SALT LAKE CITY — LDS leaders reasserted the importance of their Family Proclamation during the Saturday morning session of the faith's worldwide general conference.
They also asked members to seek follow Christ more completely without becoming discouraged or falling prey to "obsessive perfectionism."
Several sent messages of love to President Thomas S. Monson, revered by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a prophet, who will not attend the faith's 187th Semiannual Conference due to health problems.
Mormons are blessed with unique doctrine and unique world view and distinctive priorities and practices, said Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
The Family Proclamation declared, 18 years before the U.S. Supreme Court authorized same-sex marriage, that God has commanded that "the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife."
"The gospel plan each family should follow to prepare for eternal life and exaltation is outlined in the church’s 1995 proclamation, The Family: A Proclamation to the World," Elder Oaks said.
One of seven living apostles who signed the proclamation, Elder Oaks said the Quorum of the Twelve prayerfully considered what the proclamation would say and called it a revelatory process led by inspiration. He called it a statement of eternal truth, the will of the Lord for his children.
"The restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the inspired Family Proclamation ... are essential teachings to guide mortal preparation for exaltation. Even as we must live with the marriage laws and other traditions of a declining world, those who strive for exaltation must make personal choices in family life according to the Lord’s way whenever that differs from the world’s way."
He recognized that the proclamation can pose difficult challenges for Latter-day Saints because its "declarations are, of course, visibly different from some current laws, practices and advocacy." Conflict can ensue with families, friends and employers who do not believe gospel principles. Members, he said, must balance "the competing demands of following the gospel law in our personal lives and teachings even as we seek to show love for all. In doing so we sometimes face but need not fear what Isaiah called 'the reproach of men.'"
He also called it "a test for this generation. I pray for all generations of Latter-day Saints to stand firm in that test."
"It has been the basis of church teaching and practice for the last 22 years and will continue so for the future. Consider it as such, teach it, live by it and you will be blessed."
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, said God's children have a longing to return to Heavenly Parents. Sometimes, he and other said, they struggle with how they are doing.
"Often, when we look at ourselves, we see only our limitations and deficiencies," he said. "We might think we have to be 'more' of something for God to use us — more intelligent, more wealthy, more charismatic, more talented, more spiritual."
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve said he hears many in the church struggle with whether they are good enough or fall short or measure up.
"For some," he said, "(Satan) has turned the ideals and inspiration of the gospel into self-loathing and misery-making. ... As children of God we should not demean and vilify ourselves."
Shortcomings should not lead to despair, added Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve.
"Let us not be content with where we are," he said, "but neither let us be discouraged."
Christ's sinless life suggests the need for "a mighty striving in our life," Elder Christofferson said. His disciples must move constantly toward internalizing Christ's qualities and character.
"As we partake of the sacramental bread and water each week," he said, "we would do well to consider how fully and completely we must incorporate his character and the pattern of his sinless life into our own life and being."
Navigating the difference between personal improvement and falling short need never be done alone, President Uchtdorf said.
"Blessings will come not so much because of your abilities but because of your choices," he said. "And the God of the Universe will work within and through you, magnifying your humble efforts for His purposes."
The church is also designed as a fold.
"The Lord has established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help you in this commitment to serve God and fellowmen," he said. "Its purpose is to encourage, teach, lift, and inspire."
Elder Holland cautioned that personal development will continue into eternity, where "our refinement will be finished and complete."
"Every one of us aspires to a more Christlike life than we often succeed in living. If we admit that honestly and are trying to improve, we are not hypocrites; we are human."
He and Elder Christofferson said Christ's disciples can find help from the Godhead as well as fellow seekers. They should seek holiness in the temple, in their marriages, families and homes, on the Sabbath and in daily life.
"Let's strive for steady improvement without obsessing over what behavioral scientists might call 'toxic perfectionism,'" Elder Holland said.
Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women general president, expressed gratitude for church members who have rallied to help people affected by natural disasters around the world, but she encouraged them not to miss opportunities to serve locally.
"We are touched when we see the suffering and great needs of those halfway around the world, but we may fail to see there is a person who needs our friendship sitting next to us in class," she said. "What good does it do to save the world if we neglect the needs of those closest to us and those whom we love the most? How much value is there in fixing the world, if the people around us are falling apart and we don’t notice? Heavenly Father may have placed those who need us closest to us, knowing that we are best suited to meet their needs."
She encouraged members to begin in their families and wards. "Instead of attending church with the question of 'What am I going to get out of this meeting?' ask, 'Who needs me today? What do I have to contribute?'"
She added, ""As you bless your own families and ward members, look for ways to bless those in your local communities," she added. "Whether you have time for extensive service or can give only a few hours a month, your efforts will bless lives and also will bless you in ways you cannot begin to imagine."
The day began with a message to President Monson, 90, revered by millions as a prophet, who will not attend the global conference "because of limitations incident to his age."
"We send our love and greetings to President Thomas S. Monson, who is viewing the proceedings from his home," said President Henry B. Eyring, the first counselor in the First Presidency, who conducted the morning session.
"We ask a special blessing of comfort upon our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson," prayed Elder Larry R. Lawrence of the Seventy. "Please let him know of the love that is in the hearts of members through the world."
President Uchtdorf tied the opening song by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to the man Mormons revere as a prophet.
"I think we could feel how congregations around the world joined us in this wonderful, musical petition, 'God Bless Our Prophet Dear,'" he said. "Recently as we met with President Thomas S. Monson, he expressed with great solemnity and a countenance of happiness how much he loves the Lord, and that he knows that the Lord loves him. My dear brothers and sisters, I know that President Monson is very grateful for your love, your prayers and your dedication to the Lord and his great gospel."
In the closing prayer, Elder Massimo de Feo of the Seventy, also referred to President Monson, asking "that angels may accompany him."
Elder John C. Pingree Jr. of the Seventy said each person has a divine assignment to fulfill. To understand and perform that personal work, he suggested that members focus on others, discover and develop spiritual gifts, make use of adversity and rely on God.
Music was provided by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
The conference began Sept. 23 with the Women's Session.