For the Strength of Youth Updated and Refreshed

Contributed By Heather Whittle Wrigley, Church News and Events

  • 16 December 2011

Article Highlights

  • The text of the revised version of For the Strength of Youth is now available on youth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
  • Updates include the addition of current prophetic counsel, new sections, and thought-provoking questions.
  • The updated pamphlet will be available in hard copy in 2012.

“It is our hope that these standards will be thoroughly studied in our homes and in Church classes, and that the principles taught in them will go down into the hearts of the youth of the Church.” —David L. Beck, Young Men general president

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Today, youth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org launched anewly updated version of For the Strength of Youth that addresses issues and challenges youth face today that were not specifically addressed in the previous version of the booklet.

“The standards have not changed, but times have changed,” said Young Women general president Elaine S. Dalton, explaining the update. “For the Strength of Youth has been revised to address the issues youth face today—to teach them the doctrine behind the standards and the promised blessings of obedience.”

For the Strength of Youth was last updated in 2001. The revised pamphlet will contain the addition of current prophetic counsel in areas such as the wise use of technology, virtuous thoughts, dating, the importance of gender roles, and preparation for the future.

Other changes of note include:

  • Additional emphasis on following the guidance of the Spirit, keeping covenants, and being worthy to attend the temple
  • A new standard entitled “Work and Self-Reliance” offering counsel on smart money management, frugality, industry, and becoming a contributor.
  • The addition of emotional health to the section previously titled “Physical Health”—now called “Physical and Emotional Health”—encouraging youth to seek healthy solutions to problems.
  • Increased clarity and emphasis on doctrine in each section
  • The inclusion of questions to invite further pondering and discussion

Hard copies of the revised pamphlet in English will be mailed to Church units toward the beginning of 2012. Priesthood leaders will receive a copy for each youth ages 12 to 18 and all priesthood and auxiliary leaders who work with youth.

Young Men general president David L. Beck emphasized the value of this resource for youth, parents, and leaders as they strive to live faithfully.

“It is our hope that these standards will be thoroughly studied in our homes and in Church classes, and that the principles taught in them will go down into the hearts of the youth of the Church,” he said.

Language versions of the revised pamphlet will follow both online and in print as they are completed.

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