The Family: A Proclamation to the World
Lesson 5 – Gender and Eternal Identity
Excerpt:
“Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose…By divine design, fathers and to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, father and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.”
Objectives:
-Gender is Eternal
-Certain Roles are more appropriate for the Different Genders
-The Genders are Different and Complimentary but equally important
Song:
Activity:
Tell the Parable of the Treasure and Keys (Elder Packer) that is included in the following talk, “For Time and All Eternity.” You can choose to get props and act it out, or simple tell the story with visual aids. Try to get all members of the family involved in the role play.
Scriptures:
Two Genders:
Genesis 1:27
Matthew 19:4
Preparing for our Roles:
D & C 138:55-56
Quote Discussion:
“In his wisdom and mercy, our Father made men and women dependent on each other for the full flowering of their potential. Because their natures are somewhat different, they can complement each other; because they are in many ways alike, they can understand each other. Let neither envy the other for their differences; let both discern what is superficial and what is beautifully basic in those differences, and act accordingly.”
(Spencer W. Kimball, “Its Promise and Potential,” Ensign, Mar. 1976, 5)
Why Is Gender Essential?
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “[Gender] in large measure defines who we are, why we are here upon the earth, and what we are to do and become. For divine purposes, male and female spirits are different, distinctive, and complementary. … The unique combination of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities of both males and females were needed to implement the plan of happiness” (“Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Liahona, June 2006, 51; Ensign, June 2006, 83).
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: “As spirit daughters of God, women ‘received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth’ (D&C 138:56) on the earth. They were among the ‘noble and great ones’ (D&C 138:55) who ‘shouted for joy’ (Job 38:7) at the creation of the earth because they would be given a physical body with the opportunity to be proven in a mortal sphere (see Abraham 3:25). They wished to work side by side with righteous men to accomplish eternal goals that neither can attain independently. Female roles did not begin on earth, and they do not end here. A woman who treasures motherhood on earth will treasure motherhood in the world to come” (“A ‘Mother Heart,’” Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 76).
What Can I Do Because of My Role in Heavenly Father’s Plan?
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “The premortal and mortal natures of men and women were specified by God Himself. … [Sometimes women] ask: ‘Is a woman’s value dependent exclusively upon her role as a wife and mother?’ The answer is simple and obvious: No. … Every righteous man and woman has a significant role to play in the onward march of the kingdom of God.
Conference Talk:
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