Let There Be Light: Creating Spirit-Filled Homes

I sometimes worry about the increasing wickedness of the world, and the challenges my children will have to face.  I know many of you do as well.  I also know that we are not alone in our concerns.  Review the 2010 General Conference talks and it becomes evident that the Brethren are choosing to focus on teaching and strengthening the rising generation.  Some of their recent addresses include:

“Mothers and Daughters” by Elder Ballard

“Help Them on Their Way Home” by President Eyring

“Mothers Teaching Children in the Home” by Elder Perry

“Watching With All Perseverance” by Elder Bednar

“Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation” by Elder Hales
“Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” by Elder Andersen

“Let There Be Light!” by Elder Cook

Consider these words from Elder Cook’s talk:

“The assault on moral principles has never been stronger…An ever-present danger to the family is the onslaught of evil forces that seem to come from every direction…If we do not black out evil from our homes and lives, do not be surprised if devastating moral explosions shatter the peace which is the reward for righteous living.”

That sounds pretty grim, doesn’t it?  However, Elder Cook goes on to promise, “If we make our homes holy places that shelter us from evil, we will be protected from the adverse consequences that the scriptures have foretold.”

So how do we black out evil and make our homes holy places?  By filling our homes with the Spirit.  And how do we do that?  In a lot of ways.  Here are a few ways that I think are especially helpful in not only bringing the spirit into our homes, but maintaining that spirit from day to day:

1.       Daily family scripture study, twice daily family prayer, and weekly family home evening.   

      There are as many different ways to implement these practices as there are families.  We talk about them all the time, but that is because these three habits are essential to having the spirit reside in the home.  

2.      Frequent expressions of love and acts of service.  Serving others helps us to feel the spirit.  This seems especially true in the home, when we are serving those we love the most.  

3.      Uplifting music and other media.  It’s amazing how quickly a little mo-tab or a video from the “Mormon Messages” YouTube channel will dissolve contention and bring the spirit. 

4.      Cleanliness and Order.  I know that this can be a touchy subject.  We’re busy and it’s hard to always keep the house clean, especially in small apartments without much storage.  Add to this equation a couple of children and the task may seem insurmountable.  However, Heavenly Father’s house is a house of order, and I believe that He desires our homes to be orderly as well.  This is not to say that our houses need to always be perfectly clean.  Sometimes there are dishes in the sink, laundry that needs folded, and trash that needs taken out.  But we should do our best to create a home of cleanliness and order.  Doing so will help create an environment where the spirit of the Lord can dwell.  

There are many other ways that we can help invite the spirit into our home and make them holy places that are a haven from the evil raging in the world today.  I know that if we listen carefully to the messages that will be given at the upcoming general conference, the Lord will inspire us to know what we can do in our homes to teach and strengthen our children against the challenges and temptations they will face.