Elder Valeri V. Cordón
Elder Valeri V. Cordón’s talk, “Divine Parenting Lessons,” emphasizes the profound role parents play in guiding their children back to heaven. He highlights the importance of creating a gospel-centered culture in the family, teaching freely, modeling discipleship, and inviting children to act in faith. Elder Cordón underscores the significance of intentional parenting in helping children find their way on God’s covenant path.
Climb to the Higher Ground of Gospel Culture
Elder Cordón stresses the need for families to embrace a gospel culture, quoting President Dallin H. Oaks: “This gospel culture comes from the plan of salvation, the commandments of God, and the teachings of living prophets. It guides us in the way we raise our families and live our individual lives.” This section calls for a shift toward a culture aligned with Christ’s teachings.
“To climb to higher ground, President Oaks invited us ‘to give up any personal or family traditions or practices that are contrary to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ.’”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Moses 6:56-62: “Wherefore teach it unto your children, that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God”
- 3 Nephi 18:21: “Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed.”
Make Home the Center of Gospel Learning
Elder Cordón discusses the pivotal role of the home as the “center of gospel learning,” emphasizing the importance of teaching freely, modeling discipleship, and inviting children to act. He underscores the significance of nurturing faith in children’s hearts through personal revelation and agency.
“Our love and inspired invitations can make a difference in how our children use their agency. President Nelson emphasized, ‘No other work transcends that of righteous, intentional parenting!’”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 42:61: “If thou lovest me thou shalt serve me and keep all my commandments.”
- Alma 56:47-48: “Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.”
Righteous, Intentional Parenting
Elder Cordón describes parenting as a divine partnership with Heavenly Father, quoting President Russell M. Nelson: “God will do everything He can, short of violating your agency, to help you not miss out on the greatest blessings in all eternity.” He emphasizes the need for parents to actively nurture their children’s spiritual growth and bear witness of the gospel’s truth.
“Our Heavenly Father never intended for us as parents to sit on the sidelines as spectators, watching the spiritual lives of our children unfold.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Moses 1:39: “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”
- Helaman 5:12: “And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation.”
Conclusion
In the conclusion, Elder Cordón reminds parents of the countless worldly influences vying for their children’s attention. He encourages parents to partner with God through covenants, allowing God to inspire their teachings and guide their children toward remission of sins through faith in Jesus Christ.
“As we partner with God through covenants and become His agents in the care of our children, He will sanctify our intentions, inspire our teachings, and temper our invitations.”
Calls to Action:
- Embrace a gospel culture in your family, aligning it with the teachings of living prophets and the plan of salvation.
- Make your home a center for gospel learning, teaching freely, modeling discipleship, and inviting your children to act in faith.
- Engage in righteous, intentional parenting, actively nurturing your children’s spiritual growth and bearing witness of the gospel’s truth.