June's Presidency Message

SisterJean A. Stevens, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, spoke inthe April 2011 General Conference about the importance of becoming as a littlechild. Although we’ve heard this before,it cannot be over emphasized.

JesusChrist taught us the value of following the example of children. When his Apostles disputed who should be thegreatest in the kingdom of heaven he answered, “…Verily I say unto you, Exceptye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdomof heaven. Whosoever therefore shallhumble himself as this little children, the same is greatest in the kingdom ofheaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4)

Anyonewho spends time with young children knows why they are so precious in the sightof our Lord, and why it is their example we need to follow, not the other wayaround. Children are full of love. They exemplify humility, faith, andobedience. They arrive from heaven withbelieving hearts, and they are usually the first to forgive others. No wonder they are so precious in His sight,and in ours.

Inthe Book of Mormon we read about the events of the Savior’s visit to theAmericas following his resurrection. Histender ministry to the children is memorable. “…and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, andprayed unto the Father for them. Andwhen he had done this he wept…. And hespake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.” (3Nephi 17:21-23)

ElderM. Russell Ballard taught us the importance of the Savior’s admonition to“behold your little ones” when he said, “Notice that He didn’t say ‘glance atthem’ or ‘casually observe them’ or ‘occasionally take a look in their generaldirection.’ He said to behold them. To me that means that we should embrace themwith our eyes and with our hearts; we should see and appreciate them for whothey really are: spirit children of our Heavenly Father, with divineattributes” (“Great Shall Be the Peace of Thy Children,” Ensign, April 1994, 59).

Iflife’s experiences have robbed you of the believing heart and childlike faithyou once had, look around at the children in your life. If you have a heart to learn and awillingness to follow the precious example of children, their divine attributescan hold a key to unlocking your own spiritual growth.

Ihave such a testimony of the importance of following the example of preciouschildren. I am grateful for theirexample of purity, love, forgiveness, faith, and virtue. I desire to become more like littlechildren. I thank Heavenly Father fortheir example and for their presence in my life.

Joyce