Teaching Self-Reliance to Children and Youth
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the definition of self-reliance as given by Elder Martinez?
- How does Elder Martinez relate self-reliance to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
- What are some ways we can teach self-reliance to children and youth?
- Why is self-reliance considered a lifelong process?
- How does the Children and Youth program help in teaching self-reliance?
Topics
Understanding the Doctrine of Self-Reliance
Elder Martinez defines self-reliance as the ability, commitment, and effort to provide the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family. He emphasizes that it is a doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ, not a program, and it is a lifelong process.
Self-reliance is defined as “the ability, commitment, and effort to provide the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family.”
Self-reliance is a doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ, not a program. It is a process that lasts a lifetime, not an event.
- What is the definition of self-reliance?
- Why is self-reliance a doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
- Why is self-reliance considered a lifelong process?
- How can you apply the doctrine of self-reliance in your own life?
- What steps can you take to become more self-reliant?
Teaching Self-Reliance to Children and Youth
Elder Martinez suggests that the principles of the Children and Youth program can be applied to teach self-reliance to children and youth. He emphasizes the importance of setting personal goals and developing good habits.
How can we teach the doctrine and principles of self-reliance to our children and youth? One important way is to regularly apply the principles of the Children and Youth program.
Parents and children learn the gospel of Jesus Christ, participate in service and activities, and work together in four areas of personal development that are unique for each child.
- How can the principles of the Children and Youth program be used to teach self-reliance?
- Why is it important for children and youth to set personal goals?
- How can you help your children or youth set personal goals in each area of development?
- What habits can you help your children or youth develop to become more self-reliant?
Role of Family and Community in Teaching Self-Reliance
Elder Martinez highlights the role of parents, grandparents, leaders, and friends in the growth and development of children. He emphasizes the importance of good example, working and serving with children, studying the scriptures, and following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
We teach these things to children by our good example, by working and serving with them, studying the scriptures, and following the teachings of Jesus Christ as taught by prophets.
Parents, grandparents, leaders, and friends assist in the growth and development of the children.
- What is the role of family and community in teaching self-reliance to children and youth?
- Why is it important to set a good example for children and youth?
- How can you set a good example of self-reliance for your children or youth?
- What opportunities do you have to work and serve with your children or youth to teach them self-reliance?
Linking Self-Reliance and the Children and Youth Program
Elder Martinez draws parallels between the areas of development in the Children and Youth program and the principles of self-reliance. He suggests that these programs are complementary and can be used together to teach self-reliance.
You should notice the inspired similarities between the Children and Youth program and building self-reliance. The four areas of development in each are very similar.
- What are the similarities between the Children and Youth program and the principles of self-reliance?
- How can these programs be used together to teach self-reliance?
- How can you incorporate the principles of self-reliance into the Children and Youth program?
- What goals can you set with your children or youth that will help them develop self-reliance?
Following the Savior by Becoming Self-Reliant
Elder Martinez concludes by encouraging us to follow our Savior, Jesus Christ, by becoming self-reliant and teaching this to our children and youth. He provides three key steps: being good examples of service to others, living and teaching the doctrine and principles of self-reliance, and obeying the commandment to build self-reliance.
In closing, let us follow our Savior, Jesus Christ, and His gospel by becoming self-reliant throughout our lives and teaching this to our children and youth.
We can do this best by being good examples of service to others, living and teaching the doctrine and principles of self-reliance, and obeying the commandment to build self-reliance as part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- How does becoming self-reliant help us follow our Savior, Jesus Christ?
- What are the three steps Elder Martinez provides to become self-reliant?
- How can you be a better example of service to others?
- What can you do to live and teach the doctrine and principles of self-reliance?
- How can you obey the commandment to build self-reliance as part of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
