It needs to be taught and understood that we love and respect all of the people whom Lehi described.8 Remember, it is not up to us to judge. Judgment is the Lord's.9 President Thomas S. Monson has specifically asked us to have the "courage to refrain from judging others."10 He has also asked every faithful member to rescue those who have tasted of the gospel fruit and then have fallen away, as well as those who have not yet found the strait and narrow path. We pray that they will hold to the rod and partake of the love of God, which will fill their "soul[s] with exceedingly great joy."11
While Lehi's vision includes all people, the culminating doctrinal concept is the eternal significance of the family. "The family is ordained of God. It is the most important unit in time and in eternity."12 As Lehi partook of the fruit of the tree of life (the love of God), he was desirous that his "family should partake of it also."13
Our great desire is to raise our children in truth and righteousness. One principle that will help us accomplish this is to avoid being overly judgmental about conduct that is foolish or unwise but not sinful. Many years ago, when my wife and I had children at home, Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught that it was important to distinguish between youthful mistakes which should be corrected and sins that require chastening and repentance.14 Where there is lack of wisdom, our children need instruction. Where there is sin, repentance is essential.15 We found this to be helpful in our own family.
Religious observance in the home blesses our families. Example is particularly important. What we are speaks so loudly that our children may not hear what we say. When I was nearly five years old, my mother received word that her younger brother had been killed when the battleship on which he was serving was bombed off the coast of Japan near the end of World War II.16 This news was devastating to her. She was very emotional and went into the bedroom. After a while I peeked into the room to see if she was OK. She was kneeling by the bed in prayer. A great peace came over me because she had taught me to pray and love the Savior. This was typical of the example she always set for me. Mothers and fathers praying with children may be more important than any other example.
-Quentin L. Cook, “In Tune with the Music of Faith“, April 2012 General Conference
