Successful parents stand as sentinels to guard their home against evil. They are aware of all reading, viewing and listening material that enters their home. They vigorously reject that which is not consistent with Church standards. Following the voice of the prophets seems to be the best way to avoid evil in the home. They have counseled the following:
- Hold family home evening.- Have family scripture study and family prayer, night and morning.
- Encourage personal prayer and scripture study, especially with the Book of Mormon.
- Take advantage of testimony-building opportunities.
- Hold family councils, father's interviews.
- Give/receive father's blessings.
- Attend the temple.
- Avoid PG-13 movies of questionable value and shun R- and NC-17-rated movies.
- Avoid spirit-destroying music.
We read a study - done while our children were little - that noted that children who watched four or more hours of television a day were less successful in school than children who limited their television viewing.
Over the years, we've had more success using prophets' warnings than expressing our own concerns over what comes into our home. The fact that they're the Lord's mouthpieces holds more weight with our children than our own words. In our family, we've tried to do as the Primary song says: "Follow the Prophet, follow the Prophet, follow the Prophet, he knows the way!" - Paula Hunt, Nampa, Idaho
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How we did it:
Identify, remove, replace
Actively identify - and do not wait until the negatives effects are all too obvious - things, habits, desires, activities or people that have an evil or detrimental influence on your home and the spirit within. After identifying these, you need the wisdom, courage and strength to remove or discontinue these influences and replace them with good, uplifting, educational and fun ones. Wisdom, courage and strength are gained through personal and family prayer. - Hagen Hasse, Darmstadt, Germany
Effective shield
As young men, there are many things we can do to protect our homes against evil influences. We can pray personally and as families for spiritual guidance and protection. This is probably the single most effective shield we have. Family scripture study also combats evil, as it sets the tone for the day and helps us aim at the important things of life. Obeying and honoring our parents is an important strategy that we must employ. If we will listen, fathers and mothers will provide vital leadership and experience that can lead us around many of the traps that Satan has set. We must learn from the experience of our parents if we are keep Satan's influence from affecting our families.
As with most things in life, we will learn most by doing. We must take an active part in family prayer, scripture study, family home evenings and honoring our parents. It's not enough to just silently participate. Each of us must do our part. - Heber 9th Ward teachers quorum, Heber City, Utah
Safe harbor
One of the best ways to protect your home from evil influences is to gather together as a family and pray a prayer of dedication. These prayers should establish the family dwelling as the following:
- A place of worship.
- A safe harbor from the world.
- A healthy environment in which to grow spiritually.
- An atmosphere of encouragement and love where family relationships can grow ever closer.
Once the family has dedicated its home, each member has a responsibility to uphold this dedication. Fathers and mothers must monitor the content and time spent in non-spiritual entertainment. In these days where cable television with no censorship is prevalent in the common household, parents have a sacred duty to protect their offspring from obscenity, pornography and all unwholesome material, be it visual or oral. Likewise, young people must exercise wisdom and discernment in what they see and hear. - Mike Sutherland, Hawthorne, Calif.
Wonderful memory
I can clearly remember one day as a young girl coming home from school. I was tired, hungry, cold, a little sad. All I wanted was to go home. As I got closer to the house I started running. I quickly opened the door and went inside, it was so beautiful. The house was so clean and the smell of hot homemade bread filled the air. My mother was sitting on the couch reading a story to my little sister; she looked so beautiful. I felt so warm, safe and happy. What a wonderful memory!
I now have six children of my own, and I try very hard to recreate this wonderful feeling for them each day as they return home from school. I often wonder if I am successful in my efforts. I found the answer one day as I was preparing for my children to return home. As I pulled the last batch of cookies from the oven the thought came to mind, "Do they even notice all the work I do to make things nice for them?" At that moment, in walked the troops. My oldest son ran up to me and said, "It's so nice to be home; I love it here!" I had my answer. - Sherrie Sevy Robinson, Curitiba, Brazil
Bit of heaven
My mother came to visit me in California for Thanksgiving. She was here only six weeks. I happily prepared my home with all the things my mother would love, including fresh flowers, her favorite pot roast and an album of our family with pictures of my dad, who had died seven years previously. We watched all the beautiful uplifting family films on television, especially the film "Mr. Kruger's Christmas" sponsored by the Church starring Jimmy Stewart. We listened to the Christmas programs put on by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and in my mind we had a bit of heaven in my home for the short time she was with me. It was to be her last visit. She passed away in my home. I was grateful for the time she spent in my home, and felt we had a bit of "heaven on earth."
I have my home filled with beautiful pictures of the earth God created, with the sound of music He would love and smells from the kitchen He would enjoy, flowers He created and books He would enjoy. - Suzanne Sutton, San Gabriel, Calif.
No contention
My father always said, "There will be no contention in my home. Contention is of the adversary. He is the father of it, and I won't tolerate it in my home." I think people felt the peacefulness and the oneness in our home, and no outsiders ever tried to stir up trouble. I am 81 years old and still think keeping evil out is keeping the adversary out. Avoid contention. - Chessie Pollary, Salt Lake City, Utah
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How to checklist:
1 Heed counsel of prophets on avoiding evil influences.
2 Live the gospel; pray, study the scriptures as a family.
3 Foster loving, peaceful atmosphere; avoid contention.
4 Allow only uplifting music, other media into your home.
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WRITE TO US:
June 17 "How to become a greater asset at your place of employment."
June 24 "How to rid yourself of self-pity."
July 1 "How to overcome personal barriers to making friends."
July 8 "How to benefit from institute of religion as a college-age young adult."
July 15 "How to help young people learn about the legacy left by the pioneers of every land."
July 22 "How to maintain appropriate relationships among family members separated by divorce."
Had any good experiences or practical success in any of the above subjects? Share them with our readers in about 100-150 words. Write the "How-to" editor, Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110, or send fax to (801) 237-2121. Please include a name and phone number. Contributions may be edited or excerpted and will not be returned. Due to limited space, some contributions may not be used; those used should not be regarded as official Church doctrine or policy. Material must be received at least 12 days before publication date.