The Chosen Generation

As youth in the Church we are told repeatedly that we are a chosen generation, that there are more temptations and more trials than in the past, and that we have to be stronger than generations past. I think that there is truth in that, but I also think youth can sometimes excuse themselves in their behavior because things are "so much harder nowadays." This quote from President Hinckley in his famous "6 Be's" talk is refreshing:

Of course you face challenges. Every generation that has ever walked the earth has faced challenges. We could spend the entire evening talking about them. But of all the challenges that have been faced in the past, the ones we have today, I believe, are most easily handled. I say that because they are manageable. They largely involve individual behavioral decisions, but those decisions can be made and followed. And when that happens, the challenge is behind us.

- Gordon B. Hinckley, "A Prophet's Counsel and Prayer for Youth," 12 Nov 2000.

So true, particularly here in the U.S. There are plenty of people in the world that struggle with basic necessities like food and shelter, but most of us in the U.S. will never, in our poorest conditions, be at that state. Mostly we need to worry about our own choices. When we stay in control of our own behavior, life is generally pretty smooth!