The Lesson - How can I help others understand my standards? - What I Did

• Invite the youth to make a list of questions that friends or family members have asked them about the Lord’s standards or commandments. How did the youth explain their standards? What do they wish they had done differently?

I gave these sheeties out at the beginning of class.  When they finished, we discussed them.

Questions and Answers

1.  Make a list of questions that friends or family members have asked you about the Lord’s standards or commandments.

2.  How did you explain your standards to your friends or family members? 

3.  Do you wish you had explained anything differently?

• Bring to class several copies of the New Era or Liahona. Invite the youth to search these magazines for stories that tell about people who had to defend or explain their standards to others. Ask them to share what they learn from these stories. (During the week before class, you may want to search a few issues of Church magazines to find copies that have articles that seem especially relevant to the youth you teach.) Do the youth have any similar experiences from their own lives that they could share? What do they learn from these experiences that can help them explain their standards to others?

I did a little bit of the legwork ahead of time, making another sheetie.  There are different sheets for each kiddo.  Then I had them share what they learned from these stories, and if anyone in the class had experiences like these.

Stories – Explaining Standards

Directions:  Read the following story from the New Era.  In the space underneath the story, write what you learned from the story.

Every day at lunch, a kid at Caleb Earnshaw’s school asks him, “So Caleb, when are you going to have sex?”

And every day, 15-year-old Caleb gives the same answer, “Not until I’m married.”

The next question is always, “Why?”

And it is the answer to this question that attracts the crowd. Caleb says, “I look at it as an opportunity. Every day, people gather around for the conversation, all these people sitting around us, listening intently. Every day I tell him about God’s plan for marriage. I’ve told him that way you never have regrets.”

Stories – Explaining Standards

Directions:  Read the following story from the New Era.  In the space underneath the story, write what you learned from the story.

For Sarah Ayer, 16, of the Laconia Ward, the subject of drinking has become a sticking point with some classmates. “Someone in my chemistry class asked me what would happen if I drank.

“They asked, ‘Would your parents disown you?’

“‘No, they wouldn’t do that,’ I answered.

“‘Then why don’t you just try?’

“‘Because it’s bad for you. God gave us the Word of Wisdom so we can know what is good and bad.’

Stories – Explaining Standards

Directions:  Read the following story from the New Era.  In the space underneath the story, write what you learned from the story.

It seems like one of the most difficult standards for these teens to convince their friends of is waiting to date until they are 16.

Elena Halley, 17, of the Ascutney Ward explained it this way: “They don’t get that we’re young. We have a very long time to date and get to know somebody we can consider marrying. I’ve seen a lot of couples who have dated too young end up sadly.”

Stories – Explaining Standards

Directions:  Read the following story from the New Era.  In the space underneath the story, write what you learned from the story.

One of the standards that causes a lot of discussion among Mitchell Mender's friends is not drinking.  Mitchell, 17, of the Lebanon Ward says, “My friends just can’t understand why I don’t want to have any ‘fun.’ A lot of times I tell them that I like being able to remember what I do. I see that a lot of them get into trouble. I tell them I don’t want to ruin my life like that. They know me and that I’m not going to give in.”

Stories – Explaining Standards

Directions:  Read the following story from the New Era.  In the space underneath the story, write what you learned from the story.

Seth Sansoucie, 15, of the Canterbury Ward says that it seems like everybody in his school swears. “Some ask why I don’t swear. I say it’s against my religion. My friends don’t swear a lot, but every once in awhile I’ll have to say, ‘Hey, watch it when I’m around.’”

Stories – Explaining Standards

Directions:  Read the following story from the New Era.  In the space underneath the story, write what you learned from the story.

Teens seem to love having the standards written down in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. They find it handy to give to friends and to refer to.

Megan E. Snyder, 17, of the Bedford Ward says, “I have the little one in my wallet, and I whip that out so many times. I love it.”

“My cousin has one, and he’s not Mormon,” says Olivia Searle, 16, of the Laconia Ward. “He carries it in his wallet. Lots of my friends have a copy.”

“They always find it really interesting,” says Elisabeth Earnshaw. “Some think that people don’t respect Mormon standards, but I find that if I ever discuss them with anyone, most of the time they are very accepting. They may not understand, but they respect someone who is able to follow those standards.”

Stories – Explaining Standards

Directions:  Read the following story from the New Era.  In the space underneath the story, write what you learned from the story.

In a lesson taught a few weeks ago in seminary, something really touched me and had a huge effect on me and my life. My teacher read aloud the Entertainment and Media section from For The Strength of Youth. There was one passage she kept repeating over and over again. It said, “Do not attend, view, or participate in entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in entertainment that in any way presents immorality or violent behavior as acceptable” ([2001], 17). As she said this over and over again, it started to sink into me.

Later that day at school, I was in my English lesson when my teacher said, “Today we are going to watch a film as a treat.” I really did not want to watch it because it was a scary and vulgar film. I knew that I would feel uncomfortable. I pulled my For the Strength of Youth pamphlet out of my bag and explained to my teacher that I have standards and that this film was inappropriate for me to watch. I was scared and nervous about what my teacher’s reply would be and how she would react to me for sticking up for my standards and what I believed in. She paused for a moment and then said, “Kelsey, I fully understand that you have standards, and I admire you for sticking up for your beliefs.” My teacher then told me that I could go to another room and get a head start on our next topic.

I appreciated my teacher for understanding, and I will always remember this experience. I now know that I can stick up for what I believe in and that the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet is a strong and powerful thing in my life and always will be.

Stories – Explaining Standards

Directions:  Read the following story from the New Era.  In the space underneath the story, write what you learned from the story.

Bright lights. Screaming crowds. Thousands of fans on Facebook. When 17-year-old Gerson Santos became a top-10 finalist in the Portuguese televised musical talent competition Ídolos, he had to adjust to the fame and attention that came with his success. Gerson decided to embrace this unique opportunity to preach the gospel and quickly became known across the Portuguese media as the “Mormon competitor” willing to answer questions about his faith.

Once during a dinner with the other contestants, we talked a little bit about religion, and I spoke about my faith and the standards of the Church. Later I gave each of the finalists a copy of the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet so they could better understand what I believe. Some said the Church’s standards seemed really conservative, but others praised me for having such high standards in these days.

• Give each youth a copy of President Thomas S. Monson’s talk “Preparation Brings Blessings.” Ask the class members to quickly scan the talk, looking for the Church standards that he explains (such as modesty, honesty, and the Word of Wisdom). Invite each youth to select one of these standards, read what President Monson says about it, and share with the class how President Monson explains the standard and anything they find that they could use to help others understand this standard better.

Another sheetie.  This one has directions that are self-explanatory:

Preparation Brings Blessings

Directions:  Read what President Monson says about the following standard.  Be prepared to share with the class how President Monson explains the standard and anything you find that you could use to help others understand this standard better. 

In cultures where dating is appropriate, do not date until you are 16 years old. “Not all teenagers need to date or even want to. … When you begin dating, go in groups or on double dates. … Make sure your parents meet [and become acquainted with] those you date.” Because dating is a preparation for marriage, “date only those who have high standards.” 

Be careful to go to places where there is a good environment, where you won’t be faced with temptation.

A wise father said to his son, “If you ever find yourself in a place where you shouldn’t ought to be, get out!” Good advice for all of us.

Preparation Brings Blessings

Directions:  Read what President Monson says about the following standard.  Be prepared to share with the class how President Monson explains the standard and anything you find that you could use to help others understand this standard better.

Servants of the Lord have always counseled us to dress appropriately to show respect for our Heavenly Father and for ourselves. The way you dress sends messages about yourself to others and often influences the way you and others act. Dress in such a way as to bring out the best in yourself and those around you. Avoid extremes in clothing and appearance, including tattoos and piercings.

Preparation Brings Blessings

Directions:  Read what President Monson says about the following standard.  Be prepared to share with the class how President Monson explains the standard and anything you find that you could use to help others understand this standard better.

The oft-repeated adage is ever true: “Honesty [is] the best policy.”  A Latter-day Saint young man lives as he teaches and as he believes. He is honest with others. He is honest with himself. He is honest with God. He is honest by habit and as a matter of course. When a difficult decision must be made, he never asks himself, “What will others think?” but rather, “What will I think of myself?”

Preparation Brings Blessings

Directions:  Read what President Monson says about the following standard.  Be prepared to share with the class how President Monson explains the standard and anything you find that you could use to help others understand this standard better.

How you speak and the words you use tell much about the image you choose to portray. Use language to build and uplift those around you. Profane, vulgar, or crude language and inappropriate or off-color jokes are offensive to the Lord. Never misuse the name of God or Jesus Christ. The Lord said, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” 

Preparation Brings Blessings

Directions:  Read what President Monson says about the following standard.  Be prepared to share with the class how President Monson explains the standard and anything you find that you could use to help others understand this standard better.

Our Heavenly Father has counseled us to seek after “anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.” 5 Whatever you read, listen to, or watch makes an impression on you.

Pornography is especially dangerous and addictive. Curious exploration of pornography can become a controlling habit, leading to coarser material and to sexual transgression. Avoid pornography at all costs.

Don’t be afraid to walk out of a movie, turn off a television set, or change a radio station if what’s being presented does not meet your Heavenly Father’s standards. In short, if you have any question about whether a particular movie, book, or other form of entertainment is appropriate, don’t see it, don’t read it, don’t participate.

Preparation Brings Blessings

Directions:  Read what President Monson says about the following standard.  Be prepared to share with the class how President Monson explains the standard and anything you find that you could use to help others understand this standard better.

The Apostle Paul declared: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? … The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” Brethren, it is our responsibility to keep our temples clean and pure.

Hard drugs, wrongful use of prescription drugs, alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco products destroy your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Any form of alcohol is harmful to your spirit and your body. Tobacco can enslave you, weaken your lungs, and shorten your life.

Preparation Brings Blessings

Directions:  Read what President Monson says about the following standard.  Be prepared to share with the class how President Monson explains the standard and anything you find that you could use to help others understand this standard better.

Music can help you draw closer to your Heavenly Father. It can be used to educate, edify, inspire, and unite. However, music can, by its tempo, beat, intensity, and lyrics, dull your spiritual sensitivity. You cannot afford to fill your minds with unworthy music.

  

Preparation Brings Blessings

Directions:  Read what President Monson says about the following standard.  Be prepared to share with the class how President Monson explains the standard and anything you find that you could use to help others understand this standard better.

Because sexual intimacy is so sacred, the Lord requires self-control and purity before marriage as well as full fidelity after marriage. In dating, treat your date with respect and expect your date to show that same respect for you. Tears inevitably follow transgression.

Ask each class member to read one of the scriptures in this outline. Invite the youth to find words and phrases that indicate what our attitude should be when we explain our standards to others. 

Words, Words, Words

Read the following scripture. (Your scripture is different than anyone else's in the class.)  Find words and phrases in the scripture that indicate what our attitude should be when we explain our standards to others.   Jot the words and phrases down underneath the scripture on this worksheet.

Romans 1:16  

Words, Words, Words

Read the following scripture. (Your scripture is different than anyone else's in the class.)  Find words and phrases in the scripture that indicate what our attitude should be when we explain our standards to others.   Jot the words and phrases down underneath the scripture on this worksheet.

2 Timothy 1:7-8  

Words, Words, Words

Read the following scripture. (Your scripture is different than anyone else's in the class.)  Find words and phrases in the scripture that indicate what our attitude should be when we explain our standards to others.   Jot the words and phrases down underneath the scripture on this worksheet.

2 Ne 8:7  

Words, Words, Words

Read the following scripture. (Your scripture is different than anyone else's in the class.)  Find words and phrases in the scripture that indicate what our attitude should be when we explain our standards to others.   Jot the words and phrases down underneath the scripture on this worksheet.

1 Timothy 4:12  

Words, Words, Words

Read the following scripture. (Your scripture is different than anyone else's in the class.)  Find words and phrases in the scripture that indicate what our attitude should be when we explain our standards to others.   Jot the words and phrases down underneath the scripture on this worksheet.

3 Ne 11:29 

Words, Words, Words

Read the following scripture. (Your scripture is different than anyone else's in the class.)  Find words and phrases in the scripture that indicate what our attitude should be when we explain our standards to others.   Jot the words and phrases down underneath the scripture on this worksheet.

D&C 11:21 

Words, Words, Words

Read the following scripture. (Your scripture is different than anyone else's in the class.)  Find words and phrases in the scripture that indicate what our attitude should be when we explain our standards to others.   Jot the words and phrases down underneath the scripture on this worksheet.

D&C 84:85 

Words, Words, Words

Read the following scripture. (Your scripture is different than anyone else's in the class.)  Find words and phrases in the scripture that indicate what our attitude should be when we explain our standards to others.   Jot the words and phrases down underneath the scripture on this worksheet.

D&C 100:5-8

And that's it!