Decision-making can be a simple process when we put Christ first.
PHOTO BY TOM SODOGE
In the October 2022 General Conference, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf announced an updated version of the Church’s “For the Strength of Youth” pamphlet. This pamphlet has served as a guideline for the youth of the Church since 1965, with a handful of subsequent versions published since. Although this pamphlet is designed to aid members ages 12–18 in decision-making, much of the advice given in “For the Strength of Youth” applies to members of all ages.
Making decisions is difficult as an adolescent, but it can be an even bigger hurdle later in life, especially without guidance. In the talk “Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth,” Elder Uchtdorf explained, “You need to put your trust in Jesus Christ. He will lead you the right way. He is your strength.” Elder Uchtdorf teaches the essential doctrine that, through Christ, we have the power to choose the right.
As life goes on, there are more and more choices to make that are constantly increasing in importance. Some of these include deciding whether or not to serve a mission, choosing a spouse, deciding where to live, determining when to have kids, and more. Oftentimes, we can feel overwhelmed by all of these pivotal moments in our lives. We can even feel hopeless or defeated when we don’t know what to do or we make a wrong decision. However, we can find hope and strength in Christ.
“I believe the Savior Jesus Christ would want you to see, feel, and know that He is your strength,” Elder Uchtdorf said. “[W]ith His help, there are no limits to what you can accomplish.” We can go to Christ through prayer, through scripture, through service, and through countless other methods. He is always there and more than willing to help us make these choices. Elder Uchtdorf emphasizes this thought, saying, “When you have important choices to make, Jesus Christ and His restored gospel are the best choice.”
Read and watch Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk “Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth.”
Source: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng
—Payton Pingree, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY ANTHONY TORI
Find more insights
Learn more about not being afraid of decision-making in Emma Freestone’s article, “Why You Don’t Need To Be Afraid of Decisions.”
Read more about how principles directed toward the youth of the church can apply to all members in “Children and Youth Program—Not Just for Kids” by Pamela Anderson.