Rescuing Wayward Children

In an article discussing gospel perspectives in saving our wayward children, Larry Barkdull says the following:

"For a parent to become an agent of change, capable of acting in the strength of the Lord, suggests global perspective offered by the Plan of Redemption, intense faith in Jesus Christ, and courageous implementation of the redemptive principles. The gospel teaches us this powerful truth: Every effort that we make to increase our level of sanctification has a direct redeeming effect on those for whom we are praying, as evidenced in the account of Alma the Elder. In other words, the redeemed do the redeeming; the sanctified do the sanctifying. The gospel of Jesus Christ holds the spiritual solution for spiritual waywardness." (Emphasis in the original)

I think this is critical in trying to help those around us to come back into the church: we work on our own relationship with Heavenly Father, and through doing so, He can work miracles in the lives of those we love and care about.

The whole article, from Meridian Magazine, is fantastic, and is an excerpt from his book, which is probably very good, as well. See the article here: http://www.ldsmag.com/rescue/100414mormon.html