Sister Jean A. Stevens: 'Become as a Little Child'
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181st Annual General Conference — Church News coverage
"[Children] come to families as precious gifts with a divine nature and destiny," said Sister Jean A. Stevens of the Primary General Presidency as she spoke in the Saturday morning session of conference. She emphasized the many things that can be learned from children as she shared many from her travels visiting Primary children all around the world.
She told of how the law of tithing was taught in a Primary in a humble ward in Hong Kong, and the children committed to pay tithing on the money that they earned. The bishop chose to approach and teach the children and 'faith-filled' members first when teaching tithing, and then to the rest of the adults.
He told the adults that their children had been paying tithing faithfully for six months and asked if they would be willing to follow their example. The members were so touched by the sacrifices of their children that they were willing to do what was necessary to pay tithing as well.
"The windows of heaven were opened," Sister Stevens said. "With the example of these faithful children, a ward grew in obedience and testimony."
Jesus Christ, Himself, taught all to look to children as examples. The book of Matthew records Christ when He answered His Apostles questions with a powerful lessons.
"'Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven,'" Sister Stevens quoted Matthew 18:3-4. "'Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"
Sister Stevens said that children can teach qualities that come from having believing hearts.
"They are full of faith and receptive to feelings of the Spirit," Sister Stevens said. "They exemplify humility, obedience and love. They are often the first to love and the first to forgive."
She shared many examples of stalwart children from all around the world who provide examples of childlike qualities that all adults could stand to re-discover for themselves.
"Look around at the children in your life," Sister Stevens challenged. "If we have a heart to learn and a willingness to follow the example of children, their divine attributes can hold a key to unlocking our own spiritual growth."
