The Teachings of Jesus Christ

Steven J. Lund, General Young Men President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently said, “Too often the youth in the world just don’t know what to do. They feel adrift and don’t know how to find any moorings. They just need somebody to help them find their way.”

At a recent memorial service, the children/grandchildren honored their deceased mother/grandmother who had (1) loved them unconditionally, and (2) faithfully taught them that the only way to find lasting joy is to make and keep sacred covenants with God, confirming what I’ve felt all along to be true—that one can love unconditionally while, at the same time, faithfully teaching and living the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, many of which are set forth in The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

Some time ago, while in the car driving home, my teens and I discussed some difficult topics that my parents never had to discuss with me, including LGBTQ. This wasn’t the first time my teens and I had discussed these difficult issues, but I wanted to make sure they understood a few things:

* I believe that everyone is a child of God, that everyone is loved by God, and that everyone has god-given agency, allowing them to select their own choices and consequences in life.

* I consider myself to be an LGBTQ Friend. I always have been, and always will be. I am not, however, an LGBTQ Ally, for I do not agree with all of the associated LGBTQ agendas.

* I believe that The Family: A Proclamation to the World is 100% true and strive to live my life according to its counsel (marriage is between man and woman, gender is divinely appointed and eternal, the sanctity of life, and so forth.) I believe that living these truths will bring individuals lasting joy.

* If any of my children were to come to me with identity issues, my love for them would never change, nor would my devotion to living the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I would love my child unconditionally, while continuing to teach that god-appointed marriage is between a man and woman, that gender is divinely appointed and eternal, and everything else that is set forth in The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

* To help my child during this challenging time, I would encourage them to consider questions such as, What music am I listening to? What movies/shows am I watching? How much time am I spending on social media? What books/information am I reading? What friends am I spending time with? How is my relationship with God? How is my self-worth? How is my physical and mental health? Do I feel deeply connected with others? What trauma or negative feelings from the past have I not resolved?

* I would allow my child to exercise their free will, by making choices and experiencing attached consequences, as I continued to love them unconditionally and live the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Turns out, my children already knew and 100% agree with these statements, but just saying them out loud increased both their confidence and mine in knowing that my foundation, which I work to strengthen every day, is immovable, regardless of the challenges that come our way.

The teachings of Jesus Christ, and the principles of truth found in His gospel, are steady, sure, unfaltering. When one’s foundation is built upon Jesus Christ, when one’s decisions are based on truth, a sense of peace will accompany the inevitable challenges of life. This is the peace I desire for myself and my children and future grandchildren.