With home-centered learning, we can raise the youth battalion to wield swords of the spirit of truth. And how do we do this? By knowing and understanding the very depths of the Book of Mormon. In four places of the Doctrine and Covenants, it repeats the power of the Book of Mormon in these words:
“A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men. Behold, I am God; give heed unto my words, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore, give heed unto my words” (D&C 6:1-2,11:1-2,12:1-2,14:1-2).
The Saturday afternoon session of April 1982 General Conference seemed to be a preparation for home-centered learning.
First of all, Joseph B. Wirthlin tells a story that instantly reminds me of the home-centered learning we’ll be starting next year.
The story begins with a wealthy man hiring a young builder to build a ranch house for him. He doesn’t care how much it costs, he simply says,“Don’t skimp on anything … just send me the bills.” The young builder decides he can charge top dollar but only use cheap materials. Finally, the work is done, and he goes to the wealthy man with his final bill. The man writes him a check and turns the keys back over to the builder and says, “The home you have just built, my boy, is my present to you. May you live in it in great happiness!”
Starting next year, we will be emphasizing teaching the gospel in our homes, whether we have children, live as couples, or live alone. We are responsible for the teaching that goes on within our own walls. Will we shortchange our Savior by skimping in our study when in the long run we have only cheated ourselves?
In this same session, Gene R. Cook gives some guidelines on how a teacher of righteousness should teach:
1 – The Lord spiritually confirms when
2 – Teachers of righteousness teach from the holy scriptures.
3 – There is more value in teaching the simple doctrines, not what lies in the fringes.
4 – Teachers seek personal repentance, therefore, seek to live what they teach.
Finally, LeGrand Richards gives the final address and tells marvelous stories. He is the consummate storyteller and often got in trouble for rambling on for so long (as mentioned in this talk, in fact). What makes his stories truly amazing is that this man understood the simple doctrines of the gospel. He knew where they were explained in the scriptures. And most of all, he was fearless in his knowledge and testimony. He had paid the price to learn about God and he was never afraid to defend Him.
For example, while debating with a minister, in front of a crowd, the minister attacks the church and demands some no-win answers. Elder Richards reports in his talk, “I was on my feet just like that. (My companion later said, ‘How did you think so fast?’ I said, ‘What have you been praying for all week?’)”
Isn’t this how you want your children to be when they enter the mission field? Isn’t this secretly how we all wish we could be when, and if, we are ever confronted? Not that we look for debates, but that we are ready to answer with the spirit and with truth; our swords at the ready, so to speak.
Because we are nearing the end of the war, we must do whatever it takes to ensure the win. The safety of our families is the most important thing right now. May we take seriously our home-centered learning, and let our swords shine and be ready with the spirit of truth.