In the article this week we are again reminded of the importance of teaching children and training up our children in the way. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a talk during the April 2010 General Conference called, "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus," in which he taught how the stories about and life of Jesus Christ can and should be used to bring faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strength to the foundation of testimony.Said Elder Andersen, "We hold in our arms the rising generation. They come to this earth with important responsibilities and great spiritual capacities. We cannot be casual in how we prepare them. Our challenge as parents and teachers is not to create a spiritual core in their souls but rather to fan the flame of their spiritual core already aglow with the fire of their premortal faith." He continued, "The stories of Jesus can be like a rushing wind across the embers of faith in the hearts of our children."
We are continually warned by the Lord's servants that these are perilous times and that, "A stronger personal faith in Jesus Christ will prepare [your children] for the challenges they will most surely face." Teaching our children the stories of Jesus enable them to fall back on the example He lived when they wonder what to do in their own lives.
Read and/or listen to the talk; each parent has wondered and worried or currently wonders and worries how to best do their job, that is, how to be good parents that their children avoid the worst of mistakes and do not suffer needlessly. All can learn and benefit greatly from the stories and life of the Savior. We can learn more so that we can help our children make better decisions and think of the Savior in times of need. He is perfect, He loves us, He entreated all to follow His example and as we do we find the true joy and happiness in life.
Jeremy.
Good thoughts. It is amazing to me just how like a colander my brain really is. I went to all 4 sessions of conference in April 2010, I listened to the talks a couple of times post-conference, and while reading your post, it was like I was hearing the talk for the first time. The messages have seeped through my memory into the oblivion!
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for the patience that Heavenly Father has with me! He knows that I am prone to forget and that I need gentle reminders of things I learned in the recent past. Thanks for helping Him help me! And now to reread the talk.