Visit the house of each member

As it was the first Sunday of the month, today was our monthly fast and testimony meeting. We fast two meals, giving generously the money we save from it as "fast offerings" that are dispersed by the Bishop to help those in need. It was also my turn in Elders Quorum to give the lesson.

Somewhat surprising to us in the Elders Quorum Presidency is the poor home teaching that goes on (or better said, DOESN'T go on) in our quorum. We have problems getting them to do their home teaching and problems getting their reports. This is surprising because we are, relatively, a very active ward.

Today I gave a lesson on our responsibility to do home teaching. I searched out many quotations from Church leaders on the topic and had volunteers read them. We discussed home teaching. I can only hope that the Spirit touched the members of the quorum with a confirmation of how important it is to fulfill this sacred duty of EVERY Melchisedek priesthood holder.

Home teaching is a church program that helps us to fulfill our priesthood duties as laid out in Doctrine and Covenants Section 20. Specifically, 

Watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them; And see that there is no iniquity in the church. And see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty (D&C 20:53–55). And visit the house of each member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties (D&C 20:51).

One of the most explicit quotations I found was this:

The responsibility to do home teaching is inherent in the call of every man to the Melchizedek Priesthood and in the call to the offices of teacher and priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. Every priesthood bearer, in order to magnify his calling according to the “oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood,” is obliged to respond to the home teaching call when it officially comes to him. (Marion G. Romney, “The Responsibilities of Home Teachers”,  Ensign, March 1973.)

I was lucky to have a father that was an EXCELLENT example of a faithful home teacher. Through his example, I learned that home teaching is something that you just do. Is it inconvenient at times? Yes--most things of worth are. Is it uncomfortable to be involved with the problems of other families? Of course. But the satisfaction and blessings that come from doing home teaching faithfully are well worth it. I have never come home from home teaching feel worse than when I left. 

If we want to bless the lives of our own families, then we should leave them and do our priesthood duty by doing our home teaching. We can hardly count on the blessings of the Lord otherwise. And I dare say we will be held accountable for those we could have blessed had we been more faithful. Let us rely on the arm of Christ as we do all we can do.