when studying the Proclamation in these crucial years of young adulthood. 

    Within the Proclamation are crucial teachings about the roles of fathers and mothers, how to properly support extended family, the divine origin of gender, the purpose of mortality, and so much more. This sacred document should be studied in a similar fashion to the standard works and the words of the modern day prophets and apostles. Implementation of the study of The Proclamation can be easily done. For example, if an individual is already studying the gospel on a daily basis, reading of a simple paragraph of The Proclamation can be supplemental to their current study habits. If an individual struggles to consistently read/study the gospel, The Proclamation can be a much needed catalyst to spark consistent study of the gospel. Contained within its teachings, a powerful spirit presides in this sacred document. The strong presence of the spirit can not only give the reader much needed personal revelation, but also strengthen their overall testimony of the restored gospel and the eternal nature of families. 

    In conclusion, there are many ways increased/habitual study of The Family Proclamation can improve one's testimony and aid in the pursuit of personal revelation. Examples include but are not limited to: 

  • Guidance on qualities and characteristics to pursue in an eternal companion 
  •  The roles of father/mothers in a family unit 
  • The divine origin of gender and it's role in the plan of salvation 
  • Ways in which to defend the sacred nature of the family unit and marriage between man and a woman 
  • The proper timing of when to have children in a marriage 
  • How to appropriately implement the gospel into family life 

Works Cited: 

Successful Marriages & Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives by A. Hawkins, D. Dollahite, & T. Draper.

Brigham Distributing, 1st Edition. 2011

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