Serve to Strengthen Their Faith in Christ

Mormon wrote this of the converted Lamanites: “Yea, and they did keep the law of Moses; for it was expedient that they should keep the law of Moses as yet, for it was not all fulfilled. But notwithstanding the law of Moses, they did look forward to the coming of Christ, considering that the law of Moses was a type of his coming, and believing that they must keep those outward performances until the time that he should be revealed unto them.” It is interesting that in the account of Ammon and Aaron’s teachings to the two different Lamanite kings, the law of Moses was not mentioned. We read that they spoke of the creation, the fall, and the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Clearly they taught the law of Moses at some point, but it was not their first teaching or their focus. If they had walked in and presented the requirements of the law of Moses as an introduction to their message, they likely would have had no converts at all. Rather, these Nephite missionaries centered their teachings on Jesus Christ and His great plan of redemption, from which an understanding would come as to why commandments were important.  Mormon continued his description of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies this way: “Now they did not suppose that salvation came by the law of Moses; but the law of Moses did serve to strengthen their faith in Christ; and thus they did retain a hope through faith, unto eternal salvation, relying upon the spirit of prophecy, which spake of those things to come” (Alma 25:15-16). We have to be careful so that we don’t over-emphasize the commandments and requirements in the gospel but keep our teachings centered on Him. The commandments only make sense when we understand what He has done for us and why we want to do what He asks of us. In all our teaching we should seek to point to the Savior and strengthen faith in Him.

I believe that the new For the Strength of Youth indeed focuses our attention on the Savior. The previous pamphlet was more centered on specifics of things that the youth should or should not do, perhaps implicitly suggesting that “the strength of youth” is found in following each of the rules given to the youth. But the new pamphlet teaches this in the introduction: “Turn to the Savior. He is the ‘strength of youth.’” Each of the subsequent chapters emphasizes the Savior as it also teachings principles upon which to make righteous choices:

Make inspired choices: “Jesus Christ is the way to eternal joy. As you use your freedom to choose to follow Jesus Christ, you are on the path that leads to eternal happiness. Make Jesus Christ your standard, your rock-solid foundation. Build your life on His teachings, and measure your choices by them.” He should be the context from which we make all our choices.

·        Jesus Christ will help you: “Jesus Christ is your strength. He has done everything necessary for you to have joy in this life and forever. By choosing Him and His gospel, you are choosing eternal joy.” Make a choice first to follow Him can help us in all other choices.

·        Love God, love your neighbor: “The two greatest of all commandments, Jesus taught, are to love God and love your neighbor…. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, you can lead out in treating people of all races and religions and any other groups with love, respect, and inclusion.” Loving Him first will help us to know how to treat others around us.

·        Walk in God’s light: “At baptism you enter a joyful covenant relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. In the temple, you will make additional covenants that can strengthen that relationship. Each week during the sacrament, you renew your covenants. You express your willingness to keep the commandments, and the Lord blesses you with the opportunity to have the Holy Spirit as your constant companion.” Our covenant with the Savior provide the framework from which we can make all the choices in our lives.

·        Your body is sacred: “Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have the power to help you. Fill your life with things that invite that power into your life, such as prayer, scripture study, and service to others. Turn to Jesus Christ and His gospel and you will find that weaknesses can become strengths.” He is the source of help to overcome temptations and weaknesses.

·        Truth will make you free: “Involve the Lord in your efforts, and He will guide you. As you learn about the world around you, learn also about the Savior, who created the world. Study His life and teachings.” In all that we learn we should also learn of He who created all things.

·        Find joy in Christ: “Of all possible choices, the one that matters most is the choice to follow Jesus Christ. He is the strength of youth. His gospel is the joyful way back to your Heavenly Father.” If we make first the choice to follow Jesus Christ, all other choices will be easier to make.

Clearly the First Presidency wants the youth to be like these Lamanite converts in centering their faith in Jesus Christ. With a focus first on Him, then following the commandments He gives us naturally follows and will “serve to strengthen [our] faith in Christ.”