Elder Ronald A. Rasband focused his devotional address on Tuesday on the 30th anniversary of The Family: A Proclamation to the World. The proclamation is a statement issued by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1995.
He emphasized that this proclamation is an inspired and enduring guide for disciples of Christ.
“The proclamation helps us, as disciples of Jesus Christ, to recognize that our lives, our daily choices, distinguish us from the ways and advocacy of the world around us,” he said. “The title of the Family Proclamation boldly states that the Church’s stand is made ‘to all the world.' It serves as a forthright guide for both families and governments.”
Elder Rasband, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasized the importance of the family in today’s polarizing world.
“I bear my witness to all of you that the Lord chooses the time and guides the sacred process of preparing His proclamations,” he said.
He reminded the audience that joy is found in Christ, strength is built in families and our eternal identity as children of heavenly parents is unchanging.
“We stand together … in the hard times as well as the good ones because that is what families do,” Elder Rasband expressed.
He referenced his own address from last April’s General Conference about the importance of words and the impact they can have. With that emphasis, Elder Rasband spoke in depth about five key words that are included in the Family Proclamation: family, creator, eternal destiny, children and happiness.
"Family" teaches us that no matter our current circumstances, we belong to eternal families bound by God’s plan, Elder Rasband says..
The word "creator" in the proclamation reminds readers to live faithfully to the divine design that leads back to Him.
"Eternal Destiny" points to a purpose beyond mortality, urging God’s children to choose the covenant path.
In the proclamation, the word "children" reaffirms that everyone is a beloved son or daughter of heavenly parents, is known individually and has a purpose in this life.
“That eternal connection is the constant in your life; it will never change,” Elder Rasband said.
Lastly, "happiness" underscores that true joy in families comes when centered on Jesus Christ and His teachings.
Through these truths, the proclamation stands as a spiritual anchor in a world of shifting values, offering clarity, protection and peace.
“So decide that in spite of what happens or does not happen, you will not be distracted from your eternal goal,” Elder Rasband concluded. “You have the agency to choose your path forward. Let it be the covenant path.”
