Become As a Little Child

from lds.org

Sister Jean A. Steven, counselor in the General Primary Presidency, used examples of children living the gospel and their effect on others in her General Conference talk, Become As a Little Child. She followed these examples with this statement, “If we have a heart to learn and a willingness to follow the example of children, their divine attributes can hold a key to unlocking our own spiritual growth”.


In Primary we have the wonderful opportunity to help direct the faith and willingness of children to DO what the Savior wants, live His commandments. In the 2011 Outline for Sharing Time: Instructions for Sharing Time we are given three steps for gospel instruction; 1) Identify the doctrine, 2) Encourage understanding, and 3) Encourage application. We need to always include step three, “Encourage Application”. Helping the children set a goal and DO the things they are taught will not only bless their lives, but the lives of those who see them. Sister Stevens illustrated this principle through her story of a bishop who helped the entire ward live the law of tithing by first visiting Primary. “He taught the children about the Lord’s law of tithing and asked if they would be willing to pay tithing on the money they earned. The children said they would. And they did.”

Let us make a commitment to follow the Savior’s entreaty to “. . . Behold your little ones” (3 Nephi 17:21–23). Give them guidance and then follow their faithful example.