The Family: A Proclamation to the World, is an important, revelatory document introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 30 years ago, and its importance and impact today have only increased, said today’s devotional speakers.
Elder Clark G. Gilbert, a General Authority Seventy and the commissioner of the Church Educational System, and his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert, shared a message with BYU-Idaho students during a devotional about how critical it is to focus on the Savior, Jesus Christ, in the proclamation.
“If you look for the Savior in the Proclamation, it can be more meaningful and more powerful,” Elder Gilbert said in a BYU-Idaho Radio interview. “If you don’t see yourself in the Proclamation for whatever reason, if you’ll look to the Savior in it, you’ll see yourself as well. One of our core messages today is look for the Savior as you study the proclamation.”
The proclamation contains both doctrine and guidance that everyone can use as they navigate the distractions and trials of life.
“We affirm that the Family Proclamation, founded on irrevocable doctrine, defines the mortal family relationship where the most important part of our eternal development can occur,” Elder Gilbert said in the devotional address. “Since its introduction 30 years ago, the Family Proclamation has been cited in General Conference more than 250 times.”
Both Elder and Sister Gilbert say that focusing on what individuals do now is one of the most important ways to prepare for those blessings they desire from the Lord in the future.
“If you’re preparing for the marriage you’ll have one day, you’ll have so many opportunities right now to bless and have meaningful service and to lift other people,” Elder Gilbert said. “That will bring you joy, even as it prepares you for future service in marriage.”
“I would second that. Find joy in the journey,” Sister Gilbert said. “Just be ready for whatever the Lord has in store for you and let Him guide you where He needs to take you.”
Elder Gilbert ended the devotional address by reminding all of the Savior's love.
"Jesus is the Christ. He is central to the plan and He is central to the proclamation. He will make all right as we look to Him. Find the Savior in the Family Proclamation. Our Father loves you. He sent us His Son because He loves you. Through the Savior, we can find joy, connection, and belonging in God's family,"