See more of the The Universe’s coverage of the 185th Annual General Conference.
President of the LDS Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Boyd K. Packer gave a talk representative of his ministry about the importance of family and moral living at the 185th Annual General Conference on Saturday, April 4.
While courting his wife, Donna, President Packer became convinced that a cookie and a kiss were essential to a successful marriage. The principle, he said, applies as we seek to build happy families.
Speaking of families and their importance in God’s plan of happiness, he said, “The end of all activity in the church is to see that a man and a woman with their children are happy at home and sealed together for time and for all eternity.”
A key part of the plan of happiness is rearing children in obedience to commandments, President Packer said.
“The commandment to multiply and replenish the earth has never been rescinded. It is essential to the plan of redemption and is the source of human happiness,” President Packer said. “Through the righteous exercise of this power, we may come closer to the Father in Heaven and experience a fullness of joy, even Godhood. The power of procreation is not an incidental part of the plan of happiness; it is the key to happiness.”
President Packer warned members of consequences associated with abuses of procreative powers. He explained that romantic love is incomplete without the nourishment of children and obedience to spiritual laws that define moral standards for mankind.
“The only legitimate, authorized expression of the powers of procreation is between husband and wife who have been legally and lawfully married. Anything other than this violates the commandments of God,” President Packer said. “Do not yield to the awful transgressions of the adversary. … The greatest reward we have received in this life, and the life to come, is our children and grandchildren.”
