R.S. Lesson: Dec 10, 2017

Sunday’s lesson by Sister Allred covered chapter 22 and chapter 24 of Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Gordon B. Hinckley.

Chapter 22 is about “the importance of reaching out to new converts and to those who are not active in the Church.”

"The most satisfying experience I have is to see what this gospel does for people. It gives them a new outlook on life. It gives them a perspective that they have never felt before. It raises their sights to things noble and divine. Something happens to them that is miraculous to behold. They look to Christ and come alive.”

Some of the comments from the lesson were about how it can be very difficult for new converts and those who are returning to activity in the Church. We have an entirely different culture. There can be a lot of hard life changes and it’s easy to backslide when the temptation is strong. 

“We are becoming a great global society. But our interest and concern must always be with the individual. Every member of this church is an individual man or woman, boy or girl. Our great responsibility is to see that each is ‘remembered and nourished by the good word of God.’"

Question for Comment: When have you been blessed by someone who took a personal interest in you? What are some ways we can be more sensitive in looking after each individual?

Chapter 24 is about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and President Hinckley’s testimony of the profound influence the Savior had on his own life.

On January 1, 2000, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles published their unified testimony of the Savior in a message titled, “The Living Christ.”

In a general conference address three months later, President Hinckley testified of the profound influence the Savior had on his own life.

“None other can take His place. None other ever will. Unblemished and without fault of any kind, He is the Lamb of God, to whom I bow and through whom I approach my Father in Heaven.”

Question for Comment: What can we do to show gratitude for Heavenly Father’s gift of His Only Begotten Son?

R.S. Lesson: Dec 3, 2017

Last Sunday, Sister Goss taught a lesson on Chapter 18 from Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Gordon B. Hinckley, which touches on five points related to virtue:

1. Virtuous living brings marvelous and wonderful blessings.

2. When we rise above the filth and immorality of the world, we enjoy greater happiness, security, and peace of mind.

3. Pornography is addictive and destructive, but we can rise above it.

4. With discipline and effort, we can control our thoughts and actions.

5. Those who have been involved in immoral behavior can be forgiven and can rise above the past.

Our lesson primarily focused on the struggle against pornography. These days it seems to be unavoidable. There are no fail-safe measures that are foolproof. We must all learn to listen to the spirit and be vigilant.

When struggling ourselves, or talking with someone (a son or daughter, a friend, a spouse) about their struggle, it is important to be compassionate and loving. Don't shun or shame those who struggle. The shame that accompanies pornography is often more damaging than the pornography itself. The best way to handle it is to see the bishop and talk with righteous friends and family.

Shame is a destructive feeling that needs 3 things to survive: Secrecy, Silence, and Judgment.



A couple of the many resources and articles from LDS.org to help and/or provide more information:

• Overcoming Pornography through the Atonement of Jesus Christ (this Church web page has lots of instructions and useful resources)

• Addiction Recovery Program (meetings to help people overcome addiction, and support group meetings for their family and friends)

• "Keeping Safe...in an iEverything World"  

•  8 Strategies to Help Children Reject Pornography 

 

Questions to Consider: How do we raise a sin resistant generation? In other words, how do we help our kids act when (not if) they they come across pornography? What are ways to approach those who battle pornography addiction?

R.S. Lesson: Nov 26, 2017

"Then Jesus Beholding Him Loved Him"

Last Sunday, Sister Nickerson's lesson was on this talk by Elder Palmer, from the April 2017 General Conference.

Anytime you feel you are being asked to do something hard, think of the Lord beholding you, loving you, and inviting you to follow Him. 

Elder Palmer has "learned many life-changing lessons from [a] deeply personal experience with Mark chapter 10." Four of these lessons are:

"1. As we learn to see others as the Lord sees them rather than with our own eyes, our love for them will grow and so will our desire to help them.

 2. No true teaching or learning will ever occur when done in frustration or anger, and hearts will not change where love is not present.

3. Love should never be withdrawn when a child, friend, or family member fails to live up to our expectations.

 4. Because He loves us, the Lord expects much of us."

If you've learned any of the life lessons mentioned by Elder Palmer, please share your insights with us! 

Have you ever had an experience where you needed to show love, regardless of someone's actions toward you?