Prophets and apostles—and all of us—strengthen and unify the Church.

‘The Church was established by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry, “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets”.  In this, “the dispensation of the fulness of times” the Lord restored what once was, specifically telling the Prophet Joseph Smith, “I will establish a church by your hand”  (D&C 31:7) Jesus Christ was and is the head of His Church, represented on earth by prophets holding apostolic authority.’ (Donald L Hallstrom, General Conference, April 2012)

“We now ask, all Christendom who profess to be Saints, whether they are perfect or imperfect? The general answer is, ‘we are imperfect.’ How do you expect to become perfect, if you do away out of your churches inspired apostles, prophets, and other officers? These are the only gifts and officers by which the Saints can be perfected. Have you got them in your midst? Millions answer ‘no: we do not believe in prophets in our day.’ But do you believe in ‘pastors and teachers?’ O yes, they are necessary. Who told you to reject the most important gifts of the church and to retain the rest? ‘No one has told us to do this but our ministers, and they must be good men, and they say that apostles and prophets are no longer necessary, but that evangelists, pastors and teachers are’…Know assuredly that there never was any other plan adopted in the gospel to perfect the Saints than through apostles, prophets and other gifts.” (Orson Pratt’s Works [Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1945], 163 – 165.)

“Now, others may insist that this is not the true church. That is their privilege. But to claim that it does not exist anywhere, that it does not even need to exist, is to deny the scriptures.

“The New Testament teaches of ‘one Lord, one faith, one baptism’ and speaks of ‘ [all coming] in the unity of the faith’ (Eph. 4:5, 13) and of a ‘restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began’ (Acts 3:21.)

“We did not invent the doctrine of the only true church. It came from the Lord. Whatever perception others have of us, however presumptuous we appear to be, whatever criticism is directed to us, we must teach it to all who will listen.” (Boyd K Packer, “The Only True Church,” Ensign, Nov. 1985, 82)

Following the Savior’s example can strengthen family relationships.

“Christ loved the church and its people so much that he voluntarily endured persecution for them, suffered humiliating indignities for them, stoically withstood pain and physical abuse for them, and finally gave his precious life for them.

“When the husband is ready to treat his household in that manner, not only the wife but all the family will respond to his leadership.

“Certainly if fathers are to be respected, they must merit respect-if they are to be loved, they must be consistent, lovable, understanding, and kind, and they must honor their priesthood.” (Spencer W Kimball, “Home: The Place to Save Society,” Ensign, Jan. 1975, 5)

‘Both men and women are to serve their families and others, but the specific ways in which they do so are sometimes different. For example, God has revealed through his prophets that men are to receive the priesthood, become fathers, and with gentleness and pure, unfeigned love they are to lead and nurture their families in righteousness as the Savior leads the Church. They have been given the primary responsibility for the temporal and physical needs of the family.  Women have the power to bring children into the world and have been given the primary duty and opportunity as mothers to lead, nurture, and teach them in a loving, spiritual environment. In this divine partnership, husbands and wives support one another in their God-given capacities. By appointing different accountabilities to men and women, Heavenly Father provides the greatest opportunity for growth, service, and progress. He did not give different tasks to men and women simply to perpetuate the idea of a family; rather, He did so to ensure that the family can continue forever, the ultimate goal of our Heavenly Father’s eternal plan.’ (M Russell Ballard, General Conference, October 1993)

“You fathers can help with the dishes, care for a crying baby, and change a diaper. And perhaps some Sunday you could get the children ready for Church, and your wife could sit in the car and honk.

“‘Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.’ With that kind of love, brethren, we will be better husbands and fathers, more loving and spiritual leaders.” (Russell M Nelson,”Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women,” Ensign, May 1999, 39-40)

The armor of God will help protect us from evil.

See: Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection – Elder Ronald A Rasband

‘Men sometimes falter? Yes, sometimes they think they are strong; but no man is strong unless he be strong in the Lord. No man is sustained only as God sustains him; and if he does not sustain him, I would not give much for his ideas or position. ‘ (John Taylor, Journal of Discourses)

“The tide of evil flows. It has become a veritable flood. Most of us, living somewhat sheltered lives, have little idea of the vast dimensions of it. Billions of dollars are involved for those who pour out pornography, for those who peddle lasciviousness, for those who deal in bestiality, in perversion, in sex and violence. God give us the strength, the wisdom, the faith, the courage as citizens to stand in opposition to these and to let our voices be heard in defense of those virtues which, when practiced in the past, made men and nations strong, and which, when neglected, brought them to decay.” (Gordon B Hinckley, Be Thou an Example [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1981], 58.)

‘ The Lord may call us when we little think of it, or require labors at our hands when we are not prepared; which would be an awkward position, and very unpleasant to a person who had any regard for his character, before God, and in the society of his friends. There is no time to lay off the armor of Christ; there is not a moment in the lives of the children of men when they can afford to serve the devil; it is always the best to be on our guard, be honest, and honorable in the sight of God and man, which is the path of safety.’ (Joseph F Smith, Journal of Discourses)