Neil L. Andersen on learning about and remembering Jesus in our lives

Elder Neil L. Andersen (b. 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"In our world today, each child, each young man and young woman needs his or her own conversion to the truth. Each needs his or her own light, his or her own 'steadfast and immovable' (Alma 1:25) faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, independent of parents, youth leaders, and supportive friends.

"The stories of Jesus can be like a rushing wind across the embers of faith in the hearts of our children. Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6). The stories of Jesus shared over and over bring faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strength to the foundation of testimony. Can you think of a more valuable gift for our children?

"Are the life and teachings of Jesus Christ embedded in the minds and souls of our children? Do they think about the Savior's life when they wonder what to do in their own lives? This will be more and more important in the years ahead....

"To fathers and mothers, to grandfathers and grandmothers, and to those without children of their own who lovingly nurture children and youth, my counsel is to speak more frequently about Jesus Christ. In His holy name is great spiritual power. 'There [is] no other name given nor any other way... whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ' (Mosiah 3:17)."

- Neil L. Andersen, "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus," Ensign, May 2010, pp. 108-112
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Andersen chose for the theme of this talk the message of the tender Primary song, "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus." He encourages us to teach our children, and to learn more ourselves, about the life and message of the Savior. The strength that comes to our faith and testimony is a great promise, "like a rushing wind across the embers of faith in the hearts of our children" and of adults as well. Those stories and teachings should be "embedded in the minds and souls" of our little ones, in ways that will bless them as they mature and deal with the problems of the world.

It's not hard to imagine the difference there would be in our world if more people were remembering and pondering the life of the Savior in our daily activities, struggles, concerns, and interactions. So Elder Andersen suggests the start of change would be to "speak more frequently about Jesus Christ." Very wise counsel!