Protection Needed

                As parents and grandparents, we can strengthen our homes, communities, and nations by remembering that it takes only one generation for apostasy to take place.  Each generation of youth must be taught the gospel and assisted in their conversion to the teachings of Jesus Christ.  We must be vigilant in teaching the gospel in our homes and helping the rising generation to become truly converted to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

                We read in 3 Nephi 1:29 that “there was also a cause of much sorrow among the Lamanites; for behold, they had many children who did grow up and began to wax strong in years, that they became for themselves, and were led away by some who were Zoramites, by their lyings and their flattering words, to join those Gadianton robbers.”

                We do not have enemies by the name of “Zoramites” or “Gadianton robbers,” but we do have people in the world leading youth away by their “lyings” and “flattering words.”  Bernie Sanders is a self-proclaimed socialist, and millennials are flocking to hear him speak.  Since socialism is the direct opposite of democracy, we have great need to be concerned.  Sanders is not the only person attempting to lead our rising generation away into darkness.

                Presidency Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught:  “The young people of the Church … hold the future in their hands.  The Church has always been one generation away from extinction.  If a whole generation were lost, which will not happen, we would lose the Church.  But even a single individual lost to the gospel of Jesus Christ closes doors for generations of descendants, unless the Lord reaches out to bring some of them back.”  (See Church Educational System conference on the Book of Mormon, Aug. 14, 2001, as quoted in Book of Mormon Student Manual, Religion 121-122, p. 288.)  

                As the world darkens we must become lights for the rising generation and lead them in the paths of righteousness.  We can strengthen our homes, communities, and nations by assisting our youth in strengthening themselves against the temptations of Satan.