A Walk with Christ Day 7

A Walk With Christ: Day 7
The Childhood of Jesus Christ

Prayer:
Pray for the Spirit to guide me to know specifically how I can be a righteous influence to protect and train the children I love.
Song: "Home Can be a Heaven on Earth" Hymns #298, "I Am a Child of God" Hymns #301
Scriptures: Matthew 2:12-23, Luke 2:52

Proclamation on the Family:
"Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve on another, to observe the commandments of God, and to be law-abiding citizens."
Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work and wholesome recreational activities."
Thought: Pres. Thomas S. Monson: "Let us earnestly follow His direction: 'Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.' (Mark 10:14) A popular song includes the words, 'There are angels among us.' These angels are quite frequently the precious little ones God, our Father has entrusted to our earthly care. To them may we teach prayer, inspire faith, live truth, and honor God. Then we shall have heavenly homes and forever families. For what higher gift could we wish? For what greater blessing could we pray? None!"

Questions and Thoughts to Ponder and Apply:
How can I be in tune with the Spirit to hear the spiritual promptings I need to protect my family? Where can I go to flee from the evil facing the children I love? What can I do to protect them from things that would harm them?
How can I strengthen my home to achieve the balance necessary for children (and all of us) to thrive mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially?
Am I achieving happiness in our family life? Am I establishing my home on the foundation of the teachings of Christ? Am I teaching and inspiring the precious little ones entrusted to my earthly care?

Actions:
To receive the Spirit I need to guide my family and me, I will worthily partake of the Sacrament each week (take upon me the name of Christ, always remember Him, and keep His commandments) so that I may receive the promise that I "may always have His Spirit to be with" me. Prayerfully study the Proclamation on the Family. Choose one principle to focus on and make a plan to improve it in your home.

Other Resources:Luke 2: 40-52, the 12-year old Christ teaches in the Temple
Oct. 2004, Ensign pp. 2-7, Pres. Thomas S. Monson,: "Teaching Our Children"