FEB. 7, 2011 - WHAT DO YOUR CHILDREN KNOW?

At our Stake Conference and the last few Sunday meetings, we have been bombarded with encouragement to teach and train our children (and grandchildren). If you were to see my notes from the past few Sundays it seems that is about the only topic. Elder R.M.Nelson asked, "If all your children knew about the Gsopel was what you had taught them, what would they know?" I'm mightly glad that many others taught my children because I fear they would not know much if it was just from me. And yet, can we assume that others will teach them and teach them what we want them to learn? Please don't assume your children will just pick things up at church or from your example. You need to TEACH it. Tell them your beliefs, your moral guidelines, your testimony. At a crucial time in a child's or youth's life that testimony may make all the difference in an important choice. We only have once - one time to raise our children. Teach them while they are small. A young child is much more receptive and will accept council from parents much more readily. Don't wait to teach, thinking that it will get easier when they are older - that is simply NOT the case. If you think it is hard to get a 2 or 4 year old to pray or have FHE or read scriptures with you, I promise you that it won't get any easier when they are 6, 10 or 12 - in fact it will get harder, much harder, if you have not already established the habits. Of course you won't be able to teach them everything, but just keep trying. Elder Nelson also said, "The time will surely come when they may not know everything, but they will know enough to make a correct choice at a crucial time." Pray for guidance. In this most important work, the Lord will let you know what you need to teach and how to do it. Just don't give up!