Proclamation Statement #19: "Children are Entitled"

I don't think that children (or emerging adults) should get everything they think they are entitled to. But, there is at least one form of entitlement that I do believe in: 

"Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."

How would the world change for the better if there were many more families that could (or would) follow that traditional formula: children raised by parents who love them and who truly love each other? Children deserve that. The world deserves that. Institutions are working very hard to help people improve their situations, but the need is too great. There are too many people who had a less-than-ideal home, and in so many cases it isn't their fault.

I do consider myself extremely fortunate to have the family that I do, and I am grateful for that. I believe that apart from finding opportunities to help the needy around me, one of the best things I can do in this life is to do my best in establishing a wonderful family of my own in the future.

Proclamation Statement #18: "Essential to His Eternal Plan."

"Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan."

I have heard many differing opinions about the institution of marriage in general. I've heard some say it's a bad institution, or it's simply a man-made institution. Some say governments shouldn't be involved in it, because it's only a private matter. Others say that people and governments should care about the institution of marriage and its effects on society at large.

I think marriage matters a lot. I believe God created the institution and that it can have far-reaching positive effects on individuals and society. I also believe that God intended for all of us to return home to Him--not alone, but in families. With billions upon billions of people, past, present, and future, how would we be organized in heaven? I believe we would be organized in families.

Marriage and the family have become divisive topics today, and they probably always have been. As I've said before, my intention is not to attack or contend with any particular stance. I only wish to share my beliefs and to express gratitude for the joy and peace they have added to my life.

Proclamation Statement #17: "The Family is Ordained of God."

We're more than halfway through The Family: A Proclamation to the World! I have personally been enjoying looking at each statement individually and recognizing why I'm thankful for the truths and principles taught therein. That being said, the next statement is very straightforward and repeats the ideas of previous statements rather succinctly: 

"The family is ordained of God."

Here, "ordained" can be interpreted as set apart, made holy, or made official. Again, I believe God meant for us to be raised in families. That is how we can become happy while on earth. Even those who grew up with less than ideal families can have better families of their own. I am grateful for the principle of the family and that God cares about families.

Proclamation Statement #16: "Held Accountable"

"Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations."

Great joy and responsibility accompanies a husband and a wife who decide to become a father and a mother, to increase their family of two. I don't know this personally, but I hope to. I am grateful to know that not only are fathers and mothers responsible to society for raising members of the next generation, they are responsible to God for raising some of His children on earth. The great challenge for my generation right now is that many of us are beginning to take on this responsibility. I am grateful for the obligation, and the joy that comes with fulfilling it (as far as I know, my parents are joyful in their roles as spouses and parents). :)

Proclamation Statement #15: "Parents Have A Sacred Duty..."

"Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live."

I am very grateful that my parents have been fulfilling this duty with regards to each of their children. I consider that a tremendous blessing. I believe that if more parents followed the principles in the statement above, many problems in modern society would dramatically decrease. This is why I believe in the power of the family in the strength of society.

Proclamation Statement #14: "Children are an heritage of the Lord"

"'Children are an heritage of the Lord' (Psalm 127:3)."

If all humans, past, present, and future, are children of God, then children born into a family are blessings from God. I believe that the most noble and important responsibility is for parents to love, care for, and teach their children. This affects the next generation, and it is wonderful that the Lord allows His children to have a hand in influencing the next generation.

Proclamation Statement #13: "Solemn Responsibility to Love and Care"

"Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children."

Though I don't know what it's like to raise children, but I've seen my parents do it for a couple of decades and somehow my parents have been successful with me and my siblings! I am grateful for this truth: That parents are responsible to love and care for the family. I also like how the above statement says "love and care for each other and for their children." I know being husband and wife isn't just about the kids, it is especially about the spouse.

Though I don't yet have these responsibilities, I really look forward to taking them on (hopefully in the near future). Besides, from what I've seen, the people who take the responsibility for self, spouse, and children tend to be the happiest and most joyful. Who knew adult responsibilities could bring such joy? I have seen that joy in my family, and I look forward to experiencing that in my future family.