Parenting in the Digital Wilds: Keeping the Spirit Lit for the Next Generation

Has anyone else felt like parenting today is less like raising kids and more like navigating a minefield of cultural currents, anxiety spikes, and glowing rectangles? If you nodded along to that thought, you are not alone. It feels overwhelming, doesn't it? Like we're trying to teach eternal principles in a world that seems determined to pull us in a thousand different directions.

I was recently reflecting on this, and it hit me: whether we’re trying to teach our own children or trying to guide an investigator through the nuances of the Plan of Salvation, the core challenge is always the same—it requires intentional, Christ-centered effort. It requires us to model the gospel, to keep our own discipleship strong, and to rely on the Spirit.

The message we received recently really resonated with that feeling of being stretched thin. It spoke to the difficulty of parenting, but more profoundly, it spoke to the difficulty of *being* a disciple in the modern era—where the distractions are endless and the pressures feel immense.

Modeling the Gospel in a Noisy World

What struck me most was the realization that our own family life, even when seemingly perfect on the outside—the "legacy trip" moments—can have deep, hidden struggles. The gospel isn't a perfect performance; it's a daily, messy, Spirit-filled effort. We are not perfect Christian families, and that's okay! In fact, acknowledging our own frailty is often the first step toward true discipleship.

For those of us who are seasoned in the work—the returned missionaries, the seasoned disciples—we know that the best teaching often happens not in a formal lesson, but in the quiet moments of vulnerability. When we are struggling, when we feel like we are failing to guide our children, our spouses, or even our own spiritual lives, that is often when the Spirit whispers, “Go back to the fundamentals.”

The Power of Intentional Discipleship

The video touched on how quickly the world throws information—and distraction—at our children. It’s a deluge. As Latter-day Saints, our greatest tool against the tide of worldly noise is not better technology, but deeper, more personal scripture study and a commitment to making Jesus Christ the center of everything. We must teach our kids, and ourselves, how to find the source of truth.

This reminds me of the power of consistent, focused study. If you’re looking for ways to anchor your family’s learning, I highly recommend diving into the LivingBook. The Social Scripture Study layer, for instance, allows you to see how others are grappling with the same scriptures you are. It’s like having a built-in, global Book Club right at your fingertips.

Remember that the ultimate goal of all our efforts—whether it's in missionary discussions or raising a family—is to help others find the Savior and build a relationship with Him that lasts beyond the fleeting trends of the day. We are called to be internet missionaries everywhere we go.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: The 'Why' Question

As we continue to live out the mandate that every member can be a disciple anywhere, I wanted to leave you with a simple skill, something I've found invaluable when talking with friends who are questioning their faith, or even when talking to my own kids about difficult topics. It’s the 'Why' Question.

When someone states a belief, instead of immediately correcting the *what*, ask, “What makes you feel that is true?” or “Why do you think that is?” This shifts the conversation from a debate of facts to a discussion of conviction. It allows the Spirit to do the gentle work of revelation, which is always more powerful than argument.

If you want to practice this skill, or if you're wrestling with a tough question yourself, I encourage you to utilize Davee. He’s trained in the AI Investigator role, and he can walk you through hypothetical challenging questions and help you frame your answers with the grace and clarity taught in Preach My Gospel.

Next Steps for the Disciple

Where do we go from here? If this message has stirred something in your heart—a desire to deepen your own understanding, or a renewed commitment to your family’s spiritual education—I have a few suggestions:

1. Deepen Study: Check out the Book Clubs or Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces. Connecting with others who are actively studying scripture is a powerful way to build spiritual momentum.
2. Challenge Yourself: If you need a gentle nudge toward action, join one of our free weekly Disciple Challenges! (Link in comments/bio).
3. Read Up: For foundational guidance on these topics, I recommend revisiting the teachings on family and covenants in the Iron Rod. Check out what's available in LivingBook.

We are all disciples, disciples in our homes, in our workplaces, and in our digital lives. Let’s keep raising up the next wave with patience, prayer, and the unwavering testimony of the restored gospel. The work is worth it, brothers and sisters.