Every year the First Presidency along with the Quorum of the Twelve provides a theme for mutual (which is Young Men’s and Young Women’s). Leaders are supposed to incorporate the theme into opening exercises for their activities. This year the theme is:
“Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations’”(D&C 115:5).
This is a wonderful theme as it encourages youth to stand up and be an example to those around them by sharing their testimonies. It also encourages the youth to live the standards of the church. This is a call that can apply to all members of the church, not just the youth. One important way that we can reach out to those around us is through acts of service.
As parents of youth you may want to plan a family home evening lesson on this theme, and plan how you can incorporate it into your family life as well. In the January issue of “The New Era,” the Young Men’s and Young Women’s presidency have listed some ideas that can help the youth apply the theme to their lives. One of the ideas that they give is to have the youth present the family home evening lesson on the theme. Another is to make a banner, like The Title of Liberty in the Book of Mormon, which represents the standards that they are to live.
Another great way to encourage your teenagers to live the standards of the church is to talk with them about the For Strength of Youth pamphlet. As you read and discuss this with your youth, you can make sure that your children really do understand the standards, and why we have them. Living the standards yourself is another great way to encourage the youth to live them. Your example really makes a big difference in their lives.