Laying the Foundation of a Great Work
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What are some traditions you have in your family that help reinforce gospel principles?
- How can small and simple acts of faith create a strong foundation for a Christ-centered home?
- Why is it important for parents to teach their children about the sacrament, being born in the covenant, and patriarchal blessings?
- How can consistent family traditions protect children from the adversary's influence?
- What role does faith play in the efforts of parents to teach their children gospel principles?
Topics
Awaken Passion and Commitment to the Gospel
Elder Bangerter emphasizes the sacred duty of parents to inspire their children with a passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ. He discusses how establishing Christ-centered traditions and behaviors within the family can infuse children with strength to face life's challenges.
As parents in Zion, we have a sacred duty to awaken within our children passion and commitment to the joy, light, and truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Lessons taught through the traditions we establish in our homes, though small and simple, are increasingly important in today’s world.
- What is the sacred duty of parents in Zion according to Elder Bangerter?
- How can establishing traditions in the home help children confront life's challenges?
- What traditions can you establish in your home to inspire a love for the gospel in your children?
- How can you ensure that your family traditions are Christ-centered and meaningful?
Establishing Christ-Centered Traditions
Elder Bangerter shares personal family traditions that reinforce gospel principles, such as family devotionals and regular scripture study. He highlights the importance of these traditions in creating a culture of love, respect, unity, and security within the home.
This year our grandchildren wrote the topic of their message on stones and then, one by one, buried them next to one another, representing a sure foundation upon which a happy life is established.
Consistent, wholesome family traditions that include prayer, scripture reading, family home evening, and attendance at Church meetings, though seemingly small and simple, create a culture of love, respect, unity, and security.
- What are some of the family traditions Elder Bangerter mentions?
- How do these traditions contribute to a Christ-centered home?
- What family traditions do you currently have that reinforce gospel principles?
- How can you introduce new traditions that will help strengthen your family's faith?
Teaching the Importance of Gospel Ordinances
Elder Bangerter recounts President Russell M. Nelson's counsel to parents on teaching their children about the sacrament, being born in the covenant, and patriarchal blessings. He underscores the role of parents in leading out in family scripture study and making their homes sanctuaries of faith.
President Russell M. Nelson recently addressed a large congregation near Toronto, Canada, and poignantly reminded parents of the sacred responsibility we have to teach our children.
By these efforts, our beloved prophet urges us to make our homes "sanctuaries of faith."
- What specific gospel ordinances does President Nelson emphasize parents should teach their children about?
- Why is it important for parents to lead out in family scripture study?
- How can you better teach your children about the significance of the sacrament, being born in the covenant, and patriarchal blessings?
- What steps can you take to make your home a sanctuary of faith?
The Power of Small and Simple Things
Elder Bangerter discusses how small and simple traditions, such as family prayer and expressing love, can have a significant impact on children's spiritual growth and protection from the adversary. He shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the lasting effects of these practices.
I cherish the small and simple traditions we have come to observe in our home over the 35 years of our marriage.
Our lives have been blessed by setting aside time on a regular basis to enjoy personal interviews with each of our sons.
- What are some examples of small and simple traditions mentioned by Elder Bangerter?
- How do these traditions help protect children from the adversary?
- What small and simple traditions can you implement in your family to strengthen their faith?
- How can you ensure that these traditions are consistent and meaningful?
Exercising Faith in Teaching Children
Elder Bangerter emphasizes the importance of parents exercising faith as they teach their children gospel principles. He encourages parents to diligently live, teach, and set forth expectations inspired by the gospel, believing that the seeds sown will eventually take root and grow.
It is less a question of whether our children are "getting it" in the midst of our teaching ... and more a question of whether we, as parents, are exercising faith enough to follow the Lord’s counsel.
It is an effort driven by our faith—our belief that one day the seeds sown in their youth will take root and begin to sprout and grow.
- What does Elder Bangerter suggest is more important than whether children are "getting it" during teaching moments?
- How can parents exercise faith in their efforts to teach their children?
- How can you exercise greater faith in your efforts to teach your children gospel principles?
- What steps can you take to ensure that you are diligently living and teaching the gospel in your home?
