"History of man's mortal experience would indicate that the desire to be free has spiritual roots," Elder L. Tom Perry said Saturday morning. "There is an innate, overwhelming, compelling desire to be free. This desire seems to be more precious than life itself."
Explaining how the Lord prepared a nation for new-found freedom, Elder Perry of the Council of the Twelve told the story of the Israelites from bondage to liberty. Throughout this time, he said, the Lord gave them certain principles and practices to help them rebuild their faith.They were instructed, he explained, to build a tabernacle and later a temple, and were given commandments "for their guidance and direction. Here was a foundation on which to build a society of law and order."
Elder Perry continued, "The Lord had another way of reminding them of the blessings He had given them. He had them establish religious customs that became a part of their everyday life to signify the ways through which they could express their faith in God."
Just as the Israelites were given certain commandments to help them enjoy their new-found freedom, he said, in like manner does the Lord guide saints today.
Following the pattern the Lord established for ancient Israel, Elder Perry explained, He has commanded us today to build temples, keep His laws, and follow certain practices.
"The Lord has not been so explicit in providing religious customs in the order of feasts and festivals to remind us of the blessings we receive from Him today," Elder Perry said. "However, the practice of having traditions to keep us close to [our] great heritage . . . should be something every family should try to keep alive."
Such practices include family prayer and scripture reading, Sabbath Day observance, weekly family home evenings, payments of tithes and offerings, listening to general conference and family reunions.
Other traditions, he said, are receiving father's blessings and patriarchal blessings, missionary and temple preparation, regular temple attendance where possible, and being together as a family on sacred occasions.
"If we will build righteous traditions in our families, the light of the gospel can ever grow brighter in the lives of our children from generation to generation," Elder Perry concluded. "We can look forward to that glorious day when we will all be united together as eternal family units to reap the everlasting joy promised us by our Eternal Father for His righteous children.
"Our family activities and traditions can be a beacon to the rest of the world as an example of how we should live to merit His choice blessings and live in peace and harmony until the day He returns to rule and reign over us."
