Because of the new budget allowance program, "there will be fewer intrusions into the family schedules and into the family purses," Elder Boyd K. Packer told the regional representatives.
"This change in budgeting will have the effect of returning much of the responsibility for teaching and counseling and activities to the family where it belongs," said Elder Packer of the Council of the Twelve."It will set a better balance between families being assessed time and money to support Church activities, and Church activities complementing what families should do for themselves. . . ," Elder Packer said. "We have the opportunity to adjust that balance so that Church activities sustain parents and families rather than the other way around."
However, Elder Packer cautioned, with smaller budgets, fewer activities and fewer programs, a vacuum will be left.
"We must resist," he emphasized, "the temptation to program that vacuum. That space belongs to families.
"Let them use it as they feel to do, for better or for worse. That is the risk. If we fail to teach them correct principles, teach them the doctrine, they will not know how to govern themselves. If we do, then that vacuum will be filled with prayer and study. It will be filled with faith and reverence, with eminent love between husband and wife, with the tender love of parents and children. There will be safe and virtuous dependency. Latter-day Saints will come to depend on the Lord instead of upon the headquarters of the Church."
Elder Packer said the change "will require some considerable adjustment in our thinking, and some change in deeply ingrained habits."
He emphasized there should not be the slightest hesitancy to teach, preach and emphasize the principle of tithing.
