Study Guide for "A Sin-Resistant Generation"

In her General Conference address, "A Sin-Resistant Generation," Sister Joy D. Jones, the Primary General President, discusses the urgent need to raise children who can withstand the increasing spiritual challenges of our time. Drawing on teachings from Church leaders and scriptural examples, she provides practical guidance and spiritual insights for parents, grandparents, teachers, and leaders to help children develop strong moral values and a deep sense of their divine identity. Sister Jones emphasizes the importance of early and consistent gospel teaching, the power of making and keeping covenants, and the role of personal discipleship in fortifying the rising generation against sin.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does it mean to raise a "sin-resistant" generation?
How can understanding our divine identity help in fortifying against sin?
Why is the doctrine of repentance crucial in becoming sin-resistant?
What role do daily habits and personal discipleship play in spiritual fortification?
How can making and keeping covenants empower children to resist sin?

Topics

Understanding Divine Identity and Purpose

Sister Jones stresses the importance of recognizing our divine identity and purpose as children of Heavenly Father. This understanding is foundational for helping children see who they are and why they are here, which in turn strengthens their resolve to live righteously.

We must help them know without question that they are sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father and that He has divine expectations of them.

Why is it important for children to understand their divine identity?
How can knowing their purpose help children resist sin?
How can you help your children understand their divine identity?
What are some ways you can reinforce the concept of divine purpose in your family?

Teaching the Doctrine of Repentance

The doctrine of repentance is essential for becoming sin-resistant. Sister Jones explains that being sin-resistant doesn't mean being sinless but being continually repentant. This process involves vigilance and valiance in resisting sin.

Being sin-resistant doesn’t mean being sinless, but it does imply being continually repentant, vigilant, and valiant.

As James said, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

What does it mean to be continually repentant?
How does repentance help in resisting sin?
How can you teach the importance of repentance to your children?
What are some daily practices that can help reinforce the habit of repentance?

Establishing Patterns of Personal Daily Discipleship

Sister Jones emphasizes the importance of starting early and being steady in teaching basic gospel doctrines and principles. Establishing consistent habits of prayer, scripture study, family home evening, and Sabbath worship helps children develop spiritual integrity.

President Henry B. Eyring counseled us to "start early and be steady."

Creating consistent habits of prayer, scripture study, family home evening, and Sabbath worship leads to wholeness, internal consistency, and strong moral values—in other words, spiritual integrity.

Why is it important to start teaching gospel principles at an early age?
How do daily habits contribute to spiritual integrity?
What daily habits can you establish in your family to strengthen personal discipleship?
How can you make family home evening and Sabbath worship more meaningful for your children?

Making and Keeping Covenants

Teaching children to make and keep sacred covenants is crucial in creating a sin-resistant generation. Sister Jones illustrates how small, successfully kept promises can prepare children for larger covenants like baptism and temple covenants.

Helping children understand, make, and keep sacred covenants is another key in creating a sin-resistant generation.

A succession of small, successfully kept promises leads to integrity.

What is the relationship between small promises and sacred covenants?
How does keeping covenants empower individuals to resist sin?
What small promises can you encourage your children to make and keep?
How can you teach the significance of covenants in your family?

The Power of Example in Teaching

Sister Jones highlights the importance of setting a good example for children. By observing the daily religious behavior and promise-keeping of parents and leaders, children learn to imitate these positive behaviors and develop their own spiritual resilience.

Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.

Why is setting a good example important in teaching children?
How does observing the behavior of parents and leaders influence children?
How can you ensure that your daily actions are a positive example for your children?
What specific behaviors do you want your children to imitate, and how can you demonstrate these?