Stand as a Light
I have had the privilege of attending many cultural celebrations
held in conjunction with temple dedications. I have loved all of them,
including the most recent one I attended in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, last
November.
Latter-day Saint youth who participate in cultural celebrations
put on marvelous, memorable programs. Last year in Phoenix, just prior to the
celebration, I told the participants, “You are children of light.”
I would
like all of the youth of the Church to know that they are children of light. As
such, they have a responsibility to be “as lights in the world” (Philippians
2:15). They have a duty to share the truths of the gospel. They have
a calling to stand as a temple beacon, reflecting gospel light to an
increasingly dark world. They have a charge to keep their light aflame and
burning brightly.
In
order for us to be “an example of the believers” (1 Timothy
4:12), we ourselves must believe. We must develop the faith
necessary to survive spiritually and to project a light for others. We must
nurture our testimony until it becomes an anchor to our lives.
Among the most effective ways to gain and keep the faith we need
today is to read and study the scriptures and to pray frequently and
consistently. To the youth of the Church, I say, if you haven’t done so,
develop now a habit of daily scripture study and prayer. Without these two
essential practices, outside influences and the sometimes-harsh realities of
life can dim or even extinguish your light.
The
teenage years are not easy. They are prime years when Satan will tempt you and
do his utmost to entice you from the path which will lead you back to your
heavenly home. But as you read and pray and as you serve and obey, you will
come to know better “the light which shineth in darkness” (D&C
6:21), our Exemplar and our strength—even the Lord Jesus Christ. He is
the Light we are to hold up to dispel the gathering darkness (see 3 Nephi
18:24).
With a
strong testimony of the Savior and His restored gospel, you have limitless
opportunities to shine. They surround you each day, in whatever circumstances
you find yourselves. As you follow the example of the Savior, yours will be the
opportunity to be a light, as it were, in the lives of those around you—whether
they be members of your own family,
classmates, co-workers, mere acquaintances, or total strangers.
When you are a light to the world, people around you will feel a
special spirit that will make them want to associate with you and follow your
example.
I plead with parents and leaders of our youth to help them stand
firm for truth and righteousness. Help open wide to their view the gates of
learning, of understanding, and of service in the kingdom of God. Build within
them strength to resist the temptations of the world. Give them the will to
walk in virtue and faith, to be prayerful, and to look to heaven as their
constant anchor.
To our youth, I say, our Heavenly Father loves you. May you feel
also the love which Church leaders have for you. May you ever have a desire to
serve your Heavenly Father and His Son. And may you always walk in truth and
stand as a light among God’s children.
Teaching
from This Message
Consider discussing with those you teach what it means to be a
“[child] of light.” What responsibilities does it entail? You could discuss
times when their light has been particularly bright and what made it bright.
Consider asking them to think of a specific person, such as a youth, a
co-worker, or a member of their family, who may be in need of light. Then you
could pray together about a way to share light with that person.
“As a Light Beams”
cji
8/1/15
Many are as a lighthouse
shining in 360
degrees
always repeating
circle
time and again
recognized
each to be unique
alone
sheltering a shore or
reef
guiding light on the
sea
giving both
individual time
and attention while
to all
always the brightest
in each degree of
time
as a light beams so
we
as the light of our
Savior
becoming his
lighthouses!
Copyright © 2015 –
cji
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