Doctrine and Covenants 93: 40-50

 

How are you following the counsel to set in order your house?

"40 But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.

41 But verily I say unto you, my servant Frederick G. Williams, you have continued under this condemnation;

42 You have not taught your children light and truth, according to the commandments; and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction.

43 And now a commandment I give unto you—if you will be delivered you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house.

44 Verily, I say unto my servant Sidney Rigdon, that in some things he hath not kept the commandments concerning his children; therefore, first set in order thy house.

45 Verily, I say unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., or in other words, I will call you friends, for you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with me—

46 I called you servants for the world’s sake, and ye are their servants for my sake—

47 And now, verily I say unto Joseph Smith, Jun.—You have not kept the commandments, and must needs stand rebuked before the Lord;

48 Your family must needs repent and forsake some things, and give more earnest heed unto your sayings, or be removed out of their place.

49 What I say unto one I say unto all; pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place.

50 My servant Newel K. Whitney also, a bishop of my church, hath need to be chastened, and set in order his family, and see that they are more diligent and concerned at home, and pray always, or they shall be removed out of their place." (Doctrine and Covenants 93: 40-50)

And here's the beginning part of the commentary entitled: “Set in order your own house.” : 

"The command to “set in order your own house” (verse 43) isn’t about organizing cupboards and closets but about teaching—and learning—“light and truth” (verse 42). Consider how you are trying to follow this counsel. What challenges do you face? Which truths in Doctrine and Covenants 93 can help?"

Trying to follow this counsel is challenging for parents, as I have seen while I was growing up. My own parents did their best to follow this counsel. Though they are not perfect, they would teach us, their children, "light and truth" by their words and example. If my own children have arrived in this earthly life, my husband and I would also teach them "light and truth" as much as we can.