Spiritual Thought: Our Children Will Need To Know

Russel M. Nelson May 2008 Ensign said, "In this day of rampant immorality and addictive pornography, parents have a sacred responsibility to teach their children the importance of God in their lives. Those evils, so highly destructive of divine potential, are to be strictly shunned by children of God."

Every week in Primary we teach simple, true doctrines. The doctrines we taught and are still teaching in 2008 are:

1. I am a child of God, and He has a plan for me.
2. The scriptures teach me about Heavenly Father
and Jesus Christ and how to return to Them.
3. Jesus Christ is my Savior.
4. I will follow the prophet.
5. Heavenly Father planned for me to come to a
family. I can strengthen my family now.
6. The temple is a blessing for me and my family.
7. Because I know we are all children of God, I will
share the gospel with others.
8. I will show my faith in Jesus Christ by being baptized
and confirmed.
9. I can pray to Heavenly Father, and He will hear
and answer my prayers.
10. Because I am His child, I will serve God with all
my heart, might, mind, and strength.
11. I am thankful to know that we are all children of
God.
12. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ, and His restored
gospel.

I have a testimony of these truths. These are from the 2008 Sharing Time Outline. It is a great resource. The songs that are taught in this day and age are different songs than the ones I learned growing up. The children are learning songs that are based upon the Savior--His ministry and His mission. The songs also teach simple, true doctrines. Gone are the days of Little Purple Pansies and In the Leafy Treetops.

Teaching children these doctrines is wisdom from the Brethren. These children need to know what the Spirit feels like. I talked to each one of my children individually of their thoughts on speaking to our Heavenly Father through prayer. I wanted to know where they were spiritually. I wanted to know if I needed to make some changes in my teaching. I found that my 10 year old and 7 year old recognize the Spirit. I was 16 before I recognized what the Spirit felt like. I had felt it many times in my life before I was 16, I just didn't recognize that it was the Spirit.

This generation will need to know. I have received questions from my 10 year old boy about abortion and same sex marriage. In a world where the adversary fights for confusion, he will need to know.

I've sat my children down and told them they will make great adults and great leaders. I want to plant this seed young. I want them to know what is expected of them and I want them to know of their potential.

As a parent I feel fear creep in at times. Am I doing enough? Do I parent with too strong of a hand or not strong enough? Am I making monumental mistakes? And then sometimes I wonder: Am I wrecking their lives? (usually on days that I've raised my voice...a lot.)

The scripture in Isaiah 41:10 helps to chase fear away. It says:

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

You may recognize this as the scriptural verse that inspired the 3rd verse to the hymn "How Firm a Foundation." I sing this song when I am afraid.

In the May 2000 Ensign Thomas S. Monson said with strength: Do not fear…….. for He will be with you. He never fails. He has promised: “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.”

He NEVER fails and He is WITH us.