The Sacred Role of Parenthood

Russel M. Ballard in an address to BYU said, "Your students need to understand that the purpose of mortality is to become more like God by gaining physical bodies, exercising agency, and assuming roles that previously belonged only to heavenly parents- roles of husband, wife, and parent." The part of this quote I want to focus on, is that of the sacred role of parenthood and raising children. The role of parent has become so much more sacred and important to me, as I have realized that this is a heavenly role that previously only belonged to our perfect heavenly parents, and now we have the great opportunity to assume those heavenly roles and become like our heavenly parents.

 

This realization has also helped me to realize the great weight and responsibility of being a parent and raising literal children of God. In Matthew 18: 5-6 the Savior said "And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." Jesus Christ makes it pretty clear that the importance of the role of parents, and our responsibility to raise and nurture our children in righteousness is of eternal value. The Savior even describes the type of punishment that would be worthy of those who offend a child, and that punishment is very serious.

We have a great responsibility as parents to raise children in righteousness that come to us trailing clouds of glory. Parenting is so important, but also very difficult and painful. When children are brought into marriage it can be a great stressor on many aspects of your married life. Instead of now giving the majority of your time to each other you have this small child who you love with all your heart, but also requires constant support, time and love. The greatest way to have a successful marriage and best raise your children is through the teachings and love of Jesus Christ. To love our spouse the way the lord expects and to raise our children with the love and patience they deserve requires something we do not and cannot develop on our own. That love, patience and effort requires a gift from Christ, because it requires his love and his power. 

Jeffery R. Holland in a conference address titled "Within the Clasp of Your Arms" describes powerfully the way in which we must love and sacrifice for our children if we wish to give them the best opportunity to grow and be successful in life. “Brethren, … If you will keep your [children] close to your heart, within the clasp of your arms; if you will make them … feel that you love them … and keep them near to you, they will not go very far from you, and they will not commit any very great sin. But it is when you turn them out of the home, turn them out of your affection … that [is what] drives them from you. “Fathers, if you wish your children to be taught in the principles of the gospel, if you wish them to love the truth and understand it, if you wish them to be obedient to and united with you, love them! and prove … that you do love them by your every word and act to[ward] them.” Brethren, we all know fatherhood is not an easy assignment, but it ranks among the most imperative ever given, in time or eternity. We must not pull away from our children. We must keep trying, keep reaching, keep praying, keep listening. We must keep them “within the clasp of our arms.”

I am grateful that we have prophets and apostles that teach of the eternally important role of parenthood and the eternal happiness and blessing it can bring us as we seek the Lord's guidance and support. There is no greater happiness or joy than that of family. I am grateful that we all have loving heavenly parents who will always guide and support us.