Divine Parenting Lessons
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What are the key responsibilities of parents as described by Elder Cordón?
- How can parents establish a higher gospel culture in their homes?
- What does Elder Cordón mean by "intentional parenting"?
- What are some ways parents can teach their children about faith and the gospel?
- How does the gospel culture impact the upbringing of children?
Topics
Climbing to the Higher Ground of Gospel Culture
Elder Cordón emphasizes the importance of establishing a gospel culture in our homes, which guides us in raising our families and living our individual lives. This culture comes from the plan of salvation, the commandments of God, and the teachings of living prophets. It is critical for creating an environment where the seed of faith may flourish.
We must climb to the higher ground of gospel culture with our families.
Adopting the gospel culture in our families is critical to creating a fertile environment where the seed of faith may flourish.
- What is the "gospel culture" as described by Elder Cordón?
- Why is it important to establish a gospel culture in our homes?
- How does the gospel culture influence the way we raise our families and live our lives?
- How can you incorporate more of the gospel culture into your home?
- What are some personal or family traditions that may be contrary to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ?
- How can you interact with your children in a higher, holier way?
Making Home the Center of Gospel Learning
Elder Cordón discusses the role of the home as the center of gospel learning. He outlines three crucial parenting responsibilities: teaching freely, modeling discipleship, and inviting children to act. Each of these responsibilities helps to deepen our conversion and make us more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
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."
- What does it mean to make the home the center of gospel learning?
- What are the three crucial parenting responsibilities described by Elder Cordón?
- How do these responsibilities deepen our conversion and make us more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
- How can you make your home more of a center for gospel learning?
- What are some ways you can teach freely, model discipleship, and invite your children to act?
- How can you encourage your children to take charge of their own testimonies of Jesus Christ and His gospel?
Practicing Righteous, Intentional Parenting
Elder Cordón highlights the importance of intentional parenting, where parents actively participate in guiding their children's spiritual lives. He shares a personal experience to illustrate how intentional parenting can have a profound impact on a child's spiritual growth and understanding.
As parents, we are God’s agents in the care of our children.
Heavenly Father never intended for us as parents to sit on the sidelines as spectators, watching the spiritual lives of our children unfold.
- What does Elder Cordón mean by "righteous, intentional parenting"?
- Why is it important for parents to actively participate in their children's spiritual lives?
- How can intentional parenting impact a child's spiritual growth and understanding?
- What are some ways you can practice intentional parenting?
- How can you create an environment where your children can feel God’s divine influence?
- What are some specific steps you can take to help your children understand and value gospel principles?
Teaching Freely and Generously
Elder Cordón emphasizes the importance of teaching children generously and without restraint. He suggests that parents should spend meaningful time with their children, discuss sensitive topics, and study the scriptures together.
Heavenly Father taught Adam to teach these things liberally, generously, and without restraint.
We teach liberally when we study the scriptures with our children using Come, Follow Me and allow the Spirit to be the teacher.
- What does it mean to teach children "freely"?
- Why is it important to spend meaningful time with children and discuss sensitive topics?
- How can studying the scriptures together help in teaching children liberally?
- How can you spend more meaningful time with your children?
- What are some sensitive topics you can discuss with your children and how can you approach these discussions?
- How can you incorporate more scripture study into your family routine?
Modeling Discipleship
Elder Cordón explains the significance of parents modeling discipleship for their children. He suggests that parents can demonstrate the importance of putting God first by setting aside worldly distractions and keeping the Sabbath day holy, and model the importance of temple covenants by honoring their own covenants.
Parents, what do we need to model for our children? Discipleship.
As parents, we can teach the importance of putting God first when we discuss the first commandment, but we model it when we set aside worldly distractions and keep the Sabbath day holy every week.
- What does Elder Cordón mean by "modeling discipleship"?
- Why is it important for parents to model discipleship for their children?
- How can parents model the importance of putting God first and honoring temple covenants?
- How can you better model discipleship for your children?
- What are some worldly distractions you can set aside to keep the Sabbath day holy?
- How can you better honor your temple covenants and model this for your children?
