Our Visiting Teaching message, this month, is on the Purpose of Relief Society.
As I have studied all of the presidents of our organization, in this dispensation, I have been struck with how much they accomplished in the areas they were specifically designed to manage. Eliza, with her ability to teach gospel truths with poetic boldness; Zina, and Bathsheba, who showed their love of the temple. Emmeline, with her zeal of accomplishment. Clarissa, Louise, and Amy who inspired women to clean the city from disease and depression during the world wars. Belle, with her pure love, Barbara Smith, with her defense of femininity. Barbara Winder, Elaine, and Mary Ellen, with their desire that we make the most of ourselves. Bonnie, with the spirit of inclusion, and now Julie, who is reminding us of everything we must know to stand for the Lord.
Our various leaders have shared their special talents, interests, and abilities, but our purpose remains the same: Save souls by setting the example for righteousness, protecting our families, and being charitable. This is the message, reiterated, by our presidency today.
Pres. Monson said these words several years ago. “The members of the Relief Society have most surely exemplified in their lives pure and undefiled religion; for they have ministered to those in affliction, they have thrown their arms of love around the fatherless and the widows, and they have kept themselves unspotted from the world.” He speaks of three goals Relief Society should strive to meet: 1) Gain knowledge through study. 2) Make home a heaven. 3) Find joy in service. By following these goals “we shall experience the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise: “I, the Lord, am well pleased.” (D&C 1:30) (Thomas S. Monson, “The Mighty Strength of the Relief Society” Ensign, Nov 1997) Isn’t this what we want? To return, and be rewarded, by our Savior?
The purpose is simple and constant. In James 1:27 we see for ourselves that Relief Society, as an organization, is pure religion. “A basic formula is revealed—namely, help those who are in need, build your life around the gospel of Jesus Christ, and avoid yielding to worldly temptations.” (Marvin J. Ashton, “Pure Religion”, Ensign, Nov 1982)
As we set about accomplishing the purpose, let’s look at these three carefully:
1) Increase in faith and personal righteousness— This MUST be in place for our purpose to be clear. We must have our own testimony of Jesus Christ, and His Atoning Sacrifice. We must be willing to live the way we believe. And we must teach it to our children at every point in their lives. These words from Elder Haight make me want to shout Halleluiah. “Tomorrow is Easter! Christians everywhere will commemorate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though the anniversary date may not be accurate, the Easter season should inspire us to study and reflect upon the infinite and eternal Atonement of Christ…The resurrection of Jesus from the tomb is the most glorious of all messages to mankind…I believe in Christ.“ (David B. Haight, “Our Lord and Savior,” Ensign, May 1988)
2) Strengthen families and homes—There is much concern over the well-being of the family unit in our world today. Where Satan rules with hate, N. Eldon Tanner encouraged us with these words, “Yes, the only slogan we need in order to be happy in our home is: Love Each Other—three simple words…If there is love between the father and the mother, there will be love between the parents and the children and among the children.” (N. Eldon Tanner, “The Great Commandment”, Ensign, Apr 1967).
I really love the idea of the Lioness at the Gate Sis. Beck has challenged us to be. We must stand at the ready to prevent things from coming in, as well as control things that go out, of the home. “I do see great wisdom in the practices and performances which we encourage parents to follow in the Church. There is virtue in sponsoring family home evenings; in conducting family prayers…in giving father’s blessings; and in holding parent-child interviews. All of these are important and have their place. However, the participation in such performances and the reporting of such activity must not become the end. They are means of involving, means of teaching, and means of blessing people. All should be engaged in for the purpose of saving and exalting souls.”(Carlos E. Asay, “Parent-Child Interviews”, Ensign, Nov 1983) Let the mothers of the home see to the doings of these important safeguards.
3) Provide relief by serving the Lord and His children—Charity has been our hallmark. We have been raised to love and care for one another. Aileen Clyde, a one-time counselor in the RS Presidency, said, “The scriptures give us examples of…questioners whose queries taught them new ways to think about love…Charitable, compassionate service is the central mission of our Church’s Relief Society organization…We have learned that we can do many things together that would be impossible if we worked alone. But our major focus, as a society, is to bless the individual woman as she grows in her knowledge of Christ’s gospel and reflects her knowledge by the choices she makes to serve others in righteousness.” She recalled Glenn L. Pace’s admonition for all of us to look around to do what we could as individuals to relieve pain, or loneliness, or injustice in our own communities. He promised that if we did, a compassion would enter our hearts, and through the Holy Ghost sanctification could take place within our souls, and we would become more like our Savior. (see Ensign, Nov 1990) (Aileen H. Clyde, “Charity Suffereth Long”, Ensign, Nov 1991).
How grateful we should be for inspired leaders, who know the gospel, and demand of us challenges that will save ourselves, our families, and our friends. We need to talk about our Purpose regularly in our Relief Societies. We need to motivate one another, pull together, and overcome the world. With our purpose in place, we are pointed toward the temple, where we can ever hope to live with our Heavenly Family.
pictured is the Sydney Australia Temple