Divine Parenting Lessons
Valeri V. Cordón, of the Seventy
Elder Valeri V. Cordón describes the importance of climbing to a higher gospel culture and shares parenting lessons from the scriptures and living prophets to establish a strong gospel culture in families.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by asking class members to share their favorite childhood memory with their parents or guardians. Discuss how these experiences shaped their understanding of parenting and faith.
- Start by asking the class to share the best piece of parenting advice they have ever received or given. Discuss how these insights align with Elder Cordon's talk.
- Open the lesson by asking class members to reflect on the role their parents played in their spiritual development. Discuss how these experiences relate to the principles Elder Cordon discusses in his talk.
Topics
Climb to the Higher Ground of Gospel Culture
Elder Cordon emphasizes the importance of establishing a gospel culture within our families. He encourages parents to guide their children towards the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ, and to let go of personal or family traditions that may be contrary to these teachings.
As we choose to make the gospel culture the predominant culture in our family, then by the powerful influence of the Holy Ghost, our current parenting styles, traditions, and practices will be sifted, aligned, refined, and enhanced.
- What does it mean to establish a "gospel culture" within a family?
- What are some family traditions or practices that may be contrary to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ?
- How can we ensure that the gospel culture becomes the predominant culture in our families?
- What changes have you made in your family to align more closely with gospel culture?
- How can we use the influence of the Holy Ghost to refine our parenting styles and practices?
Make Home the Center of Gospel Learning
Elder Cordon discusses the importance of making the home a center of gospel learning. He outlines three crucial parenting responsibilities: teaching freely, modeling discipleship, and inviting children to act.
President Russell M. Nelson has taught that the home should be the "center of gospel learning." The purpose of gospel learning is to "deepen our conversion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and help us become more like Them."
- How can we make our homes centers of gospel learning?
- What does it mean to "teach freely" in the context of gospel learning?
- How can parents model discipleship for their children?
- What are some ways we can invite our children to act on the principles of the gospel?
- How have you incorporated these three parenting responsibilities in your own family?
Righteous, Intentional Parenting
Elder Cordon stresses the importance of intentional, righteous parenting. He shares a personal experience to illustrate how his parents" intentional teaching about patriarchal blessings influenced his own faith journey.
Our Heavenly Father’s divine intentions as a parent were made known in a revelation given to Moses: "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."
- What does it mean to be an "intentional" parent in the context of the gospel?
- How can we apply the principle of "righteous, intentional parenting" in our own families?
- What are some examples of intentional parenting you have seen or experienced?
- How can intentional parenting help children develop their own testimonies?
- How does understanding Heavenly Father’s divine intentions as a parent influence our approach to parenting?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we balance the need for setting high expectations with showing love and understanding in our parenting?
- What are some ways we can invite the Spirit to be the teacher during family scripture study?
- How can we help our children understand the importance of making covenants and keeping them?
- In what ways can we help our children develop their own testimonies of Jesus Christ and His gospel?
- What are some strategies for discussing sensitive topics with our children?
- How can we help our children understand the value of patriarchal blessings?
- What role does agency play in our children’s spiritual development?
- How can we ensure that our children know to look to Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins?
- How can we create an environment where our children can feel God's divine influence?
- What are some ways we can partner with God in the care of our children?
