Table of Contents
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging for families to prioritize spirituality and faith in Jesus Christ. However, nurturing a strong spiritual foundation is crucial for children to develop a lasting relationship with God and make righteous choices throughout their lives. This article explores the importance of building faith in Jesus Christ, cultivating love for His gospel and His Church, and preparing children for a lifetime of righteous decisions.
The Sacred Duty of Parents
Parents have been given a sacred duty by our Heavenly Father to raise their children in love and righteousness. They are responsible for providing for their physical and spiritual needs and teaching them to observe the commandments of God. This responsibility might feel overwhelming at times, but it is a privilege and a blessing.
The Lord loves and supports parents in their efforts to guide their children. He stands beside them, giving them strength and guidance. It is within the framework of gospel values and principles that parents can best guide their children in the details of daily decisions.
The Strength of Jesus Christ
Just as Jesus Christ is the strength of youth, He is also the strength of parents. Sometimes parents may doubt their qualifications to guide and teach their children, but they have something that uniquely qualifies them: their love for their child. A parent’s love for their child is one of the strongest forces in the universe and can have eternal significance.
Even if a parent feels that their relationship with their child is less than ideal, the power of the Savior can heal and transform that relationship. He can multiply the love and joy in the home, creating a rich environment for teaching truth and building faith. By making the home a place of prayer, learning, and faith, parents can invite the Spirit of the Lord to guide their family.
Small and Simple Efforts
Parenting is a daily, ongoing influence. While the world may offer loud and enticing voices to children, parents have the opportunity to be the most constant and steady influence in their lives. Small and simple efforts, consistently applied, have a greater impact than occasional grand gestures. Every moment is a teaching moment, and every word and action can serve as a guide for making righteous choices.
The effects of a parent’s efforts may not always be immediately visible, but they should not give up. By not growing weary in well-doing, parents are laying the foundation of a great work. The Lord can bring about great things through small means, and the consistency of these small and simple efforts will nourish children better than occasional floods of attention.
Revelation and Guidance
The Lord supports parents through the gift of personal revelation. As parents are prayerful and sensitive to the Spirit, He will warn them of hidden dangers and reveal their children’s gifts, strengths, and unspoken concerns. With God’s help, parents can see their children as He sees them, looking beyond outward appearances and into their hearts.
Accepting God’s offer to guide the family through personal revelation is a powerful way to receive divine guidance. By seeking His guidance in prayers, parents can tap into His wisdom and understanding, allowing them to better navigate the challenges of parenting.
The Mighty Change of Heart
Jesus Christ offers the most important help to parents through the “mighty change” of heart. This change of heart is a miracle that every parent needs. It is through the Savior’s grace and teachings that parents can overcome their weaknesses and develop the attributes necessary for successful parenting.
While no family is picture-perfect, opening the heart to the Savior and His teachings allows Him to make weak things become strong. Through His grace, parents can develop attributes such as love for God and His children, patience, selflessness, faith in Christ, and courage to make righteous choices.
Support through the Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers resources to support parents and children in making righteous choices. “For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices” is a valuable resource that teaches eternal truths centered on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Reading and discussing this guide with children can help them make choices that align with their faith.
The Church also organizes FSY conferences, which are a wonderful opportunity for youth to strengthen their faith. Parents can build on the spiritual momentum their youth bring home from these conferences. Additionally, children and youth in the Church have teachers, advisers, and mentors who can provide guidance and support in their spiritual journey.
Conclusion
Building spirituality and faith in families is an ongoing and essential endeavor. Parents play a crucial role in nurturing their children’s faith in Jesus Christ, love for His gospel and His Church, and preparation for a lifetime of righteous choices. While the task may seem daunting at times, parents have the support of the Lord, who stands beside them, strengthens them, and guides them through personal revelation. By making small and simple efforts, parents can lay the foundation of a great work and create a home filled with love, prayer, learning, and faith. The Church also offers resources and support to help parents and children make righteous choices. In all these efforts, the Savior Jesus Christ is the source of strength and the ultimate guide.