Prophets and the Family Proclamation

It looks like there is a new theme for the Visiting Teaching Messages, and that they will be focused on “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” (You can find the January message here.)

Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson said this about this proclamation: “We were grateful for and valued the clarity, simplicity, and truth of this revelatory document. … The proclamation on the family has become our benchmark for judging the philosophies of the world, and I testify that the principles set forth … are as true today as they were when they were given to us by a prophet of God nearly 20 years ago.”1 I really liked how she reminded us that it was given by a prophet of God.

The additional scriptures listed at the end of the VT message also emphasize the role of prophets.

D&C 1:38
What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

Mosiah 8:16-17
16 And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God.
17 But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known.


I think it’s important to remember who is speaking, who the Proclamation came from. It came from the LORD, through His prophet, to us. It’s not just a bunch of good ideas put together by the prophet or a group of smart men; it is revelation from the Lord, and as we heed it, we will be blessed and strengthened and protected.