For the Strength of Youth

“For the Strength of Youth, Fulfilling our Duty to God” is a pamphlet that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has put out. It is directed to our youth, but also gives great goals for adults too. I would like to share a few topics that we strive our youth to follow.

Agency & Accountability: Our youth are old enough to choose right from wrong. They will be accountable for their actions and should be made aware of this. Wrong choices can delay our progression to Heavenly Father and brings about pain and suffering. When we make the right choices, we are happy. Making the right choices helps us develop our abilities and talents.

Gratitude: We should show gratitude to those who help us. Prayer should reflect our gratitude toward our Heavenly Father and Jesus for what they have done for us. One way of showing true gratitude is living a good life and making good choices.

Education: We need to educate our minds and improve our skills and abilities. An education is an investment that brings great rewards. We should strive for an education to better our career goals; but, don’t neglect your spiritual education. Scripture reading, attending your church meetings and learning wholesome things can help you attain this. An education is important for men and women alike. A good education will assist in careers and in helping raising and teaching our children.

Family: Being a part of a family is a great blessing. They can provide you with companionship and support. Is it important for our youth to participate in family activities, such as eating supper together as a family. Brothers and sisters should show love to one another. Family prayer each morning and night can greatly help the closeness of a family. The family is the most sacred unit of the church.

Friends: Choose your friends carefully. They will greatly influence how you think and act, and even help determine the person you will become. A true friend will encourage you to be your best self. It is also important for you to be a good friend to others. Invite your friends to Youth Activities and introduce them to your other friends. Go out of your way to befriend someone who is shy and may not feel included.

Dress & Appearance: It is very important to dress modestly. Respect your body and do not defile it. The way you dress is a reflection on what you are on the inside. Your dress and grooming will send a message about you to others and influence the way you and others act. Never lower your dress standards for any occasion. If you are not sure if something is appropriate, ask a parent or teacher for advice.

Entertainment & the Media: Whatever you read, listen to, or look at has an effect on you. Choose entertainment and media that will uplift you. While there are a lot of good things to see, beware of the bad that will lead you from righteousness. Offensive material is often found in websites, concerts, movies, music, DVD’s, books, magazines and other media. A lot of times, the good is mixed in with the bad to fool our youth. Stay away from all sources of evil. Pornography in any form is very dangerous and should at all times be avoided. It can lead you to sexual transgression and even criminal behavior. A lot of the new games depict violence and even glamorize it. Have the courage to walk out of a movie, turn off the TV, or even leave a party if it is not clean and wholesome. Let your friends and family know you are trying to live your life in a clean wholesome way.

The pamphlet, “For the Strength of Youth”, also covers many other topics. The above are just a few topics our youth are counseled on when trying to make the right choices in life.


Written By: Guest Author Tina Sansone, BellaOnline's Genealogy Editor