Family Proclamation, Part 3

            Families, communities, and nations are strengthened when individuals understand and live the principles contained in the inspired document known as “The Family:  A Proclamation to the World.”  The third paragraph of the Proclamation testifies that we lived in a premortal world before we came to this earth.  We knew and worshipped God there and were informed of a plan by which we can return to live once again with God and our families.

                “In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life.  The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave.  Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.”

                The scriptures teach about our premortal life and God’s plan for the happiness of His children.  We read in Titus 1:2:  “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”

                This important doctrine is taught in simple words and pictures in a children’s song entitled “I Lived in Heaven”  (Children’s Songbook, #4).  This song musically teaches about God’s plan for His children to live as families with Him for all eternity.

                All families face difficulties in this life.  Some of those difficulties involve poor health, death, marital problems, financial problems, and difficulties with our daily lives.  Families who are not sealed together for eternity can fall apart under the strain of mortal life, but families who focus on eternity are better motivated to solve the mortal problems and overcome the earthly trials.  Families who are preparing to be together forever know that they can reach this goal by living righteously and living worthily of this great blessing.

                Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated:  “The desire of our hearts, of course, is not only to acquire salvation and immortality but also to attain eternal life with a loving Father in Heaven and our Savior in the celestial kingdom with our families.  We can obtain eternal life only through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.  The Savior said, `For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fullness, and be glorified in me.’”

                I know that God has restored the sealing power to earth once again.  I know that families can be sealed together forever in ceremonies performed in temples built for that purpose.  I know that the actions we take during this life will affect whether or not we have the opportunity to be with our family for all eternity.  I know that families, communities, and nations can be strengthened when families have an eternal perspective and are sealed together for eternity.