Teaching the Rising Generation: Our Parental Duty to God and to the Rising Generation

SUMMARY

Elder Robert D. Hales, "Our Parental Duty to God and to the Rising Generation," Ensign, Aug 2010, 30–34

The Lord has given us the charge to "bring up [our] children in light and truth." May we respond to this charge with faith and determination to fulfill our duty to the

rising generation.

One of a parent's most important responsibilities is to teach. As declared in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," "parents have a sacred duty … to teach [their children—sons and daughters] to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live."1

Set in Order Your Own House

The purpose of the Lord's work is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). Parents can help accomplish this great work by teaching their children "the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands" (D&C 68:25).

In a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord rebuked Frederick G. Williams (1787–1842), a member of the First Presidency, for not teaching his children as he should:

"You have not taught your children light and truth, according to the commandments; and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction.

"And now a commandment I give unto you—if you will be delivered you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house" (D&C 93:42–43).

Do we have the courage to teach light and truth in our homes? Or are we experiencing affliction within our families because we are neglecting these duties? As we ponder and pray, we will be given spiritual strength and guidance to help us set our homes in order.

A House of Learning

The scriptures direct us to "establish … a house of learning" (D&C 88:119). Let me suggest several ways we as parents can fulfill this duty to God and to our children...

Focus the minds and hearts of children on the Savior. Faith and testimony must be centered in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. We should express to our children our own feelings about the Savior and share scriptures or experiences that have strengthened our testimony of Him. We should help them understand the significance of the Atonement and how it can be a daily blessing in their lives.

Lead and teach by example

Establish righteous patterns in the home

Encourage meaningful personal prayer and scripture study.