This month’s First Presidency message was available online yesterday, February first. I encourage you to head over and look at it. And if looking is too difficult, the church has allowed us the option of listening to both the home and visiting teaching message. Since the layout of the website has changed, I’ll let you know that both messages are in the upper lefthand corner, under the picture of President Hinckley.
President Hinckley, by the way, prepared the home teaching message for the month. Rather than a full-length article, it is a combination of inspirational thoughts taken from various addresses throughout the world. Each thought has a heading to separate it from the previous message.
The article begins with a testimony from President Hinckley regarding the Savior, Jesus Christ. He then discusses the phenomenal importance of the Atonement, and how no other event in human history can begin to come close to it in importance. He discusses Christ’s divine mission, and how we honor Him in both birth and death.
We are then implored to stand as a witness of the gospel of Christ. After reminding us that walking in the Lord’s path can be “our refuge and our peace.” Another challenge is issued: for every father and husband to change so that he is worthy to share the blessings of the temple with his family. Next, President Hinckley talks about how members of the church are viewed in a positive light. He asks us to continue to be a good example to the world around us. Another challenge is issued to “rise above (the filth, immorality, and trouble around us), stand taller, leave the world behind (us), and walk as the Lord would have (us) walk.” We are reminded of our obligation and instruction to preach the gospel to those willing to hear. Finally, the prophet leaves us with some positive thoughts regarding this dispensation, and with his testimony.
As home teachers, you can share passages that are particularly relevant with the families you teach. You can repeat President Hinckely’s challenges. The ideas section also suggests that you share the picture – not shown online – with your family and discuss it. If you are like me and simply viewing the message online, be sure to check in with your library and take a look – and possibly make a copy – of the image to see how it relates to your families.
The home teaching message is always good to read, even if you are faithfully visited each month. You can grow and expand, and feel better prepared to discuss it when questions are asked. Perhaps you have questions of your own that you would like to ask your home teacher. If you are not-so-faithfully taken care of, then you definitely want to be sure you study the words of President Hinckley. Either way, as we prayerfully read the statements made by the living prophet in this dispensation, our spirits can grow stronger and our testimonies can increase.
Related Articles:
General Conference from the Past: “Conversion and Commitment”
General Conference: “The Power of Personal Testimony”
General Conference: “The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness”