Love the Lord
Make home bit of heaven- Brings incredible power
Only loving thoughts and actions should prevail in homes, for it is here that family members are to help one another along the road to exaltation, said Elder Albert Choules Jr. at the Saturday morning session.
"That perspective not only prepares us for eternity, but it makes the here and now much happier and more fulfilling," he said.
Elder Choules of the Seventy began his address with three statements of the Savior when He was upon the earth:
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength." (Mark 12:30.) "Obedience to this commandment," said Elder Choules, "should become our highest priority. All of our efforts should evidence this love for our Father in Heaven."
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15.)
"Love one another." (John 13:34.)
"Our love of God and Jesus Christ and for each other," explained Elder Choules, "should undergird all that we do and feel. Love sincerely given brings love in return. Love so shared brings trust, support, and a level of security that is unsurpassed."
He quoted President David O. McKay, who encouraged members to "make home a bit of heaven; indeed, I picture heaven to be a continuation of the ideal home."
Making a home a prelude to heaven begins with the Savior's admonition to keep His commandments, Elder Choules said. Husband and wife start such a home by being married at a sacred altar in a holy temple. Their partnership is to be eternal.
"In recent years I have become aware of too many instances in which a man particularly has tried to dominate and exercise unrighteous dominion simply because he has convinced himself that it is his male role. Some mistakenly declare that it is right because they hold the priesthood. Nothing could be further from the truth.
"No man - particularly one who bears the priesthood - has the right to treat any woman unkindly, especially his wife with whom he would hope to share eternal joy. . . . The scripture is clear that when sacred authority is abused, the authority of the priesthood is withdrawn."
On the other hand, "most fathers and priesthood leaders lead with love, just as most of our mothers and auxiliary leaders do. Leadership based on love brings incredible power. It is real, and it generates lasting results in the lives of our Father's children."
