In the first chapter of Mosiah we get to see King Benjamin as a father to his three sons: Mosiah, Helorum, and Helaman.

“And [King Benjamin] caused that [his sons] should be taught in all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might become men of understanding; and that they might know concerning the prophecies which had been spoken by the mouths of their fathers, which were delivered them by the hand of the Lord.” (Mosiah 1:2)

Teach from the Scriptures

It is interesting that King Benjamin taught his sons the language of his fathers, that they might know and understand the prophecies of prophets past. In other words, that they might be able to read the records, or the scriptures, and be able to read for themselves these holy words.

Family scripture study is a commandment that is repeatedly commanded of us, yet difficult to instill in a busy family. I grew up in a family that forced me to get up very early before school to gather and read from the Book of Mormon. It was hard, and often I didn’t like it! In fact, I’m pretty sure I wasn’t always awake for each scripture session, but I also know that the consistency of reading the scriptures made the scriptures familiar to me. As an adult, I look back with gratitude that my parents didn’t give up the fight to get me to read and participate in daily scripture reading.

The language of the scriptures is unique, and takes time to immerse yourself in. By starting our children at a young age, they grow into the scriptures. As they do, they will learn what Elder Scott teaches, that “learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere, in the world.”

Teach from the scriptures as our children grow, and they will look to the scriptures as friends to turn to at difficult times.

Bear Testimony of What is Important to You

King Benjamin continues talking about the scriptures by bearing testimony of their importance:

“O my sons, I would that ye should remember that these sayings are true, and also that these records are true. And behold, also the plates of Nephi, which contain the records and the sayings of our fathers from the time they left Jerusalem until now, and they are true; and we can know of their surety because we have them before our eyes.” (Mosiah 1:6)

Remember, that King Benjamin’s father, Mosiah fled the Land of Nephi to stay away from the warring Lamanites. They came to Zarahemla where they found a group of people who had left Jerusalem around the same time Lehi had, but they had no Plates of Brass, or records of any kind. The result was corruption of language, loss of their knowledge of God, and great strife and turmoil. King Benjamin had seen firsthand what a difference having records can make. He testifies to his sons of their importance.

Instruct Children to Act 

After teaching and testifying, King Benjamin instructs his sons to act on what they have been taught.

“And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to the promises which the Lord made unto our fathers.”  (Mosiah 1:7)

Help our children learn by doing. Invite them to act upon what they have been taught. Give your children a safe place in which to make choices, right or wrong, within the home. Doing this can be compared to what Heavenly Father did for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden: He provided a safe, loving home. He gave them commandments and allowed them room to make their choice. When a wrong choice was made He did not berate or lecture, he simply reminded them of the consequence, followed through with the consequence, and then told them of their Savior Jesus Christ, whom they could look to for repentance of their sin. We can have no better pattern to follow in how to guide and discipline our children.

King Benjamin raised righteous sons and he was able to bring peace to the Nephite people. He seemed to see from a distance what his people, and his family, needed to be protected from Satan’s influence. Before his death, he built a tower and gathered his family and his people together to teach, testify and instruct one more time. The result was a people that were unified and converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the 2010 April General Conference Elder Bednar made some wonderful promises to parents so that we too may see from afar the dangers that may threaten our families. He said,” I pray for the guidance of the Holy Ghost as I describe a spiritual early warning system that can help parents in Zion to be watchful and discerning concerning their children. This early warning system applies to children of all ages and contains three basic components.”

Component 1: Reading and Talking about the Book of Mormon

Component 2: Bear Testimony Spontaneously

Component 3: Invite Children to Act

Do these look familiar? King Benjamin’s example from long ago, and Elder Bednar’s council from April 2010 General Conference are almost identical! By following this pattern of Spiritual Leadership, we can protect our children and raise them righteously.

Elder Bednar ends his talk with this promise:

“I bear witness that parents who consistently read and talk about the Book of Mormon with their children, who share testimony spontaneously with their children, and who invite children as gospel learners to act and not merely be acted upon will be blessed with eyes that can see afar off and with ears that can hear the sound of the trumpet. The spiritual discernment and inspiration you will receive from the combination of these three holy habits will enable you to stand as watchmen on the tower for your families—”watching … with all perseverance” to the blessing of your immediate family and your future posterity.”