Sunday Lesson: Aug 17th

Our lesson this week was taught by Sis. Kay Bashford, Chapter 16 Bringing Up Children in Light and Truth.

President Joseph Fielding Smith taught that "To withstand the influence of the adversary, parents must bring up their children in light and truth... There are many great and real dangers to be reckoned with, and those which concern us more than all others combined have to do with our children. The only real protection or adequate defense can be afforded by the home and its influences." We talked as a class that many of the things that parents worried about 'back in the day' continue to be a threat to our children now. Tobacco, alcohol, and pornography are still huge threats to our youth today, but the list has just gotten longer with worries regarding social media, prescription drugs, bullying and the like.

President Smith said, "The first duty pertaining to the training of the children of the Church belongs in the home. It is the responsibility of the parents to bring up their children in light and truth, and the Lord has declared that wherein they faith to do it, they will stand before the judgment seat to give answer." See Doctrine and Covenants 68:25-26. However, President Smith also said that, "If parents have done all in their power to teach their children correctly by example and precept and the children then go astray, the parents will not be held responsible and the sin will be upon the children."

The Church also helps parents in their efforts to teach their children. There were many examples given in class of teachers and leaders helping to teach the children and youth of the church. Primary teachers, seminary teachers, and many others play such a great role in teaching the gospel to children. It takes a village to raise a child, and that cannot be more true than in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Some of the most important things we should teach our children are to gain and keep a personal testimony. We are also responsible to teach our children to pray, read and study the scriptures, observe the Word of Wisdom, and walk faithfully and humbly before the Lord. President Smith also teaches us that "We must shelter children from the sins and evils of the world as much as we can so they will not be led away from the paths of truth and righteousness." As a class we talked about how important it is to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost to know when our children need our guidance. Our children need us to be close to the Spirit so we know how to teach them, what to say in teachable moments, and even in specific times of possible danger.

Some quotes that Sis. Kay Bashford had on the chalkboard to remind us how important it is to Bring up our Children in Light and Truth. She also handed out a list for grandparents (parent's as well) of 100 Things you can teach your grandchildren. There is a link to that list below.

"Show love to your children.  You know you love them.  

But make certain they know it as well."  

Thomas S. Monson

"Families are the treasure of heaven." 

Neil  Anderson of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles

"We must never lose sight of the strength of the women.  It is mothers who most directly affect the lives of their children.  Their influence is paramount."

Gordon B.  Hinckley

HANDOUT of 100 Things You Can Teach Your Grandchildren see HERE.

See entire lesson HERE.