A Message to the Youth

I would love the young members of the Church to be aware of the value of the gospel and what the Church provides to them.  For them to learn all they can now, by self study, from their parents, from faithful members, and from church leaders.  They need to do all they can to strengthen their armor and testimony and grow deep roots.  Even with all the resources and support that the church, leaders and parents provide, it is still up to each individual to do their part to make sure that their testimony is strong enough to endure what is ahead.

As young members get older and enter the later years of their studies in high school and college, they will be faced with many opposing views, strong opinions, loud atheist voices, and convincing arguments whose sole purpose is to pierce their armor and take their testimony away.  To make them question the gospel, the very existence of their Savior, and the Church as a religious institution.  Just as they learned the gospel, others will do their best to get them to unlearn it and learn the ways of the world.  This is especially through in college, especially non-Christian schools with mostly liberal faculty members.  They will be exposed to alcohol, casual sex, recreational drugs, pornography, and immodest behavior.  To resist these influences may mean having less friends, or having less social interactions, but you must do what you can to resist them.  It is best to have a few great friends you do wholesome activities with, than many casual acquaintances.

You can have all the success and happiness you want while remaining a member of this church, and you will have all the support you need from others members who have already achieved great things.  I have been on both sides of the fence and have seen what the world wants to teach you.  There is nothing about it worth learning, and there is no need to go looking for something better, because everything you need is right here.  When you realize how great an opportunity you have been given, and you are grateful of it, you will be on your way to what you seek.

Grow your roots, stand your ground, and never give up.