Sharing Time:

Stand Up and Be Counted

By Pat Graham

Learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God (Alma 37:35).

When you are baptized, you promise to keep the commandments of God and try to be like Jesus. Sometime someone may want you to break you baptismal promise. They may say that it’s really fun to smoke or use drugs or that you are the only one they know who doesn’t spend money at stores on Sunday. When you feel confused and wonder what you should do, it is a good idea to talk to your parents or Primary teacher, or someone else who cares about you. Of course, you can always pray to Heavenly Father. Remember, you can know in your heart what you should do. You may think that you will have to stand alone, but you will begin to notice that all the truly happy people are obeying the commandments.

Here are some people who stood alone and were obedient to important principles.

Instructions

1. Write your name in blank wedge, and write some principles you are obedient to.

2. Cut out circle and spinner and mount on light-weight cardboard. Fasten spinner in center of circle with brass fastener.

3. Play game alone, with family, or with friends. When more than one person plays, take turns spinning question mark. Tell what you can remember about person spinner points to, without looking at information. Score one point for each fact.

Sharing Time Ideas

1. Discuss baptismal covenant and promise made when sacrament is taken.

2. Enlarge pictures and assign children to tell about characters. Make additional drawings of local people who stood alone, and tell their story.

3. Role play saying no to someone who wants you to do something that you promised not to do. Make list of children’s suggestions of additional answers they could give.

4. Sing “Keep the Commandments” (More Songs for Children, page 14), “Articles of Faith, No. 8” (More Songs for Children, page 40), “Quickly I’ll Obey” (Sing with Me, B-36).

[photos, illustrations]