Joy D Jones, in her talk Essential Conversations, discussed four principles that parents need to discuss with their kids. These principles are faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost and prayer. These are truly essential discussion points, but I believe another critical principle also needs to be addressed or, at least, recognized. That principle is desire.
When Eve, a beloved daughter of God, decided to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, she did it because she desired knowledge. After she took the fruit, Moses reveals what her desire now is in the fallen world. In Genesis 3:16, it reads “…thy desire shall be to thy husband, and it (physical desire) shall rule over thee.” (Google translates the second pronoun “he” as “it”.)
In this life, all our actions stem from our desire – whether for good or evil.
President Nelson has introduced a new youth program that addresses the principle of Desire.
In the new program, each participant is encouraged to grow as Jesus did. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52) The four areas of growth are mental, physical, spiritual, and social.
Each young person is encouraged to set goals according to their desires for growth in each of the four areas. As each youth learns to control and work with their desire, they begin to grow in wisdom and knowledge. They can develop themselves, becoming strong individuals who have the confidence to accomplish hard tasks.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/youth/childrenandyouth/?lang=eng
krhofhiens.com 