I spend a lot of time with young
people in my job. They are wonderful
friends and so many of them are courageous in a difficult world -- faithful to
what they believe. But like all young
people, distractions occur and some choices they make are not always best for
their future. Once in a while they even
falter to such a degree that they feel they are not fit for recovery (they are – just see what Jesus says in verse 32 here).
Part of my job is to warn and
prepare these wonderful souls for the challenges they will encounter from outside (and sometimes
inside) influences. Many have parents
who are heavily involved in the same process but often these youth feel left without help
to make it on their own. The traps they
encounter are so numerous that even the really good ones have moments when they
don’t recognize the dangerous positions they are about to enter. If I didn't understand the Plan of Salvation,
I might think that this whole ‘growing up’ business is unfair and rigged against
the unsuspecting.
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| Pres. Packer |
Some years ago, one of the
Apostles of the Lord shared a message
in General Conference. The talk was later adapted to a short video that, at least for me, capsulizes what the youth of
this world have to do in order to be safe.
It’s called “Spiritual Crocodiles” and can be viewed here. Take a few minutes (about 9 ½) and see how
you feel about the counsel given. If you
like it, you might want to sit down with a young person you know. Point out some of the ‘crocodiles’ you have encountered out there and ways they can be
avoided or overcome.
But more importantly, invite them
to approach their Heavenly Father on a regular basis in personal prayer so they can be protected
from the wiles of the Devil in their lives.
I don’t think you will be disappointed with the results and you may just
save the life (spiritual and physical)
of a wonderful child of God.
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| Large American Crocodile |
P.S. Nephi gives some pointers on
the tactics of the devil in these verses: 2 Nephi 28:20-22. Check it out.
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