Come Follow Me Sunday School 2

Come, Follow Me Sunday School 2

Learning Resources for Youth teaching and learning for conversion Sunday School July–December 2013

English approval: 4/13

10879 000 About This Manual

The lessons in this manual are organized into units Counsel together that address doctrinal fundamentals of the restored Counsel with other teachers and leaders about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each lesson focuses on ques- youth in your class. What are they learning in other tions that youth may have and doctrinal principles settings—at home, in seminary, in other Church that can help them find answers. The lessons are classes? What opportunities could they have to teach? designed to help you prepare spiritually by learning (If sensitive information is shared in these conversa- the doctrine for yourself and then plan ways to tions, please keep it confidential.) engage the youth in powerful learning experiences. Learning outlines More online You can find additional resources and teaching ideas For each of the doctrinal topics listed in the contents, for each of these lessons at lds.org/youth/learn. there are more learning outlines than you will be able Online lessons include: to teach during the month. Let the inspiration of the Spirit and the questions and interests of the youth • Links to the most recent teachings from the living guide you as you decide which outlines to teach and prophets, apostles, and other Church leaders. These how long to spend on a topic. links are updated regularly, so refer back to them often. The outlines are not meant to prescribe what you will say and do in class. They are designed to help you • Links to videos, images, and other media that you learn the doctrine for yourself and prepare learning can use to prepare yourself spiritually and to teach experiences adapted to the needs of the youth you the youth. teach.

• Videos that demonstrate effective teaching to Prepare yourself spiritually enhance your ability to help the youth become To help the youth understand the principles in these converted. outlines, you must understand and apply them • Additional teaching ideas. yourself. Study the scriptures and other resources provided, and look for statements, stories, or examples that may be especially relevant or inspiring to the youth. Plan ways to help the youth discover these principles for themselves, gain a testimony of them, and apply them in their own efforts to learn and teach the gospel. Contents

July: Ordinances and Covenants

What spiritual truths can I learn from the ordinances of the gospel?

How can I deepen my understanding of covenants?

How can I make the sacrament more meaningful to me?

How do I keep my covenant to always remember the Savior?

How can I prepare to receive temple ordinances?

August: Marriage and Family

How will keeping a personal journal bless me and my family?

Why is it important to learn about my family history?

How can I teach others how to do family history work?

How can I explain the importance of marriage and family to others?

What opportunities are there for learning and teaching in the home?

September: Commandments

How do the commandments help me learn to be more like Heavenly Father?

How can I help others understand my standards?

How does keeping the commandments affect my ability to learn the gospel?

How can I inspire others to obey the commandments?

What blessings does Heavenly Father promise if I obey the commandments? October: Becoming More Christlike

How can I invite others to become more like the Savior?

How can I show love for those I teach?

How did the Savior compare gospel truths to familiar objects and experiences?

How can I use the scriptures to help others become more Christlike?

How can I use questions effectively as I teach?

What can I learn about gospel learning from the Savior’s example?

November: Spiritual and Temporal Self-Reliance

How can I become spiritually self-reliant?

How can I find answers to my own gospel questions?

How can I learn to make my own decisions?

How can setting goals help me become self-reliant?

How can I prepare to be financially self-reliant?

December: Building the Kingdom of God in the Latter Days

How can I learn to serve more effectively in the Church?

How can I become a better leader?

How can I become a better teacher?

What are effective ways to share the gospel with others?

How can I understand the symbols used to teach about the Second Coming?

What can I learn from the scriptures to help me prepare for the Second Coming? UNIT OVERVIEW July: Ordinances and Covenants

“In the ordinances ... the power of godliness is manifest” (D&C 84:20).

Our Father in Heaven uses the ordinances and covenants of the gospel to teach us and prepare us to live with Him. In this unit, you will have the opportunity to help the youth enhance their efforts to study and teach the gospel as they learn about ordinances and covenants. Encourage the youth to ask questions about what they are learning, to seek to learn more, and to teach others what they discover.

Outlines to choose from this month:

What spiritual truths can I learn from the ordinances of the gospel? How can I deepen my understanding of covenants? How can I make the sacrament more meaningful to me? How do I keep my covenant to always remember the Savior? How can I prepare to receive temple ordinances?

Visit lds.org/youth/learn to view this unit online. July: Ordinances and Covenants

What spiritual truths can I learn from the ordinances of the gospel?

Ordinances are sacred, formal acts performed under priesthood authority. Ordinances symbolize gospel truths and teach us about Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Ordinances also teach us about who we are and remind us of our duty to God. Learning about the symbolism in the ordinances helps us understand the gospel more completely and strengthens our faith in Jesus Christ.

Prepare yourself spiritually

Reflect on the ordinances Prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What can the youth learn from the you and your family have symbolism in the ordinances of the gospel? received (such as baptism, Luke 22:19–20; 3 Nephi 18:1–11 (The Dennis B. Neuenschwander, the sacrament, and temple sacrament represents the body and “Ordinances and Covenants,” ordinances). What gospel blood of the Savior) Ensign, Aug. 2001, 20–26 truths do you learn from these ordinances? Romans 6:3–6; D&C 76:51 (Baptism “Remembering the Savior and His by immersion symbolizes the death Atonement,” True to the Faith (2004), Do the youth in your and resurrection of Christ and our 147–48 class appreciate the own spiritual rebirth) significance of the ordi- “Ordinances,” True to the Faith (2004), nances of the gospel? Do D&C 84:19–22 (The power of godliness 109–10 they understand the is manifest through the ordinances of “Comparisons and Object Lessons” in symbolism of baptism the priesthood) and the sacrament? Teaching, No Greater Call, 163–64 Boyd K. Packer, “The Holy Temple,” Ensign or Liahona, Oct. 2010, 29–35

Make connections

During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between things they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help you: • Invite any youth who has had an an ordinance recently (such as bap- opportunity to explain a doctrinal tism, ordination to the priesthood, or truth to a friend to share the experi- temple ordinances). Encourage them ence with the class. to share their experiences. What impressed them about the ordinance? • Ask the youth if any of them or their family members have received

Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the activities below will help the youth find spiritual truths in the ordinances of the gospel. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, select one or more that will work best Understanding symbols. To for your class: understand parables and symbols in the scriptures, • Divide the class into two groups. “What do the ordinances of the gospel the youth need to be able Assign one group to study about teach us about God?” Ask them to to recognize symbols, what baptism symbolizes, and assign share what they find. Encourage them identify parts of the the other group to study about what to ask themselves this question the symbols, and interpret the sacrament symbolizes, using the next time they witness or participate them. One way to recog- scriptures and other resources (such in an ordinance and write down their nize a symbol is to look for as those suggested in this outline). thoughts and impressions to share in words such as like, likened, What do these ordinances teach them a future class. like unto, as, or as it were. about the Atonement? Ask each group • As a class, read “Comparisons and The youth can then make to teach what they learn to the rest of Object Lessons” in Teaching, No a list of the parts of the the class. They could use pictures Greater Call, 163–64. Ask the youth to symbol (such as bread or 103–4 and 107–8 in the Gospel Art look for reasons the Lord teaches us water). To interpret the Book. Ask the youth how understand- through symbols. What are some of symbols, they can refer to ing the symbolism of these ordinances the eternal truths or principles that other Church resources will affect their thoughts and feelings the Lord teaches us through the (such as Church maga- the next time they participate in the ordinances of baptism and the zines, conference talks, ordinances. sacrament? Encourage the youth to and other scriptures) and • Invite the youth to read the section look for answers to this question in consider how the symbol titled “A Way to Know God” from the scriptures listed in this outline or helps them understand a Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander’s in the entries on baptism and the gospel principle. talk “Ordinances and Covenants,” sacrament in True to the Faith. Encourage them to do this looking for answers to the question whenever they encounter a parable or symbol in Ask the youth to share what they learned today. What feelings or impressions do they their personal gospel have? Do they understand how to find spiritual truths in the ordinances of the gospel? study. Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic? Teaching in the Savior’s way Invite to act The Savior invited all to • Suggest that youth attend an • Share your testimony about the act in faith and live the upcoming baptism and confirmation. power of the ordinances of the gospel. truths He taught. He How will the things they learned found opportunities for today affect the way they think about His followers to learn baptism? About partaking of the through powerful experi- sacrament? ences. How can you help the youth learn about the Atonement from the ordinances in which they have participated? Selected Resources

Excerpt from Dennis B. Neuenschwander, “Ordinances sin, but that He does so. This person knows, and Covenants,” Ensign, Aug. 2001, 20–26 through personal experience, something about God and His magnificent power and kindness. The only Our participation in sacred ordinances teaches much way to truly know these things is by participating about the order of God’s kingdom and about Him. worthily in the ordinance of baptism itself. For example, it seems strange to think that one could enter a temple to perform some of the most Baptism opens the door to the kingdom of God, sacred ordinances before submitting to baptism, through which one now not only passes cleanly but which is one of the initial ordinances of the gospel. with a sure knowledge that God forgives. The same There is order in the kingdom of God, and there is can be said of all other sacred ordinances of the order in the way we learn about it. . . . gospel. Over time and with obedience, we progress into the ordinances of the temple, where our convic- We do not receive everything at one time, but we tions are strengthened that our most precious receive knowledge of holy things progressively and relationships are not affected by death. This knowl- incrementally as we are worthy of and obedient to edge we receive by participating in the ordinances such knowledge. From the first ordinance of the that are meant to teach us such things. Otherwise, kingdom, baptism, we progress through other they will not and cannot be known. The Prophet ordinances such as confirmation and ordination to Joseph Smith taught the following relating to the priesthood, all of which lead to the most holy of knowing essential holy truth through our participa- ordinances, which are performed in the temple. Our tion in sacred ordinances: “Reading the experience participation in the sacred ordinances of the gospel of others, or the revelation given to them, can never orders our knowledge of the kingdom and thereby give us a comprehensive view of our condition and reveals the nature of God to us. true relation to God. Knowledge of these things can Sacred ordinances and knowledge of God are only be obtained by experience through the ordi- closely related. Therefore, what are some of the nances of God set forth for that purpose.” [Teachings things we learn about God by participating in His of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 324; emphasis in original.] appointed ordinances? Let us take baptism as an As sacred ordinances reveal the order of the king- example. Baptism by immersion is for the remission dom of God in a progressive manner, our participa- of sins. One who has fully repented of his or her sins tion in them reveals to us a knowledge of the and with full purpose of heart receives baptism personality and character of God that can be gained knows that God not only has the power to forgive in no other way. and to take away the burden of guilt associated with July: Ordinances and Covenants

How can I deepen my understanding of covenants?

We make covenants with our Heavenly Father when we participate in the ordinances of the gospel. When we make covenants, God sets specific conditions, and He promises to bless us as we obey those conditions. As we better understand our covenants, we will be able to honor them and receive the blessings promised by our Heavenly Father.

Prepare yourself spiritually

How have you come to Prayerfully study the scriptures and resources below, and consider how you can help understand the covenants the youth understand the covenants they have made and will one day make. you have made? What Mosiah 18:8–10; D&C 20:37 Russell M. Nelson, scriptures and other (Covenants we make when we are “Covenants,” Ensign or Liahona, resources have helped baptized) Nov. 2011, 86–89 you? D&C 20:77, 79 (Sacrament prayers) “The New and Everlasting Covenant How well do the youth in of Marriage,” True to the Faith (2004), 98 your class understand D&C 84:33–44 (Oath and covenant of covenants—those they the priesthood) Preach My Gospel (2004), 63–64, 85 have already made and those they will make in the Abraham 2:8–11 (Promises made to future? Do they know how Abraham as part of the Abrahamic to study the scriptures and covenant) other resources to learn about these covenants? Make connections

• Invite the youth to share any gospel make them, and the blessings we topics they have recently discussed at receive when we keep them. If they home or with their friends. need help, refer them to “Covenant,” True to the Faith, 44. • Show pictures of people making, keeping, or breaking covenants (see Gospel Art Book). Invite the youth to explain what a covenant is, why we Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the activities below will help the youth learn how to deepen their understanding of covenants. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, select one or more that will Making lists. In this lesson, work best for your class: the youth are invited to study the scriptures and • Invite each class member to read • As a class, read one of the scrip- list the promises they find (in pairs or individually) a passage of tures passages suggested in this related to the covenants of scriptures that describes a covenant outline, and ask the youth to list the the gospel. Making lists (such as the scriptures listed in this promises described in the scripture. can help the youth identify outline). As they read, ask them to Ask each class member to select one important points so that make a list of the promises we make of these promises to study in more they can study them in and the promises God makes in depth. They could find other scrip- more depth. Encourage connection with the covenant. Give tures that teach about that promise them to make lists as they each youth the opportunity to teach (using the footnotes or Topical study the scriptures on the rest of the class what he or she Guide), or they could look for infor- their own. learns about that covenant. What mation in True to the Faith or other experiences can the youth share that resources. Ask them to share with the show how God’s promises are class what they learn and how it will fulfilled? affect the way they live.

• Ask the youth to choose a covenant • Invite a member of the bishopric or (such as baptism, sacrament, or the full-time missionaries to visit the eternal marriage) and share every- class and explain what they do to help thing they know about that covenant. people prepare to make covenants. Invite a class member to write what How do the missionaries help people they say on the board. Invite them to understand covenants? How do they deepen their understanding of this encourage people to keep their covenant by searching the scriptures covenants? Encourage the youth to (such as those suggested in this ask any questions they have. outline), True to the Faith, or Preach My Gospel.

Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to deepen their understanding of covenants? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be helpful to spend more time on this doctrine? Teaching in the Savior’s way Invite to act In every setting, Jesus was Encourage the youth to be prepared to share something next week that they learned an example and mentor. about ordinances and covenants during their personal study. He taught His disciples how to pray, love, and Share your testimony of the blessings that come from diligent gospel study. serve by the way He lived. What can you do to be a good example to the youth you teach? Selected Resources

Excerpt from “The New and Everlasting Covenant of into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he Marriage,” True to the Faith (2004), 98 cannot have an increase” (D&C 131:1–4).

The New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage After receiving the sealing ordinance and making sacred covenants in the temple, a couple must In our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness, a man continue in faithfulness in order to receive the and a woman can be sealed to one another for time blessings of eternal marriage and exaltation. The and all eternity. Those who are sealed in the temple Lord said: have the assurance that their relationship will continue forever if they are true to their covenants. “If a man marry a wife by my word, which is my They know that nothing, not even death, can law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and permanently separate them. it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have The covenant of eternal marriage is necessary for appointed this power and the keys of this priest- exaltation. The Lord revealed through Joseph Smith: hood; . . . and if [they] abide in my covenant, . . . it “In the celestial glory there are three heavens or shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my degrees; and in order to obtain the highest, a man servant hath put upon them, in time, and through must enter into this order of the priesthood [mean- all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are ing the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; out of the world” (D&C 132:19). and if he does not, he cannot obtain it. He may enter July: Ordinances and Covenants

How can I make the sacrament more meaningful to me?

During the sacrament each week, we should examine our lives, ponder the Savior’s Atonement, and consider what we need to do to repent of our sins. We do not need to be perfect in order to partake of the sacrament, but we should have a spirit of humility and repentance in our hearts. The sacrament can become a source of strength and an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to living the gospel.

Prepare yourself spiritually

What do you do to make Prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What can you share with the youth to the sacrament more help them have a more meaningful experience with the sacrament? meaningful? Have you Matthew 26:26–28; 3 Nephi 18:1–13 Temple, and Sacrifice in Service,” had any experiences with (The Savior institutes the sacrament) Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 34–36 the sacrament that you could share with the 1 Corinthians 11:23–29; 3 Nephi 9:20; Don R. Clarke, “Blessings of the youth? D&C 20:37; 59:8–12 (How to prepare Sacrament,” Ensign or Liahona, to partake of the sacrament worthily) Nov. 2012, 104–6 What blessings can the youth receive as they Dallin H. Oaks, “Sacrament Meeting “Sacrament,”True to the Faith (2004), understand the sacred and the Sacrament,” Ensign or 147–49 nature of the sacrament? Liahona, Nov. 2008, 17–20 What are some possible Video: “The Sacrament Helps Us distractions for the youth Robert D. Hales, “Coming to Draw Closer to Jesus Christ” (no before and during the Ourselves: The Sacrament, the download available) sacrament? How can they overcome these distractions? Make connections

• Ask the youth to share a time when • Ask the youth to finish the sentence a teacher effectively taught a gospel “I can make the sacrament more principle. meaningful to me by ______.” Invite them to list their answers on the board and add to the list throughout the lesson. Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the activities below will help the youth learn how to make the sacrament more meaningful to them. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, select one or more that will Visualizing events in the work best for your class: scriptures. In the first activity in this section, the • Show a picture of the Savior experience. Ask the youth to choose youth are encouraged to administering the sacrament (see something they will do as they imagine how they would Gospel Art Book,54). While you read prepare to partake of the sacrament feel or what they would do Matthew 26:26–28, ask the youth to next week. if they had been present look at the picture and imagine what • Invite the youth to read sections II when an event in the it would have been like to be there. and III of Elder Dallin H. Oaks’s talk scriptures took place. Share ways the sacrament has “Sacrament Meeting and the Visualizing the events in strengthened your love for the Savior Sacrament” or paragraphs 7–9 of the scriptures can help the and testimony of the Atonement. Elder Robert D. Hales’s talk “Coming youth apply the stories to Invite the youth to share their testi- to Ourselves: The Sacrament, the their own lives. Encourage monies. Encourage the youth to Temple, and Sacrifice in Service.” Ask them to do this often in ponder what they have discussed them to look for answers to the their personal scripture today the next time they partake of question “How can I make the study. the sacrament. What other events sacrament more meaningful to me?” from the life of the Savior could they Invite them to write their answers on think about during the sacrament? the board and share something they • Invite the youth to share their plan to do to apply the counsel in favorite sacrament hymn (if necessary, these talks. they can look in the topic index at the • If possible, visit the sacrament table back of the hymnbook) and explain and preparation room as a class. why it is meaningful to them. Sing, Invite Aaronic Priesthood holders listen to, or read one or more of these (teachers or priests) or the bishop to hymns, and read the scriptures listed explain how the sacrament is pre- at the end of each hymn. What do we pared and to bear testimony of the learn about the sacrament from the sacredness of this ordinance. Invite hymns? How do hymns help us other class members to share their prepare for the sacrament? testimonies and their thoughts about • Invite each class member to select what they can do to treat the sacra- one of the scriptures in this outline ment with more reverence. and read it, looking for things the • Give each class member a small Lord asks us to do to prepare for the card, and ask the youth to list the sacrament. Ask the youth to share things they thought about during the what they find. Why does the Lord sacrament (tell them they do not have want us to prepare for the sacrament to share what they write). Ask each in these ways? Invite them to share youth to read one of the five princi- other things they do to make the ples in Elder Don R. Clarke’s talk sacrament a more meaningful “Blessings of the Sacrament” and share with the class what he or she invite the youth to write on it the five Teaching in the Savior’s finds. What would they say to some- principles and keep it with them as a way one who wonders why it is necessary reminder the next time they partake Jesus Christ helped those to go to church every week? Give of the sacrament. He taught to discover each class member a new card, and gospel lessons in their own Ask the youth to share what they learned today. What feelings or impressions do they experiences and in the have? Do they understand how to make the sacrament more meaningful to them? Do world around them. He they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this spoke of fishing, of topic? childbirth, and of working in the fields. How can you use familiar experiences to help the youth understand Invite to act principles of the gospel? Ask the youth what they feel inspired to do because of what they learned today. Encourage them to act on these feelings. Seek the Spirit as you prayerfully consider ways you can follow up. Selected Resources

Excerpt from Robert D. Hales, “Coming to Ourselves: Then we are prepared to ponder on the Atonement. The Sacrament, the Temple, and Sacrifice in Service,” More than just thinking about the facts of the Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 34–36 Savior’s suffering and death, our pondering helps us to recognize that through the Savior’s sacrifice, To worthily partake of the sacrament, we remember we have the hope, opportunity, and strength to that we are renewing the covenant we made at make real, heartfelt changes in our lives. baptism. For the sacrament to be a spiritually cleansing experience each week, we need to prepare As we sing the sacrament hymn, participate in the ourselves before coming to sacrament meeting. We sacrament prayers, and partake of the emblems of do this by deliberately leaving behind our daily His flesh and blood, we prayerfully seek forgiveness work and recreation and letting go of worldly for our sins and shortcomings. We think about the thoughts and concerns. As we do, we make room in promises we made and kept during the previous our minds and hearts for the Holy Ghost. week and make specific personal commitments to follow the Savior during the coming week. July: Ordinances and Covenants

How do I keep my covenant to always remember the Savior?

When we partake of the sacrament, we promise to remember the Savior always. This means that we constantly look to His example and teachings to guide the choices we make. We put Him first in our lives and seek to know Him and follow His will. When we face trials, we look to Him for comfort and strength. Heavenly Father has promised that if we keep this covenant, we will always have His Spirit to be with us.

Prepare yourself spiritually

What do you do to remem- As you prepare, prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What do you feel ber the Savior always? inspired to share with the youth? How has remembering John 8:29 (Jesus Christ set the exam- D&C 20:77, 79 (The sacrament Him blessed your life? ple of always remembering and prayers) Why do the youth need to seeking to be like His Father) Henry B. Eyring, “O, Remember, learn how to remember the John 14:26; 3 Nephi 11:32 (The Holy Remember,” Ensign or Liahona, Savior in all they do? How Ghost can help us remember the Nov 2007, 66–69 can it help them avoid Savior) temptation and face trials? Jeffrey R. Holland, “‘This Do in Alma 37:36–37 (We should let all of Remembrance of Me,” Ensign, our thoughts and actions be directed Nov. 1995, 67–69 to the Lord) D. Todd Christofferson, “To Always Helaman 12:1–5 (Men are often slow Remember Him,” Ensign, Apr. 2011, to remember the Lord) 21–27

D&C 6:36 (Look to the Lord in every thought)

Make connections

During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between things they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help you: • Invite the youth to share an experi- Gospel Art Book, 54). Ask the youth to ence they have had recently that read the sacrament prayers in reminded them of something they are Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79, and learning in their Church classes. make a list on the board of the promises we make when we partake • Display a picture of the Savior of the sacrament. What do the youth administering the sacrament (see do to always remember the Savior?

Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the activities below can help the youth learn how to become more successful in their efforts to remember the Savior in all that they do. Following the guidance of the Looking for teachings about Spirit, select one or more that will work for your class: Christ. Encourage the youth to look for teachings • Ask each class member to read one better fulfill their covenant to “always about Jesus Christ every of the scriptures suggested in this remember Him”? time they study the outline and share what it teaches him • Invite the youth to read about the scriptures. No matter what or her about always remembering the pattern President Henry B. Eyring they are reading, they can Savior. Why is it important that we describes for receiving the Holy ask themselves questions always remember Him? How can Ghost (in his talk “O Remember, like “What do I learn from remembering Him affect our daily Remember”). How does the Holy this passage about Jesus lives (for example, in the choices we Ghost help us keep our promise to Christ, His nature and make or the trials we face)? Invite the always remember the Savior? (As character, His life, or His youth to share experiences in which part of this discussion, encourage the Atonement?” they were blessed because they were youth to read John 14:26 and 3 Nephi striving to remember Jesus Christ. 28:11). Share an experience in which • Ask the youth to read Helaman the Holy Ghost has helped you feel 12:1–5 and share reasons why it is closer to the Savior, and invite the often easy for people to forget the youth to share experiences of their Lord. How can we avoid the tempta- own. tion to forget the Lord? Ask the youth • Ask the youth to take a few min- to share things they do to make sure utes and review in their minds stories the Savior is part of their daily lives. they know about the Savior from the • Write on the board “How can I scriptures. (You could invite them to remember the Savior always?” Assign look at pictures 30–61 in the Gospel each class member to read one of the Art Book for ideas.) Invite them to sections of D. Todd Christofferson’s think about how remembering these article “To Always Remember Him,” stories could help them during their looking for answers to the question daily lives, and ask them to share on the board. Ask them to share their their thoughts. Give the youth copies answers, along with stories Elder of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s talk Christofferson uses to teach us ways “This Do in Remembrance of Me,” to remember Jesus Christ. What have and invite them to read Elder they learned that will help them Holland’s list of things we could remember about the Savior (see the find it meaningful. Suggest that the Teaching in the Savior’s paragraphs beginning with “we youth keep their copy of the talk to way could,” toward the end of the talk). help them think about the Savior the Reflect for a moment on Ask them to share anything that next time they partake of the what you know about the impresses them and explain why they sacrament. Savior. How did He show Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to keep their that He always remem- covenant to always remember the Savior? What feelings or impressions do they have? bered His Father? How Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on can you follow His exam- this topic? ple in helping youth learn how to gain the strength that comes from always remembering the Savior? Invite to act

Ask the youth what they feel inspired to do because of what they learned today. Encourage them to act on these feelings. Seek the Spirit as you prayerfully consider ways you can follow up. Selected Resources

Excerpt from Jeffrey R. Holland, “‘This Do in grown dim, we can press forward steadfastly in Remembrance of Me,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 67–69 Christ, with unshaken faith in him and a perfect brightness of hope (see 2 Ne. 31:19–20). We could remember the Savior’s premortal life and all that we know him to have done as the great We could remember that even with such a solemn Jehovah, creator of heaven and earth and all things mission given to him, the Savior found delight in that in them are. We could remember that even in living; he enjoyed people and told his disciples to be the Grand Council of Heaven he loved us and was of good cheer. He said we should be as thrilled with wonderfully strong, that we triumphed even there the gospel as one who had found a great treasure, a by the power of Christ and our faith in the blood of veritable pearl of great price, right on our own the Lamb (see Rev. 12:10–11). doorstep. We could remember that Jesus found special joy and happiness in children and said all of We could remember the simple grandeur of his us should be more like them—guileless and pure, mortal birth to just a young woman, one probably in quick to laugh and to love and to forgive, slow to the age range of those in our Young Women organi- remember any offense. zation, who spoke for every faithful woman in every dispensation of time when she said, “Behold the We could remember that Christ called his disciples handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to friends, and that friends are those who stand by us thy word” (Luke 1:38). in times of loneliness or potential despair. We could remember a friend we need to contact or, better yet, We could remember his magnificent but virtually a friend we need to make. In doing so we could unknown foster father, a humble carpenter by trade remember that God often provides his blessings who taught us, among other things, that quiet, through the compassionate and timely response of plain, unpretentious people have moved this another. For someone nearby we may be the means majestic work forward from the very beginning, and of heaven’s answer to a very urgent prayer. . . . still do so today. If you are serving almost anony- mously, please know that so, too, did one of the best On some days we will have cause to remember the men who has ever lived on this earth. unkind treatment he received, the rejection he experienced, and the injustice—oh, the injustice—he We could remember Christ’s miracles and his endured. When we, too, then face some of that in teachings, his healings and his help. We could life, we can remember that Christ was also troubled remember that he gave sight to the blind and hearing on every side, but not distressed; perplexed, but not to the deaf and motion to the lame and the maimed in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, and the withered. Then, on those days when we feel but not destroyed (see 2 Cor. 4:8–9). our progress has halted or our joys and views have July: Ordinances and Covenants

How can I prepare to receive temple ordinances?

Even before we receive temple ordinances, we can prepare ourselves by living worthy to enter the temple, keeping the covenants we have already made, and making the temple a part of our lives. We can also study the scriptures and words of the prophets to learn more about the ordinances of the temple.

Prepare yourself spiritually

If you have received Prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What do you feel will help the youth temple ordinances, how as they look forward to receiving temple ordinance? did you prepare yourself Psalm 24:3–4; D&C 97:15–17 (We “Making the Temple a Part of Your to do so? must be clean in order to enter the Life,” Ensign or Liahona, Oct. 2010, What have you heard or Lord’s house) 76–78; see also Temples of The Church of observed from the youth Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Thomas S. Monson, “The Holy that helps you understand Temple—a Beacon to the World,” “Commonly Asked Questions,” how they feel about the Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 90–94 Ensign or Liahona, Oct. 2010, 79–80; temple? What are they see also Temples of The Church of Jesus doing to prepare to receive Russell M. Nelson, “Prepare for the Christ of Latter-day Saints temple ordinances? Blessings of the Temple,” Ensign or Liahona, Oct. 2010, 40–51; see “Message to the Youth from the First Note: Consider suggesting also Temples of The Church of Jesus Presidency,” For the Strength of Youth to your bishop that the Christ of Latter-day Saints (2011), ii–iii ward obtain copies of the booklet Temples of The Video: “Always in Our Sights” Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (09339) for the youth to help them Make connections prepare to enter the temple. During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between things they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help you: • Invite the youth to share any • Invite the youth to read the insights they have gained recently as “Message to the Youth from the First they have learned about ordinances Presidency,” in For the Strength of and covenants in their other classes or Youth (ii-iii). After they read the in their personal study. message, ask them to share why they believe a picture of the temple was chosen for the cover of the booklet.

Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the activities below will help the youth prepare to participate in the ordinances of the temple. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, select one or more that will work Using the Topical Guide. The best for your class: first activity in this section encourages the youth to • Show the video “Always in Our Temple.” Invite the youth to share find scriptures using the Sights,” and invite each class member what they learn from their sections Topical Guide (see to think of a scripture that he or she about preparing to attend the temple. Teaching, No Greater Call, feels relates to the message of the What else impresses them about Elder page 57). Help them feel video (show them how to find Nelson’s message? comfortable with the scriptures in the Topical Guide or the • Choose questions from the article Topical Guide and other index to the triple combination). Ask “Commonly Asked Questions” that study aids so that they can the youth to share their scriptures and you feel are most relevant to the use them often in their explain what it teaches them about youth in your class, and write these personal study of the preparing to go to the temple. questions on the board. Prepare slips gospel. • As a class, read Psalm 24:3–4, and of paper with the answers from the ask the youth what they think it article. Let each youth select a ques- means to have clean hands and a pure tion from the board and find the heart. Why is spiritual cleanliness a answer from among the papers you requirement for entering the temple? prepared. Invite the youth to share (see D&C 97:15–17). Invite a member any new insights they found. of the bishopric to visit the class to • Invite the youth to search the article discuss what a person must do to be “Making the Temple a Part of Your worthy of a temple recommend. What Life” and underline sentences that tell would he recommend that the youth them what they should do to prepare do to prepare to receive the ordi- to go to the temple. Invite them to nances of the temple? Encourage the make a list of suggestions they find youth to ask questions. and others they can think of. • Assign each youth to read a section Encourage them to share their lists of Elder Russell M. Nelson’s article with each other and choose something “Prepare for the Blessings of the from their lists that they want to do.

Ask the youth to share what they learned today. What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they understand how to prepare for the ordinances of the temple? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic? Teaching in the Savior’s way Invite to act The Savior saw the poten- • Invite the youth to ponder what • Share your testimony about the tial in His disciples. He they heard and felt today and choose importance of temple ordinances. trusted them and prepared something they will do to prepare to them to serve and bless receive the ordinances of the temple. others. What can you do to help the youth in your class prepare for future blessings and opportunities? Selected Resources

Excerpt from Russell M. Nelson, “Prepare for the Because the ordinances and covenants of the temple Blessings of the Temple,” Ensign or Liahona, are sacred, we are under absolute obligation not to Oct. 2010, 41–51 discuss outside the temple that which occurs in the temple. Sacred matters deserve sacred consideration. Because a temple is sacred, the Lord asks that it be protected from desecration. Anyone may enter who In this house of learning, we are taught in the Lord’s is willing to prepare well for that privilege. The way. His ways are not our ways. [See Isaiah 55:8–9.] concept of preparation prevails in other fields of We should not be surprised if teaching techniques endeavor. I remember when I was but a young boy, I differ from those employed in educational pursuits told my parents I wanted to attend the university. more familiar to us. Temple ordinances and cov- They said I could, but only if I worked hard in enants have been an integral part of the gospel since preliminary schooling and met all the requirements the days of Adam and Eve. Anciently, symbols were for admission to the university. Similarly, we must used to teach profound truths, and this method of qualify for admission to the temple. We prepare instruction is used in the temple today. physically, intellectually, and spiritually. Eligibility It is necessary, therefore, that we ponder the sym- is determined individually for each person applying bols presented in the temple and see the mighty for a recommend. realities for which each symbol stands. [See John A. Those who hold keys of priesthood authority and Widtsoe, “Temple Worship,” Utah Genealogical and responsibility help us prepare by conducting temple Historical Magazine, Apr. 1921, 62.] “The temple recommend interviews. These leaders care for us ordinances are so imbued with symbolic meaning as and help us determine if we are ready to attend the to provide a lifetime of productive contemplation temple. They also love the Lord and ensure “that and learning.” [Richard G. Scott, in Conference no unclean thing shall be permitted to come into Report, Apr. 1999, 33, or Ensign, May 1999, 27.] The [His] house.” [Doctrine and Covenants 109:20.] teachings of the temple are beautifully simple and Thus, these interviews are conducted in a spirit of simply beautiful. They are understood by those who accountability. have had little opportunity for education, yet they can excite the intellect of the highly educated. How do you prepare for a temple recommend? You may consult with your bishopric, as well as your I recommend that members going to the temple for parents, family, stake presidency, teacher, or quorum the first time read entries in the Bible Dictionary that adviser. The requirements are simple. Succinctly are related to the temple, such as “Anoint,” stated, an individual is required to keep the com- “Covenant,” “Sacrifices,” and “Temple.” One may mandments of Him whose house it is. He has set the also wish to read Exodus, chapters 26–29, and standards. We enter the temple as His guests. . . . Leviticus, chapter 8. The Old Testament, as well as the books of Moses and Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price, underscores the antiquity of temple work and the enduring nature of its ordinances. UNIT OVERVIEW August: Marriage and Family

The outlines in this unit will help the youth understand the importance of learning and teaching in a family setting. They will prepare to share with their families and others the eternal truths they are learning about the importance of marriage and family in Heavenly Father’s plan. They will also have opportunities to learn more about their own families, including their family history.

Outlines to choose from this month:

How will keeping a personal journal bless me and my family? Why is it important to learn about my family history? How can I teach others how to do family history work? How can I explain the importance of marriage and family to others? What opportunities are there for learning and teaching in the home?

Visit lds.org/youth/learn to view this unit online. August: Marriage and Family

How will keeping a personal journal bless me and my family?

The Lord and His prophets have emphasized the importance of keeping records. Writing in a personal journal gives us an opportunity to reflect on our lives and recognize the many blessings God has given us. Our journals can also be a source of inspiration and strength to future generations of our families.

Prepare yourself spiritually

What experiences have Prayerfully study the following scriptures and resources. What will inspire the youth taught you the importance you teach? of keeping a journal? Are 1 Nephi 1:1–3; Alma 37:8–9; Moses Henry B. Eyring, “O Remember, there any entries in your 6:5, 45–46 (Examples of record Remember,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. journal or a journal of an keeping in the scriptures) 2007, 66–69; see also the video “O ancestor that could be Remember, Remember” (no down- inspiring to the youth? 1 Nephi 6:3–6 (What to include in a load available) personal record) How will the youth be Spencer W. Kimball, “The Angels May blessed by keeping a 3 Nephi 23:6–13 (The Savior chastises Quote from It,” New Era, Feb. 2003, personal journal? What the Nephites for the incompleteness 32–35 reasons might they have of their records) for not writing in a journal? How can you help them see the spiritual Make connections reasons for record keeping? During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between things they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help you:

• Invite the youth to share any recent • If possible, share an entry from experiences they have had testifying your personal journal or the journal of of a gospel truth. an ancestor (or invite a class member or ward member to do this). Why was it important to record this experience? How are others blessed because someone kept a journal? Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the activities below will help the youth understand the importance of keeping a journal. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, select one or more that will work best Pondering. In this lesson, for your class: the youth are encouraged to ponder the experiences • Invite the youth to read the first Ask the youth to find what Nephi they are having and record eight paragraphs of President wanted to include in his record, and them in personal journals. Henry B. Eyring’s talk “O Remember, add these things to the list. Invite the To ponder means to reflect Remember” (or show the video based youth to ponder what they feel they on and consider something on the talk), and ask them to look for should write about in their journals, deeply. Invite the youth to blessings that came because President and give them time to write a few ask themselves questions Eyring wrote about his experiences paragraphs of a journal entry. like “What does God want daily. What else do they learn about • Invite the youth to read 3 Nephi me to learn from the keeping a personal journal from 23:6–13. How might this scripture experiences I am having?” President Eyring’s message? Read apply to our efforts to keep a personal Pondering invites revela- together the last paragraph of his talk, journal? Ask the youth to think about tion. Encourage the youth and share a recent experience from any spiritual or meaningful experi- to make pondering a your life in which you saw the hand ence they have had that they feel they regular part of their of God or He seemed to have a should record. How would they or personal gospel study. message for you. Invite the youth to others be blessed by reading about ponder their own answers to the this experience? Give them time in questions suggested by President class to write about these experiences. Eyring and record their thoughts. • Ask each youth to read the second • Ask each youth to read one of the half of President Spencer W. Kimball’s following scriptures: 1 Nephi 1:1–3; talk “The Angels May Quote from It” Alma 37:8–9; Moses 6:5, 45–46. Ask (beginning with the heading “Your the youth to think about and share personal record”). Invite the youth to some of the blessings that have come write on a piece of paper one or two because the people in these scriptures thoughts or insights they find inspir- kept a record. What are some reasons ing or helpful from President people do not keep a personal jour- Kimball’s talk. When everyone is nal? What do the youth learn from finished, ask the youth to pass their these verses that helps them see the papers to the person sitting next to importance of journal writing? them. Invite them to add to each Encourage them to read a journal of other’s papers the insights they have an ancestor (if possible) or interview a found and continue passing their parent or grandparent and write papers until they have shared their down their testimonies, conversion insights with everyone in the class. stories, meaningful life experiences, Encourage the youth to take their and favorite memories. papers home and refer to them for • Ask the youth to make a list of guidance as they write in their things to write about in a personal personal journals. journal. As a class, read 1 Nephi 6:3–6. Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand the blessings of Teaching in the Savior’s keeping a journal? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have any way additional questions? Would it be helpful to spend more time on this topic? The Savior asked questions of those He taught that caused them to think Invite to act and feel deeply. Because of His love, they felt safe Ask the youth what they feel inspired to do because of what they learned today. sharing their thoughts and Encourage them to act on these feelings. Consider ways you can follow up. personal feelings. How can you create an atmosphere in your class where the youth will feel comfortable responding to questions? Selected Resources

Excerpt from Henry B. Eyring, “O Remember, I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I Remember,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 66–69 never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before When our children were very small, I started to I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have write down a few things about what happened I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or every day. Let me tell you how that got started. I our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, came home late from a Church assignment. It was something began to happen. As I would cast my after dark. My father-in-law, who lived near us, mind over the day, I would see evidence of what surprised me as I walked toward the front door of God had done for one of us that I had not recog- my house. He was carrying a load of pipes over his nized in the busy moments of the day. As that shoulder, walking very fast and dressed in his work happened, and it happened often, I realized that clothes. I knew that he had been building a system trying to remember had allowed God to show me to pump water from a stream below us up to our what He had done. property. More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. He smiled, spoke softly, and then rushed past me Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our into the darkness to go on with his work. I took a Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt few steps toward the house, thinking of what he more gratitude for the softening and refining that was doing for us, and just as I got to the door, I come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus heard in my mind—not in my own voice—these Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy words: “I’m not giving you these experiences for Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance— yourself. Write them down.” even things we did not notice or pay attention to I went inside. I didn’t go to bed. Although I was when they happened. . . . tired, I took out some paper and began to write. My point is to urge you to find ways to recognize And as I did, I understood the message I had heard and remember God’s kindness. It will build our in my mind. I was supposed to record for my testimonies. You may not keep a journal. You may children to read, someday in the future, how I had not share whatever record you keep with those you seen the hand of God blessing our family. Grandpa love and serve. But you and they will be blessed as didn’t have to do what he was doing for us. He you remember what the Lord has done. You remem- could have had someone else do it or not have done ber that song we sometimes sing: “Count your it at all. But he was serving us, his family, in the way many blessings; name them one by one, And it will covenant disciples of Jesus Christ always do. I knew surprise you what the Lord has done.” that was true. And so I wrote it down, so that my children could have the memory someday when they would need it. August: Marriage and Family

Why is it important to learn about my family history?

Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness enables family relationships to continue throughout eternity. Through family history work, we can learn more about our ancestors, identify and prepare the names of those who need gospel ordinances, and perform ordinance work for them in holy temples. The Church provides many resources to help us learn about our family history and participate in temple work for the dead.

Prepare yourself spiritually

How have you learned Use the resources below to understand more about family history work. Your own about your own family experiences with family history work, including experiencing the activities in this history? What experiences outline, will help you teach it effectively. Consider how the activities in this outline can have you had that have help you plan ways to engage the youth in family history work. What will help the strengthened your testi- youth understand the importance of learning their family history? mony of family history 1 Corinthians 15:29 (Members in Richard G. Scott, “The Joy of work? ancient times performed baptisms for Redeeming the Dead,” Ensign How can you encourage the dead) or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 93–95 the youth to participate in 1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6 (The gospel is David A. Bednar, “The Hearts of the family history work? What preached in the spirit world) Children Shall Turn,” Ensign or resources are available in Liahona, Nov. 2011, 24–27 your area to help them Malachi 4:5–6; D&C 2:1–3 (The hearts learn about their ancestors of the children shall turn to their “Family History Work and and perform ordinances fathers) Genealogy,” True to the Faith (2004), for deceased family 61–64 members? D&C 110:13–16 (Elijah restores the sealing keys) Website: “Youth and Family History”

D&C 128:16–18 (Ordinances for the Videos: “Elder Bednar Addresses dead create a welding link between Youth,”“The Spirit of Elijah” generations)

Make connections

During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between things they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help you: • Invite several of the youth to share work (such as being baptized for an a gospel principle that they recently ancestor, participating in indexing, or learned from a parent, sibling, or preparing the name of an ancestor for other family member. temple ordinances). Discuss as a class why Heavenly Father wants us to do • Invite the youth to share experiences family history work. they have had doing family history

Learn together

Teaching tip Each of the activities below will help the youth learn how to participate in family history work. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, select one or more that will work “Do not be afraid of best for your class: silence. People often need time to think about and • As a class, read the section titled the Youth and Family History website reply to questions or to “An Invitation to the Rising to find out how they can get involved express what they are Generation” from Elder David A. in family history. feeling. You might pause Bednar’s talk “The Hearts of the • Invite half of the youth to read the after you have asked a Children Shall Turn.” Invite the youth “Redeeming the Dead” section (pages question, after a spiritual to find things Elder Bednar says they 62-63) of the “Family History Work experience has been can do to participate in family history and Genealogy” entry in True to the shared, or when a person work. If possible, bring a computer to Faith, and ask the other half to read is having difficulty class and show the youth how to the section called “Your expressing himself or learn about their ancestors on Responsibilities in Family History herself” (Teaching, No FamilySearch.org. With the permis- Work” (pages 63–64). Ask them to Greater Call [1999], 67). sion of the bishop, you may want to share with each other what they invite the ward family history consul- learned. Help the youth begin com- tant (or someone else who has experi- pleting a pedigree chart. Encourage ence doing family history work) to them to continue working on their help the youth prepare names for the pedigree charts at home. Invite them temple. Encourage them to go to the to ask their parents or other family temple and do the work for these members to help. family members. • Several days before class, ask a • Ask the youth to read the three class member to review the Youth and paragraphs of Elder Richard G. Scott’s Family History website and come talk “The Joy of Redeeming the Dead,” prepared to teach the class how to get beginning with the phrase “Any work started with family history. He or she you do in the temple.” Invite them to may want to show the video “Elder look for and share reasons it is impor- Bednar Addresses Youth.” tant to do family history work. Ask them to read the last two paragraphs • Invite the youth to read the scrip- of the talk and discuss things they tures suggested in this outline, could “set aside” in order to research pondering the question “Why do we their ancestors. Invite the youth to visit do family history work?” Ask them to share their thoughts. Invite them to Invite them to choose something from Teaching in the Savior’s list ways they can participate in the list that they want to work on way family history work (some ideas may during the coming week. Encourage The Savior trusted His include learning about their own them to share their experiences in a disciples. He prepared ancestors, teaching others how to use future class. them and then gave them FamilySearch.org, or doing indexing). important responsibilities Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand the importance of to teach, bless, and serve learning about their family history? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do others. How can you they have any additional questions? Would it be helpful to spend more time on this prepare the youth to fulfill doctrine? their responsibilities to learn their family history and have the ordinance work done for their Invite to act ancestors? Ask the youth what they feel inspired to do because of what they learned today. Encourage them to act on these feelings. Consider ways you can follow up. Selected Resources

Excerpt from Richard G. Scott, “The Joy of Redeeming older, you will be able to participate in receiving the the Dead,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 93–95 other ordinances as well. I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in Any work you do in the temple is time well spent, your life. but receiving ordinances vicariously for one of your own ancestors will make the time in the temple In the Russia Rostov-na-Donu Mission the youth more sacred, and even greater blessings will be were invited to each index 2,000 names and then received. The First Presidency has declared, “Our qualify at least one name from their own families for preeminent obligation is to seek out and identify our temple ordinances. Those who accomplished this own ancestors.” [First Presidency letter, Feb. 29, goal were invited to go on a long journey to the new 2012; emphasis added.] Kyiv Ukraine Temple. One young man shared his experience: “I was spending a lot of time playing Do you young people want a sure way to eliminate computer games. When I started indexing, I didn’t the influence of the adversary in your life? Immerse have time to play games. At first I thought, ‘Oh no! yourself in searching for your ancestors, prepare How can that be!’ When this project was over, I even their names for the sacred vicarious ordinances lost interest in gaming. . . . Genealogical work is available in the temple, and then go to the temple to something that we can do here on earth, and it will stand as proxy for them to receive the ordinances of remain in heaven.” baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. As you grow August: Marriage and Family

How can I teach others how to do family history work?

The Lord has prepared remarkable technologies in our day to enable us to learn about our ancestors and perform ordinances for them in the temple. In a similar way, He has prepared the youth of this generation with the ability to learn how to use these technologies so that they can contribute to this important work. In addition to researching our own family history, we can help others who are less familiar with family history resources. In this way, we help them feel the spirit of this important work and we help bring salvation to their deceased ancestors.

Prepare yourself spiritually

What opportunities have Prayerfully study the resources below. What do you feel will inspire the youth to help you had to help others others learn about their family history? learn about family history? D&C 128:16–18 (Ordinances for the David A. Bednar, “The Hearts of the What experiences have dead create a welding link between Children Shall Turn,” Ensign you had in which someone generations) or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 24–27 taught you how to do family history work? D&C 138:46–48 (A great work is to be Videos in the “Serve” section of the done in the temples in our day) Youth and Family History website What skills and abilities have you seen in the youth Russell M. Nelson, “Generations that they could use to help Linked in Love,” Ensign or Liahona, others learn how to do May 2010, 91–94 family history work? What evidence have you seen that the Lord has prepared Make connections them for this important work? During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between things they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help you:

• Invite the youth to share experiences (such as a computer, a cell phone, or a they have had applying something similar device). Share the following they learned in a previous lesson. statement from Elder David A. Bednar: “Your fingers have been • Invite the youth to share experi- trained to text and tweet to accelerate ences in which they have helped and advance the work of the Lord— someone learn how to use technology not just to communicate quickly with your friends” (“The Hearts of the some ways the youth feel they can use Children Shall Turn,” Ensign their familiarity with technology to or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 26). What are help others do family history work?

Learn together

Teaching tip Each of the activities below will help the youth learn how to help others participate in family history work. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, select one or more that will “Do not be afraid of work best for your class: silence. People often need time to think about and • Invite the youth to read the section youth to think of people they could reply to questions or to titled “An Invitation to the Rising help in the ways described in the express what they are Generation” in Elder David A. video. Encourage them to make plans feeling. You might pause Bednar’s talk “The Hearts of the to help these people and discuss their after you have asked a Children Shall Turn.” Ask them to plans as a class. question, after a spiritual find places in the talk where Elder • Invite the youth to imagine that experience has been Bednar invites the youth to help they are helping someone who has shared, or when a person others with family history work. never done family history work is having difficulty What impresses the youth about these before. Divide Elder Russell M. expressing himself or invitations? As a class, make a list of Nelson’s talk “Generations Linked in herself” (Teaching, No ways the youth can respond to Elder Love” among the youth, and ask them Greater Call [1999], 67). Bednar’s invitations, and invite them to read their sections, looking for to choose something from their list things they could share with the that they can do as a class. person they are helping learn about • Show the youth the list of titles of family history work. What scriptures the videos in the “Serve” section of might they share? (For examples, see the Youth and Family History web- the scriptures listed in this outline.) site. Ask them to select one they Ask them to share what they find and would like to watch to learn how to to think of someone they could help help others do family history work. get started working on family history. Watch the video as a class, and ask the

Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to help others do family history work? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be helpful to spend more time on this doctrine? Teaching in the Savior’s way Invite to act In every setting, the Savior Ask the youth what they feel inspired to do because of what they learned today. was our perfect example Encourage them to act on these feelings. Consider ways you can follow up. and our mentor. He taught His disciples how to teach by the way He taught them. How can your example help prepare the youth to teach others? Selected Resources

Excerpt from David A. Bednar, “The Hearts of the It is no coincidence that FamilySearch and other Children Shall Turn,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, tools have come forth at a time when young people 24–27 are so familiar with a wide range of information and communication technologies. Your fingers have been I now invite the attention of the young women, trained to text and tweet to accelerate and advance young men, and children of the rising generation as the work of the Lord—not just to communicate I emphasize the importance of the Spirit of Elijah in quickly with your friends. The skills and aptitude your lives today. My message is intended for the evident among many young people today are a entire Church in general—but for you in particular. preparation to contribute to the work of salvation. Many of you may think family history work is to be I invite the young people of the Church to learn performed primarily by older people. But I know of about and experience the Spirit of Elijah. I encour- no age limit described in the scriptures or guidelines age you to study, to search out your ancestors, and announced by Church leaders restricting this to prepare yourselves to perform proxy baptisms in important service to mature adults. You are sons and the house of the Lord for your kindred dead (see daughters of God, children of the covenant, and D&C 124:28–36). And I urge you to help other builders of the kingdom. You need not wait until you people identify their family histories. reach an arbitrary age to fulfill your responsibility to assist in the work of salvation for the human family. As you respond in faith to this invitation, your hearts shall turn to the fathers. The promises made The Lord has made available in our day remarkable to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be implanted in resources that enable you to learn about and love your hearts. Your patriarchal blessing, with its this work that is sparked by the Spirit of Elijah. For declaration of lineage, will link you to these fathers example, FamilySearch is a collection of records, and be more meaningful to you. Your love and resources, and services easily accessible with per- gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your sonal computers and a variety of handheld devices, testimony of and conversion to the Savior will designed to help people discover and document become deep and abiding. And I promise you will their family history. These resources also are avail- be protected against the intensifying influence of the able in the family history centers located in many of adversary. As you participate in and love this holy our Church buildings throughout the world. work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives. August: Marriage and Family

How can I explain the importance of marriage and family to others?

Most people will have the opportunity to share gospel truths with others. Because there are many conflicting views about marriage and family in the world today, it is particularly important that we know how to explain the importance of marriage and family in Heavenly Father’s plan. As we do, we should make sure to explain our beliefs briefly and simply, with the guidance of the Spirit, so that other people can understand the truths of the gospel.

Prepare yourself spiritually

How have you helped Use the resources below to understand more about how to explain the importance of others understand your marriage and family. Your own experiences explaining the doctrine to others will help beliefs about marriage and you teach it effectively. Consider how the activities in this outline can help the youth family? In what ways have learn how to teach. you explained concepts “The Family: A Proclamation to the “Eternal Marriage” and “Temples and like eternal marriage to World,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, Family History Work,” Preach My friends who are not 129 Gospel (2004), 85–86 members of the Church? “Marriage,” True to the Faith (2004), “Temple Marriage” What experiences and 97–101 (MormonNewsroom.org article) ideas are influencing the youth’s perceptions about marriage and family? How can you prepare them to Make connections explain the truths regard- During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between ing marriage and family to things they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other others? Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help you:

• Invite the youth to share how a explain how listening to a language family member has exemplified a they do not understand can be like gospel principle to them. listening to members of the Church explain gospel truths to others using • Invite someone who speaks a potentially unfamiliar words, such as different language (if possible, a class eternal marriage, sealing, or celestial member) to come to class and speak kingdom. in that language. Invite the youth to Learn together

Teaching tip Each of the activities below will help the youth learn how to explain to others the importance of marriage and family. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, select one or “Discussions in small more that will work best for your class: groups can instantly involve those who seem to • Invite the youth to think of and list • As a class, read “Family” in For the be losing interest and on the board questions that others not Strength of Youth. Invite the youth to concentration” (Teaching, of our faith may have about marriage prepare to teach some of the doctrines No Greater Call [1999], 72). and the family, such as, “Why should they have learned about families to I get married and have children?” or Primary children. For example, they “Why should marriage be between a could teach the children using the man and a woman?” Ask the youth to question “Why is family important?” select some of the questions listed and Invite them to create an outline that find answers in the scriptures (for helps them explain the concept example scriptures, see those refer- simply and briefly. With the permis- enced in the “Marriage” and “Family” sion of the bishop and Primary sections of True to the Faith and in presidency, arrange for the youth to “The Family: A Proclamation to the teach their lessons. After they have World”). Encourage the youth to had an opportunity to teach, ask them prepare a one-minute answer to the to discuss how they taught this gospel questions they chose, avoiding words principle. and phrases that might not be easily • With the permission of the bishop, understood by others, such as celestial invite the full-time missionaries to marriage or sealing. Give them time to share with the class how they explain share their answers. the doctrines of marriage and family • Go to the Church’s Newsroom to others. Divide the class into two website and read how a doctrine like groups, and ask one group to prepare temple marriage is explained to those to teach about eternal marriage and not of our faith (see “Temple the other group to prepare to teach Marriage”). Have the youth write a about temples and family history, news story about the importance of using the resources suggested in this marriage and family. This could be a outline (or others they can find). After short piece that might appear in a they have prepared simple and brief school newspaper or written on a explanations of their topics, invite the blog. Invite the youth to share what youth to teach someone from the they prepared with the class. other group the doctrine they studied.

Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to explain the importance of marriage and family to others? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic? Teaching in the Savior’s way Invite to act Jesus Christ invited those Ask the youth what they feel inspired to do because of what they learned today. He taught to act in faith Encourage them to act on these feelings. Consider ways you can follow up. and live the truths He taught. In all His teaching, He focused on helping His followers live the gospel with all their hearts. How can you help the youth act in faith on what they are learning? Selected Resources

Excerpt from “Temple Marriage” (MormonNewsroom.org The concept of eternal families comes from scripture article) and modern-day revelation. For instance, the New Testament reference in Matthew 16:19 records Jesus Members of the Church believe that marriages Christ telling the Apostle Peter: “And I will give performed in temples are “sealed,” or blessed to last unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and for eternity. The concept that the family unit can whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound continue beyond the grave as a conscious, loving in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth entity, with the marriage partnership and parent- shall be loosed in heaven.” The Church equates the child relationships intact, is a core belief of members word “bind” with “seal.” of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. According to research cited in a 2000 article in the Once a couple is married and sealed in a temple, Los Angeles Times, “in an era of divorce, Mormon any children who are then born to them are auto- temple weddings are built to last,” with only a 6 matically sealed to them at birth. If children are born percent divorce rate. Another study, published in before the couple is sealed, those children can later 1993 in Demography Magazine, concluded that participate in a temple sealing with their parents. members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Children that are adopted also have an opportunity Saints who marry in one of the Church’s temples are to be sealed to the adoptive parents. the least likely of all Americans to divorce. August: Marriage and Family

What opportunities are there for learning and teaching in the home?

The home is the ideal place for learning, teaching, and applying gospel principles. Latter-day prophets have urged families to give highest priority to family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities.

Prepare yourself spiritually

What experiences have Use the resources below to prepare the youth to teach and learn gospel truths in their you had with learning and homes. Your own experiences will help you teach the youth effectively. Consider how teaching the gospel in your the activities in this outline can help you plan ways to encourage the youth. home? What could you Mosiah 4:14–15; D&C 68:25–28 “Family Prayer,” True to the Faith, 122 share with the youth? (Parents have a responsibility to teach “Importance of Daily Scripture How can you inspire the the gospel to their children) Study,” True to the Faith, 155–56 youth to encourage gospel L. Tom Perry, “Becoming Goodly learning in their homes? “The Home and the Church” Parents,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, What promised blessings Handbook 2: Administering the 26–28 might inspire them? Church (2010), 1.4 “Family Home Evening,” True to the Video: “A Heaven-Inspired Program” Faith (2004), 65–66 (no download available)

Make connections

• Invite the youth to share how they and invite the youth to look for any applied what they learned in last additional responsibilities in Mosiah week’s class during the week. 4:14–15 and Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–28. What opportunities do • Ask the youth to imagine that they parents have to fulfill the responsibili- are parents. What responsibilities do ties described in these verses? What they have toward their children? Ask a can the youth do to help? class member to list them on the board, Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the activities below will help the youth prepare for and seek opportunities for learning and teaching the gospel in their homes. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, Studying the scriptures select one or more that will work best for your class: does not come naturally to most people, any more • Show the video “A Heaven- founded. Ask the youth to share some than playing the piano or Inspired Program,” and ask the youth recreational activities they enjoy painting does. Learning to to look for what dangers in the world participating in with their families. study the scriptures they can be protected from and what Invite them to share what gospel effectively usually requires strengths can come to individuals and truths or principles they have learned developing skills. The families who study the gospel as they have taken part in these gospel study skills together. Invite the youth to read activities. For example, preparing a described in these learning “Family Home Evening” in True to the meal together may teach service and outlines can help the youth Faith and prepare a simple outline for love, or playing a sport together may become diligent students a family home evening lesson on a teach patience and perseverance. of the gospel. Point these topic of their choice. Invite the youth Encourage the youth to plan recre- skills out to the youth, and to teach each other the lessons they ational activities for their families and encourage them to use prepare in an upcoming class. to discuss with them how these them as they study the activities relate to the gospel. • Ask each class member to read one gospel on their own. of Elder L. Tom Perry’s five sugges- • Have the youth think of ideas tions for creating stronger family people could use to encourage their cultures (in his talk “Becoming families to participate in family Goodly Parents”). For each sugges- prayer and scripture study. Discuss tion, ask the youth to share examples the blessings that come to families they have seen of families following from these activities. The youth could the suggestion, ways they can follow read “Family Prayer” and it as youth, and things they can do to “Importance of Daily Scripture prepare to follow the suggestion Study” in True to the Faith for sugges- when they become parents. tions. Role-play how a youth could talk to a parent and encourage regular • As a class, read the seventh para- family prayer and scripture study. graph of “The Family: A Proclamation Invite the youth to share any experi- to the World.” Invite the youth to list ences they have had with family on the board the principles upon prayer and scripture study. which successful families are

Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to prepare for and seek opportunities for learning and teaching at home? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic? Teaching in the Savior’s way Invite to act Jesus Christ invited those Invite the class members to look for the blessings that come when they participate in He taught to act in faith gospel learning with their families through prayer, scripture study, family home and live the truths He evening, or recreational activities. taught. How can you inspire the youth to want to participate in gospel learning in their families now and in the future? Selected Resources

Excerpt from L. Tom Perry, “Becoming Goodly Parents,” Fourth, parents can share their testimonies often Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 26–28 with their children, commit them to keep the commandments of God, and promise the blessings Let me suggest five things parents can do to create that our Heavenly Father promises His faithful stronger family cultures: children. First, parents can pray in earnest, asking our Eternal Fifth, we can organize our families based on clear, Father to help them love, understand, and guide the simple family rules and expectations, wholesome children He has sent to them. family traditions and rituals, and “family economics,” Second, they can hold family prayer, scripture study, where children have household responsibilities and and family home evenings and eat together as often can earn allowances so that they can learn to budget, as possible, making dinner a time of communication save, and pay tithing on the money they earn. and the teaching of values. These suggestions for creating stronger family Third, parents can fully avail themselves of the cultures work in tandem with the culture of the Church’s support network, communicating with Church. Our strengthened family cultures will be a their children’s Primary teachers, youth leaders, and protection for our children from “the fiery darts of class and quorum presidencies. By communicating the adversary” (1 Nephi 15:24) embedded in their with those who are called and set apart to work with peer culture, the entertainment and celebrity their children, parents can provide essential under- cultures, the credit and entitlement cultures, and the standing of a child’s special and specific needs. Internet and media cultures to which they are constantly exposed. Strong family cultures will help our children live in the world and not become “of the world” (John 15:19). UNIT OVERVIEW September: Commandments

“Consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God” (Mosiah 2:41).

The outlines in this unit will help the youth understand how obedience to Heavenly Father’s commandments affects their happiness in this life and their progression toward eternal life in the world to come. In this unit the youth will also learn how to encourage others to understand and obey the commandments.

Outlines to choose from this month:

How do the commandments help me learn to be more like Heavenly Father? How can I help others understand my standards? How does keeping the commandments affect my ability to learn the gospel? How can I inspire others to obey the commandments? What blessings does Heavenly Father promise if I obey the commandments?

Visit lds.org/youth/learn to view this unit online. September: Commandments

How do the commandments help me learn to be more like Heavenly Father?

The commandments are instructions from a loving Heavenly Father to help us become more like Him. Through the commandments, Heavenly Father teaches us His will for us and shows us how to love one another and overcome the natural man. Obedience to the commandments prepares us to return to God’s presence and obtain eternal life. When we understand this, we see the commandments as a blessing and not a burden.

Prepare yourself spiritually

How has your understand- Prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What will help the youth understand ing of the commandments the purposes of God’s commandments? grown throughout your Deuteronomy 10:12–13; D&C 82:8–10 Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Forget Me life? What changes have (The commandments help us under- Not,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, you noticed in yourself as stand God’s will for us) 120–23 you have strived to live the commandments? Matthew 22:34–40 (We are com- Robert D. Hales, “If Thou Wilt Enter manded to love) into Life, Keep the Commandments,” What challenges do the Ensign, May 1996, 35–37 youth face as they strive to John 14:15; 1 John 5:1–3 (We obey the keep the commandments? commandments because we love God) D. Todd Christofferson, “‘As Many How will they be blessed as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten,’” D&C 88:22 (To receive the celestial by understanding the Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 97–100 purposes of God’s com- glory, we must live the celestial law) mandments? What can “Obedience,” True to the Faith (2004), D&C 93:20 (If we keep the command- they learn about Heavenly 108–9 ments, we will eventually receive of Father as they study His God’s fulness) commandments?

Make connections

During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between what they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help: • Invite the youth to search for a • Invite the youth to imagine that hymn related to something they have they are riding along a mountain learned about recently (suggest that road, near a steep cliff, with a guard- they use the “Topics” index at the rail along the side of the road. Ask back of the hymnbook). Ask them to them to discuss with another class share a line from the hymn and member the following questions: explain how it helps them understand How are the Lord’s commandments a principle of the gospel. like the guardrail? How are they like the road? Invite them to share their thoughts with the class.

Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the following activities will help the youth understand how the commandments help us become more like Heavenly Father. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, Linking verses. In the first select one or more that will work best for your class: activity in this section, the youth are invited to link • On the board, write several scrip- section titled “Fourth, forget not the verses in their scriptures, ture references that help explain why ‘why’ of the gospel” from President or write in the margins of we have commandments (including Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk “Forget Me their scriptures the refer- those in this outline and others you Not.” ences to other verses that can think of). Read the scriptures as • Ask half of the class to read the first teach similar principles. a class, and discuss what Heavenly paragraph of Elder D. Todd This gospel study skill can Father wants us to learn from the Christofferson’s talk “‘As Many as I help them see connections commandments. Invite the youth to Love, I Rebuke and Chasten,’” and between various passages mark these verses in their scriptures ask the other half to read the second of scripture. Encourage the and write in the margins a summary paragraph. Invite them to look in youth to do this in their of what the verse teaches them. Show their paragraphs for answers to the personal scripture study to the youth how to link the verses in question “Why has God given us deepen their understand- their scriptures (see Teaching, No commandments?” (They could also ing of other gospel topics. Greater Call, 58). read Elder Robert D. Hales’s talk “If • Write on the board “Why has God Thou Wilt Enter into Life, Keep the given us commandments?” Invite the Commandments,” beginning with the youth to read Doctrine and Covenants paragraph that states, “Some may ask, 82:8–10 and share possible answers ‘Why did the Lord give us command- to the question. Ask the youth why ments?’”) Discuss what they find. they think it is important to know the Invite the youth to make a list of purposes behind Heavenly Father’s attributes God has. Then ask them to commandments. As part of this think of commandments that can help discussion, share the paragraph at the them develop those attributes and beginning of this outline or read the become more like Heavenly Father. • Ask the class to list on the board each of these commandments. Then Teaching in the Savior’s the Ten Commandments (see Exodus invite them to read Matthew 22:34–40 way 20:3–17) and other commandments and discuss how each of the com- When the Savior invited they can think of. Ask the youth to mandments listed on the board can His disciples to keep discuss in pairs or small groups why help us develop our love for God and commandments, He did so they think Heavenly Father gave us love for our neighbor. with love unfeigned. In Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how keeping the what ways can you teach commandments helps us become more like Heavenly Father? What feelings or impres- the youth, with love, about sions do they have? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to keeping commandments? spend more time on this topic?

Invite to act

Ask the youth to ponder what they have learned today. How does it affect the way they think about God’s commandments? How might it affect their attitudes toward obedience to the commandments? How might it affect the choices they make? Encourage them to write their thoughts in a journal. Selected Resources

Excerpt from D. Todd Christofferson, “‘As Many as I commandments by which to live during our mortal Love, I Rebuke and Chasten,’” Ensign or Liahona, May lives. Jehovah, the firstborn spirit child of our 2011, 97–100 Heavenly Father, said: “We will go down, . . . and we will make an earth whereon these [God’s other Our Heavenly Father is a God of high expectations. spirit children] may dwell, His expectations for us are expressed by His Son, Jesus Christ, in these words: “I would that ye should “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God is perfect” (3 Nephi 12:48). He proposes to make shall command them; us holy so that we may “abide a celestial glory” “And they who keep their first estate shall be added (D&C 88:22) and “dwell in his presence” (Moses upon” (Abr. 3:24–26). 6:57). He knows what is required, and so, to make our transformation possible, He provides His These commandments are loving instructions commandments and covenants, the gift of the Holy provided by God our Father for our physical and Ghost, and most important, the Atonement and spiritual well-being and happiness while in mortal- Resurrection of His Beloved Son. ity. Commandments allow us to know the mind and will of God regarding our eternal progression. And In all of this, God’s purpose is that we, His children, they test our willingness to be obedient to His will. may be able to experience ultimate joy, to be with Him eternally, and to become even as He is. Some The commandments are not a burden or a restric- years ago Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained: “The tion. Every commandment of the Lord is given for Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum our development, progress, and growth. The total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “God has designed an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts our happiness. . . . He never will institute an ordi- and thoughts—what we have become. It is not nance or give a commandment to His people that is enough for anyone just to go through the motions. not calculated in its nature to promote that happi- The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of ness which He has designed” (Teachings of the the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus [1976], 256). Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.” How I love the commandments of the Lord! They [Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to Become,” guide and protect us and allow us to return back Liahona, Jan. 2011, 40; Ensign, Nov. 2000, 32.] into the presence of our Heavenly Father. If we faithfully obey the commandments, we are prom- Excerpt from Robert D. Hales, “If Thou Wilt Enter into ised the blessings of eternal life. Eternal life, “the Life, Keep the Commandments,” Ensign, May 1996, 35–37 greatest of all the gifts of God” (D&C 14:7), is to be exalted and to live with Heavenly Father and His Some may ask, “Why did the Lord give us com- Son Jesus Christ in all the eternities to come. He mandments?” In premortal councils, He determined dearly wants us to return to Him. that we, His spirit children, would be given September: Commandments

How can I help others understand my standards?

Others will often ask us about our standards. We can be prepared to answer their questions and testify of the blessings that come from obeying God’s commandments. In this way we can be a light unto the world.

Prepare yourself spiritually

What questions have others Prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What will help the youth understand asked you about your how to answer questions about the Church’s standards? standards? How have you Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:7–8; D&C 11:21; 84:85; 100:5–8 (The Lord helped them understand 2 Nephi 8:7 (Do not be ashamed of will help us know what to say) why you live according to the gospel of Jesus Christ) those standards? Thomas S. Monson, “Preparation 1 Timothy 4:12 (Be an example of the Brings Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, What situations do the believers) May 2010, 64–67 youth face in which they must explain their stan- 3 Nephi 11:29 (The spirit of contention “Obedience,” True to the Faith (2004), dards to others? Why is of the devil) 108–9 might this sometimes be difficult for them? What Answering Gospel Questions can you do to help them prepare for these situations? Make connections

• Ask the youth to share an experi- • Invite the youth to make a list of ence they have had recently that questions that friends or family reinforced something they are learn- members have asked them about the ing about the gospel. Lord’s standards or commandments. How did the youth explain their standards? What do they wish they had done differently? Learn together

Teaching tip Each of the activities below will help the youth learn how to explain their standards to others. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, select one or more that will work best for “Your main concern your class. Allow time for the youth to practice explaining their standards to each should be helping others other. learn the gospel, not making an impressive • Bring to class several copies of the anything they find that they could use presentation. This includes New Era or Liahona. Invite the youth to help others understand this stan- opportunities for learners to search these magazines for stories dard better. to teach one another” that tell about people who had to • Ask each class member to read one (Teaching, No Greater Call defend or explain their standards to of the scriptures in this outline. Invite [1999], 64). others. Ask them to share what they the youth to find words and phrases learn from these stories. (During the that indicate what our attitude should week before class, you may want to be when we explain our standards to search a few issues of Church maga- others. Ensure that each youth has a zines to find copies that have articles copy of For the Strength of Youth. Ask that seem especially relevant to the them to choose one of the standards youth you teach.) Do the youth have in the booklet, read about it, and plan any similar experiences from their what they might say if a friend asks own lives that they could share? What them to do something that violates do they learn from these experiences that standard. How would the youth that can help them explain their help their friends understand why standards to others? they choose to live by the Lord’s • Give each youth a copy of standards? President Thomas S. Monson’s talk • Invite the youth to read the second “Preparation Brings Blessings.” Ask paragraph of “Obedience” in True to the class members to quickly scan the Faith (pages 108–9). How would the talk, looking for the Church they use the information in this standards that he explains (such as paragraph to respond to a friend who modesty, honesty, and the Word of says the commandments are too Wisdom). Invite each youth to select restrictive? What scriptures, exam- one of these standards, read what ples, or personal experiences could President Monson says about it, and they share with their friend to help share with the class how President him or her understand the purposes Monson explains the standard and of God’s commandments?

After the youth have participated in one or more of these activities, give them time to practice explaining their standards. For example, they could role-play situations they might face, or they could write down how they would help their friends understand why they choose to live the Lord’s standards. Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they know how to help others Teaching in the Savior’s understand their standards? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have way any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic? The Savior knew His followers, their interests, and their hopes and Invite to act desires. How can you get to know the youth you Invite the youth to think about a situation they will face in which they will have the teach? How will this affect opportunity to explain their standards to others. How will their experiences in today’s the way you teach them? lesson help them do this effectively? Selected Resources

Excerpt from Thomas S. Monson, “Preparation Brings How you speak and the words you use tell much Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 64–67 about the image you choose to portray. Use language to build and uplift those around you. Profane, Begin to prepare for a temple marriage as well as vulgar, or crude language and inappropriate or for a mission. Proper dating is a part of that prepa- off-color jokes are offensive to the Lord. Never ration. In cultures where dating is appropriate, do misuse the name of God or Jesus Christ. The Lord not date until you are 16 years old. “Not all teen- said, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy agers need to date or even want to. . . . When you God in vain.” [Exodus 20:7.] begin dating, go in groups or on double dates. . . . Make sure your parents meet [and become Our Heavenly Father has counseled us to seek after acquainted with] those you date.” Because dating “anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or is a preparation for marriage, “date only those who praiseworthy.” [Articles of Faith 1:13.] Whatever have high standards.” [For the Strength of Youth you read, listen to, or watch makes an impression (booklet, 2001), 24, 25.] on you.

Be careful to go to places where there is a good Pornography is especially dangerous and addictive. environment, where you won’t be faced with Curious exploration of pornography can become a temptation. controlling habit, leading to coarser material and to sexual transgression. Avoid pornography at all costs. A wise father said to his son, “If you ever find yourself in a place where you shouldn’t ought to be, Don’t be afraid to walk out of a movie, turn off a get out!” Good advice for all of us. television set, or change a radio station if what’s being presented does not meet your Heavenly Servants of the Lord have always counseled us to Father’s standards. In short, if you have any ques- dress appropriately to show respect for our tion about whether a particular movie, book, or Heavenly Father and for ourselves. The way you other form of entertainment is appropriate, don’t see dress sends messages about yourself to others and it, don’t read it, don’t participate. . . . often influences the way you and others act. Dress in such a way as to bring out the best in yourself Hard drugs, wrongful use of prescription drugs, and those around you. Avoid extremes in clothing alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco products destroy and appearance, including tattoos and piercings. your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Any form of alcohol is harmful to your spirit and your Everyone needs good friends. Your circle of friends body. Tobacco can enslave you, weaken your lungs, will greatly influence your thinking and behavior, and shorten your life. just as you will theirs. When you share common values with your friends, you can strengthen and Music can help you draw closer to your Heavenly encourage each other. Treat everyone with kindness Father. It can be used to educate, edify, inspire, and and dignity. Many nonmembers have come into the unite. However, music can, by its tempo, beat, Church through friends who have involved them in intensity, and lyrics, dull your spiritual sensitivity. Church activities. . . . You cannot afford to fill your minds with unworthy music. September: Commandments

How does keeping the commandments affect my ability to learn the gospel?

Learning the gospel requires the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can enlighten our understanding and testify of gospel truths. In order to be worthy of His influence, we must be obedient to the commandments. As we are obedient to the principles we learn, we prepare ourselves to receive additional truth from the Lord.

Prepare yourself spiritually

How has keeping the Prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What will help the youth understand commandments helped how keeping the commandments affects their ability to learn the gospel? you as a student of the Daniel 1 (Daniel and his companions Thomas S. Monson, “Obedience gospel? What experiences are blessed for their obedience with Brings Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, have you had with obedi- wisdom and understanding); see May 2013 ence that you could share also the video “God Gave Them with the youth in your Henry B. Eyring, “A Living Knowledge” class? Testimony,” Ensign or Liahona, May John 7:17 (If we do God’s will, we will 2011, 125–28 How can you help the know of the doctrine) youth recognize the Richard G. Scott, “How to Obtain connection between 2 Nephi 28:30; D&C 42:61; 50:24 (If we Revelation and Inspiration for Your obedience and the inspira- hearken to the Lord, we will receive Personal Life,” Ensign or Liahona, May tion of the Spirit? more light and knowledge) 2012, 45–47

D&C 76:5–10 (The Lord honors those who serve Him)

Make connections

During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between what they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help: • Ask the youth if they have any • Write on the board, “How does questions or comments about what obedience affect my ability to learn they are learning in their other the gospel?” Give the youth a few classes. Invite them to share personal moments to ponder this question, and experiences or impressions they have then ask them to share their thoughts. received as a result of their learning. Encourage them to continue thinking about this question throughout the lesson.

Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the activities below will help the youth understand how their obedience to the commandments affects their ability to learn the gospel. Following the inspiration of the Summarizing. In the first Spirit, select one or more that will work best for your class: activity in this section, the youth are invited to write • Give class members copies of the • Invite each youth to select one of a summary of a scripture first 11 paragraphs of President the following scripture passages: John story they read. Encourage Thomas S. Monson’s talk “Obedience 7:17; 2 Nephi 28:30; D&C 50:24. Ask the youth to do this also Brings Blessings,” and invite them to the youth to read their passage and during their personal write a few sentences that summarize ponder what it teaches them about scripture study. They can President Monson’s main message. obedience and gospel learning. Then make notes about their As class members share their sen- invite them to find someone in the impressions, the doctrine tences, encourage them to share why class who selected a different scrip- that is taught, the events they feel this message is important to ture and share with each other what that took place, the people youth today. they learned. who were involved, and so • As a class, read Daniel 1 or watch • Give the youth a flashlight that on. They can ask them- the video “God Gave Them does not work, and invite them selves, “What is the Lord Knowledge.” How did Daniel and his to examine it to determine why it trying to emphasize and friends demonstrate obedience? How doesn’t give light. Share the following why? Is there anything in were they blessed? What situations statement from Elder Richard G. these verses that applies to do the youth face that may be similar Scott’s talk “How to Obtain me personally?” to Daniel’s? Invite each youth to read Revelation and Inspiration for Your about another individual in the Personal Life”: “One must be ever scriptures who was blessed with mentally and physically clean and knowledge and understanding have purity of intent so that the Lord because of his or her obedience (such can inspire. One who is obedient as Nephi in 1 Nephi 4 or Joseph Smith to His commandments is trusted of in Joseph Smith—History 1:11–17). the Lord. That individual has access Ask them to write a brief summary to His inspiration to know what to of what they read and teach the rest do and, as needed, the divine power of the class about how the person they to do it. … Our obedience assures chose was blessed with knowledge that when required, we can qualify because of obedience. for divine power to accomplish an inspired objective” (page 47). How Living Testimony,” from the para- Teaching in the Savior’s does the broken flashlight illustrate graph that begins “So a seed of faith is way the principles that Elder Scott teaches already planted…” to the paragraph The Savior shared simple in this statement? Invite the youth to that begins “My feeling of their joy stories, parables, and ponder what they must to do be came….” How did President Eyring’s real-life examples that “trusted of the Lord” and receive obedience help strengthen his testi- made sense to his disci- revelation from Him. Ask a few of mony? What specific things can the ples. What stories from the them to share their thoughts. youth do to follow President Eyring’s scriptures, from Church example? • Invite the youth to read part of history, or from your life President Henry B. Eyring’s talk “A could you share with the youth to illustrate how Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how keeping the obedience to the com- commandments affects their ability to learn the gospel? What feelings or impressions mandments can help them do they have? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend enhance their understand- more time on this topic? ing of the gospel?

Invite to act

Ask a few of the youth to summarize what they learned today about the relationship between keeping commandments and learning the gospel. Invite them to consider what they could do or stop doing that might help enhance their ability to be taught by the Holy Ghost. Encourage them to write their thoughts in their personal journals. Selected Resources

Excerpt from Henry B. Eyring, “A Living Testimony,” glimpses of what my family in heaven can be like. Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 125–28 From those experiences my testimony of the reality of the sealing power exercised in temples has grown So a seed of faith is already planted in your heart. and been strengthened. You may even have felt some of the expansion of your heart promised in Alma. I did. Watching my two daughters be baptized in the temple for their ancestors has drawn my heart to But, like a growing plant, it must be nurtured or it them and to those ancestors whose names we will wither. Frequent and heartfelt prayers of faith found. The promise of Elijah that hearts would be are crucial and needed nutrients. Obedience to the turned to each other in families has been granted to truth you have received will keep the testimony us. [See Malachi 4:5–6; Joseph Smith—History alive and strengthen it. Obedience to the command- 1:38–39.] So faith for me has become certain knowl- ments is part of the nourishment you must provide edge, as we are promised in the book of Alma. for your testimony. I have experienced at least some of the joy which You remember the promise of the Savior: “If any my ancestors felt when the Savior came into the man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, spirit world after His mortal ministry. Here is the whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” description in the Doctrine and Covenants: [John 7:17.] “And the saints rejoiced in their redemption, and That has worked for me, as it will for you. One of bowed the knee and acknowledged the Son of God the doctrines of the gospel I was taught when I was as their Redeemer and Deliverer from death and the young is that the greatest of all the gifts of God is chains of hell. eternal life. [See Doctrine and Covenants 14:7.] I learned that part of eternal life is to live together in “Their countenances shone, and the radiance from love in families forever. the presence of the Lord rested upon them, and they sang praises unto his holy name.” [Doctrine and From the first time that I heard those truths and they Covenants 138:23–24.] were confirmed to my heart, I felt obligated to make every choice I could to avoid contention and seek My feeling of their joy came from acting on my peace in my family and in my home. testimony that the Lord’s promise of eternal life is real. That testimony was strengthened by my Now, only after this life can I enjoy the fulness of choosing to act upon it, as the Savior promised that that greatest of all blessings, eternal life. But amidst it would be. the challenges of this life, I have been given at least September: Commandments

How can I inspire others to obey the commandments?

As Latter-day Saints—and as gospel teachers—we should be examples of living the gospel. Our examples can inspire others to obey the commandments. The Savior told His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). The peace and happiness we feel from living the gospel will show in our actions, in our words, and in the power of our testimony.

Prepare yourself spiritually

How have you been Prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What will help the youth understand influenced by the exam- how their examples and testimonies can inspire others to obey the commandments? ples of others who were Matthew 5:14–16; 1 Timothy 4:12; Ann M. Dibb, “Arise and Shine obedient to the command- Alma 17:11; 39:11 (The importance of Forth,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, ments? How have your being a good example) 117–19 efforts to live the commandments helped you Alma 4:19 (The power of pure “Living What You Teach,” Teaching, become a more effective testimony) No Greater Call (1999), 18–19 gospel teacher? L. Tom Perry, “Perfect Love Casteth What opportunities do the Out Fear,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. youth have to be an 2011, 41–44 example to others? What can you do to help them take advantage of these Make connections opportunities to inspire others to obey the During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between commandments? what they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help:

• Ask the youth what command- • Invite the youth to think about (but ments they are hearing about fre- not share the identity of) someone quently in Church classes or they know whom they wish they meetings. Why do they think these could inspire to obey the command- commandments are being empha- ments. As a class, discuss what sized? What are they learning? What inspires people to live the gospel. questions do they have? How can the examples, experiences, and testimonies of the youth help them touch the hearts of the people they love? Learn together

Teaching tip Each of the activities below will help the youth understand how to inspire others to obey the commandments. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, select one or more “Listen sincerely to that will work best for your class: learners’ comments. Your example will encourage • Assign each youth to read one of the others to keep the commandments by them to listen carefully to scriptures about example in this setting a good example. one another. If you do not outline and then find someone in the • Share a personal experience about understand someone’s class who read a different verse and a time when you chose to obey one comment, ask a question. share with each other what they of God’s commandments. As you You might say, ‘I’m not learned. Continue this activity until the share, follow the guidelines under sure I understand. Could youth have heard about each of the “Personal Experiences” on page 180 you explain that again?’ or scriptures. Why is being an example so of Teaching, No Greater Call. Discuss ‘Could you give me an important in teaching the gospel? Ask these guidelines with the youth, and example of what you the youth to list on the board some invite them to follow the guidelines as mean?’” (Teaching, No teaching opportunities they have— they share their own personal experi- Greater Call [1999], 64). both formal and informal. Then go to ences about keeping the command- page 19 of Teaching, No Greater Call and ments. Ask the youth why they think read together the list of blessings that personal experiences are an effective come to teachers who strive to be way to teach others about the obedient to the gospel. How would commandments. these blessings help the youth be more effective in the teaching opportunities • Invite the class to summarize the they listed on the board? context of Alma 4:19 (if they need help, suggest that they read the • Share the following statement from heading for chapter 4). Read together Elder L. Tom Perry’s talk “Perfect verse 19, and ask the youth what they Love Casteth Out Fear”: “Our lives think “bearing down in pure testi- should be examples of goodness and mony” might mean and how it could virtue as we try to emulate His inspire the members of the Church example to the world. Good works by to obey the commandments. How each of us can do credit both to the have the youth been influenced by Savior and His Church. As you are the testimonies of others (such as engaged in doing good, being honor- parents, teachers, leaders, or other able and upright men and women, youth)? Ask the youth to think of the Light of Christ will be reflected by examples of testimonies in the scrip- your lives.” Ask the youth to share tures (for example, Matthew 16:13–19; experiences in which someone’s good Mosiah 3:17; Alma 5:45–48; 7:13; D&C example inspired them to live the 76:22–24). Read them together, and gospel. Invite them to ponder the invite the youth to share why they influence their example may be find these testimonies inspiring. (Note: having on others, and encourage This activity is an opportunity to teach them to set personal goals to inspire the youth how to bear testimony as they teach the gospel to others. For of the stories told in the talk (the Teaching in the Savior’s more on this topic, see “Teaching with stories of Samson, Daniel, Joanna, and way Testimony” in Teaching, No Greater Karen). Ask them to discuss what The Savior invited those Call, 43–44.) they learn about the power of exam- He taught to act in faith ple to influence others to obey or • Divide the class into small groups, and live the truths He disobey the commandments. Invite and give each group a copy of Sister taught. What opportuni- each group to think of a creative way Ann M. Dibb’s talk “Arise and Shine ties can you provide in to share their story and what they Forth.” Assign each group to read one your teaching to help the learned with the rest of the class. youth understand that Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to inspire living the gospel is a others to obey the commandments? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do powerful way of teaching they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this the gospel? topic?

Invite the youth to act

Invite the youth to think of something they can do to inspire someone they know to obey the commandments. As appropriate, invite them to share their experiences in a future class. Selected Resources

Excerpt from Ann M. Dibb, “Arise and Shine Forth,” standing for what was right, he was protected and Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 117–19 blessed for his obedience. When King Darius removed Daniel from the lions’ den the next morn- The scriptures provide many great examples to ing, he made a decree that everyone should fear illustrate this idea. In the book of Judges in the Old Daniel’s God and follow Daniel’s example of Testament, we learn about Samson. Samson was faithfulness. Truly, Daniel shows us what it means born with great potential. His mother was promised, to be a standard for the nations and never lower our “He shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of standards in the face of worldly temptations. the Philistines.” [Judges 13:5.] But as Samson grew, he looked more to the world’s temptations than to I have been blessed to hear many modern-day God’s direction. He made choices because they examples of youth, just like you, who are not afraid “pleaseth [him] well” [Judges 14:3] rather than to arise and shine forth and allow their light to be a because those choices were right. Repeatedly, the standard among their peers. Joanna was one of only scriptures use the phrase “and he went down” three members of the Church in her high school and [Judges 14:7] as they tell of Samson’s journeys, the only young woman in her ward. She committed actions, and choices. Instead of arising and shining to herself and the Lord that she would never use forth to fulfill his great potential, Samson was bad language. When she was paired with a young overcome by the world, lost his God-given power, man for a school project who had not made the and died a tragic, early death. same commitment, she did not lower her standards. She asked him to respect and honor her values. On the other hand, the scriptures provide the Over time, with many gentle and some not-so-gen- example of Daniel. Daniel was also born with great tle reminders, her friend formed new habits and potential. In the book of Daniel, chapter 6, we read, used cleaner language. Many people noticed the “Daniel was preferred above the presidents and difference, including his father, who thanked Joanna princes, because an excellent spirit was in him.” for being a good influence in his son’s life. [Daniel 6:3.] When worldly challenges came to Daniel, he didn’t look down at the world—he arose On a recent assignment in the Philippines, I met and looked to heaven. Instead of following the king’s Karen, who shared an experience she had as a Laurel worldly decree that no one should pray to anyone while studying for a bachelor’s degree in hotel and but the king for 30 days, Daniel “went into his house; restaurant management. A teacher required that and his windows being open in his chamber toward every student learn to make and taste the variety of Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a drinks that would be served in their restaurants. day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as Some of the drinks contained alcohol, and Karen he did aforetime.” [Daniel 6:10.] knew it was against the Lord’s commandments for her to taste them. In the face of serious consequences, Daniel was not afraid to arise and shine forth in Karen found courage to arise and shine forth, and following God’s commandments. Although he spent she did not partake of the drinks. an uncomfortable night in the lions’ den for September: Commandments

What blessings does Heavenly Father promise if I obey the commandments?

Almost every commandment we receive from Heavenly Father is accompanied by a promised blessing. Obedience to the commandments brings freedom, personal growth, protection from danger, and many other temporal and spiritual blessings. Ultimately our obedience can lead to eternal life in the presence of Heavenly Father. Identifying these blessings can inspire us and others to obey the commandments.

Prepare yourself spiritually

Why is it important to What scriptures and talks will help the youth learn how to identify the blessings that identify promised bless- God promises to the obedient? ings—as a gospel learner Isaiah 55:6–11 (The blessings prom- D&C 20:77, 79 (The sacrament and as a gospel teacher? ised for obeying the law of the fast) prayers) How is your desire to live the gospel influenced by Jeremiah 7:23–24; D&C 1:14–15; D&C 59:9–20 (The blessings promised the blessings Heavenly 58:29–33 (Consequences of for keeping the Sabbath day holy) Father has promised you? disobedience) D&C 89:18–21 (The blessings prom- How will the youth be Malachi 3:10–12 (The blessings ised for obeying the Word of Wisdom) blessed by learning how to promised for paying tithing) identify God’s promises in “Obedience,” True to the Faith (2004), the scriptures and words D&C 14:7; 82:10; 130:20–21 (Blessings 108–9 of the prophets? of obedience) “Promise People Blessings,” Preach My Gospel (2004), 197–98

Make connections

During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between what they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help: • Ask the youth to share any experi- teach will inspire us and others to ences they had during the past keep the commandments. week that helped them understand Demonstrate to the youth how to the importance of obeying the identify promised blessings by commandments. reading with the class the “Message to the Youth from the First • Help the youth understand that Presidency” in For the Strength of commandments in the scriptures and Youth (pages ii–iii). Invite the youth to words of living prophets are often raise their hands every time they hear accompanied by promised blessings a promised blessing. Why are these or warnings; being able to identify promises important to the youth? them for ourselves and for those we

Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the activities below will help the youth identify the blessings of obedience. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, select one or more that will work best for your Using the Topical Guide. In class: the first activity in this section, the youth are • On one side of the board, write section of For the Strength of Youth and invited to use the Topical “Commandments,” and on the other read it to find blessings that the Guide to find scriptures side write “Promised Blessings.” Lord’s servants promise to us if we about a commandment. Invite the youth to look for places in obey the commandments. Give each Help the youth become the scriptures where the Lord prom- youth a chance to share what he or familiar with the Topical ises blessings to those who obey His she finds. Encourage them to share Guide so that they will feel commandments. For example, they experiences in which they received comfortable using it in could look in the scriptures suggested one of these promised blessings. their personal study. Show in this outline. Or, if necessary, show • As a class, read “Promise People them how to find a topic in them how to use the Topical Guide to Blessings” from Preach My Gospel the alphabetical list of find scriptures about a command- (pages 197–98). Ask the youth to think entries and scan the entries ment. Invite them to write on the of a commandment they might need under each topic to find board the commandment they read to teach to someone else, and invite relevant scriptures. about and the promised blessings them to practice teaching someone in Encourage them to look up they found. How does reading about the class about that commandment, and study the references to these blessings make them feel about following the guidelines in “Promise gain a more complete the commandments? People Blessings.” Invite a few of the understanding. • Invite the youth to randomly select youth to talk about their experience. a recent general conference talk or a

Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they know how to identify the blessings Heavenly Father promises to the obedient? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic? Teaching in the Savior’s way Invite to act The Savior was an exam- Invite the youth to look for promised blessings in their personal gospel study. ple and mentor to those Encourage them to share what they find in a future class. He taught in every setting. He taught them to pray by praying with them. He taught them to love and serve by the way He loved and served them. How might your example of love and obedience to God’s commandments influence the youth you teach? Selected Resources

“Promise People Blessings,” Preach My Gospel (2004), In return, they will receive blessings that He has 197–98 promised.

People need a reason to change their thoughts and As you testify of a commandment, talk about the actions. Promised blessings often provide powerful blessings you have received from living that com- motivation to obey God. When the Lord gives a mandment. Promise those whom you teach that commandment, He often promises blessings for they can enjoy similar blessings. keeping that commandment (see D&C 130:20–21). As people strive to keep a commitment, ask them to As you prepare people to obey a specific command- talk about the blessings that Heavenly Father has ment, teach them that: given them. Assure them that even though difficul- Living the commandments shows love for God ties will enter their lives, His blessings will continue and His Son. as they obey His will.

They demonstrate their trust in God as they obey His commandments. UNIT OVERVIEW October: Becoming More Christlike

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

The outlines in this unit will help the youth understand how to learn and teach the gospel as the Savior did. The youth will become better gospel learners as they seek to develop Christlike attributes such as obedience and humility. They will become better teachers as they learn about how Jesus Christ taught others and seek to emulate His example.

Outlines to choose from this month:

How can I invite others to become more like the Savior? How can I show love for those I teach? How did the Savior compare gospel truths to familiar objects and experiences? How can I use the scriptures to help others become more Christlike? How can I use questions effectively as I teach? What can I learn about gospel learning from the Savior’s example?

Visit lds.org/youth/learn to view this unit online. October: Becoming More Christlike

How can I invite others to become more like the Savior?

Jesus Christ invited His disciples to follow Him, keep His commandments, and become like Him. As members of the Church, we have the responsibility to follow His example and invite others to learn of Him. We can all improve our ability to invite others to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.

Prepare yourself spiritually

What invitations from Prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What will help the youth understand others have helped you how to invite others to come unto Christ? become more Christlike? Mark 10:17–22; Luke 10:25–37; Henry B. Eyring, “Let Us Raise Our How have you invited (Examples of Jesus inviting others to Voice of Warning,“ Ensign or Liahona, others to make changes in live gospel principles) Jan. 2009, 2–7 their lives that will help them become more like the Matthew 11:28–30; Moroni 10:32 “How Do I Help People Make and Savior? (Invitations to come unto Christ) Keep Commitments?” Preach My Gospel (2004), 195–201 What opportunities do the Henry B. Eyring, “Come unto Christ,” youth have to invite others Ensign or Liahona, Mar. 2008, 49–52 Video: “Inviting All to Come unto to make changes in their Christ: Sharing the Gospel” lives? How can you help them gain the ability to Video: “Examples in Ministering” extend invitations to others to become more like Christ? Make connections

• Invite the youth to share a recent • Invite the youth to read in the experience in which they were invited scriptures examples of the Savior to live a gospel principle. How did inviting others to live a gospel these invitations help them improve principle (for examples, see the their lives and become more like the scriptures in this outline). What can Savior? we learn from the example of the Savior about inviting others to live the gospel? Learn together

Teaching tip Each of the following activities will help the youth understand how to invite others to come unto Christ and gain confidence doing so. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, “If we want to influence select one or more that will work best for your class: learners for good, we should not merely love to • As a class, read the section titled “Let Us Raise Our Voice of Warning” teach; we should love each “Ask Direct Questions” in Preach My or watch the video “Examples in person we teach“ Gospel, page 197. Invite the youth to Ministering.” Invite them to write on (Teaching, No Greater Call think of situations in which they the board principles they learn that [1999], 31). could use questions to help a friend will help them extend an invitation to or family member make positive the person they’re thinking of. How changes in his or her life (some would they extend the invitation? examples may include helping a What would they say? friend overcome a swearing habit or • Invite the youth to read the scrip- encouraging a family member to tures in this outline that contain attend church). What are some direct invitations to come unto Christ. What questions they can ask in these blessings are promised to those who situations? How can they ask these come unto Christ in these scriptures? questions? When can they ask them? Show the video “Inviting All to Come Consider discussing other sections of unto Christ: Sharing the Gospel,” and the chapter “How Do I Help People invite the youth to share how the Make and Keep Commitments?” on young men in the video were blessed pages 195–201 of Preach My Gospel. by the simple invitations of their • Invite the youth to think of some- friends and family members. What one they would like to invite to live a simple invitations can the youth make Teaching in the Savior’s gospel principle. Ask them to read the to their friends and family members? way section titled “Love Comes First” How will their friends and family be in President Henry B. Eyring’s article blessed by accepting the invitations? When Jesus Christ appeared to the Nephites, Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to invite He invited them to come others to become more like the Savior? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do to Him one by one, that they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this they might see, feel, and topic? know Him for themselves (see 3 Nephi 11:13–17). In what ways can you invite Invite to act the youth to come to know Jesus Christ for Ask the youth what they feel inspired to do based on what they learned today. themselves? Encourage them to act on these feelings. Consider ways you can follow up. Selected Resources

Excerpt from Henry B. Eyring, “Let Us Raise Our Voice important: “Let your light so shine before men, that of Warning,” Ensign, Jan. 2009, 5–9, or Liahona, Jan. they may see your good works, and glorify your 2009, 2–7. Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Love Comes First Most of us are modest enough to think that our small candle of example might be too dim to be Love always comes first. A single act of kindness noticed. But you and your family are watched more will seldom be enough. The Lord described the love than you may realize. Some time ago I had the we must feel, and that those we invite must recog- chance to attend and speak at meetings with nearly nize in us, with words like these: “Charity suffereth 300 ministers and leaders of other churches. I visited long,” and it “beareth all things, believeth all things, alone with as many as I could. I asked them why hopeth all things, endureth all things” (1 they had been so attentive to my message, which Corinthians 13:4, 7). was to recount the origins of the Church, to tell of I’ve seen what “suffereth long” and “endureth all the young Joseph Smith’s First Vision and of living things” mean. A family moved into a house near us. prophets. In every case, they gave essentially the The home was new, so I was part of the crew of same answer. They told a story of a person or a Latter-day Saints who spent a number of nights family—Church members they knew. Often I heard, putting in landscaping. I remember the last night, “They were the finest family I have ever known.” standing next to the husband of the family as we Often they spoke of some community effort or finished. He surveyed our work and said to us disaster response in which Church members worked standing nearby, “This is the third yard you in a remarkable way. . . . Mormons have put in for us, and I think this is the The third thing we must do better is to invite with best.” And then he quietly but firmly told me of the testimony. Love and example will open the way, but great satisfaction he got from membership in his we still have to open our mouths and bear testi- own church, a conversation we had often in the mony. We are helped by a simple fact: truth and years he lived there. choice are inseparably connected. There are some In all that time, the acts of kindness extended to him choices all children of our Heavenly Father must and his family never ceased, because the neighbors make to qualify for a testimony of spiritual truths, really came to love them. . . . and once we know a spiritual truth, we must choose whether we will conform our lives to it. When we Second, we will need to be better examples of what bear testimony of truth to our loved ones or friends, we invite others to do. In a darkening world, this we must convey to them the choices they must command of the Savior will become more make once they know that truth for themselves. October: Becoming More Christlike

How can I show love for those I teach?

Jesus Christ loved those He taught. He prayed for them and found opportunities to express His love. We can develop love for those we teach by praying for them and selflessly serving them. When those we teach can sense that we sincerely love them, their hearts are softened, and they are more open to the truths we are teaching.

Prepare yourself spiritually

How have you been Prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What will help the youth understand influenced by a teacher the importance of loving those they teach? who showed love to you? John 13:34 (We should love others as Thomas S. Monson, “Examples of How have you developed Jesus Christ loves us) Great Teachers,” Ensign or Liahona, love for those you teach? June 2007, 74–80 Mosiah 28:1–3; Alma 17:21–39; What are the Church 20:21–27 (Ammon shows love to the “Love Those You Teach,” Teaching, No settings in which the youth Lamanites whom he is teaching) Greater Call (1999), 31–39 have opportunities to teach? What other teach- Moroni 7:45–46 (Without charity we Video: “Love Those You Teach” (no ing moments do they have are nothing) download available) in their lives? How can learning to love those they teach help the youth Make connections become better teachers? During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between what they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help:

• Invite the youth to share with • Ask the youth how they can tell another class member a scripture that when a teacher loves them. Why is it they have read recently in their important that a teacher show love? personal study. Do they have ques- Have the youth ever shown love to tions about things they are learning? someone they taught? Read John 13:34, and discuss ways the Savior showed loved to those He taught. Learn together

Each of the following activities will help the youth understand how to love those they Teaching tip teach in a Christlike way. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, select one or more “Part of your work as a that will work best for your class: gospel teacher is to help • Invite the youth to read Moroni • Share with the youth Elder learners understand and 7:45, identify the words and phrases Dallas N. Archibald’s analogy on feel Heavenly Father’s used to describe a person who has page 31 of Teaching, No Greater Call love for them. This cannot charity, and describe these qualities in (you may want to bring an empty be done with words alone. their own words (if necessary, help glass and a bucket of water to help It requires reaching out to them define any unfamiliar words). with this discussion). What do the individuals” (Teaching, No Invite each youth to select one of youth learn about teaching from this Greater Call [1999], 35). these words or phrases and describe analogy? Divide the class into three how it might relate to teaching. Ask groups and assign each group one of them to think of situations in which the first three chapters in “Love Those they are teaching others—both in You Teach” in Teaching, No Greater church and in other teaching Call. Invite each group to teach the moments (at home, at school, and in rest of the class what they learn from everyday life). Which of the attributes their assigned section. Encourage in Moroni 7:45 would they like to them to include in their presentation a develop to help them become better story that illustrates the principle, a teachers? Invite a few of the youth to discussion question, and a personal share their ideas. testimony.

• Ask the youth to read the section • Show a picture of Ammon defend- titled “It Is More Blessed to Give Than ing Lamoni’s flocks (Gospel Art to Receive” in President Thomas S. Book,78), and invite a class member to Monson’s talk “Examples of Great retell the story (see Alma 17:21–39). Teachers,” or show the video “Love Ask some of the youth to read Mosiah Those You Teach.” Ask the youth: 28:1–3, looking for answers to the What did the teachers in these exam- question “What inspired Ammon and ples do to show love for those they his brothers to want to teach the taught? What opportunities do the gospel to the Lamanites?” Ask the rest youth have to teach (in Church of the youth to read Alma 20:21–27, settings and in other teaching looking for answers to the question moments)? Invite the youth to plan “What effect did Ammon’s love have ways they can show love as teachers. on King Lamoni’s father?” Invite Invite a few of the youth to share their them to share what they find, and ask plans with the class. them to think of specific things they can do to follow Ammon’s example.

Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to show love for those they teach? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic? Teaching in the Savior’s way Invite to act Jesus Christ loved those He taught. He prayed for Encourage the youth to think about the people they teach. Invite them to choose them and continually something they will do to show love for those people. served them. How can you show your love for the youth you teach? Selected Resources

Excerpt from Thomas S. Monson, “Examples of Great think of the possibility of visiting the family mem- Teachers,” Ensign, June 2007, 106–12, or Liahona, June bers this morning and giving to them your fund?” 2007, 74–80. Ever shall I remember the tiny band walking those “It Is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive” three city blocks, entering Billy’s home, greeting him, his brother, sisters, and father. Noticeably It was my experience as a small boy to come under absent was his mother. Always I shall treasure the the influence of a most effective and inspired tears which glistened in the eyes of all as the white teacher who listened to us and who loved us. Her envelope containing our precious party fund passed name was Lucy Gertsch. In our Sunday School class, from the delicate hand of our teacher to the needy she taught us concerning the Creation of the world, hand of a grief-stricken father. the Fall of Adam, the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. She brought to her classroom as honored guests Moses, We fairly skipped our way back to the chapel. Our Joshua, Peter, Thomas, Paul, and, of course, Christ. hearts were lighter than they had ever been, our joy Though we did not see them, we learned to love, more full, our understanding more profound. A honor, and emulate them. God-inspired teacher had taught her boys and girls an eternal lesson of divine truth: “It is more blessed Never was her teaching so dynamic nor its impact to give than to receive.” more everlasting as one Sunday morning when she sadly announced to us the passing of a classmate’s Well could we have paraphrased the words of the mother. We had missed Billy that morning but did disciples on the way to Emmaus: “Did not our heart not know the reason for his absence. burn within us . . . while [she] opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32). The lesson featured the theme “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Midway through Lucy Gertsch knew each of her students. She the lesson, our teacher closed the manual and unfailingly called on those who missed a Sunday or opened our eyes and our ears and our hearts to the who just didn’t come. We knew she cared about us. glory of God. She asked, “How much money do we None of us has ever forgotten her or the lessons she have in our class party fund?” taught.

Depression days prompted a proud answer: “Four Many, many years later, when Lucy was nearing the dollars and seventy-five cents.” end of her life, I visited with her. We reminisced concerning those days so long before when she had Then ever so gently she suggested, “Billy’s family is been our teacher. We spoke of each member of our hard pressed and grief stricken. What would you class and discussed what each one was now doing. Her love and caring spanned a lifetime. October: Becoming More Christlike

How did the Savior compare gospel truths to familiar objects and experiences?

Jesus Christ is the Master Teacher. He shared simple stories, parables, and real-life examples that helped those He taught understand gospel principles. We can use stories to teach like the Savior as we relate our personal experiences and relate gospel principles to the world around us.

Prepare yourself spiritually

Which of the parables of Prayerfully study the scriptures and resources listed below. What do you feel inspired Jesus are most memorable to share with the youth? to you, and why? What Matthew 20:1–15; 25:1–13, 14–30; Luke Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Laborers in other comparisons have 8:4–15; 15:1–7, 8–10, 11–32 (Examples the Vineyard,” Ensign or Liahona, May helped you understand of parables) 2012, 31–33 gospel principles? Matthew 18:1–6 (The Savior uses a David A. Bednar, “Ye Must Be Born Which of the parables of child to teach about the kingdom of Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, Jesus might be meaningful heaven) 19–22 to the youth? What other comparisons might help Matthew 5:14–16 (The Savior com- “Comparisons and Object Lessons,” them understand gospel pares His disciples to light and Teaching, No Greater Call, 163–64 principles? What can the candles) youth learn about teaching “Stories,” Teaching, No Greater Call, from the way the Savior 179–82 used comparisons and stories? Make connections

• Invite the youth to describe a • Invite the youth to share a story family home evening or other lesson, they remember from a recent general a sacrament meeting talk, or a confer- conference talk. What did they learn ence talk they remember and discuss from the story? Why do they think the why it was memorable. speaker chose to use a story to teach? Learn together

Each of the following activities will help the youth understand how to use parables and Gospel study skills other comparisons when they teach. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, select one Understanding symbols. To or more that will work best for your class: understand parables and • Invite the youth to make a chart are teaching and write a story that symbols in the scriptures, with the following headings: “Making would teach the gospel principle. the youth need to be able Pickles” and “Becoming Converted.” to recognize symbols, • Invite the youth to read in the Ask the youth to read Elder David A. identify parts of the scriptures examples of the Savior Bednar’s talk “Ye Must Be Born symbols, and interpret comparing the gospel to a familiar Again” and identify the comparisons them. One way to recog- object, such as the parables suggested that Elder Bednar makes to teach nize a symbol is to look for in this outline. Why did Jesus teach about the process of conversion. You words such as like, likened, this way (see “Comparisons and may consider inviting the youth to like unto, as, or as it were. Object Lessons,” Teaching, No Greater draw pictures to help them visualize The youth can then make a Call, 163–64)? Bring to class several the comparisons. Allow time for the list of the parts of the everyday objects, such as soap, coins, youth to share a comparison from symbol. To interpret the keys, rocks, or food. Invite the youth their own experiences that they could symbols, they can refer to to select an object and teach a gospel use to teach a gospel truth. other Church resources principle using that object. If the (such as Church maga- • Ask each youth to think of one of youth need help, you may want to zines, conference talks, or his or her favorite parables and find it use pages 163–64 of Teaching, No other scriptures) and in the scriptures. If they need sugges- Greater Call. consider how the symbol tions, consider sharing one of the • Invite the youth to read the parable helps them understand a parables suggested in this outline. of the laborers in the vineyard in gospel principle. Invite the youth to retell their chosen Matthew 20:1–15. Ask them to discuss Encourage them to do this parables to the class and share why it several ways that this parable could whenever they find a is meaningful to them. What makes apply to their lives. Invite them to parable or symbol in their parables such an effective teaching read Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s talk personal gospel study. method (see “Stories,” Teaching, No “The Laborers in the Vineyard” and Greater Call, 179–82)? Consider discuss the gospel truths he teaches allowing time for the youth to create using this parable (you may decide to their own parable that teaches a focus on parts of the talk that seem gospel truth. You might guide them most appropriate for the youth). Ask by suggesting that they begin by the youth to choose another parable deciding what gospel principle they from the scriptures and tell the class want to teach. Then they could think how they feel it applies to them. Why about a setting for their parable that are parables an effective way to help would be familiar to the people they others learn gospel principles?

Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to teach using parables and other comparisons? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic? Teaching in the Savior’s way Invite to act The Savior helped those He taught discover gospel Invite the youth to use comparisons or parables to teach someone a gospel truth. Ask lessons in their own them to think of settings where they could teach this truth, such as in family home experiences and in the evening, in a sacrament meeting talk, or with a friend. world around them. How can you help the youth understand how to use familiar objects and their own experiences to teach others about gospel truths? Selected Resources

Excerpt from David A. Bednar, “Ye Must Be Born just as salt is essential in transforming a cucumber Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 19–22. into a pickle, so covenants are central to our spiritual rebirth. Just as a cucumber is transformed into a pickle as it is immersed in and saturated with salt brine, so you We begin the process of being born again through and I are born again as we are absorbed by and in exercising faith in Christ, repenting of our sins, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we honor and being baptized by immersion for the remission of “observe the covenants” (D&C 42:13) into which we sins by one having priesthood authority. have entered, as we “feast upon the words of “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into Christ” (2 Nephi 32:3), as we “pray unto the Father death: that like as Christ was raised up from the with all the energy of heart” (Moroni 7:48), and as dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also we “serve [God] with all [of our] heart, might, mind should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). and strength” (D&C 4:2), then: And after we come out of the waters of baptism, our “Because of the covenant which ye have made ye souls need to be continuously immersed in and shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and saturated with the truth and the light of the Savior’s his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritu- gospel. Sporadic and shallow dipping in the doc- ally begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are trine of Christ and partial participation in His changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are restored Church cannot produce the spiritual born of him and have become his sons and his transformation that enables us to walk in a newness daughters” (Mosiah 5:7). of life. Rather, fidelity to covenants, constancy of The spiritual rebirth described in this verse typically commitment, and offering our whole soul unto God does not occur quickly or all at once; it is an ongoing are required if we are to receive the blessings of process—not a single event. Line upon line and eternity. precept upon precept, gradually and almost imper- “I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is ceptibly, our motives, our thoughts, our words, and the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, our deeds become aligned with the will of God. This and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto phase of the transformation process requires time, him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto persistence, and patience. him, and continue in fasting and praying, and A cucumber only becomes a pickle through steady, endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be sustained, and complete immersion in salt brine. saved” (Omni 1:26). Significantly, salt is the key ingredient in the recipe. Total immersion in and saturation with the Savior’s Salt frequently is used in the scriptures as a symbol gospel are essential steps in the process of being both of a covenant and of a covenant people. And born again. October: Becoming More Christlike

How can I use the scriptures to help others become more Christlike?

Jesus Christ is the best example of teaching. He used the scriptures to teach His gospel. Latter-day prophets have instructed us that there is no substitute for the scriptures and words of living prophets when we teach the gospel to others. To teach from the scriptures we must study them for ourselves. Then we can share scripture stories and examples and help those we teach liken the scriptures to themselves.

Prepare yourself spiritually

What scriptures have you Prayerfully study the following scriptures and resources. What will inspire the youth used recently to teach a to want to use the scriptures when they teach? gospel principle? How has Matthew 12:1–8; 13:38–41 (Examples “Teach from the Scriptures,” in Jeffrey your study of the scrip- of the Savior likening the scriptures) R. Holland, “Teaching and Learning tures helped you become a in the Church,” Ensign or Liahona, better teacher? How do Luke 4:17–27 (Jesus uses the scrip- June 2007, 94–97 you use the scriptures tures to teach the people of Nazareth) when you teach? “Teaching from the Scriptures,” 3 Nephi 23:1–6 (Jesus uses the scrip- Teaching, No Greater Call, 54–59 What scripture stories or tures to teach the Nephites) passages could be most meaningful and relevant to the youth? Why is it Make connections important for the youth to use the scriptures when During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between they teach? what they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help:

• Ask the youth to share a favorite with the youth questions like the scripture with the class. Why is this following: Why did the Savior use the scripture meaningful to them? scriptures to teach? How did using the scriptures influence those He • Invite the youth to read in the taught? What opportunities do the scriptures examples of the Savior youth have to teach? How can the using the scriptures to teach others, youth use the scriptures in their such as those suggested in this outline teaching? or others you may know of. Discuss Learn together

Each of the following activities will help the youth understand how they can use the Gospel study skills scriptures to help others become more Christlike. Following the inspiration of the Using footnotes. In the first Spirit, select one or more that will work best for your class: activity in this section, the • Demonstrate how you use the • Invite the youth to read the sections youth are encouraged to study helps in the scriptures (such as titled “Provide Context” and “Share use scripture study aids, the footnotes, chapter headings, Biographical Information” in including footnotes. Invite Topical Guide, or Bible Dictionary) as Teaching, No Greater Call, 54–55. them to read a verse about a teacher (see Teaching, No Greater Demonstrate how to provide context a Christlike attribute and Call, 56–57). Invite the youth to use when teaching about the scriptures by study each footnote for the study aids in the scriptures to sharing the story of Captain Moroni that verse, answering the prepare a family home evening lesson and the title of liberty. For example, following question: What on one of the Christlike attributes you could summarize the background does this footnote add to they are studying in their other information in Alma 46:1–11 before my understanding of the classes. If possible, invite a few of reading verses 12–13. Ask the youth verse? Encourage the them to share what they prepared how understanding the background youth to refer to the with the class. information helps them understand footnotes often as they the scripture story. Invite the youth to study the scriptures on • Ask the youth to imagine that they choose a scripture and practice their own. have been asked to teach young teaching it to others providing context children about a Christlike attribute and biographical information. using a scripture story, such as the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) or • Demonstrate how to invite others the parable of the lost sheep (Luke to look for something specific in the 15:1–7). Invite them to use the guide- scriptures. You could use several of lines on pages 180–81 of Preach My the examples on page 55 of Teaching, Gospel to plan how they would teach No Greater Call. Invite the youth to the story. If possible, give them time find a scripture about a Christlike to practice teaching and arrange for attribute and identify something they an opportunity for them to teach could ask learners to look for while children their stories. reading that scripture. Allow them to teach their scriptures to the class using the “look for” approach.

Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to use the scriptures in their efforts to help others come unto Christ? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic? Teaching in the Savior’s way Invite to act The Savior taught people to think about the scrip- Ask the youth how they can use what they have learned in class to improve their gospel tures for themselves and study and teaching. Invite them to share in future classes experiences they had using use them to find answers the scriptures to teach others. to their own questions. How can you encourage the youth to teach as the Savior did? Selected Resources

Excerpt from “Teaching from the Scriptures,” Teaching, several verses before the parable begins. One way to No Greater Call, 54–59. find the context is to read the verses before and after the passage you are studying. . . . Provide Context Sometimes it is also helpful to study the political, The setting or background of a scripture passage is social, or economic history of the times in which a called the context. Learners will better understand scripture was given. For example, to gain an under- what is happening or being said in a scripture standing of the Lord’s comfort and promises in passage when they know its context. Doctrine and Covenants 121 and 122, it is helpful to To begin looking for context, ask the following know about the afflictions the Saints were suffering questions: in Missouri at that time and the conditions the Prophet Joseph and his companions endured in • Who is speaking? Liberty Jail. To increase our understanding of the epistles of Paul, we can benefit from a basic knowl- • Whom is that person speaking to? edge of the area in which he traveled and the • What is he or she speaking about? condition of the branches of the Church to which he wrote. The Bible Dictionary can be an excellent • What is he or she responding to? source for this and other background information • Why is he or she saying this? on passages in the Bible.

For example, Luke 15:11–32 contains the Savior’s In providing context, it is essential to not lose sight parable of the prodigal son. The Prophet Joseph of its purpose, which is to contribute to a better Smith said that he gained an understanding of this understanding of a particular scripture passage. Be parable by looking to its context: careful not to turn context—such as the history, politics, economics, or language of the people in the “I have a key by which I understand the scriptures. I scriptures—into the main focus of a lesson. . . . enquire, what was the question which drew out the answer, or caused Jesus to utter the parable? . . . While Share Biographical Information Jesus was teaching the people, all the publicans and When we study the lives of individuals in the scrip- sinners drew near to hear Him; ‘and the Pharisees tures, we often see gospel principles at work over a and scribes murmured, saying: This man receiveth period of time. For example, the complete story of sinners, and eateth with them.’ This is the keyword Zeezrom in the Book of Mormon shows that a person which unlocks the parable of the prodigal son. It was can repent and go on to serve the Lord in righteous- given to answer the murmurings and questions of ness. If you read the verses cited in the index of your the Sadducees and Pharisees, who were querying, scriptures under “Zeezrom,” you can follow the story finding fault, and saying, ‘How is it that this man as of Zeezrom’s attack against the Church, his conver- great as He pretends to be, eats with publicans and sion, and finally, his valiant service as a missionary sinners?’” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. and gospel teacher. Other instructive biographies Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 276–77). include those of Ruth, King David, Samuel, Esther, As the Prophet Joseph pointed out, the context of the Apostle Paul, Alma the Elder, King Benjamin, the parable of the prodigal son starts in Luke 15:1–2, Alma the Younger, Corianton, Mormon, and Moroni. October: Becoming More Christlike

How can I use questions effectively as I teach?

Jesus Christ, the Master Teacher, often asked questions to encourage people to ponder and apply the principles He taught. His questions prompted thought, soul-searching, and commitment. To help those we teach, we can learn to ask questions that help others think about, discuss, and apply gospel principles.

Prepare yourself spiritually

How have you seen Prayerfully study the following scriptures and resources. What will inspire the youth effective teachers use you teach? questions to help others Matthew 7:7–11 (The Savior asks Alma 5:14–30 (Alma uses questions ponder and apply the questions to help us apply the princi- to teach the Nephites) gospel? How do you use ple of prayer) questions when you teach? Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Merciful Matthew 16:13–17 (The Savior asks Obtain Mercy,” Ensign or Liahona, What do the youth need to questions that invite Peter to testify) May 2012, 70–76 understand about asking questions that will help Matthew 16:24–26 (The Savior asks “Teaching with Questions,” Teaching, them become better questions that prompt deeper No Greater Call, 68–70 teachers? thinking) Video: “Things as They Really Are”

Make connections

• Invite the youth to share an experi- school, or in Church classes). Ask ence they had during the week that them to discuss in class the different deepened their understanding of ways their teachers use questions. something they are learning about What did they see that was effective? Christlike attributes. Why is asking questions an important part of teaching? • At least a week before class, ask the youth to make note of questions their teachers ask them (in seminary, at Learn together

Each of the following activities will help the youth understand how to use questions Teaching tip effectively as they teach others. Following the inspiration of the Spirit, select one or “Ask questions that more that will work best for your class: require learners to find • Invite each youth to read one of the the Christlike attributes in Preach My answers in the scriptures scriptures listed in this outline and Gospel (pages 115–23) and write and the teachings of identify the questions the Savior questions they could ask as they teach latter-day prophets” asked in those scriptures. Why did He others about that attribute. Invite (Teaching, No Greater Call ask these questions? How would the them to write their questions on the [1999], 62). teaching experiences have been board. different if the Savior had not asked • Invite the youth to read Alma questions in these situations? Why is 5:14–30, watch the video “Things as asking questions an effective way to They Really Are,” or review President teach others? Invite the youth to think Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk “The about opportunities they may have to Merciful Obtain Mercy.” Ask them teach (as home teachers, in sacrament to make a list of the some of the meeting talks, in family home eve- questions Alma, Elder Bednar, or ning, in informal settings, and so on). President Uchtdorf use as they teach. How would asking questions improve How do these questions help us their teaching in these settings? learn? Invite the youth to consider • Divide the class into groups and ways they can use questions the next assign each group to read about one time they are asked to give a talk. of the types of questions described in • Demonstrate to the youth some of the section titled “General Guidelines the “Creative Uses of Questions” on for Preparing Questions” in Teaching, page 70 of Teaching, No Greater Call, No Greater Call, 68–69. Ask the or others you can think of. (Consider groups to be prepared to teach the using questions about the topic of this class about the type of question they unit, becoming more Christlike.) Ask studied and explain when it would be the youth to identify what you did to appropriate to use this type of ques- present the questions, and list these tion. Ask them to think of and share ideas on the board. Invite them to their own examples of this type of think of other creative ways to use question. After the groups have questions and practice using them in presented what they learned, allow pairs or small groups. time for each group to select one of

Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to use questions as they teach? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic? Teaching in the Savior’s way Invite to act The Savior asked questions of those He taught Ask the youth what they feel inspired to do based on what they learned today. that caused them to think Encourage them to act on these feelings. Consider ways you can follow up. and feel deeply. Because of His love, they felt safe sharing their thoughts and personal feelings. How can you create an atmosphere in your class where the youth will feel comfortable responding to questions? Selected Resources

Excerpt from Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Merciful Obtain Let the love of God fill our hearts. Mercy,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 70–76. “Let us do good unto all men.” [Galatians 6:10.] My dear brothers and sisters, consider the following The Savior promised: “Give, and it shall be given questions as a self-test: unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken Do you harbor a grudge against someone else? together, and running over. . . . For with the same measure that [you use] it shall be measured to you Do you gossip, even when what you say may be again.” [Luke 6:38.] true? Shouldn’t this promise be enough to always focus Do you exclude, push away, or punish others our efforts on acts of kindness, forgiveness, and because of something they have done? charity instead of on any negative behavior? Do you secretly envy another? Let us, as disciples of Jesus Christ, return good for Do you wish to cause harm to someone? evil. [See Matthew 5:39–41.] Let us not seek revenge or allow our wrath to overcome us. If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to apply the two-word sermon from “For it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, earlier: stop it! saith the Lord.

In a world of accusations and unfriendliness, it is “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he easy to gather and cast stones. But before we do so, thirst, give him drink. . . . let us remember the words of the One who is our “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with Master and model: “He that is without sin among good.” [Romans 12:19–21.] you, let him first cast a stone.” [John 8:7.] Remember: in the end, it is the merciful who obtain Brothers and sisters, let us put down our stones. mercy. [See Matthew 5:7.] Let us be kind. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Let us forgive. Latter-day Saints, wherever we may be, let us be known as a people who “have love one to another.” Let us talk peacefully with each other. [John 13:35.] October: Becoming More Christlike

What can I learn about gospel learning from the Savior’s example?

In gospel learning, as in all things, Jesus Christ is our perfect example. Because He was perfectly obedient and submissive to His Father, He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Just as the Savior received “grace for grace” (D&C 93:12), we must patiently seek light and knowledge from God in our efforts to learn the gospel.

Prepare yourself spiritually

What Christlike attributes Prayerfully study the following scriptures and resources. What will inspire the youth do you feel are important you teach? to gospel learning? How Luke 2:40–52 (Jesus Christ grew in D&C 93:11–20 (We can receive grace has developing these wisdom and spirit as a boy) for grace as the Savior did) attributes helped you in your efforts to study and John 5:30 (Jesus Christ always sought D&C 130:18–19 (We gain knowledge teach the gospel? His Father’s will) and intelligence through diligence and obedience) What can the youth 1 Corinthians 2:14 (The natural man understand about the does not receive the things of the Richard G. Scott, “Acquiring Spiritual Savior that will help them Spirit) Knowledge,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 86–88 become better students of the gospel? D&C 1:26–28; 112:10 (If we are willing Robert R. Steuer, “Being Teachable,” and humble, the Lord will teach us) Ensign or Liahona, May 2002, 31–32

Make connections

During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between what they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help: • Invite the youth to share something (for some ideas, see Preach My they are learning about the Savior in Gospel,page 126). Which of these their personal study. What are they attributes do the youth feel can help doing to try to be more like Him? us become better gospel learners? Ask them to explain their answers and • Ask the youth to make a list on the give examples of ways the Savior board of the attributes of Jesus Christ demonstrated these attributes.

Learn together

Each of the following activities will help the youth understand how developing Gospel study skills Christlike attributes can help them become better gospel learners. Following the Looking for attributes of Jesus inspiration of the Spirit, select one or more that will work best for your class: Christ. In the first activity • As a class, read one or more of the Elder Richard G. Scott’s talk in this section, the youth following scriptures: Luke 2:40–52; “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge.” are invited to look for John 5:30; Doctrine and Covenants Ask the youth to share what they attributes of Christ in the 93:11–20. Invite the youth to look in learn about learning from Elder scriptures. Encourage the these verses for qualities of good Scott’s message. In what ways did the youth to do this whenever learners that the Savior exemplified. Savior exemplify these principles? they read the scriptures. Ask them to share what they find, Invite them to share ways they can They could ask themselves along with other qualities of good apply these principles in their own questions like “What do I learners that they would like to gospel learning. learn about Jesus Christ? develop in their own lives. What do I need to change • Invite the youth to read Elder in my life to become more • Write the following scripture Richard R. Steuer’s talk “Being like Him?” references on the board: John 5:30; Teachable.” Ask them to select a D&C 1:26–28; 112:10; 130:18–19. Ask scriptural example Elder Steuer uses each youth to select one of the refer- that interests them. Invite them to ences, read it, and find in the scripture look for the story in the scriptures an attribute of good learners. Why are (using the references in the talk), read these attributes important in learning more about it, and share what they the gospel? Invite the youth to plan read with the rest of the class. What ways they can apply these attributes do they learn about being teachable in their gospel study. from these stories? What similar examples from their own lives can • Invite each class member to read they share? How can they follow about one of the four principles for these examples in their own study of acquiring spiritual knowledge in the gospel?

Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how becoming more Christlike can help them be better gospel learners? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic? Teaching in the Savior’s way Invite to act The Savior loved those He taught. He prayed for Ask the youth what they feel inspired to do based on what they learned today. them and continually Encourage them to act on these feelings. Consider ways you can follow up. served them. How can praying for and serving the youth you teach help them feel your love for them? How will this affect the quality of your teaching? Selected Resources

Excerpt from Richard G. Scott, “Acquiring Spiritual Therefore, you should select carefully a few vital Knowledge,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 86–88, or Liahona, areas where you can focus energy to learn and share Jan. 1994, 86–88. vital truths. I know that to gain knowledge of great worth requires extraordinary personal effort. This is Humility is essential to the acquiring of spiritual particularly true when our desire is to obtain spiri- knowledge. To be humble is to be teachable. tual knowledge. President Kimball said it this way: Humility permits you to be tutored by the Spirit and to be taught from sources inspired by the Lord, such “The treasures of both secular and spiritual knowl- as the scriptures. The seeds of personal growth and edge are hidden ones—but hidden from those who understanding germinate and flourish in the fertile do not properly search and strive to find them. . . . soil of humility. Their fruit is spiritual knowledge to Spiritual knowledge is not available merely for the guide you here and hereafter. asking; even prayers are not enough. It takes persistence and dedication of one’s life. . . . Of all A proud individual cannot know the things of the treasures of knowledge, the most vital is the knowl- Spirit. Paul taught this truth, saying: edge of God” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, “The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit pp. 389–90). of God. . . . Brigham Young learned truth by carefully listening “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the to Joseph Smith and striving to understand every- Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: thing that was taught by word, example, or the neither can he know them, because they are spiritu- Spirit. The resulting tutoring has blessed genera- ally discerned” (1 Cor. 2:11, 14). tions. It conditioned Brigham Young to learn additional truths and to share far more than he had Since it requires much personal effort to gain and use received personally from Joseph Smith. Follow his worthwhile knowledge, you cannot endlessly example. sample from every fascinating arena of life. UNIT OVERVIEW November: Spiritual and Temporal Self-Reliance

“The power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves” (D&C 58:28).

The outlines in this unit will help the youth develop skills they will need to become spiritually self-reliant. They will also learn what it means to be temporally self-reliant. To overcome the temptations they face every day, they will need to have their own testimonies—they will not always be able to rely on the testimonies of others. You can help them learn how to find answers to gospel questions and gain their own testimonies of the truth. As they become self-reliant, they will be better prepared to serve and care for others in need.

Outlines to choose from this month:

How can I become spiritually self-reliant? How can I find answers to my own gospel questions? How can I learn to make my own decisions? How can setting goals help me become self-reliant? How can I prepare to be financially self-reliant?

Visit lds.org/youth/learn to view this unit online. November: Spiritual and Temporal Self-Reliance

How can I become spiritually self-reliant?

Spiritual self-reliance is essential to our eternal well-being. When we are spiritually self-reliant, our testimonies do not depend on the testimonies of others. We seek our own spiritual experiences through praying daily, studying the scriptures, and exercising faith in Jesus Christ. We turn to our Heavenly Father for His help to resolve our own difficult problems. We are also able to strengthen others in their times of spiritual need.

Prepare yourself spiritually

What have you done to Prayerfully study these scriptures and other resources. What will help the youth become more spiritually understand the importance of spiritual self-reliance? self-reliant? How have you Matthew 25:1–13 (The parable of the Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Power of been blessed by being ten virgins) a Personal Testimony,” Ensign or spiritually self-reliant? Liahona, Nov. 2006, 37–39 Mormon 9:27 (We should work out What can the youth do to our own salvation) Robert D. Hales, “Coming to develop spiritual self-reli- Ourselves: The Sacrament, the ance? How will the youth Moroni 10:3–5 (We can know the Temple, and Sacrifice in Service,” benefit from becoming truth for ourselves) Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 34–36 more spiritually D&C 58:26–28 (We are agents unto self-reliant? David A. Bednar, “Converted unto ourselves to bring about the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. righteousness) 2012, 106–9 D&C 130:18–19 (Diligence and Video: “They That Are Wise” (no obedience help us gain knowledge download available); see also Doctrine and intelligence) and Covenants and Church History Visual Resource DVD

Make connections

During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between what they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help you: • Invite the youth to share something lesson, and encourage the other class they have recently done to apply what members to listen for answers to the they are learning in Sunday School to question “What is spiritual self-reli- their personal study of the gospel. ance?” Give the class members a few minutes to write down their answers • Ask a member of the class to read to the question, and allow class the paragraph at the beginning of this members to share their answers.

Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the activities below can help the youth learn how to become more spiritually self-reliant. Following the guidance of the Spirit, select one or more that will work for Summarizing. In the first your class: activity in this section, the youth are invited to write • Ask the youth to read the first six talk “The Power of a Personal short summaries of what paragraphs of Elder Robert D. Hales’s Testimony.” Why is it important that they read in a general talk “Coming to Ourselves: The we each have our own testimony? conference address. This Sacrament, the Temple, and Sacrifice Invite the youth to share how they will help them ensure that in Service,” and invite them to write a have gained their own testimonies of they understand the few short sentences summarizing the truth of the gospel. Testify of the message of the talk. They what they read. What do they think blessings that have come to you are also invited to apply the phrase “spiritual desires” means? because you have your own testi- the message to their own Invite them to ponder the spiritual mony. As part of this discussion, you lives; they can do this by desires they have. Ask them to select could share this statement from asking questions like one of the three questions in the fifth President Thomas S. Monson: “In “What does the Lord want paragraph of Elder Hales’s talk and order for us to be strong and to me to learn from this write an answer. Encourage them to withstand all the forces pulling us in talk?” Encourage the share their answers with the class. the wrong direction or all the voices youth to do this whenever encouraging us to take the wrong • Invite each youth to read one of they study a conference path, we must have our own testi- scriptures suggested in this outline. talk. mony. Whether you are 12 or 112—or After giving the youth time to read anywhere in between—you can know the verses, divide them into pairs and for yourself that the gospel of Jesus invite them to interview each other, Christ is true” (“Dare to Stand asking questions like the following: Alone,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, What did the scripture you read say? 62). What are some other things the What did you learn about spiritual youth can do to become spiritually self-reliance from these verses? What self-reliant? are you inspired to do because of what you read? Give the youth the • Invite the youth to read Matthew opportunity to interview others in the 25:1–13, or show the video “They That class. Are Wise.” What do the youth learn about spiritual self-reliance from this • Ask the youth to read the section parable? As part of this discussion, titled “How Do We Get a Testimony?” invite the youth to read the section from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s titled “Testimony, Conversion, and “Converted unto the Lord.” What can Teaching in the Savior’s the Parable of the Ten Virgins” from the youth do to increase the oil in way Elder David A. Bednar’s talk their lamps? The Savior trusted His Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to become disciples, prepared them, spiritually self-reliant? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worth- and gave them important while to spend more time on this topic? responsibilities to teach, bless, and serve others. How can you prepare the youth to teach others what Invite to act they learn? Ask the youth what they feel inspired to do based on what they learned today. Encourage them to act on these feelings. Consider ways you can follow up. Selected Resources

Excerpt from Robert D. Hales, “Coming to Ourselves: strive to come to ourselves and come back into the The Sacrament, the Temple, and Sacrifice in Service,” light of our Savior’s love. Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 34–36 These blessings rightfully belong to all of Heavenly The Savior told His disciples about a son who left Father’s children. Desiring these blessings, includ- his wealthy father, went to a far country, and wasted ing a life of joy and happiness, is an essential part of his inheritance. When a famine arose, the young Heavenly Father’s plan for each one of us. The man took the lowly job of feeding swine. He was so prophet Alma taught, “Even if ye can no more than hungry that he wanted to eat the husks meant for desire to believe, let this desire work in you.” [Alma the animals. 32:27.]

Away from home, far from the place he wanted to be, As our spiritual desires increase, we become spiritu- and in his destitute condition, something of eternal ally self-reliant. How, then, do we help others, significance happened in the life of this young man. ourselves, and our families increase our desires to In the Savior’s words, “he came to himself.” [Luke follow the Savior and live His gospel? How do we 15:17.] He remembered who he was, realized what he strengthen our desires to repent, become worthy, had been missing, and began to desire the blessings and endure to the end? How do we help our youth freely available in his father’s house. and young adults let these desires work in them until they are converted and become true “saint[s] Throughout our lives, whether in times of darkness, through the atonement of Christ”? [Mosiah 3:19.] challenge, sorrow, or sin, we may feel the Holy Ghost reminding us that we are truly sons and We become converted and spiritually self-reliant as daughters of a caring Heavenly Father, who loves we prayerfully live our covenants—through wor- us, and we may hunger for the sacred blessings that thily partaking of the sacrament, being worthy of a only He can provide. At these times we should temple recommend, and sacrificing to serve others. November: Spiritual and Temporal Self-Reliance

How can I find answers to my own gospel questions?

Part of becoming spiritually self-reliant is learning how to answer our own gospel questions. Revelation often occurs when we earnestly seek answers to sincere questions and have faith in the promise made by the Savior: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7). We can find answers to our own gospel questions as we pray, study the scriptures and words of the living prophets, and seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

Prepare yourself spiritually

What role has seeking Prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What will inspire the youth to seek answers to questions answers to their own gospel questions? played in your gospel 1 Nephi 15:2–11 (Laman and Lemuel minds and then ask the Lord if it is learning? In what ways had questions but did not inquire of right) have you found answers the Lord) to your questions? Jeffrey R. Holland, “Lord, I Believe,” Alma 40:1–12; Ether 2:18–23; Joseph Ensign or Liahona, May 2013 What questions have the Smith—History 1:10–18 (Examples of youth asked about the Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Reflection in people seeking answers to their gospel? What can you do the Water,” CES fireside for young questions) to encourage the youth to adults, Nov. 1, 2009; see also the video seek answers to their D&C 6:14–15 (The Spirit can enlighten of the address. gospel questions? our minds when we inquire of the “The Book of Mormon Answers Lord) Questions of the Soul,” Preach My D&C 9:8–9 (When we have questions, Gospel (2004), 107–8 we should study them out in our

Make connections

During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between what they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help you: • Invite the youth to share how Preach My Gospel,page 107). What something they learned in one setting does the Lord expect us to do when (personal study, family home evening, we have questions? Encourage the seminary, and so on) has helped them class to think about these questions understand something they learned during the lesson. Don’t spend a lot of about in another setting. time in class trying to answer these questions, but instead focus on • Invite the youth to make a list of teaching the youth principles that will questions people often ask about life help them seek answers on their own. or religion (for some examples, see

Learn together

Teaching tip Each of the activities below can help the youth learn how to find answers to their own gospel questions. Following the guidance of the Spirit, select one or more that will work Consider contacting a class for your class: member several days in advance and inviting • Invite the youth to read the follow- • Ask a class member to come him or her to teach all or ing scriptures: Matthew 7:7; D&C prepared to relate the story in Mark part of the lesson. 6:14–15; 9:7–9. As a class, make a list 9:14–27, or read the story as a class. Encourage the youth to of principles these verses teach about Divide the class into three groups, use these learning outlines asking questions and receiving and give each group one of the three to prepare to teach. answers. Why doesn’t the Lord observations of Elder Jeffrey R. always answer our questions com- Holland about the story in his talk, pletely or immediately? Consider “Lord, I Believe.” How can they use telling the youth about a time when Elder Holland’s observations when you had a question about the gospel they or someone they know has and received an answer. Ask the questions or doubts about the gospel? youth to share similar experiences. • Write on the board the following • Ask the youth to think of people questions: Why does the Lord want in the scriptures who asked questions us to be a question-asking people? that led to revelation (if needed, you What is the difference between asking may refer them to the scriptures questions about the gospel and suggested in this outline). Invite the doubting its truthfulness? Invite the youth to read about these people in the youth to look for answers to these scriptures and identify what questions questions in the section titled “Is It they asked, how they sought answers True?” from President Dieter F. to their questions, and the answers Uchtdorf’s talk “The Reflection in they received. Invite them to share the Water.” What else do they learn what they learned with the class. from this section of President What other principles about asking Uchtdorf’s talk? questions can they learn from these • As a class, read the first four experiences? How can the youth apply paragraphs of “The Book of Mormon these principles to their own Answers Questions of the Soul,” in questions? Preach My Gospel (page 107). Invite cited for the questions they chose. Ask Teaching in the Savior’s each class member to select one of the them to share answers they find and way questions listed that they or someone explain how they could use the Book The Savior encouraged they know has wondered about. Give of Mormon to help others answer those He taught to think the youth time in class to read the similar questions. about the scriptures for passage from the Book of Mormon themselves and use them After completing one of the above activities, invite the youth to review the questions to find answers to their they wrote down at the beginning of the class. Give them the opportunity to plan ways own questions. How will they will seek for answers to their questions. If possible, allow them to begin looking for the youth you teach be answers in the scriptures, words of living prophets, For the Strength of Youth, and blessed as they learn how other Church resources. to find answers to the questions they have about Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to find the gospel? answers to their own gospel questions? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic?

Invite to act

Invite the youth to share any impressions they have had during class. What will they do to find answers to their own gospel questions? Encourage them to share what they find in future classes. Selected Resources

Excerpt from Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Reflection in the sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Water,” CES fireside for young adults, Nov. 1, 2009 Christ” (Moroni 10:4). When we do so, the truth of all things can be manifested to us “by the power of Now the next issue: What about doubts and ques- the Holy Ghost” (Moroni 10:5). tions? How do you find out that the gospel is true? Is it all right to have questions about the Church or Fear not; ask questions. Be curious, but doubt not! its doctrine? My dear young friends, we are a Always hold fast to faith and to the light you have question-asking people because we know that already received. Because we see imperfectly in inquiry leads to truth. That is the way the Church mortality, not everything is going to make sense got its start—from a young man who had questions. right now. In fact, I should think that if everything In fact, I’m not sure how one can discover truth did make sense to us, it would be evidence that it without asking questions. In the scriptures you will had all been made up by a mortal mind. Remember rarely discover a revelation that didn’t come in that God has said: response to a question. Whenever a question arose “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are and Joseph Smith wasn’t sure of the answer, he your ways my ways. . . . approached the Lord, and the results are the won- derful revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are Often the knowledge Joseph received extended far my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts beyond the original question. That is because not than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8–9). only can the Lord answer the questions we ask but, even more importantly, He can give us answers to Nevertheless, you know that one of the purposes of questions we should have asked. Let us listen to mortality is to become more like your Heavenly those answers. Father in your thoughts and in your ways. Viewed from this perspective, searching for answers to your The missionary effort of the Church is founded questions can bring you closer to God, strengthen- upon honest investigators asking heartfelt ques- ing your testimony instead of shaking it. It’s true tions. Inquiry is the birthplace of testimony. Some that “faith is not . . . a perfect knowledge” (Alma might feel embarrassed or unworthy because they 32:21), but as you exercise your faith, applying have searching questions regarding the gospel, but gospel principles every day under any circum- they needn’t feel that way. Asking questions isn’t a stances, you will taste the sweet fruits of the gospel, sign of weakness; it’s a precursor of growth. and by this fruit you will know of its truth (see Matthew 7:16–20; John 7:17; Alma 32:41–43). God commands us to seek answers to our questions (see James 1:5–6) and asks only that we seek “with a November: Spiritual and Temporal Self-Reliance

How can I learn to make my own decisions?

An important part of being self-reliant is learning how to make decisions for ourselves. Heavenly Father is willing to guide us, but He does not always tell us exactly what to do. He has given us agency and expects us to use our knowledge, experience, and faith to guide our own decisions. We can then ask Him to confirm to us whether our decision is correct.

Prepare yourself spiritually

What are some important Prayerfully study these scriptures and other resources. What will help the youth learn decisions you have made? gospel principles related to making decisions? How did you make those Alma 37:37 (Counsel with the Lord) Dallin H. Oaks, “Good, Better, Best,” decisions? How did the Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 104–8 Lord help you? D&C 9:7–9 (Heavenly Father guides us in our decisions after we have Robert D. Hales, “To the Aaronic What important decisions studied them in our own minds) Priesthood: Preparing for the Decade are the youth facing? What of Decision,” Ensign or Liahona, May principles of the gospel D&C 58:26–29 (We do not need to be 2007, 48–51 can help them make these commanded in all things; we should decisions? be anxiously engaged in good) Richard G. Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 8–11

Make connections

• Invite the youth to think of current the board the important decisions that world events that have illustrated the they might make over the next 10 importance of spiritual or temporal years. Invite them to think about how self-reliance. the things they learn during this lesson can help them make these • Read together Doctrine and decisions. Covenants 58:26–29. Why does the Lord not want to “command [us] in all things”? Ask the youth to list on Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the activities below will help the youth understand how to make their own decisions. Following the guidance of the Spirit, select one or more that will work best Pondering. In the first for your class: activity in this section, the youth are invited to • Invite the youth to read Doctrine Oaks: “We have to forego some good ponder how a passage of and Covenants 9:7–9 and Alma 37:37, things in order to choose others that scripture applies to the and ask them to ponder how they can are better or best because they develop important decisions they apply the Lord’s counsel in these faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and have to make. verses to the important decisions they strengthen our families.”) Write on the Pondering—taking time to will make over the next few years. board the headings Good, Better, and think deeply about some- What does it mean to “counsel with Best, and invite the youth to write thing we have read or the Lord” about these decisions? choices that would fit under these heard—can help us receive What does it mean to “study it out in headings (if they need examples, refer impressions from the [our] mind”? Invite the youth to share them to section IV of Elder Oaks’s Spirit. A good way to their thoughts and any experiences talk). How will the youth apply what ponder is to ask ourselves they have had counseling with the they learn from this activity to deci- questions about what we Lord to make decisions. Also share sions they have to make? are reading. Encourage the your own experiences and testimony. • Divide the class into two groups. youth to take time to • Ask the class to consider what they Invite one group to read the section ponder during their learn about decision-making as they titled “How Should You Pray?” from personal scripture study. read Elder Robert D. Hales’s story Elder Richard G. Scott’s talk “Using about the pilot who would not attend the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” and simulator training (in his talk “To the invite the other group to read the Aaronic Priesthood: Preparing for the section titled “How Are Prayers Decade of Decision”). Ask them to Answered?” Ask the youth to find share what they find. Invite each answers to the questions in the titles youth to read one of the paragraphs of the sections they are reading and that begin with “Now is the time” in discuss what they find with their Elder Hales’s talk, and ask them to groups. Then invite each group to share with the class what Elder Hales teach the other group what they is counseling them to do and how the learned about seeking the Lord’s choices they make now will affect the guidance as they make decisions. Ask choices they can make later in life. them to share what they will do to apply this counsel to their own • Invite the youth to read section I in decision-making. Elder Dallin H. Oaks’s talk “Good, Better, Best” and share what it teaches Ask the youth to share what they them about making decisions. What learned today. Do they understand criteria can the youth use to distin- how to make their own decisions? Do guish among things that are good, they have any additional questions? better, and best? (You could refer them Would it be worthwhile to spend to the following statement from Elder more time on this topic? Teaching in the Savior’s way Invite to act The Savior prepared Ask the youth what they feel inspired to do based on what they learned today. Himself to complete His Encourage them to act on these feelings. Consider ways you can follow up. mission through prayer, fasting, and seeking His Heavenly Father’s help. How can you follow the Savior’s example as you prepare to teach? Selected Resources

Excerpt from Dallin H. Oaks, “Good, Better, Best,” Consider how we use our time in the choices we Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 104–8 make in viewing television, playing video games, surfing the Internet, or reading books or magazines. We should begin by recognizing the reality that just Of course it is good to view wholesome entertainment because something is good is not a sufficient reason or to obtain interesting information. But not every- for doing it. The number of good things we can do thing of that sort is worth the portion of our life we far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. give to obtain it. Some things are better, and others are Some things are better than good, and these are the best. When the Lord told us to seek learning, He said, things that should command priority attention in “Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom” our lives. (D&C 88:118; emphasis added). . . . Jesus taught this principle in the home of Martha. Here are some other illustrations of good, better, While she was “cumbered about much serving” (Luke and best: 10:40), her sister, Mary, “sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word” (v. 39). When Martha complained that her It is good to belong to our Father in Heaven’s true sister had left her to serve alone, Jesus commended Church and to keep all of His commandments and Martha for what she was doing (v. 41) but taught her fulfill all of our duties. But if this is to qualify as that “one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that “best,” it should be done with love and without good part, which shall not be taken away from her” arrogance. We should, as we sing in a great hymn, (v. 42). It was praiseworthy for Martha to be “careful “crown [our] good with brotherhood,” [“America and troubled about many things” (v. 41), but learning the Beautiful,” Hymns, no. 338.] showing love and the gospel from the Master Teacher was more “need- concern for all whom our lives affect. ful.” The scriptures contain other teachings that some To our hundreds of thousands of home teachers and things are more blessed than others (see Acts 20:35; visiting teachers, I suggest that it is good to visit our Alma 32:14–15). . . . assigned families; it is better to have a brief visit in As we consider various choices, we should remem- which we teach doctrine and principle; and it is best ber that it is not enough that something is good. of all to make a difference in the lives of some of Other choices are better, and still others are best. those we visit. That same challenge applies to the Even though a particular choice is more costly, its many meetings we hold—good to hold a meeting, far greater value may make it the best choice of all. better to teach a principle, but best to actually improve lives as a result of the meeting. November: Spiritual and Temporal Self-Reliance

How can setting goals help me become self-reliant?

Meaningful goals and careful planning can help us achieve the work the Lord has for us to do. Setting our own goals for our lives is an important part of becoming self-reliant. It involves more than just wishing or dreaming. As President Thomas S. Monson has taught: “Wishing will not make it so. The Lord expects our thinking. He expects our action. He expects our labors. He expects our testimonies. He expects our devotion” (“To the Rescue,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2001, 49). When we plan prayerfully and work diligently to achieve our goals, the Lord magnifies our efforts and helps us reach our potential.

Prepare yourself spiritually

What goals have you set Prayerfully study these scriptures and other resources. What will help the youth learn for yourself throughout the importance of setting goals to become self-reliant? your life? What did you do 1 Kings 18:21; Matthew 6:24 (We D&C 58:27–29 (We should be anx- to achieve your goals? cannot serve two masters) iously engaged in good causes) How has achieving goals helped you become more Philippians 3:13–14 (We can reach for Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Power of a self-reliant? our goals and press forward toward Personal Testimony,” Ensign or them) Liahona, Nov. 2006, 37–39 What goals have the youth set that you are aware of? 2 Nephi 32:9 (We should seek the L. Tom Perry, “Raising the Bar,” How can you encourage Lord’s guidance in everything we do) Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 46–49 them to set worthy goals? Alma 34:32–33 (This life is the time to “How to Set Goals,” Preach My Gospel prepare to meet God) (2004), 146

Video: “A Work in Progress”

Make connections

During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between what they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help: • Invite the youth to share experi- throughout your life. Include both ences they have had recently that long-term and short-term goals. reinforced a gospel truth they have Explain how you decided to set those been learning about. goals, what you did to achieve them, and how your efforts blessed your • Share with the youth some of the life. Encourage the youth to share goals you have set for yourself similar experiences of their own.

Learn together

Teaching tip Each of the activities below can help the youth become more self-reliant by learning how to set personal goals. Following the guidance of the Spirit, select one or more that “Discussions in small will work best for your class: groups can instantly involve those who seem to • Assign half of the class to read become better missionaries? Consider be losing interest and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s story inviting other ward members to concentration” (Teaching, about learning English (from his talk discuss with the youth the importance No Greater Call [1999], 72). “The Power of a Personal of setting goals in other phases of life. Testimony”), and assign the other half • Invite the youth to list the goals to read Elder L. Tom Perry’s story they have for themselves. Review about his son practicing high jumping with the youth the guidelines for (from his talk “Raising the Bar”). Ask setting goals on page 146 of Preach My the youth to summarize their Gospel. Which of these guidelines assigned stories for the rest of the would help the youth accomplish the class and explain what they learned goals they listed? Invite them to from the stories about setting goals. choose one of their goals and write Invite them to share any similar down ways they will apply these stories from their own lives. How will guidelines to help them accomplish they apply what they learn from these that goal. Invite a few of them to stories to be more effective in setting share what they have written. and achieving their goals? • Ask the youth to read Doctrine and • Ask the youth some of the goals Covenants 58:27–29, and invite them they have and why it is important to to make a list of goals they would like have goals. Invite them to read “How to set that will help them “be anx- to Set Goals” in Preach My iously engaged in a good cause” and Gospel (page 146), looking for reasons “bring to pass much righteousness.” goals are important, and ask them to Encourage them to share their lists share what they find. With the with another class member and bishop’s permission, invite the explain what they are doing or can do full-time missionaries or a recently now to accomplish those goals. Invite returned missionary to explain the them to read the additional scriptures importance of setting goals in mis- suggested in this outline and share sionary work. How can learning how any insights they gain from these to set goals now help the youth scriptures about setting goals. • Show the video “A Work in basketball? (As part of this discussion, Teaching in the Savior’s Progress,” and give the youth a few you may want to read 1 Kings 18:21 way minutes to write down what they and Matthew 6:24.) Ask the youth to The Savior loved those He learn from the video about setting think of something they are passion- taught. He knew their and achieving goals. Invite them to ate about. Have they ever had to interests, hopes, and share their thoughts with the class. choose between that thing and desires and what was Why did Tyler choose to pursue his another worthy goal? What do they happening in their lives. goal to serve a mission, even though learn from Tyler’s example? What can you do to it meant interrupting his goal to play understand the interests Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to set and needs of the youth personal goals? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to you teach? How will this spend more time on this topic? influence the way you teach them?

Invite to act

Ask the youth what they feel inspired to do based on what they learned today. Encourage them to act on these feelings. Consider ways you can follow up. Selected Resources

“How to Set Goals,” Preach My Gospel (2004), 146 • Focus on people. Although you will use numbers, be able to support your numbers with Goals reflect the desires of our hearts and our vision the names of people where possible. of what we can accomplish. Through goals and plans, our hopes are transformed into action. Goal • Be specific and realistic, but set goals that will setting and planning are acts of faith. Prayerfully set make you stretch. goals that are in harmony with the Savior’s com- • Set weekly and daily goals. mand to “teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy • Set goals for personal and companion study, Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). including language study if you are learning another language. Set goals for each key indicator. You may also set goals for your personal development. Do everything • Measure your progress each day, each week, within your power to achieve your goals while and after each six-week period. When you fall respecting the agency of others. The ultimate short of a goal, evaluate your efforts and seek for measure of success is not in achieving goals alone ways to accomplish the goal. If needed, adjust but in the service you render and the progress of your expectations. others. Goals are a means of helping you bring about much good among Heavenly Father’s chil- Over time your mission president may establish dren. They are not to be used to receive recognition. standards of excellence or mission goals intended to raise your vision and increase your faith. District, Carefully considered goals will give you clear zone, and mission standards will help you stretch, direction and will help you fill your days with work effectively, and reach higher levels of perfor- activities that help people strengthen their faith in mance. They are not to be used as quotas that the Savior and progress toward baptism, confirma- impose specific goals on you and your companion. tion, and full activity in the Church. Challenging goals will help you work effectively and lead you to “I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don’t set goals stretch and grow. Follow the guidelines below as in our life and learn how to master the techniques of you set goals: living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a • Follow the Spirit. small part of our full potential. When one learns to master the principles of setting a goal, he will then be able • Focus on the key indicators. to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life” (Elder M. Russell Ballard, talk given to Salt Lake area young adults, Oct. 18, 1981). November: Spiritual and Temporal Self-Reliance

How can I prepare to be financially self-reliant?

The Lord has blessed us with resources, and He expects us to be wise stewards over these resources. He wants us to be financially self-reliant so that we can provide for ourselves and serve others. To do this, we should pay tithes and offerings, avoid unnecessary debt, use a budget, and live within our means.

Prepare yourself spiritually

How has your life been What scriptures and other resources will help the youth understand the importance of blessed as you have financial self-reliance and prepare them to live providently? followed the counsel of Malachi 3:10–11 (Blessings of tithing) 2009, 7–10; see also the video Church leaders regarding “Becoming Provident Providers” financial self-reliance? 2 Nephi 9:30, 51; Jacob 2:13–14, 17–19; Why do you believe Alma 1:29–30; 4:6–8 (We should use “Debt,” True to the Faith (2004), 48–49 self-reliance is an impor- riches to bless others) tant principle of the “Tithes and Offerings,” For the restored gospel? D&C 19:35 (The Lord compares debt Strength of Youth (2011), 38–39 to bondage) What do the youth need to All Is Safely Gathered In: Family learn about providing for Robert D. Hales, “Becoming Finances (pamphlet, 2007) themselves and others? Provident Providers Temporally and Finances section of LDS.org How will they and their Spiritually,” Ensign or Liahona, May future families be blessed through following the counsel to be financially Make connections self-reliant? During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between things they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help you:

• Invite the youth to share something or book of matches; you may want to they learned recently from their bring one of these items as a visual personal scripture study. aid). Show the youth some money and ask them to explain the positive • Ask the youth to explain how and negative uses of money. How can certain tools can be both helpful and it be used to bless others and further harmful, depending on how they are the Lord’s work? used (such as a mousetrap, hammer, Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the activities below can help the youth understand the importance of financial self-reliance. Following the guidance of the Spirit, select one or more that will work best Searching for doctrine. In for your class: this section, the youth are invited to search the • Write the following statement by share their plans if they feel comfort- scriptures to find what the Elder Robert D. Hales on the board: able doing so. Lord teaches about money. “The three most loving words are ‘I • Invite a class member to read D&C As they read the scrip- love you,’ and the four most caring 19:35. Why does the Lord compare tures, invite them to look words … are ‘We can’t afford it.’” debt to bondage? Ask the youth to for the doctrine (or eternal Invite the youth to read Elder Hales’s read “Debt” in True to the Faith. Invite truths) the scriptures story about wanting to buy a dress for half of the class to look for reasons teach. Encourage them to his wife (in his talk “Becoming why we should avoid debt, and ask ask themselves questions Provident Providers Temporally and the other half to look for counsel like “What do I learn Spiritually”), or show the video about how to stay out of debt. Ask about the doctrine? Is it “Becoming Provident Providers.” Ask them to teach each other what they different from what I have the youth to think about and share learn and why they feel it is important thought or learned in the possible reasons Elder Hales says “We to the Lord that we stay out of debt. past? Does it inspire me to can’t afford it” are the four most How is our spirituality affected by the change anything in my caring words. What blessings come way we manage our money? life?” Encourage the youth from living within our means? How to use similar questions can the youth follow Sister Hales’s • Ask the youth what they think the during their personal example? How can her example help First Presidency would say about scripture study. them when they are tempted to live managing our finances. Write their beyond their means? ideas on the board. Give each class member a copy of the pamphlet All Is • Invite the class to make two lists on Safely Gathered In: Family Finances. the board: one describing what the Read together the message from the world tells us about money and First Presidency. What counsel does another describing what the Lord tells the First Presidency give regarding us about money. Ask them to read the finances? What blessings do they scriptures provided in this outline, promise? Assign each class member to looking for things they can add to the read one of the “Basics of Family lists. Ask the youth what they can do Finances” and summarize it in his or now to begin living by what the Lord her own words for the rest of the class. teaches about money. Invite them to How can the youth apply these write their ideas on the board. Have principles now? Share experiences you the youth individually pick one idea have had applying these principles, from the list that they want to begin and invite the youth to do the same. working on this week. Invite them to

After completing one of the activities above, give the youth time in class to begin filling out the “Budget Worksheet” in the pamphlet All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances. They could base this worksheet on their actual income or use hypothetical figures. Encourage them to seek advice and guidance from their parents. Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand the importance of Teaching in the Savior’s financial self-reliance well enough to explain it to others? Do they have any additional way questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic? The Savior helped His disciples discover gospel lessons in their own Invite to act experiences and in the world around them. What Ask the youth what they feel inspired to do because of what they learned today. experiences or examples Encourage them to act on these feelings. Consider ways you can follow up. For can you share from example, you could ask them to share their experiences at the beginning of next week’s everyday life to help the lesson. youth see the spiritual benefits of financial self-reliance? Selected Resources

Excerpt from All Is Safely Gathered In: Family THE BASICS OF FAMILY HOME STORAGE Finances (pamphlet, 2007) THREE-MONTH SUPPLY MESSAGE FROM THE FIRST PRESIDENCY Build a small supply of food that is part of your Dear Brothers and Sisters: normal, daily diet. One way to do this is to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His supply until it is sufficient for three months. These purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in items should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage. faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to “prepare every needful thing” (see D&C 109:8) so DRINKING WATER that, should adversity come, we may care for Store drinking water for circumstances in which the ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as water supply may be polluted or disrupted. they care for others. If water comes directly from a good, pretreated We encourage Church members worldwide to source then no additional purification is needed; prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply otherwise, pretreat water before use. Store water in of food and water and some money in savings. sturdy, leak-proof, breakage-resistant containers. We ask that you be wise as you store food and water Consider using plastic bottles commonly used for and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is juices and soda. not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish Keep water containers away from heat sources and your food storage all at once. With careful planning, direct sunlight. you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve. FINANCIAL RESERVE

We realize that some of you may not have financial Establish a financial reserve by saving a little money resources or space for such storage. Some of you each week and gradually increasing it to a reason- may be prohibited by law from storing large able amount (see All Is Safely Gathered In: Family amounts of food. We encourage you to store as Finances guide). much as circumstances allow. LONGER-TERM SUPPLY May the Lord bless you in your home storage efforts. For longer-term needs, and where permitted, The First Presidency gradually build a supply of food that will last a long time and that you can use to stay alive, such as wheat, white rice, and beans.

These items can last 30 years or more when properly packaged and stored in a cool, dry place. A portion of these items may be rotated in your three-month supply. UNIT OVERVIEW December: Building the Kingdom of God in the Latter Days

“May the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come” (D&C 65:6).

The youth in your class were sent to the earth at this specific time to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Savior. They have special gifts and talents that the Lord wants them to use to help build His kingdom and share His gospel. The lessons in this unit will help them develop those gifts as they prepare to become leaders and teachers in the Church and kingdom of God.

Outlines to choose from this month:

How can I learn to serve more effectively in the Church? How can I become a better leader? How can I become a better teacher? What are effective ways to share the gospel with others? How can I understand the symbols used to teach about the Second Coming? What can I learn from the scriptures to help me prepare for the Second Coming?

Visit lds.org/youth/learn to view this unit online. December: Building the Kingdom of God in the Latter Days

How can I learn to serve more effectively in the Church?

When the Lord calls us to serve, He also qualifies us to serve faithfully. As we learn what our responsibilities are and then diligently fulfill them, the Lord magnifies our efforts. We are also blessed in our callings when we follow the counsel of our Church leaders. In this way we participate with Him in building His kingdom and serving His children.

Prepare yourself spiritually

How does the Lord help As you prepare, prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What do you feel you as you strive to fulfill inspired to share with the youth? your callings? What Jeremiah 1:5–9; Mosiah 2:11; Moses D&C 25 (Emma Smith receives experiences could you 6:31–34 (Prophets who received counsel about fulfilling her share with the youth? strength from the Lord to fulfill their responsibilities) Of the youth whom you callings) Thomas S. Monson, “The Savior’s teach, which are serving in John 15:16; Articles of Faith 1:5 (God Call to Serve,” Ensign or Liahona, Aug. callings? Why is it impor- calls us to serve through revelation) 2012, 4–5 tant for them to learn now how to serve effectively in Jacob 1:17–19; D&C 4; 107:99; 121:34– Henry B. Eyring, “Rise to Your Call,” the Church? 36 (We should act in all diligence to Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2002, 75–78 fulfill our callings)

Make connections

During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between what they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, family, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help:

• Ask the youth to share a recent What did they find difficult or experience they had teaching the challenging about the calling? How gospel. What do they feel went well? did the Lord help them? Share an What would they like to improve? experience of your own, and bear your testimony. • Ask the youth to talk about any callings they have had in the Church. What were their responsibilities? Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the activities below will help the youth learn how to serve effectively in the Church. Following the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, select one or more that will work Finding principles. The first best for your class: activity in this section invites the youth to search • Invite each class member to read Henry B. Eyring’s talk “Rise to Your the scriptures, looking one of the scriptures suggested in this Call” (beginning with the phrase for principles (or eternal outline, looking for principles the “There is a third thing you need to truths) about serving in Lord teaches about fulfilling callings. know”), looking for ways the Lord God’s kingdom. Ask the youth to share what they magnifies us when we serve in a Encourage them to ask find. What do these scriptures inspire calling. Ask them to write what they themselves questions like them to do? find on the board. Share a personal “What principles do I experience in which the Lord magni- • Ask the youth to share stories from learn from this passage? fied you to help you fulfill a calling. the scriptures in which someone was Are they different from given a difficult assignment and • Write on the board the headings what I thought or learned received help from the Lord (for some Counsel and Promises. Invite the youth in the past? Do they ideas, see the scriptures suggested in to search Doctrine and Covenants 25 inspire me to change this outline). If possible, help them and identify the counsel and promises anything in my life?” find pictures of these stories in the the Lord gave Emma Smith in connec- Encourage the youth to Gospel Art Book. What inspires them tion with her calling. Ask them to use similar questions about these stories? What do they write on the board what they find. during their personal learn from these stories about fulfill- How might this counsel and these scripture study. ing callings? promises apply to the callings the youth receive? Ask the youth who • Invite the youth to read President have held callings to share anything Thomas S. Monson’s message “The they remember about counsel or Savior’s Call to Serve,” looking for a promises they were given when they quotation they could share about how were set apart. You could also share to serve faithfully in Church callings. what you remember. How have these Ask class members to share their promises been fulfilled? quotations and why they found the counsel from President Monson • As a class, read Doctrine and meaningful. How will they apply Covenants 107:99. Invite the youth to what they learned in their callings imagine that they have been given a now and in the future? specific calling in the ward or stake, and ask them to share what calling • Bring a magnifying glass to class, they are thinking of (see the “Chart of and ask the youth what it is used for. Callings” on pages 159–64 in Ask them what the word magnify Handbook 2: Administering the Church). means to them. Why do they think What would they do to find out what this word is used to describe how we their responsibilities are in their should serve in our callings (in the calling? (For example, they could phrase “magnify your calling”)? consult the scriptures, Handbook 2, the Invite them to read President Leadership Training Library on LDS. the coming week to learn about the Teaching in the Savior’s org, or someone who is currently calling and share what they learn in way serving in that calling). Ask the youth next week’s class. The Savior trusted those to spend time during class or during who followed Him. He Ask the youth to share what they learned today. What feelings or impressions do they prepared them and gave have? Do they understand how to serve effectively in the Church? Do they have any them important responsi- additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic? bilities to teach, bless, and serve others. What opportunities can you provide for the youth to teach each Invite to act other? Ask the youth what they feel inspired to do based on what they learned today. Encourage them to act on these feelings. Seek the Spirit as you prayerfully consider ways you can follow up. Selected Resources

Excerpt from Henry B. Eyring, “Rise to Your Call,” The Lord will not only magnify the power of your Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2002, 75–78 efforts. He will work with you Himself. His voice to four missionaries, called through the Prophet Joseph There is a third thing you need to know: Just as God Smith to a difficult task, gives courage to everyone called you and will guide you, He will magnify you. He calls in His kingdom: “And I myself will go with You will need that magnification. Your calling will them and be in their midst; and I am their advocate surely bring opposition. You are in the Master’s with the Father, and nothing shall prevail against service. You are His representative. Eternal lives them.” [D&C 32:3.] depend on you. He faced opposition, and He said that facing opposition would be the lot of those He Because the Savior is a resurrected and glorified called. The forces arrayed against you will try not being, He is not physically with every one of His only to frustrate your work but to bring you down. servants at every moment. But He is perfectly aware The Apostle Paul described it this way: “For we of them and their circumstance and able to inter- wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against vene with His power. That is why He can promise principalities, against powers, against the rulers of you: “Whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I the darkness of this world.” [Ephesians 6:12.] will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your There will be times when you will feel over- hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear whelmed. One of the ways you will be attacked is you up.” [D&C 84:88.] . . . with the feeling that you are inadequate. Well, you are inadequate to answer a call to represent God You can have the utmost assurance that your power with only your own powers. But you have access to will be multiplied many times by the Lord. All He more than your natural capacities, and you do not asks is that you give your best effort and your whole work alone. heart. Do it cheerfully and with the prayer of faith. The Father and His Beloved Son will send the Holy The Lord will magnify what you say and what you Ghost as your companion to guide you. Your efforts do in the eyes of the people you serve. He will send will be magnified in the lives of the people you the Holy Ghost to manifest to them that what you serve. And when you look back on what may now spoke was true. What you say and do will carry seem trying times of service and sacrifice, the hope and give direction to people far beyond your sacrifice will have become a blessing, and you will natural abilities and your own understanding. That know that you have seen the arm of God lifting miracle has been a mark of the Lord’s Church in those you served for Him, and lifting you. every dispensation. It is so much a part of your call that you may begin to take it for granted. . . . December: Building the Kingdom of God in the Latter Days

How can I become a better leader?

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of righteous leadership. Leaders in His Church follow His example by loving and serving those they lead. By first striving to be faithful disciples, we can then help others develop strong testimonies and draw nearer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Prepare yourself spiritually

Think of someone you As you prepare, prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What do you feel know who is a Christlike inspired to share with the youth? leader. What leadership Exodus 18:13–26 (Moses receives D&C 121:34–46 (Principles of righ- qualities does that person counsel from Jethro about how to be a teous leadership) possess? How has his or more effective leader) her leadership influenced Thomas S. Monson, “Examples of you and others? Matthew 20:20–28; 23:11; D&C 50:26 Righteousness,” Ensign or Liahona, (Christlike leaders serve those they May 2008, 65–68 Why do the youth need to lead) learn how to be leaders? Tad R. Callister, “The Power of the What opportunities do John 13:4–15; 3 Nephi 18:16; 27:21, 27 Priesthood in the Boy,” Ensign or they have to lead—in the (Jesus Christ is our example of Liahona, May 2013 Church, in their homes, leadership) and in their communities? “Leadership in the Church of Jesus Mosiah 2:11–19 (King Benjamin serves Christ,” Handbook 2: Administering the his people) Church (2010), 12–14

Make connections

• Invite the youth to share an experi- • Display a picture of the Savior (see, ence they had recently that reminded for example, the Gospel Art Book), and them of something they have been write the word leader on the board. learning in their Church classes. Ask the youth to write on the board other words that come to mind when they think of Jesus Christ as a perfect leader. Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the activities below can help the youth learn how to become more effective leaders. Following the guidance of the Spirit, select one or more that will work for your Finding principles. A class: principle is an eternal truth that guides our • As a class, read Matthew 20:20–28. • As a class, read 3 Nephi 27:21, actions. Sometimes What does the Savior teach His 27. ask the youth to think about the principles are stated Apostles about leadership in the message of these scriptures as you plainly in the scriptures or kingdom of God? Invite the youth to share with them President Thomas S. words of the prophets, and make a list on the board comparing Monson’s story about wiggling his other times they are and contrasting leadership in the ears, from his talk “Examples of implied in stories or world and leadership in the Church. Righteousness” (or show this portion examples. As you teach the How does a person become a leader of his talk on video). What does this youth the principles of in a business or a country? in the story teach the youth about leader- Christlike leadership, help Church? What leadership qualities are ship? Invite them to ponder what them learn how to identify valued in the world? in the Church? messages they are communicating to these principles by asking As part of this discussion, invite the others by the way they live. questions such as: “What youth to read scriptures that teach Encourage them to share experiences do I learn from these principles of Christlike leadership in which they were blessed by the scriptures that will help (such as those suggested in this example of another member the class. me become a better leader? outline). Why is it important for the What other leadership qualities do Is there something here youth to understand these principles? they see in each other? that teaches me how to be How will they use them in their • Ask a class member to put on a more like the Savior?” families? in their Church service? in backpack. Load the backpack with Encourage them to look their communities? books or other objects until it becomes for principles as they • Select sections from chapter 3 of very heavy. Ask the youth how this study the scriptures. Handbook 2, “Leadership in the backpack might represent a leader- Church of Jesus Christ,” that teach ship calling. Invite the youth to study principles exemplified by the Savior Exodus 18:13–26 and look for the (such as sections 3.2.1, 3.3.3, 3.3.4, counsel Moses received from Jethro 3.3.5, and 3.3.6). Ask each class about how to be a better leader. What member to read one of these sections could have happened if Moses had and think of a story from the Savior’s not followed this counsel? Invite the life that illustrates the principle youth to imagine that they have been taught in his or her section (they assigned to organize a stake youth could look at Gospel Art Book, 34–51, conference. How would they apply for some ideas). Ask the youth to Jethro’s counsel to this situation? Give share what they learn from the them time to plan their imaginary handbook and the story they thought youth conference. Who would they of. What examples of these principles ask to help? What would they ask have they seen in their own lives? these people to do? • Write several of the leadership information about the assigned Teaching in the Savior’s principles taught by Elder Tad R. principle. Invite class members to way Callister in “The Power of the share what they learn about leader- Reflect for a moment on Priesthood in the Boy” on separate ship from Elder Callister. Encourage what you know about the pieces of paper. Give one paper to them to share any personal examples Savior. What do you notice each class member, and ask him or of these principles. about His way of teaching her to search the article for and leading? How did He Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to become help others learn and better leaders? What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they have any additional grow? How can you questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic? follow His example of teaching and leading to help the youth learn and grow? How can you Invite to act inspire them to become Ask the youth what they feel inspired to do based on what they learned today. Christlike leaders? Encourage them to act on these feelings. Consider ways you can follow up. Selected Resources

Excerpt from Thomas S. Monson, “Examples of seated on the stand. As the meeting progressed, I Righteousness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 65–68 began to notice that if I crossed one leg over the other, the young boy would do the same thing. If I Many of you will remember President N. Eldon reversed the motion and crossed the other leg, he Tanner, who served as a counselor to four Presidents would follow suit. I would put my hands in my lap, of the Church. He provided an undeviating example and he would do the same. I rested my chin in my of righteousness throughout a career in industry, hand, and he also did so. Whatever I did, he would during service in the government in Canada, and imitate my actions. This continued until the time consistently in his private life. He gave us this approached for me to address the congregation. I inspired counsel: decided to put him to the test. I looked squarely at “Nothing will bring greater joy and success than to him, certain I had his attention, and then I wiggled live according to the teachings of the gospel. Be an my ears. He made a vain attempt to do the same, example; be an influence for good. . . . but I had him! He just couldn’t quite get his ears to wiggle. He turned to his father, who was sitting next “Every one of us has been foreordained for some to him, and whispered something to him. He work as [God’s] chosen servant on whom he has pointed to his ears and then to me. As his father seen fit to confer the priesthood and power to act in looked in my direction, obviously to see my ears his name. Always remember that people are looking wiggle, I sat solemnly with my arms folded, not to you for leadership and you are influencing the moving a muscle. The father glanced back skepti- lives of individuals either for good or for bad, which cally at his son, who looked slightly defeated. He influence will be felt for generations to come.” [“For finally gave me a sheepish grin and shrugged his They Loved the Praise of Men More Than the Praise shoulders. of God,” Ensign, Nov. 1975, 74.] I have thought about that experience over the years My brethren, I reiterate that, as holders of the as I’ve contemplated how, particularly when we’re priesthood of God, it is our duty to live our lives in young, we tend to imitate the example of our such a way that we may be examples of righteous- parents, our leaders, our peers. The prophet ness for others to follow. As I have pondered how Brigham Young said: “We should never permit we might best provide such examples, I have ourselves to do anything that we are not willing to thought of an experience I had some years ago while see our children do. We should set them an example attending a stake conference. During the general that we wish them to imitate.” [Deseret News, June session, I observed a young boy sitting with his 21, 1871, 235.] family on the front row of the stake center. I was December: Building the Kingdom of God in the Latter Days

How can I become a better teacher?

Effective teaching is an important part of building the Lord’s kingdom, and we all have many opportunities to teach. Even though we may not have a formal calling to teach, we have teaching opportunities in our families and as neighbors and friends. We can become better teachers by honestly evaluating our own strengths and weaknesses, humbly seeking the Lord’s help, and diligently seeking to develop the abilities and qualities that matter most in gospel teaching.

Prepare yourself spiritually

How have you been Prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What will help the youth understand blessed by effective how they can become better teachers? teachers? What have you Ether 12:27 (The Lord will help us “Making a Plan to Improve Your done to become a better make weak things become strong) Teaching,” Teaching, No Greater Call teacher? (1999), 24–27 D&C 42:14 (We must have the Spirit What opportunities have to teach) “Teaching the Gospel,” True to the you provided for the Faith (2004), 168–70. youth to teach? What are D&C 88:78 (Teach diligently) their strengths and weak- “Teaching in the Savior’s Way,” Dallin H. Oaks, “Gospel Teaching,” nesses as teachers? Teaching the Gospel in the Savior’s Way Ensign, Nov. 1999, 78–80 (2012), 4–5

Make connections

• Ask the youth to briefly recount a qualities did he or she have that the favorite family home evening, semi- youth would like to emulate? Ask the nary, or church lesson. youth to read the section titled “Qualities That Matter Most” on page • Invite the youth to think about a 26 of Teaching, No Greater Call, and favorite teacher who has inspired look for additional qualities of effec- them to live the gospel. What was it tive teachers. How do effective gospel that made this teacher effective? What teachers help build God’s kingdom? Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the activities below can help the youth learn how they can become better teachers. Following the guidance of the Spirit, select one or more that will work for Using footnotes. In the first your class: activity in this section, the youth are encouraged to • Divide the class into three groups, Weaknesses,” on pages 24–25 of use the footnotes in the and ask each group to read one of the Teaching, No Greater Call and the other scriptures. Help them see following scriptures: Ether 12:27; group to read “Making a Plan for how the footnotes can D&C 42:14; D&C 88:78. Ask them to Improvement” on pages 25–26. Ask deepen their understand- ponder and discuss what these them to discuss what they learned in ing of what they are scriptures teach about becoming their groups and share with the other reading. Encourage the better teachers. Encourage them to group the main points of their discus- youth to refer to the look up the scriptures in the footnotes sion. Ask the youth to think about a footnotes often to enhance for these verses to gain additional recent experience they had teaching their personal study of the insights about becoming better (for example, in family home evening, scriptures. teachers, and ask them to share what a Church class, or as a home teacher). they find. Invite the youth to read the Invite each youth to fill out a chart section titled “Teaching the Gospel” like the one on page 25 to make a plan in True to the Faith (168–70) and make to improve as a gospel teacher. a list of ways they can be more • Write on the board, “What can I do diligent as teachers. to become a better teacher?” Invite the • Invite the youth to find and list on youth to read “Teaching in the the board the six fundamental princi- Savior’s Way” from Teaching the Gospel ples of teaching in section III of Elder in the Savior’s Way (4–5) looking for Dallin H. Oaks’s talk “Gospel answers to this question. Invite them Teaching.” Ask them to evaluate how to share what they find and specific well they are applying these princi- ways they will apply what they ples in their teaching. Invite them to learned to their own teaching. choose one of these principles that • Invite the youth to read “Methods they want to learn more about or of Teaching” in True to the Faith and improve in their own teaching. Ask list on the board the teaching methods them to study that principle in Elder they find there. When have the youth Oaks’s talk and share what they seen these methods used? Ask each learned and what they plan to do to youth to choose one of the articles of apply this principle the next time they faith and spend a few minutes in class teach others. preparing to teach it to a group of • Divide the class into two groups. children, using one of the methods on Invite one group to read “Assessing the board. Ask the youth to share Your Own Strengths and what they prepared.

Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how they can become better teachers? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic? Teaching in the Savior’s way Invite to act The Savior gave His Invite the youth to share any impressions they have had during class. What will they disciples important do to improve as teachers? Encourage them to share their experiences in future classes. responsibilities to teach, bless, and serve others. How will the youth be blessed by receiving opportunities to teach others what they are learning? Selected Resources

Excerpt from Dallin H. Oaks, “Gospel Teaching,” “Teachers of this church shall teach the principles of Ensign, Nov. 1999, 78–80 my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel. There are many different ways to teach, but all good teaching is based on certain fundamental principles. “And they shall observe the covenants and church Without pretending to be exhaustive, I wish to articles to do them, and these shall be their teach- identify and comment on six fundamental principles ings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit” (D&C of gospel teaching. 42:12–13). . . .

The first is love. It has two manifestations. When we Fourth, a gospel teacher will prepare diligently and are called to teach, we should accept our calling and strive to use the most effective means of presenting teach because of our love for God the Eternal Father the prescribed lessons. The new Teaching the Gospel and His Son, Jesus Christ. In addition, a gospel course and the new teacher improvement meetings teacher should always teach with love for the are obviously intended to assist teachers in this effort. students. We are taught that we should pray “with The fifth fundamental principle of gospel teaching I all the energy of heart, . . . [to] be filled with this wish to stress is the Lord’s command, quoted earlier, love” (Moro. 7:48). Love of God and love of His that gospel teachers should “teach the principles of children is the highest reason for service. Those who my gospel . . . as they shall be directed by the Spirit. teach out of love will be magnified as instruments in . . . And if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not the hands of Him whom they serve. teach” (D&C 42:12–14). It is a gospel teacher’s Second, a gospel teacher, like the Master we serve, privilege and duty to seek that level of discipleship will concentrate entirely on those being taught. His where his or her teachings will be directed and or her total concentration will be on the needs of the endorsed by the Spirit rather than being rigidly sheep—the good of the students. A gospel teacher selected and prearranged for personal convenience does not focus on himself or herself. One who or qualifications. . . . understands that principle will not look upon his or That leads to the sixth and final principle I will her calling as “giving or presenting a lesson,” discuss. A gospel teacher is concerned with the because that definition views teaching from the results of his or her teaching, and such a teacher will standpoint of the teacher, not the student. . . . measure the success of teaching and testifying by its Third, a superior teacher of the gospel will teach impact on the lives of the learners. [See Henry B. from the prescribed course material, with greatest Eyring, “The Power of Teaching Doctrine,” Ensign, emphasis on teaching the doctrine and principles May 1999, 73.] A gospel teacher will never be satis- and covenants of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is fied with just delivering a message or preaching a commanded in modern revelation, where the Lord sermon. A superior gospel teacher wants to assist in said: the Lord’s work to bring eternal life to His children. December: Building the Kingdom of God in the Latter Days

What are effective ways to share the gospel with others?

Sharing the gospel is the responsibility of all Latter-day Saints. We should pray and seek for opportunities to tell others about the restored gospel. We can “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh [us] a reason of the hope that is in [us]” (1 Peter 3:15).

Prepare yourself spiritually

What opportunities have Prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What will help the youth understand you had to share the how to share the gospel with others? gospel with others? What Matthew 28:19–20 (The Savior D&C 100:5–8 (The Holy Ghost will have you done to share the commanded His disciples to teach the tell us what to say and bear witness of gospel with others? gospel to all nations) gospel truths) What experiences have the Romans 1:16 (Paul is not ashamed of Neil L. Andersen, “It’s a Miracle,” youth had sharing the the gospel of Christ) Ensign or Liahona, May 2013 gospel? What opportunities are available to the 1 Timothy 4:12 (Be an example of the M. Russell Ballard, “Faith, Family, youth to share the gospel? believers) Facts, and Fruits,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 25–27 1 Peter 3:15 (Be ready to answer gospel questions) Russell M. Nelson, “Be Thou an Example of the Believers,” Ensign or D&C 1:23 (The gospel is proclaimed Liahona, Nov. 2010, 47–49 by the weak and simple) Video: “Sharing Your Beliefs” D&C 11:21 (We should prepare to preach the gospel by seeking to obtain “Seven Simple Suggestions for God’s word) Sharing the Gospel” on LDS.org

D&C 33:8–10 (We should open our “Using Media for Sharing the Gospel” mouths) on LDS.org

D&C 88:81 (We are commanded to warn our neighbors) Make connections

• Invite the youth to share a time • Invite the youth to share any recent when they have learned a gospel experiences they have had sharing the principle from the words or actions of gospel, or consider sharing one of your a friend. own. What do the youth learn from these experiences that can help them share the gospel more effectively?

Learn together

Teaching tip Each of the activities below can help the youth learn how to share the gospel effectively. Following the guidance of the Spirit, select one or more that will work for your class: “Sometimes people have the tendency to think of • Write on the board the following youth to study one of the four lists of what they are going to say questions: “Why should we share the simple statements Elder Ballard rather than listen to what gospel?” and “How should we share suggests we share when discussing others are saying. Make the gospel?” Divide the youth into the Church (faith, family, facts, or sure you are really concen- two groups and ask them to find fruits). Ask them to practice together trating on the speaker scriptures that answer these questions in pairs responding to the invitation, rather than planning your (see the scriptures suggested in this “Tell me a little about your church” response” (Teaching, No outline; if necessary, encourage the using the information they learned. Greater Call [1999], 67). youth to read the scriptures more • Invite the youth to search the section than once to ensure that they under- titled “Member Missionaries” from stand what they are reading). Invite Elder Russell M. Nelson’s talk “Be them to share what they find and Thou an Example of the Believers” or write their answers on the board “Seven Simple Suggestions for Sharing under the appropriate question. Ask the Gospel” on LDS.org. Ask them to the youth to choose something from look for counsel that will help them be the answers they wrote on the board more effective in sharing the gospel. that they will try to apply in their Ask them to share what they find and own efforts to share the gospel. discuss specific ways they can apply it. • Read together as a class the first If possible, give them time in class to five paragraphs of Elder M. Russell practice doing something they have Ballard’s talk “Faith, Family, Facts, discussed. and Fruits.” What counsel does Elder • Show the video “Sharing Your Ballard give about helping others Beliefs,” and ask the youth to share understand our beliefs? Invite the ways they have noticed people using Neil L. Andersen’s talk “It’s a Teaching in the Savior’s technology to share the gospel. What Miracle.” Ask the youth to read the way other ways can they think of? Invite talk together, beginning with the The Savior was an exam- them to explore the website “Using phrase “If you’re not a full-time ple and mentor to those Media for Sharing the Gospel” to find missionary,” with one group looking He taught. How can your additional ideas. Give them time in for counsel Elder Andersen gives to example inspire the youth class to plan ways they can use help us share the gospel effectively to share the gospel with technology to share the gospel with and the other group looking for their friends and family their friends and family members. promises he makes to those who do members? so. Ask them to share what they find. • Divide the class into two groups, What do the youth feel they can do to and give both groups a copy of Elder apply what Elder Andersen teaches?

Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to share the gospel? Do they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic?

Invite to act

Invite the youth to pray for opportunities to share the gospel with others using what they learned in class. In a future class invite the youth to share experiences they have had. Selected Resources

Excerpt from Russel M. Nelson, “Be Thou An Example You can invite a friend to read the Book of Mormon. of the Believers,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 47–49 Explain that it is not a novel or a history book. It is another testament of Jesus Christ. Its very purpose is Each member can be an example of the believers. “to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is Brethren, as followers of Jesus Christ, each of you the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto can live in accord with His teachings. You can have all nations.” [Title page of the Book of Mormon.] “a pure heart and clean hands”; you can have “the There is a power in this book that can touch the image of God engraven upon your [countenance].” hearts and lift the lives of honest seekers of truth. [Alma 5:19.] Your good works will be evident to Invite your friend to read the book prayerfully. . . . others. [See Matthew 5:16; Alma 7:24.] The light of the Lord can beam from your eyes. [See Doctrine Another way that you can share the gospel is to and Covenants 88:11.] With that radiance, you had invite friends to meet with full-time missionaries in better prepare for questions. The Apostle Peter so your home. Those missionaries are called and counseled, “Be ready always to give an answer to prepared to teach the gospel. Your friends, in the every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that comfort of your home and with your constant is in you.” [1 Peter 3:15.] reassurance, can begin their journey toward salvation and exaltation. The Lord said, “Ye are called to Let your response be warm and joyful. And let your bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine response be relevant to that individual. Remember, elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts.” he or she is also a child of God, that very God who [Doctrine and Covenants 29:7.] . . . dearly wants that person to qualify for eternal life and return to Him one day. You may be the very one to Now in this day of the Internet, there are new and open the door to his or her salvation and understand- exciting ways you can do missionary work. You can ing of the doctrine of Christ. [See 2 Nephi 31:2, 21.] invite friends and neighbors to visit the new mormon.org Web site. If you have blogs and online After your initial response, be ready to take the next social networks, you could link your sites to mor- step. You may invite your friend to attend church mon.org. . . . with you. Many of our friends do not know they are welcome in our Church buildings. “Come and see” Each exemplary follower of Jesus Christ can become was the Savior’s invitation to those who desired to an effective member missionary. Members and learn more about Him. [John 1:39.] An invitation to full-time missionaries may walk arm in arm in attend a Sunday meeting with you or to participate bringing the blessings of the gospel to cherished in a Church social or service activity will help to friends and neighbors. Many of them are of Israel, dispel mistaken myths and make visitors feel more now being gathered as promised. This is all part of comfortable among us. . . . the preparation for the Second Coming of the Lord. He wants each of us truly to be an example of the believers. December: Building the Kingdom of God in the Latter Days

How can I understand the symbols used to teach about the Second Coming?

When the Savior and His servants taught about the Second Coming, they frequently used symbols and parables. We can deepen our understanding of the events leading up to the Second Coming as we learn how to interpret the meanings of these symbols.

Prepare yourself spiritually

What symbols and para- Prayerfully study these scriptures and resources. What will help the youth understand bles in the scriptures have the symbols and parables related to the Second Coming? helped you better under- Matthew 13:24–30; D&C 86:1–7 (The Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:49–54 (The stand the Second Coming? parable of the wheat and the tares) Second Coming is compared to a lord How have these compari- visiting faithful and evil servants) sons inspired you to 1 Thessalonians 5:2–8; 2 Peter 3:10–14; prepare for the Savior’s D&C 106:4–5; Joseph Smith— Dallin H. Oaks, “Preparation for the return? Matthew 1:46–48 (The Second Coming Second Coming,” Ensign or Liahona, will come as a thief in the night) May 2004, 7–10 Which symbols and parables about the Second Matthew 25:1–13; D&C 45:56–57; “Comparisons and Object Lessons,” Coming might interest the 63:54 (The parable of the ten virgins) Teaching, No Greater Call (1999), youth you teach? How can 163–64 you help them recognize D&C 45:34–39; Joseph Smith— the fulfillment of these Matthew 1:38–39 (The parable of the Videos: “They That Are Wise” (no prophecies in the world fig tree) download available), “Be Not around them? Troubled”

Make connections

During the first few minutes of every class, help the youth make connections between what they are learning in various settings (such as personal study, seminary, other Church classes, or experiences with their friends). How can you help them see the relevance of the gospel in daily living? The ideas below might help: • Ask the youth to make a list of section titled “Comparisons and gospel truths they have been learning Object Lessons” on page 163 of and discuss how they relate to each Teaching, No Greater Call. How can other. comparisons (such as symbols or parables) help us understand gospel • Invite the youth to read the quota- principles? What comparisons from tion by President Boyd K. Packer the scriptures do the youth know that about using comparisons in the teach us about the Second Coming?

Learn together

Gospel study skills Each of the activities below will help the youth understand the symbols used to teach about the Second Coming. Following the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, select one or Understanding symbols. more that will work best for your class: To understand parables and symbols in the scrip- • Invite the youth to read the scrip- scriptures say we can do to be pre- tures, the youth need to be tures in this outline that describe the pared? Invite the youth to think of able to recognize symbols, parable of the ten virgins (or show the comparisons of their own that would identify parts of the video “They That Are Wise”). Ask the describe the Second Coming and to symbols, and interpret youth to create two columns on a sheet share the comparisons with the class. them. One way to recog- of paper and label the columns • As a class, read Joseph Smith— nize a symbol is to look “Parable of Ten Virgins” and “Second Matthew 1:49–54. Ask the youth to for words such as like, Coming” and individually consider discuss the difference between the two likened, like unto, as, or as it the comparisons the Savior was servants. How are some people in our were. The youth can then making. Invite the youth to write day like the evil servant? What were make a list of the parts of components of the parable in the first the consequences of the servants’ the symbol (such as oil, column, such as wise virgins, actions? Ask the youth to choose one lamps, virgins, and the Bridegroom, and oil, and write in the of the scriptures in the footnotes of the Bridegroom). To interpret second column what these things verses and read it. Invite them to share the symbols, they can refer represent about the Second Coming. If any additional insights they learn to other Church resources they need help, share with them “The about the comparison from reading (such as Church maga- Parable of the Ten Virgins” (Ensign, these additional scriptures. zines, conference talks, Mar. 2009, 48–49; or Liahona, Mar. 2009, and other scriptures) and 20–21). Discuss together what they • Ask the youth to imagine that a consider how the symbol learned and what they are inspired to friend has expressed fears about the helps them understand do after studying this parable. events that will precede the Second a gospel principle. Coming. What would they say to their • Ask each of the youth to read the Encourage them to do this friend to comfort him or her? Show scripture references included in this whenever they encounter a the video “Be Not Troubled,” and ask outline in which the Second Coming parable or symbol in their the youth to write down additional of Jesus Christ is compared to a thief personal gospel study. things they could share with their in the night. Ask the youth to discuss friend, including scriptures. Invite the what they learn about the Second youth to use what they learn to Coming. To whom will the Second role-play comforting a friend who has Coming be like a thief? What do the concerns about the Second Coming. • Ask half of the class to read section Elder Oaks asks: “What if the day Teaching in the Savior’s III of Elder Dallin H. Oaks’s talk of His coming were tomorrow? … way “Preparation for the Second Coming,” What would we do today? What The Savior shared simple and ask the other half to read section confessions would we make? What stories, parables, and IV. Ask them to identify and share the practices would we discontinue? What real-life examples that symbols related to the Second Coming accounts would we settle? What made sense to those He that Elder Oaks refers to. What could forgivenesses would we extend? What taught. He helped them these symbols represent? Give the testimonies would we bear?” (Ensign discover gospel lessons in youth time to write their own or Liahona, May 2004, 9). their own experiences and responses to the following questions in the world around them. Ask the youth to share what they learned today. What feelings or impressions do they How will you use parables have? Do they understand the parables and symbols about the Second Coming? Do and symbols to help the they have any additional questions? Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this youth understand the topic? Second Coming?

Invite to act

Ask the youth what they feel inspired to do based on what they learned today. Encourage them to act on these feelings. What opportunities do the youth have to teach others about the symbols of the Second Coming? December: Building the Kingdom of God in the Latter Days

What can I learn from the scriptures to help me prepare for the Second Coming?

Jesus Christ has promised that He will return to the earth again in power and glory. Part of our responsibility as Latter-day Saints is to prepare ourselves and help prepare the world for the Second Coming. For the righteous, the Second Coming will be a day of peace and triumph. We do not know exactly when the Savior will come again, but studying the prophecies and observing the signs of His coming can strengthen our testimonies of the Second Coming and help us be prepared whenever He comes.

Prepare yourself spiritually

What scriptures about the Prayerfully study these scriptures and other resources. What do you feel inspired to Second Coming have share with the youth? brought you peace? What Luke 21:34–36 (We should watch and D&C 45:26–44; Joseph Smith— are you doing to prepare pray to remain worthy to stand before Matthew 1:21–36 (Signs of the Second for the Second Coming? the Lord) Coming) Are the youth in your class 2 Peter 3:10–13; Joseph Smith D&C 49:7; Joseph Smith—Matthew comfortable using the Translation, 2 Peter 3:10–13, Bible 1:40 (No man knows the hour and study aids in the scrip- appendix (We should look for and day when the Lord will come) tures? In what ways will prepare for the coming of the Savior) learning how to study the “The Second Coming of Jesus Christ,” scriptures bless the youth? 1 Nephi 22:17 (The righteous need not True to the Faith (2004), 159–61 fear)

Make connections

• Invite the youth to discuss topics • Display pictures of the Savior’s they are learning about in their birth and Second Coming (see Gospel personal study or Church classes. Art Book, 30, 66). Invite the youth to What questions do they have about sing, listen to, or read the hymn what they are learning? “Jesus, Once of Humble Birth” (Hymns, no. 196) and make a list Coming. Write their questions on the under each picture of the words and board, and encourage them to look phrases they find that describe how for answers as they study scriptures His earthly ministry differs from His about the Second Coming in this Second Coming. Ask the youth what lesson. questions they have about the Second

Learn together

Each of the activities below can help the youth understand how to prepare for the Gospel study skills Second Coming. Following the guidance of the Spirit, select one or more that will work Using the Topical Guide. In for your class: the first activity in this • Write on the board the following they learn about from these scriptures section, the youth are questions about the Second Coming: that they didn’t know about before? invited to use the Topical What will happen? What can I do to Why do they feel it is important to Guide to find scriptures prepare? What else do I learn? Invite know about the signs of the Second about the Second Coming the youth to look up “Jesus Christ, Coming? (see D&C 45:34–39). of Jesus Christ. Listed Second Coming” in the Topical Guide under each entry in the • As a class, read Doctrine and and choose several scriptures to read, Topical Guide are related Covenants 45:44. Show the class how looking for answers to these questions. words or phrases that can reading the footnotes to this verse can Invite them to share what they find. help youth learn more help them understand it better. For about the topic they are • Ask the youth to read “Second example, footnote b refers to Mark studying. The youth could Coming of Jesus Christ” in True to the 13:32–37, which teaches that no one also think of other words Faith. Show the youth how to make a knows the day or the hour of the related to their topic and scripture chain using the scriptures Second Coming. This helps us under- look them up in the referenced in this section. They could stand why we should be watchful. Topical Guide. Encourage make a scripture chain for each of the Assign each youth a passage about the them to use the Topical prophesied events and signs listed on Second Coming, such as those sug- Guide whenever they pages 160–61. For example, to make a gested in this outline or on pages want to learn about a chain of scriptures about “Signs in 159–61 of True to the Faith. Ask the particular gospel topic. heaven and on the earth” they would youth to study the verses and write turn to Joel 2:30–31 and write in the down any insights they gain by margin the reference for the next looking up verses in the footnotes. scripture, Matthew 24:29–30. In the Give the youth time to share what they margin next to Matthew 24:29–30, learned from their study. How will the they would write D&C 29:14–16, and things they learned help them be more so on. Encourage the youth to find prepared for the Second Coming? other scriptures about that topic to • Ask the youth to turn to 2 Peter add to their chain. Ask the youth why 3:10 and follow along as one class they think scripture chains are useful. member reads Joseph Smith’s What signs of the Second Coming did Teaching in the Savior’s translation of this verse in the Bible knowledge does Joseph Smith’s way appendix. Ask them to make note of translation give them about preparing places where Joseph Smith’s transla- for the Second Coming? Continue this The Savior invited those tion is different. What additional activity for verses 11 through 13. He taught to act in faith and live the truths He Ask the youth to share what they learned today. Do they understand how to study the taught. In all His teaching, scriptures to learn about the Second Coming? Do they have any additional questions? He focused on helping His Would it be worthwhile to spend more time on this topic? followers live the gospel with all their hearts. How are you encouraging the Invite to act youth to act on what they are learning? Invite the youth to share any impressions they have had during class. What will they do to prepare for the Second Coming? What did they learn today that they will apply in their personal scripture study?