Traditions! Traditions! (Lesson 10)

The Family: A Proclamation to the World reminds parents that they have "a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness . . . to teach them to love and serve one another, [and] to observe the commandments of God" (¶ 6).

What are Traditions?

According to the Church's Handbook for Families, traditions are practices or beliefs handed down from generation to generation or new practices we establish in our families. Some are based on the commandments while others are derived from cultural or ethnic heritage. They may be simple practices like reading stories to young children before bed or more elaborate traditions like serving special food on certain holidays.

Through family traditions gospel principal can be taught and strong relationships can be formed. Traditions that parents form  around the principals of the gospel will bring the most benefit to themselves and their children. "If we build righteous traditions in our families, the light of the gospel can grow ever brighter in the lives of our children from generation to generation" Elder L. Tom Perry.

Righteous traditions can bless the lives of children by helping them obtain "enlightenment, knowledge, and an uplifting, ennobling, persevering influence that comes upon mankind because of Jesus Christ" (Bible Dictionary). 

All healthy traditions rooted in gospel principles help family members feel that they belong to the family.  "Foster wonderful family traditions which will bind you together eternally. In doing so, we can create a bit of heaven right here on earth within individual families" President Ezra Taft Benson

We should look at our traditions and make sure they are alinged with the gospel teachings. For example traditions that break the Sabbath or an abusive disciplinarian action that has been passed down should not continue.
"Measure whatever anyone else asks you to do, whether it be from your family, loved ones, your cultural heritage, or traditions you have inherited--measure everything against the teachings of the Savior. Where you find a variance from these teachings, set that matter aside and do not pursue it. It will not bring you happiness" (quoted in Scott, 1998, p. 85).

These are traditions our church leaders have counciled us to have in our homes.
Family prayer
Family scripture study.
Family home evening
Family mealtimes.
Family councils.
Individual time.     

What traditions do you have that you like? What are some that you want to adopt or improve on? What might be some unrighteous traditions you have in your family?



References

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (1999). Teaching, no greater call: A resource guide for gospel teaching . Salt Lake City, UT: Author. 

Perry, L.T. (1990, May). Family traditions. Ensign, 19-20

Scott, R. G. (1998, May). Removing barriers to happiness. Ensign 85?87. Retrieved Dec 4 2012