A recurring theme at this General Conference was an acceleration in the work as the Lord prepares his people for the Second Coming. President Eyring, in his opening stated:

‘This is an exciting time in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Lord is pouring out knowledge on His Church as He promised that He would.’

He then goes on to say:

 ‘He has made clear that the daughters of Heavenly Father will play a primary role in that miraculous acceleration.’

Notice the use of the word ‘primary’ rather than ‘important’ or ‘significant’.

How do these statements make you feel?

He then refers to the Proclamation on the Family and says:

‘He gave sisters charge to be the principal gospel educators in the family in these words: “Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.’

While this gives mothers the primary responsibility, fathers are not let off the hook:

‘ “Fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.” They are equal partners, equal in their potential for spiritual growth and for acquiring knowledge, and so are unified by helping each other. They are equal in their divine destiny to be exalted together. In fact, men and women cannot be exalted alone.’

How does this work? How can mothers have the primary responsibility to nurture children within an equal partnership?

What invitations does President Eyring give in this address?

• 1. To nurture others – ‘Your trust from God is to nurture as many of His and your family members as you can with your love and your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.’

An important part of this nurturing is nurturing with knowledge. He gives the examples of:

• Eve
• The stripling warriors

Eve:

At the April 2014 General Conference, President Eyring said:

‘We don’t know all the help Eve was to Adam and to their family. But we do know of one great gift that she gave, which each of you can also give: she helped her family see the path home when the way ahead seemed hard. “And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.” ^{(Moses 5:11)}

You have her example to follow.

By revelation, Eve recognized the way home to God. She knew that the Atonement of Jesus Christ made eternal life possible in families. She was sure, as you can be, that as she kept her covenants with her Heavenly Father, the Redeemer and the Holy Ghost would see her and her family through whatever sorrows and disappointments would come. She knew she could trust in Them.’

The stripling warriors:

Alma 56: 47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.

What important truths should parents be teaching in the home?

2. To pray in faith -‘Your practical challenge is to know whom to nurture, how, and when. You need the Lord’s help. He knows others’ hearts, and He knows when they are ready to accept your nurturing. Your prayer of faith will be your key to success. ‘

3. To study the scriptures- ‘serious study of the scriptures will be part of your growing power to nurture.’

4. To endure in faith – It will take faith to endure. The Savior sent you this encouragement:

“Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.

“Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.” ^{(D&C 64:33-34)}

What blessings are promised for accepting these invitations?

1. Nurturing: ‘each of you, equally yoked with sons of God, will be a major part of a miracle of gospel learning and living that will hasten the gathering of Israel and will prepare God’s family for the glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ.’
2. Praying in faith: ‘When you pray with and for family members, you will feel your and the Savior’s love for them. That will become more and more your spiritual gift as you seek it. Your family members will feel it as you pray with greater faith.’
3. Studying the scriptures: ‘family members will feel your love for God and for His word. They will be nurtured by Him and by His Spirit.’
4. Enduring in faith: ‘It may take effort and time, but it will bring miracles.’

How is the Saviour ‘your perfect example of how you will play a major part in His move to place greater emphasis on gospel learning in the home and family’?