Councils form an extremely important
part of the church. They provide a means of governing that is extremely
effective because all the members of the council can work together and discuss
plans and changes. M. Russel Ballard said in his book Counseling with
Our Councils that the needs of the church "have always been
characterized by reliance upon councils for ongoing solidarity and
strength."[1]
Councils are used at every level of the church organization. Is the family
a part of the organization of the church? President Spenser W. Kimball
said, "The family is the basic unit of the kingdom of God on earth."[2]
The kingdom of God must refer to the church, so the family is the most basic
unit of the church. Because of that, it is extremely important that we
have councils in our families.
Because councils are used so widely
in the church, it is extremely important that we become used to how they
function. It is especially important that we teach our children so they
can be prepared to participate in councils throughout their lives. I have
been a part of a few councils in church, and they are great opportunities to
share ideas in a group setting. Having
experience in councils was very helpful for me, not just in church councils but
throughout life. Having councils in
family is also a great way to help children learn about what activities and
plans the family has. It also helps provide a recurring meeting that can
help the sense of family unity increase.
Another important point is that like
all other councils in the church, the priesthood directs each of the
councils. The same is true within families. This does not mean that
the husband has more power than the wife, or that everyone else must always do
what the father says, but instead that he has the responsibility to serve
everyone else. If he at any point abuses his responsibility and exercises
unrighteous dominion then "amen to the priesthood or authority of that
man."[3]
Both husband and wife need to work together to assure the well being of the
family. There are cases were death or illness or sin may prevent one
spouse from taking their responsibility, and under those circumstances, a
family may need some outside support, but if both parents are able to help,
then it is their responsibility to do so.
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