Raising Children in the Way They Should Go

2 Nephi 4:5 - "But behold, my sons and my daughters, I cannot go down to my grave save I should leave a blessing upon you; for behold, I know that if ye are brought up in the way ye should go ye will not depart from it."

Elder M. Russell Ballard - “Our family-centered perspective should make Latter-day Saints strive to be the best parents in the world. It should give us enormous respect for our children, who truly are our spiritual siblings, and it should cause us to devote whatever time is necessary to strengthen our families. Indeed, nothing is more critically connected to happiness —both our own and that of our children —than how well we love and support one another within the family”

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Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:12

Welcome to Seek This Jesus, a daily podcast dedicated to drawing closer to the Savior through the powerful truths found in the Book of Mormon. Each episode, we focus on one verse that helps us walk more faithfully in his footsteps. Second Nephi chapter four captures a sacred moment. Lehi, knowing his life is drawing to a close, speaks directly to his children and grandchildren. His words are deliberate, tender, and focused on what matters most. He does not speak casually or abstractly. He speaks as a father who understands the lasting influence of teaching and example within the family. Lehi declares in Second Nephi chapter four five. But behold, my sons and my daughters, I cannot go down to my grave save I should leave a blessing upon you, for behold I know that if you are brought up in the way you should go, ye will not depart from it. As we study this verse today, along with teachings from Elder M. Russell Ballard, we will consider what it means to raise children in the way they should go and live with purpose in Jesus Christ. Lehi's statement begins with urgency and purpose. He cannot go down to his grave without leaving a blessing upon his children. This tells us that teaching within the family is not accidental or passive. It is intentional. It requires thought, effort, and a conscious decision to speak, guide, and bless. Lehi connects blessing with upbringing. He does not separate spiritual outcomes from daily family life. To be brought up implies a process repetition, patience, correction, encouragement, and instruction over time. Children are shaped by what they consistently experience in the home, what is spoken, what is modeled, and what is prioritized all teach powerful lessons. This reminds us that family teaching is not limited to formal lessons. It includes conversations, habits, responses to challenges, and the tone of the home. When Lehi speaks of the way ye should go, he is pointing toward a path not a single moment. A path is learned by walking it repeatedly. Application naturally follows. We consider how deliberately we approach teaching in the home. Are we thoughtful about what we emphasize? Do our actions reinforce the gospel principles we hope our children will carry with them? Lehi's words invite us to be intentional, recognizing that consistent guidance leaves us a lasting imprint. Elder M. Russell Ballard expands this principle by teaching how we view our children.

SPEAKER_00 3:21

He said Our family centered perspective should make Latter day Saints strive to be the best parents in the world. It should give us enormous respect for our children, who truly are our spiritual siblings, and it should cause us to devote whatever time is necessary to strengthen our families. Indeed, nothing is more critically connected to happiness, both our own and that of our children than how well we love and support one another within the family.

SPEAKER_01 3:57

This perspective elevates parenting from a responsibility to a sacred stewardship. Children are not distractions from spiritual life, they are central to it. Seeing children as spiritual siblings changes how we speak to them, how we listen, and how we respond when challenges arise. Elder Ballard emphasizes respect. Respect leads to patience. Respect leads to teaching rather than reacting. Respect leads to correcting with love instead of frustration. When children are treated as valued individuals with eternal worth, teaching becomes relational rather than merely instructional. Application is embedded here. We examine whether our interactions reflect the respect Elder Ballard describes. Do we make space for questions, growth and learning? Do we show through our actions that our children matter deeply not only to us, but to God? This kind of respect builds trust, and trust strengthens the influence of the gospel teaching in the home. Lehi promises something remarkable. If children are brought up in the way they should go, they will not depart from it. This does not suggest a life without agency or struggle. Rather it points to the enduring power of early and consistent teaching. The way Lehi refers to is not merely rules or expectations. It is a way of thinking, believing, and choosing. Children raised with clear spiritual direction carry that framework with them. Even when they face opposition or uncertainty, the foundation remains. Elder Ballard connects this consistency to happiness. Happiness is not disconnected from effort in the home. It grows from love, support, and shared commitment to gospel living. Teaching in the home shapes not only future choices but present peace. Application here invites reflection. We consider what patterns we are reinforcing daily. Are we consistent in gospel priorities or are they overshadowed by distractions? Consistency gives children a spiritual compass. Even when life becomes complex, that compass helps them recognize truth and direction. Today the invitation is practical and immediate. Raising children in the way they should go happens in ordinary moments. It happens in how we speak about the Savior, how we respond to mistakes, and how we show love during stress or fatigue. Lehi did not wait for a perfect moment to teach. Elder Ballard reminds us that strengthening families requires devoting whatever time is necessary. This does not mean perfection, it means priority. The way is built over time through consistency, respect, and love. We apply this by focusing on small, faithful patterns. We choose to speak with patience. We choose to model repentance. We choose to make space for gospel centered conversation. These choices quietly shape the way our children learn to walk. So here is today's challenge. Choose one intentional way today to strengthen teaching in the home. This may be a gospel centered conversation, a moment of patient correction, or a deliberate act of support and encouragement. Focus on consistency rather than completeness, and commit to building the way step by step through love and example. Thank you for listening to Seek This Jesus. I hope this message helps you draw a little closer to the Savior Jesus Christ. Please, don't let this podcast be your only scripture time today. As we open the scriptures for ourselves, the Spirit will teach us things no podcast ever could. If you are exploring the truths of the Book of Mormon for the first time, you can receive a free copy using the link in the description found in every episode of Seek This Jesus. I invite you to come back tomorrow for another verse and message to help you keep stay focused on Jesus Christ. Until next time, keep seeking this Jesus.