Helping Our Younger Generations

This is actually some of the Outlines that I collected during my speech this day. I included it in this blog for some future references. It might be updated for some clarifications and additional insights.

As children of our Heavenly Father, we have a sacred responsibility to nurture, guide, and support them as they navigate their journey through life.

  1. Be an Example of Faith and Righteousness: First and foremost, we must strive to be excellent examples of faith. Our actions often speak louder than our words. When young people see us living the Gospel with joy and dedication, they are more likely to follow suit. The Prophet Alma taught,
    • "I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste" (Alma 36:24).
    • To those who faithfully live the gospel, I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a place of spiritual refuge, nothing—neither evil nor unkindness nor even death—can completely destroy you. - Russell M. Nelson
  2. Teach and Reinforce Good Habits: Good habits are vital, and as Delbert L. Stapley wisely counseled,
    • "Good habits are developed in the workshop of our daily lives."
    • Scripture study (Why is it important?)
      • (Latin phrases "Ignorantia juris non excusat" which means "Ignorance to the Law excuses no one", it a classic Legal Principle which basically states that even if you don't know the Law or Principles but you break it, you still face the consequences. Which also the same principle that God reveal to our Prophets saying "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. - D&C 131:6". And that how it is important to study or Search the scriptures. "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. - John 5:39"
    • Prayer (Why is it important?)
      • 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
      • 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. - James 5:15-16
    • Attending church (Why is it important?)
      • And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls. And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus. - Moroni 6:5-6
      • Regular participation in weekly sacrament meetings will help us to continually remember Jesus Christ and His Atonement, keep His commandments, and prepare us for the blessings of eternal life. - Russell M. Nelson
    • Finally, Making service a priority
      • And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. - Mosiah 2:17
      • When we love God with all our hearts, He turns our hearts to the well-being of others in a beautiful, virtuous cycle. - Russell M Nelson
    • These are the basic habits that need to be encouraged and modeled. It's in the consistent, day-to-day choices that strong character is built.
  3. Foster a Loving and Supportive Environment: Creating an environment of love and support is crucial. President Gordon B. Hinckley said,
    • “He who lives only unto himself withers and dies, while he who forgets himself in the service of others grows and blossoms in this life and in eternity.”
    • By serving and loving our youth, we help them feel valued and understood. This, in turn, nurtures their ability to love and serve others.
  4. Encourage Emotional and Spiritual Resilience: In today's world, young people face immense pressures and challenges. Teaching them about emotional and spiritual resilience is vital. President Nelson recently emphasized the need for peacemakers, highlighting the importance of emotional control and civility. We can teach the youth to manage conflicts peacefully and approach challenges with faith and patience.
  5. Provide Opportunities for Growth: Create opportunities for the younger generation to grow in their testimonies and leadership skills. Whether through church callings, community service, or personal projects, allowing them to take on responsibilities can foster a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Opportunities for growth must be taught especially in our homes.
    • 2 I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words which I am commanded of the Father to speak unto you at this time.
    • 3 Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again. - 3 Nephi 17:2-3
    • In all that we do, we ought to remember that the statement of the Prophet Joseph Smith is true: only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness. - Boyd K. Packer

In conclusion, helping our younger generations isn't just about guiding them through their current struggles but setting them up for a lifetime of blessings. By being examples of righteousness, teaching good habits, creating supportive environments, encouraging resilience, and providing opportunities, we help them build strong, faith-filled lives.

May we all strive to be the mentors and guides our younger brothers and sisters need. The Lord trusts us with this sacred duty, and as we fulfill it with love and dedication, we will see the fruits of our labor in their lives.

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