Youth around the world have been invited to read the updated “For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices” in preparation for September schedule changes.
As a seminary teacher, I felt drawn to heed this invitation as well and completed a careful side-by-side comparison with the 2022 edition.
In addition to the obvious difference—12 principles, one for each month—I found other meaningful refinements that deepened my understanding and will affect the way I teach.
Confidence
In a world where youth are constantly hearing messages that undermine their confidence, the First Presidency begins the guide by expressing love and confidence in the youth.
In the previous edition, they acknowledge that youth may sometimes not feel “strong or capable.”
In the updated guide, they write, “You are stronger and more capable than you realize.” This subtle shift communicates their confidence in the rising generation while directing them to the source of that strength.
The previous edition invited youth to “turn to the Savior” in the section “Make inspired choices.” The updated edition invites youth to “rely on the Savior.”
Reliance suggests complete trust and confidence in Him. It teaches that strength is not merely found through occasionally turning to the Savior but choosing continual dependence on Him. In the updated guide, youth read the reassuring message that “Jesus Christ is your strength” 15 times.
Divine Identity
In “Make inspired choices,” the paragraphs were reorganized and now align with the late President Russell M. Nelson’s teachings regarding our three “paramount and unchanging identifiers”—child of God, child of the covenant, and disciple of Jesus Christ.
The updated guide begins by emphasizing our identity as children of God with the section “You are a beloved spirit child of God,” before teaching about covenant identity and discipleship. By comparison, the previous edition began with the section “Jesus Christ is the way to eternal joy,” followed by “You are a beloved spirit child of God.” The revised sequence places our divine identity first—a foundation President Nelson taught should shape every other aspect of our lives.
Principles and commandments make more sense when youth have a clear understanding of who they really are, and as President Camille N. Johnson just recently taught: “When we know we are literal spirit children of God, it affects nearly every decision we make.”
Order Matters
There is purpose in the order in which principles are organized in the FSY guide, as John Bytheway, a former member of the Young Men general advisory council, has pointed out. In the updated guide, the chapters build upon one another.
The first three chapters build a foundation that was not found in the 2022 version. Youth are reminded of God’s plan and learn how to more clearly “Hear Him” and engage in His work.
Next, they are taught that Jesus Christ will help them as they walk in God’s light and love God and others. They then learn how this help is accessed through covenants and priesthood keys. This all provides vital context for teaching chastity, the Word of Wisdom, modesty, and truth.
Ultimately, youth are reminded of the purpose: joy.
Greater Clarity on Temple Recommend Questions
Greater clarity concerning all the youth temple recommend questions is found in the updated guide. The 2022 guide addressed eternal truths that helped youth in answering eight of the 13 questions asked in a temple recommend interview. The updated guide addresses eternal truths that help youth understand all the temple recommend questions and helps them understand why we need the temple in addition to baptism and the sacrament.
Parents and leaders should also note that the FSY guide beautifully teaches both the saving and sanctifying power made possible by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Chapter 7 highlights the Aaronic Priesthood ordinances and covenants that help individuals overcome the world. Chapter 8 highlights the Melchizedek Priesthood ordinances and covenants that help us become more like God and Jesus Christ.
More Joy
In the 2022 guide, “Finding joy in Christ” was the title of the conclusion. Now “Jesus Christ brings joy” is an entire chapter which will be taught during the Christmas season each year.
The expanded chapter reminds youth of President Nelson’s teaching that joy doesn’t come from your circumstances but from following Jesus Christ.
This chapter also invites youth to be more joyful in their worship, as taught by Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Youth are asked to make sacred music part of their worship at home and at church.
After studying both editions of the FSY guide side by side, I realized that the revisions do more than simply add content. They communicate confidence, emphasize divine identity, present principles and standards in a meaningful order, clarify doctrine, and invite youth to find joy in Christ.
Identifying these patterns will help parents, leaders, and teachers help youth use the guide more effectively starting in September.
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