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TEACHING THE RISING GENERATION
⭐️ RailBoss
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wish that today, I could teach you how to disassemble a broken chainsaw, to rebuild the carburetor, set the points, sharpen the blade and adjust it so it runs as smooth as silk. That I could do, with much ease.
I could also explain to you how the gas to oil ratio was imperative for proper lubrication, compression and ignition cycles in such a complicated, yet delicate, two-stroke engine. I could also instruct you how to operate that saw to keep it running smoothly and efficiently for as long as possible. I could also guarantee you it would continue to run properly if you would follow some simple and basic instructions.
Every mechanical object is subject to certain physical limits of weight, size, fatigue, temperature, inertia, gravity and so forth. When those limits are exceeded, the makeup and composition of that machine is compromised and begins to break down according to the natural forces that govern it.
We too, as human beings, are also very subject to the natural forces of our world. When we eat too much, we get fat. When we eat too little or the wrong things, or bodies cannot function properly. We are able to make all of these choices because we have been given the blessing of freedom of choice as a gift from our Father in Heaven. Because we each have freedom of choice, there are no assurances our lives will always run smooth as silk. Every choice we make affects our lives for either good or bad.
Every new piece of power equipment, whether large or small, arrives at the dealership accompanied by a set of technical data with the manufacturers written, operational specifications. This information allows the mechanic to tune that equipment to run in an optimum set of parameters for peak performance. Every new owner is also sent home with an instruction manual containing very basic information on how to start, stop, care and store that purchase.
Likewise, as every mother and father arrive home from the hospital with their newborn infants, they also have available to them an owner’s manual. That owner’s manual consists of a number of sources of important knowledge including the Scriptures, and many other good books, whether they be history, science, geography, art, fact or fiction. The owner’s manual for new parents also contains all of the knowledge they received from their parents.
Family traditions, family outings, family hardships and family successes all have an affect on what and how we teach our children. The Proclamation On The Family states, “Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.” Children are an heritage of the Lord. Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness; to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the Commandments of God, and be law abiding citizens wherever they live.
By Divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness. They are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protect their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurturing of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are “obligated to help one another as equal partners.” (G.B.Hinckley)
The other day in our priesthood quorum, we were asked to introduce ourselves and to try to relate our earliest memories. One of the brethren, who is about 60 years old, said that he remembered his mother and father leaning over his crib and arguing with one another. I only could sense a sad feeling in the pit of my stomach, knowing that this bad example of parenting would probably haunt this man for the rest of his life. I am also eternally grateful for the wonderful example my mother set for me.
President David O McKay stated:
“Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life.The mother’s image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of a young child’s mind.It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security, her kiss the first realization of affection.Her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world.”
I know that I was very fortunate to have a mother who taught me and my brothers and sisters to read and write before we were old enough to go to school. My mother had a great love for reading and spent much of her adult life gathering books for her extensive library. She encouraged us all to read from a very early age and I know that it made my years in school so much easier.
I also remember her teaching us basic Gospel principles. My mother also taught gospel doctrine classes and seminary. I also taught seminary. My scriptures were once her scriptures. I can tell you my mother’s Scriptures have been a blessing in my life as I read and reread those messages which I know that she marked especially for me.
My siblings and I were quizzed very carefully about what we were taught while away from home to be certain the correct lessons were reaching our ears and shaping our young minds. I used to think some days as I ran home from school that I was through with learning for the day, but this illusion was quickly destroyed when I saw my mother standing at the door waiting for me.
We had a desk in the kitchen where we could continue to be taught by her as she performed household duties and prepared supper. She was a natural teacher and far more demanding of us than our teachers at church or school. The scope of Mother’s teaching included both secular and spiritual lessons. She made certain none of us fell behind in our school work. She would also practice her Sunday School lessons with us.
Part of our home education involved memorizing scriptures, the articles of faith, and words of the prophets. My mother was someone who believed a mind could become weak if it was not constantly exercised. She did not believe in letting idle thoughts enter her children’s minds, even when they were engaged in physical activity.
The times are very different today. However, while times may change, the importance of parents teachings in the home must never be underestimated. Homeschooling is becoming increasingly important in today’s world where the influence of the adversary is so widespread & Satan is constantly on the attack; attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, the Family.
Parents must bring Light and Truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family evening, one book read aloud, one song and one family meal at a time.
The health of any society along with the happiness of its people, their prosperity and peace, all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home. There is incredible technology to help us accomplish this available to us in these latter days which is simply amazing. When I was very young, the first computer barely functioned as more than a simple calculator. It as so large it filled an entire room with tubes, wires and screens. Today, a device we can comfortably hold in our palms has the ability to deliver every written book or idea in the entire history of mankind, immediately into our view.
And while that device has an unlimited potential for good, it also carries with it a destructive power through providing an all too easy and convenient access to violence and pornography to impressionable young minds. Modern digital devices can also foster and promote a chronic idleness, or a trance like addiction to personal technology which corrupts normal human social interaction.
If my nephew were living in the Wild West, he would probably be known as one of the fastest guns in the West. His obsession with the iPhone is a disturbing reminder of what happens when we abandon the wisdom in “moderation in all things.” In fact, recent studies show that the overall number of young men and women dating has decreased dramatically over the years due to excessive Internet and Smartphone usage, texting and gaming.
Being a parent in today’s world requires courage. Courage to gather children together for family prayer away from whatever they are doing. Courage to turn off the computer or television and guide your family through a daily Scripture reading. Courage and willpower to successfully schedule the events of the day in such a manner your family can be home together for dinner.
These are all challenges of our modern family life, but they also build character thru discipline, fortitude; and eternal and everlasting bonds of love and friendship between family members.
I’ve had the opportunity and blessing to have been a Scoutmaster for many years. During that time, I’ve interacted with hundreds of young men who share similar interests, morals and values. A new Scout was once very afraid of a float trip we had scheduled for the Saturday following camp. For the entire week before he fretted, worried and tried to find a reason to stay on the shore; or, an excuse why his asthma wouldn’t let him participate directly because he feared the water would be too high or too swift.
Every other Scout and Scoutmaster had ensured him they would look after his safety to make certain he survived the trip. In fact he did and hasn’t been able to stop talking about how much fun he had since and asking, ” When are we going to do another float trip?” My personal experiences in Scouting reveal to me that most young men don’t really know who they are, or their true potential until they are pulled out of their comfort zones & away from Mother’s protection. Until they are encouraged to use their own independence in a new or challenging setting or situation where they can directly correlate their choices to results; where their personal accountability is immediately recognizable to themselves and their peers.
In these kinds of settings, children not only quickly grow to gain confidence in themselves, but are usually eager to share their new lessons with those who are still coming up behind them. When young men & women succeed as adults, it’s usually because they have followed many of the righteous examples of correct values they were taught at home by their parents while growing up.
I remember being a close friend to a young family a few years back. During visits I would ask them all the usual friendly questions, “How is your family doing? Is there anything I can do for you; any way I may help?” The father replied, “Well, things have been pretty tough financially and we seem to be arguing over things a little more than we should be.” It was then their five year old son piped up and added, “Dad, I know what the problem is. You always say that when we have trouble at home it’s because we aren’t doing enough service for other people.”
This young boy correctly understood the principles his parents had taught at home and I’m happy to report this family immediately planned and carried out a service project and were subsequently blessed with an increase in financial abundance to meet their needs.
First Timothy 4.12:
“Be thou an example of the believers, in Word, in deed, in conversation,in charity, in spirit, in faith, and purity.”
The other day, my little granddaughter kept me company while I was building a deck. She’s only 3 years old, yet was very much aware of exactly what I was doing. After I had installed only one or two screws into the decking, she decided she was determined to help me. She already held a screw with her little hand, so I gave her the screw gun, whereupon she pulled the trigger and even stopped it at the precise time when it was properly in place.
Perhaps I may naturally be slightly prejudiced toward my granddaughter, but I’ve worked with full grown men who weren’t that quick of a study on acquiring a new skill or ability. Of course, the point I am making by mentioning this example here is that our children will do exactly what they see us doing. They learn directly from our actions:
1) Set A Positive Example: Always let your children find & see you doing good. Because we are parents, we are automatically held to a higher standard in our lives by our Father in Heaven. This world also holds us to a higher standard because whenever we err, the World often takes quick notice to find fault or issue; even though many who judge themselves hold so little accountability for their own actions.
2) Be A Good Teacher: Make time to instruct your children in all things. If you don’t, the World will be more than happy to teach & instill in them lesser values and morals. For example, too many youth violate the law of chastity for the first time as part of a sleepover. Too often their first exposure to pornography and even their first encounter with the police occur when they spend the night away from home. Moral permissiveness at home creates a moral vacuum which may attract all sorts of problems and troubles. Peer pressure becomes more influential & powerful whenever our children are away from home.
3) Always Be Friendly: Always make yourself accessible. Don’t be afraid to have fun with your children, but don’t let friendship with your children diminish your position of authority as their parent; or affect your teaching them the difference between right or wrong.
Children recently sent to us from our Father’s presence are naturally drawn to the goodness of the Holy Spirit: and they naturally seek further Light and Knowledge. Indulge them in this natural curiosity to set them on the best path.
4) Serve Others: Impress upon your children the significance of the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” Plan and perform projects together as a family. Help others in your neighborhood who may be in need or facing difficult life challenges. Be particularly open to helping others along their path.
5) Discover Renewal & Strength In Prayer: We can never know all the correct answers or always make the best decisions. However, we do have someone who can testify and knows all things. If we come to Him with sincere hearts and pure intent, our Heavenly Father will direct us to the solutions we seek.
We do not know what angel our Father in Heaven will send to our children. Remembering how foolish we were in our youth, everyone has things they regret; yet many of these experiences were necessary in order to shape our lives by giving us meaning and direction. It’s a given that our children will also make mistakes but also achieve many successes.
Proverbs 22.6:
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Pray and keep Faith in the knowledge our Father in Heaven always keeps his eyes on our children and His love for them is endless & eternal. Also know He has provided a good Shepherd for them in Jesus Christ, to protect and guide them. As parents, we are partners in this great responsibility of sharing God’s promise and blessing of eternal life with our families! ✪
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen
⭐️ RailBoss
