Church leaders share lessons for the rising generation – Church News

Teens and young adults can live up to their birthright, look forward to exciting years ahead, learn and understand the doctrine, seek answers to their questions, and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, according to learned leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In their general conference addresses in October 2024, leaders and senior officers delivered messages to and for children, youth, and young adults.

President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, spoke with parents and those who teach children the doctrine of Jesus Christ.

“We should take every opportunity to share the teachings of Jesus Christ with children,” President Eyring said at the Sunday morning session.

He said one of the surest ways to teach true doctrines – and stay away from false doctrines – is to simply teach.

“The classes simply allow us to pass on the saving doctrine early on while sparing children from the temptations of the impostor that they will face later,” he said.

Hope can be found in the scriptures. Enos, Alma the Younger, and the sons of Mosiah turned away from what they were taught or needed forgiveness from God.

“In their moments of crisis, they remembered the words of their parents, words of the teachings of Jesus Christ. “Memory saved them,” said President Eyring. “Your teaching of this sacred teaching will be remembered.”

Invitations for young people

When Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about “burying the weapons of rebellion” during the Saturday afternoon session, he addressed the issue of the speech.

“There are many conversations that are vulgar and profane, even among young people,” Elder Christofferson said. “This kind of speech is a 'weapon of rebellion' against God, 'full of deadly poison' (James 3:8).”

Instead, the For the Strength of Youth guide invites teens to say things that are uplifting and have a positive impact.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles urged youth and young adults to make the next decade “a time that will never be forgotten,” as exciting things lie ahead in the history of the Church.

“You are here on Earth now because you were chosen to be here now. I believe that you have the power and ability to be disciples of Christ in unprecedented ways,” Elder Stevenson said in his address during the Sunday morning session.

He urged them to actively seek to become a light to the world about how the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ can enrich and improve not only their lives, but also those of their family, friends and social media followers.

This can be accomplished through four God-ordained roles: living the gospel of Jesus Christ, caring for those in need, sharing the gospel, and uniting families for eternity.

He shared examples of a 10-year-old boy in Arizona who collected hundreds of jars of jam as part of a JustServe project. And 600 youth in Scotland and Ireland who performed over 4,000 ordinances in the Preston England Temple.

Elder Stevenson said youth and young adults have a tremendous ability to influence their peers and invite them to explore the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Make and keep agreements

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared examples of a young man and woman who demonstrated spiritual submission to God in their decisions during the Saturday afternoon session.

The young man, unsure about serving a mission, felt inspired to go and serve the Lord as he listened to a senior church leader share his own testimony and holy experience as a missionary.

After the young man returned from his mission, he said, “Today I am a new man; I have a testimony that this gospel is true and that the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth.”

Elder Soares said, “This young man chose the way of the Lord and became an example of a true disciple in every way.”

A loyal young woman decided not to compromise on her standards and dress immodestly at the fashion company where she worked.

“Not only did she gain the trust of those who saw her living the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but she also kept her job, which was momentarily in jeopardy,” Elder Soares said. “Her willingness to do what was pleasing in the eyes of the Lord rather than what was good for the world gave her confidence despite difficult decisions.”

Emily Belle Freeman, Young Women president, said that when her granddaughter Isabelle was given a name and blessing, her father blessed her with an understanding of the priesthood and told her that she would learn what blessing it would bring to her life would.

In her address Saturday morning, President Freeman said it is not often that a little girl is given a blessing with such a phrase. But then she thought, “Why not?” As the Lord told Emma Smith in Doctrine and Covenants 25, Isabelle has the potential to become a chosen lady and ultimately a queen.

“Through his priesthood ordinances and keeping her covenant promises, God’s power will work in and through her to help her overcome whatever life brings and become the woman God knows she can become.” said President Freeman. “I want every girl in the kingdom to understand this.”

On Sunday morning, Brother Bradley R. Wilcox, first counselor in the Young Men General Presidency, spoke directly to the youth about their birthright.

“Is it too much for God to expect you to live differently than His other children so that you can better lead and serve them?” Brother Wilcox asked. “Not considering the blessings—both temporal and spiritual—that have been bestowed on you.”

This birthright is evidence of God's love and trust.

“Of all the people on earth, God trusts you, the children of the covenant, to help in his work to bring all of his children safely home to him,” Brother Wilcox said.

He urged the youth not to let the world change them when they were born to change the world.

Growing and showing faith

In the Sunday morning session, Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency, taught the audience how to seek answers to spiritual questions.

Asking questions and searching for meaning is a natural and normal part of the mortal experience, she said.

God's plan for happiness is designed to help everyone progress, even without perfect knowledge of everything—His method of teaching is “line by line, precept by precept” (2 Nephi 28:30). And knowledge and intelligence are gained through obedience and hard work.

“God’s laws and commandments are not intended to be a hindrance in our lives, but rather a powerful gateway to personal revelation and spiritual formation,” said Sister Browning.

During Saturday afternoon's session, Elder José A. Teixeira, General Authority Seventy, thanked the church's youth for their inspiring service, saying they had shown “remarkable courage and dedication.”

The young people have taken up family history and often visit the Lord's house. They willingly devote time and energy to their mission, reflecting their deep faith.

“Not only do they participate, but they also walk the path of becoming disciples connected to Jesus Christ,” Elder Teixeira said. “Your service radiates light and hope and touches countless lives.”