I wonder how many of us have contemplated our roles as Watchmen? (Ezekiel 33:2-6) Yes, we are each watchmen over the families and sisters we home/visit teach.

The Hebrew word for watchman is “Tsaphah”. This has several meanings which are important for us to understand if we are to exercise our responsibilities as watchmen.

First, to be a watchman means we peer or scan into the distance by placing our hand on our brow and standing on our tiptoes. Do we know our families/sisters well enough to see when spiritual illness enters the home? When they miss their Sunday meetings do we call and tell them that we missed them and ask if everything is Ok? Are the children advancing in the Priesthood? Are they working on and receiving their “Faith in God” and “Gospel in Action” awards? We should be peering on our tiptoes with our hands on your brows, reflecting any interference, and watching over our families/sisters warning them of impending danger.

Secondly, being a watchman means to provide a protective covering. Do we bring the Spirit into the home each month as we visit the family/sister? Do we pray for inspiration as we prepare our monthly lessons so that we are teaching those things that are needed for that specific family/sister? Do we encourage and challenge our families/sisters to read the scriptures regularly individually and as a family? Help your families/sisters to set scripture reading goals and then follow up each month. Have the homes of your families been dedicated and protected with a Priesthood blessing?

And lastly, being a watchman means that we are personally involved to direct a behavioral change. We can’t force our families/sisters to change but we can lead them to change. But that takes more than a once a month visit with a 20 minute lesson. We have to become involved with the family/sister and love them. We must be “willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:8-9).

Here are 4 action items you can do today to begin to be a true watchman over your families/sisters:

1. If you haven’t already visited your families/sisters this month call right now and make an appointment.

2. A week or two before you home/visit teach begin praying and pondering what you should teach your families/sisters that month. Don’t always rely on the Ensign’s home/visiting teaching messages. Be in tune to what the needs of your specific families/sisters have. In fact, you may end up teaching a different lesson to each of your families/sisters in any given month.

3. Know and recognize your families/sisters birthdays and anniversaries. Be present for priesthood advancements, baptisms, etc.

4. Find out if your families/sisters are having regular prayer and scripture study. Are they having Family Home Evening? Are they attending the Temple regularly? Are the kids attending mutual? If they are struggling in any of these areas pray for ways that you can help encourage and teach them the blessings that come from being consistent with the Lord.

It’s not easy to be a watchman. It takes time and effort on our part but the rewards are eternal in nature. I bear testimony to you that the home and visiting teaching program is inspired by our Heavenly Father. We must learn to serve and give of our time and resources to help our fellow brethren and sisters make it through this life and the home/visiting teaching program is how we do that. This I testify to you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Posted by John in Feature Articles