Lesson: Chapter 27: Work and Personal Responsibility
Instructor: Sister Ashby

President David O. McKay said, “Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that the love of work is success” (Pathways to Happiness [1957], 381).

Sister Ashby had a great activity to go along with this lesson. She brought a treasure box filled with items that could be sorted into three categories of work: Physical, Spiritual, & Emotional. She had sisters come up and take an item out of the box and decide which category it would fit in. You can go here, for pictures you could use to do this same activity with your family.

Work is an Eternal Principle:
"Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have shown us by Their examples and teachings that work is important in heaven and on earth. God worked to create the heavens and the earth. He caused the seas to gather in one place and the dry land to appear. He caused grass, herbs, and trees to grow on the land. He created the sun, the moon, and the stars. He created every living thing in the sea or on the land. Then He placed Adam and Eve on the earth to take care of it and to have dominion over all living things. (See Genesis 1:1–28.) Jesus said, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work” (John 5:17). He also said, “I must work the works of him that sent me” (John 9:4)."

Family Responsibility
"Parents work together to provide for the physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of their family. They should never expect anyone to take care of this responsibility for them. The Apostle Paul wrote, “If any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith” (1 Timothy 5:8).

What responsibilities do your children have? How do you hold them accountable?

We Can Enjoy Work
To some people work is a drudgery. To others it is an exciting part of life. One way to enjoy life’s fullest benefits is to learn to love work.

Our attitude toward work is very important. The following story shows how one man saw beyond his daily labor. A traveler passed a stone quarry and saw three men working. He asked each man what he was doing. Each man’s answer revealed a different attitude toward the same job. “I am cutting stone,” the first man answered. The second replied, “I am earning three gold pieces per day.” The third man smiled and said, “I am helping to build a house of God.”

God Condemns Idleness
The Lord is not pleased with those who are lazy or idle. He said, “The idler shall not have place in the church, except he repent and mend his ways” (D&C 75:29). He also commanded, “Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer” (D&C 42:42).

Work, Recreation, and Rest
It is important to find balance between "work, recreation, and rest".

On other days of the week, in addition to working, we may spend time to improve our talents and enjoy our hobbies, recreation, or other activities that will refresh us.

Family Home Evening Ideas:

Sharing Time: A Happy Home

Friend Article: Mine House is a House of Order

LDS Living: Responsibility

LDS Living: Using Time Wisely Song