General Conference April 2005 - Pages 16 - 22

Though the scriptures are of an ancient date, they have great application to our day. Nephi wrote -

"...Now these are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 11:8)

For he taught -

"...I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning....hear ye the words of the prophet... and liken them unto yourselves..."
(Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 19:23 - 24)

These words fall very much in line with title of President Monson's address - "Constant Truths for Changing Times". He touched on the following truths -

Complacency -

To some individuals, Satan -

"...will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 28:21)

"We cannot afford to be complacent. We live in perilous times; the signs are all around us. We are acutely aware of the negative influences in our society that stalk traditional families. At times television and movies portray worldly and immoral heroes and heroines and attempt to hold up as role models some actors and actresses whose lives are anything but exemplary. Why should we follow a blind guide? Radios blare forth much denigrating music with blatant lyrics, dangerous invitations, and descriptions of almost every type of evil imaginable."

"We...must stand up to the dangers which surround us and our families. To aid us in this determination, I offer several suggestions..."

"...begin with family home evening. We cannot afford to neglect this heaven-inspired program. It can bring spiritual growth to each member of the family, helping him or her to withstand the temptations which are everywhere. The lessons learned in the home are those that last the longest..."

"...Next, I address the subject of debt. This is a day of borrowing...Avoid the philosophy and excuse that yesterday's luxuries have become today's necessities. They aren't necessities unless we ourselves make them such. Many of our young couples today want to begin with multiple cars and the type of home Mother and Dad worked a lifetime to obtain. Consequently, they enter into long-term debt on the basis of two salaries. Perhaps too late they find that changes do come, women have children, sickness stalks some families, jobs are lost, natural disasters and other situations occur, and no longer can the mortgage payment, based on the income from two salaries, be made. It is essential for us to live within our means."

Next, I have felt impressed to speak to mothers, to fathers...—be a good listener. Communication is so vital today in our fast-paced world. Take time to listen. ...Mothers, share household duties. It is often easier to do everything yourself than to persuade your children to help, but it is so essential for them to learn the importance of doing their share.
Fathers, I would counsel you to demonstrate love and kindness to your wife. Be patient with your children. Don't indulge them to excess, for they must learn to make their own way in the world. I would encourage you to be available to your children...Parents, help your children set goals concerning school and careers. Help your sons learn manners and respect for women and children...Said President Hinckley: "As we train a new generation, so will the world be in a few years. If you are worried about the future, then look to the upbringing of your children."
The Apostle Paul's statement to his beloved Timothy could well apply: "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." Parents, live your lives in such a way that your children will find you an example worthy of emulation.

"I admonish all families: search out your heritage. It is important to know, as far as possible, those who came before us. We discover something about ourselves when we learn about our ancestors. ..I emphasize how essential is the work we do in the temples of the Lord for our kindred dead. "

"Remember that ofttimes the wisdom of God appears as foolishness to men, but the greatest single lesson we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and a man obeys, that man will always be right."

"Now is the time. This is the place."

Elder Nelson reminds us -

"...this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God... therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end..." (Book of Mormon Alma 34:32 - 33)