Parents, grandparents and leaders must be an "example of the believers" to keep their children and the youth of the Church on the path to eternal life, Sister Mary N. Cook said during the Sunday morning session of general conference.

"Today I would like to invite you to be an example of the believers in faith and in purity — two principles required for salvation," she said.

An example of the believers in faith.

"Actively strengthen your own faith and testimony of Jesus Christ thus preparing to testify by word and example to your children," she counseled.

She spoke of the great example of faith Lucy Mack Smith, mother of the Prophet Joseph Smith, was to her children.

"Like Lucy, we must show our children and youth how to strengthen their faith and testimony of Jesus Christ by strengthening our own, through studying the scriptures and through prayer, personally as well as with them. ...

"Parents, grandparents and leaders, your message must be clear," she said. "Clarity can only result from having both hands on the rod and from living by the truths found in the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets. You may not be raising a prophet as Lucy was, but you are certainly raising tomorrow's leaders, and your actions are just as tangibly linked to their faith."

An example of the believers in purity.

Sister Cook encouraged parents to obtain a personal copy of the "For the Strength of Youth" and read it often. "Live the standards yourself. Have thoughtful gospel conversations with youth that will help them develop their own desire to live and discover for themselves the meaning and purpose of the standards."

Even when standards of the world — such as some entertainment and media standards — are at odds with the standards of the Church, parents must stick to what is "virtuous and lovely" in their personal lives.

"By example we can help our children understand that spending long periods of time using the Internet, social media and cell phones, playing video games or watching television keep us from productive activities and valuable interactions with others."

Part of being an example of purity includes being modest in dress and appearance, she said.

"As a covenant people, we have the responsibility to care for, protect and properly clothe our bodies," she said. "We must help our children and youth understand that we respect our bodies as temples and as gifts from God. We set the example by refusing to purchase or wear immodest clothing that is too tight, too sheer or revealing in any other manner. ... Covenant keepers strive to be obedient... because of their love of God and His promised blessings." — Marianne Holman