4 Nephi 1:38

"And it came to pass that those who rejected the gospel were called Lamanites, and Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites; and they did not dwindle in unbelief, but they did willfully rebel against the gospel of Christ; and they did teach their children that they should not believe, even as their fathers, from the beginning, did dwindle."
4 Nephi 1:38


Thinking about this today.  The other day at lunch with some friends, we were talking about kids and responsibility... like children raised up to be part of the KKK, or like the verse above, taught to not believe in the gospel.  I wonder where the parental responsibility ends and the children's begins... at what point do we all wake up to what we are choosing, and have a valid change to choose differently? ... even the other way, which is also illustrated in this scripture. :)  This is Fourth Nephi, right after all the people have lived in peace and righteousness for three generations.  The parents taught their children to be righteous and good... but here we have willful rebellion again.  how do those things happen?  you don't just wake up one day and declare yourself ready to reject everything that you have been taught.  it has to start with little things... and this is a good thing to look for in our own lives today.  What little things in our lives are leading us in one direction or the other?  How do we let those things multiply?  At least if we are aware of the process, and see the tiny chinks in our armor... perhaps we'll be able to repair them... or, if we see the truth outside our fortifications... perhaps we'll be able to let down our defenses willingly.  Something to think about at least on this fine day. :)