"The family circle is . . . the best organization to counteract selfishness and self-indulgence, those obsessive themes that seem to be the siren songs of modern life. In contrast to the selfish individualism that surrounds us, we should seek to model our family life after the self-sacrifice of our Savior. He taught us to give ourselves in service to one another. In his great closing sermon, King Benjamin told his people to teach their children 'to walk in the ways of truth and soberness . . . [and] to love one another, and to serve one another.' (Mosiah 4:15.)
"There is no human relationship more suited to such teachings than a family where parents truly love and give their lives in service to their children. Parents should teach the principles of the restored gospel, including particularly the atoning sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Parents should also teach the smaller-scale sacrifices they are making for their own families. If done in the right spirit--by example as well as by precept--this teaching should help children be more loving and honoring of their parents. It should also help prepare children to be parents themselves."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Parental Leadership in the Family," Ensign, June 1985, 9-10)
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