TEACHING OUR CHILDREN

BYU Professor Robert Millet, former Dean of Religious Education, bishop, stake president and temple worker has said the following:  "Why must we teach our children to repent?  Because God is a Man of Holiness, as it says in Moses 6:57, He can't tolerate sin.  Let me give you an example.

 As part of my calling, from time to time, in an interview, I have asked young people how they are doing in terms of worthiness.  Let's suppose they confess a moral transgression.  Then I say, 'OK Brenda, Why is this wrong?  And Brenda says, 'Because we shouldn't do this.'  'That's right Brenda, we shouldn't do this.'  'Why shouldn't we do this?'  'Well, because my parents tell me I shouldn't do this.'  'That's right Brenda.  'Why would they tell you that?'  'Well, because the Church teaches you shouldn't do this.'  'That's right Brenda.  Why would the Church teach such a thing?  'Well, probably because the scriptures say you shouldn't do this.'  'Very good.  Why would the scriptures say that?'  Well, 'cause Heavenly Father doesn't want me to do this.  'Very good, Brenda.  Why doesn't Heavenly Father want you to do this?'

And then there is a long, long pause.  We've now reached beyond the precept, the precept, thou shalt not and I'm pushing her to the principle and it's not catching.  We fail to teach our children and our grandchildren properly if all we teach is the precept and the commandment and they don't understand that behind the precept is the principle and even behind the principle is the person of God.  God is Holy and He expects us to be Holy.  He can't tolerate unholiness or sin."