“Build Upon My Rock”: A Message for Families

Nestled in the heart of Avarua, on the island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, stands a quiet yet powerful symbol—a black boulder resting outside the district offices. Today, etched in white, it continues to extend the Saviour’s invitation:

“Build upon my rock, which is my gospel” (Doctrine and Covenants 11:24).

More than a message in stone—it is a living call from Jesus Christ to anchor our lives, our homes, and our families on His gospel.

Helaman invited and promised his sons: “Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; . . . which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall” (Helaman 5:12).

So how do we build upon Jesus Christ as our Rock?

Alma’s counsel to his son Helaman offers a timeless principle: “Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6).

President M. Russell Ballard (1928–2023) echoed this truth: “True spiritual power lies in numerous smaller acts woven together in a fabric of spiritual fortification.”

For individuals and families, the “small and simple things” are revealed through sacred scripture and the inspired teachings of living prophets. Their words are His words for our time, conveyed by the Holy Ghost to enlighten both heart and mind. When we listen and heed with faith, these teachings offer clarity, comfort, and direction. They help us build homes centered on peace, purpose, and covenant belonging.

Consider these recent prophetic insights that invite us to anchor our lives in eternal principles:

• “Peacemaking still begins in the most basic place—in our hearts. Then in homes and families.”

• “Our Father in Heaven has provided the proclamation on the family to help guide us home to Him, to help us learn and be filled with love, strength, purpose, and eternal understanding.”

• “Most covenants are available to each individual. One covenant, eternal marriage, involves uniting your efforts with a companion. Our goal should be to find that eternal companion. However, do not get discouraged if eternal marriage is not possible at this time. Prophets have taught that no blessing will be withheld from faithful members who keep the commandments.”

• “Be patient as the Lord gives you His blessing and approval by degrees.”

• “Great blessings come to families if they pray together, kneeling night and morning to offer thanks for blessings and to pray over common concerns. Families are also blessed as they worship together in Church services and in other devotional settings. Family bonds are also strengthened by family stories, creating family traditions, and sharing sacred experiences.”

• Over 30 years ago the prophets proclaimed that “happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”

These aren’t just ideals—they’re spiritual building blocks for every home. You may be a teenager navigating school and friendships, a single member seeking to find an eternal companion, or a parent guiding your family through life’s complexities. No matter your family’s shape or story, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers a higher and holier way to live—His way.

He reminds us: “I am the way, the truth and the light” (John 14:6)

Jesus Christ lives. He is our Saviour and Redeemer. He is calling to each of us to build our lives upon Him. Let us strengthen our lives, our families, each other—one small and simple act at a time.