My Magnum Opus for the month

I finished my lesson for my young women that has been on my mind for the last month or so.  I feel like it is "my magnum opus, my great work" for this month. (Charlotte's Web)  I taught the lesson on Sunday.  I feel like it went well.  I had WAY too much material, but I don't feel like my preparation was wasted.  I was glad to be able to have choices of what to share as the lesson progressed.  

Combined Young Women Lesson – How can I become more Christlike?  How to resolve Conflicts

October 12, 2014

Give each young woman a copy of the attribute activity on page 126 of Preach My Gospel, and ask her to take a few minutes to complete the self-evaluation.

·         Invite the young women to share what they learn from this activity.

·         Invite a few to share a Christlike attribute they admire in one of the other young women in the ward.

“Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places.” – Elder Oaks

Invite the young women to search individually or in small groups for attributes of Christ or attributes of a Christian in Dallin H. Oaks’ talk “Followers of Christ”.

·         Ask the young women to list what they find on the board and to add to the list other attributes or characteristics of Christ they can think of.

Group 1

Excerpt from Dallin H. Oaks’ talk “Followers of Christ”

Like all other Christians, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints study the life of our Savior as reported in the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I will review examples and teachings contained in these four books of the Holy Bible and invite each of us and all other Christians to consider how this restored Church and each of us qualify as followers of Christ.

Jesus taught that baptism was necessary to enter the kingdom of God (see John 3:5). He began His ministry by being baptized (see Mark 1:9), and He and His followers baptized others (see John 3:22–26). We do likewise.

Jesus began His preaching by inviting His listeners to repent (see Matthew 4:17). That is still His servants’ message to the world.

Throughout His ministry Jesus gave commandments. And He taught, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15; see also verses 21, 23). He affirmed that keeping His commandments would require His followers to leave what He called “that which is highly esteemed among men” (Luke 16:15) and “the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8; see also verse 13). He also warned, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:19). As the Apostle Peter later declared, the followers of Jesus were to be “a peculiar people” (1 Peter 2:9).

Latter-day Saints understand that we should not be “of the world” or bound to “the tradition of men,” but like other followers of Christ, we sometimes find it difficult to separate ourselves from the world and its traditions. Some model themselves after worldly ways because, as Jesus said of some whom He taught, “they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:43). These failures to follow Christ are too numerous and too sensitive to list here. They range all the way from worldly practices like political correctness and extremes in dress and grooming to deviations from basic values like the eternal nature and function of the family.

Jesus’s teachings were not meant to be theoretical. Always they were to be acted upon. Jesus taught, “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man” (Matthew 7:24; see also Luke 11:28) and “Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Matthew 24:46). In another beloved hymn we sing:

Savior, may I learn to love thee,

Walk the path that thou hast shown. …

Savior, may I learn to love thee—

Lord, I would follow thee.³

As Jesus taught, those who love Him will keep His commandments. They will be obedient, as President Thomas S. Monson taught this morning. Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places. The Savior taught this principle and how we should be reminded and strengthened to follow it when He instituted the ordinance of the sacrament (communion, as others call it). We know from modern revelation that He commanded His followers to partake of the emblems in remembrance of Him (see Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 26:22 [in Matthew 26:26, footnote c], 24 [in the Bible appendix]; Joseph Smith Translation, Mark 14:21–24 [in the Bible appendix]). Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follow that commandment each week by attending a worship service in which we partake of the bread and water and covenant that we will always remember Him and keep His commandments.

•  Baptized
•  Inviting others to repent – missionary work
• to leave what He called “that which is highly esteemed among men”
• Not of the world
• Love the praise of God more than men
• Choose to Act on teachings
• Obedient
• Remember Jesus by taking the sacrament

Choose to Act

I would like to talk about and expound on some of these attributes we've listed on the board.  What does it mean to choose to act, not to be acted upon.  A good example of this happens in the movie Frozen.  There are a lot of gospel truths in that movie, but the one I want to share today is at the end of the movie.  Anna is told that she needs an act of true love to reverse her frozen heart.  She gives an act of love by saving her sister Elsa instead of waiting for an act of true love to come to her.  She acts instead of waiting to be acted upon.  We need to act on the teachings of Jesus Christ instead of waiting for people to act and do them to us first.

Group 2

Excerpt from Dallin H. Oaks’ talk “Followers of Christ”

Jesus taught that “men ought always to pray” (Luke 18:1). He also set that example, such as when He “continued all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12) before He called His Twelve Apostles. Like other Christians, we pray in all our worship services. We also pray for guidance, and we teach that we should have frequent personal prayers and daily kneeling prayers as a family. Like Jesus, we pray to our Father in Heaven, and we do so in the sacred name of Jesus Christ.

The Savior called Twelve Apostles to assist in His Church and gave them the keys and authority to carry on after His death (see Matthew 16:18–19; Mark 3:14–15; 6:7; Luke 6:13). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as the restored Church of Jesus Christ, follows this example in its organization and in its conferral of keys and authority on Apostles.

Some whom Jesus called to follow Him did not respond immediately but sought a delay to attend to proper family obligations. Jesus replied, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Many Latter-day Saints practice the priority Jesus taught. This includes the wonderful example of thousands of senior missionaries and others who have left children and grandchildren to perform the missionary duties to which they have been called.

Jesus taught that God created male and female and that a man should leave his parents and cleave to his wife (see Mark 10:6–8). Our commitment to this teaching is well known.

In the familiar parable of the lost sheep, Jesus taught that we should go out of our way to seek after any of the flock who have strayed (see Matthew 18:11–14; Luke 15:3–7). As we know, President Thomas S. Monson has given great emphasis to this direction in his memorable example and teachings about rescuing our fellow men and women.⁴

In our efforts to rescue and serve, we follow our Savior’s unique example and tender teachings about love: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39). He even commanded us to love our enemies (see Luke 6:27–28). And in His great teachings at the end of His mortal ministry, He said:

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34–35).

As part of loving one another, Jesus taught that when we are wronged by persons, we should forgive them (see Matthew 18:21–35; Mark 11:25–26; Luke 6:37). While many struggle with this difficult commandment, we all know of inspiring examples of Latter-day Saints who have given loving forgiveness, even for the most serious wrongs. For example, Chris Williams drew upon his faith in Jesus Christ to forgive the drunken driver who caused the death of his wife and two of their children. Only two days after the tragedy and still deeply distraught, this forgiving man, then serving as one of our bishops, said, “As a disciple of Christ, I had no other choice.”⁵

•  Pray
•  Gives keys and authority to carry on His work
•  No looking back – missionary work
• Seek for a happy marriage
•  Rescue
•   “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”
•   love our enemies
•  Charity - love one another; as I have loved you
•  Forgiveness

Love thy Neighbor as Thyself

Lets talk about “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself”.  How do we love others?  Be Kind.  Try not to offend others.  If you find out you have offended others, even if you did not do it on purpose, apologize and make things right.  Even if people are purposely or unintentionally unkind to you, be kind to them.  Dallin H. Oaks said, “Many teachers in church and school have grieved at the way some teenagers, including LDS youth, treat one another. The commandment to love one another surely includes love and respect across religious lines and also across racial, cultural, and economic lines. We challenge all youth to avoid bullying, insults, or language and practices that deliberately inflict pain on others. All of these violate the Savior’s command to love one another” (Dallin H. Oaks, Loving Others and Living with Differences). 

For the Strength of Youth teaches us, “Speak kindly and positively about others.  Choose not to insult others or put them down, even in joking.  Avoid gossip of any kind, and avoid speaking in anger.  When you are tempted to say harsh or hurtful things, leaven them unsaid.”  If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all!

In the phrase “thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” we are also commanded to love ourselves.  If we don’t have good self-esteem, it is hard to love others.  How can we develop good self-esteem?  In General Conference last Saturday afternoon, Elder Klebingat shared six suggestions that, if heeded, he promised will bring spiritual confidence.  When we have spiritual confidence, I believe that it will also bring self-esteem and help us to love ourselves.  He also promised, “You can begin increasing your spiritual confidence today if you are willing to listen and act.”  The six suggestions are:

“1. Take responsibility for your own spiritual well-being. Stop blaming others or your circumstances, stop justifying, and stop making excuses for why you may not be fully striving to be obedient. Accept that you are “free according to the flesh” and “free to choose liberty and eternal life” (2 Nephi 2:27). The Lord knows your circumstances perfectly, but He also knows perfectly well whether you simply choose not to fully live the gospel. If that is the case, be honest enough to admit it, and strive to be perfect within your own sphere of circumstances. Spiritual confidence increases when you take responsibility for your own spiritual well-being by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ daily.

“2. Take responsibility for your own physical well-being. Your soul consists of your body and spirit (see D&C 88:15). Feeding the spirit while neglecting the body, which is a temple, usually leads to spiritual dissonance and lowered self-esteem. If you are out of shape, if you are uncomfortable in your own body and can do something about it, then do it! Elder Russell M. Nelson has taught that we should “regard our body as a temple of our very own” and that we should “control our diet and exercise for physical fitness” (“We Are Children of God,”Ensign, Nov. 1998, 87; Liahona, Jan. 1999, 103).

“President Boyd K. Packer has taught “that our spirit and our body are combined in such a way that our body becomes an instrument of our mind and the foundation of our character” (“The Instrument of Your Mind and the Foundation of Your Character” [Church Educational System fireside, Feb. 2, 2003], 2; speeches.byu.edu). Therefore, please use good judgment in what and especially how much you eat, and regularly give your body the exercise it needs and deserves. If you are physically able, decide today to be the master of your own house and begin a regular, long-term exercise program, suited to your abilities, combined with a healthier diet. Spiritual confidence increases when your spirit, with the help of the Savior, is truly in charge of your natural man or woman.

“3. Embrace voluntary, wholehearted obedience as part of your life. Acknowledge that you cannot love God without also loving His commandments. The Savior’s standard is clear and simple: “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Selective obedience brings selective blessings, and choosing something bad over something worse is still choosing wrong. You can’t watch a bad movie and expect to feel virtuous because you did not watch a very bad one. Faithful observance of some commandments doesn’t justify neglecting others.

“4. Become really, really good at repenting thoroughly and quickly. Because the Atonement of Jesus Christ is very practical, you should apply it generously 24/7, for it never runs out. ... Establish an attitude of ongoing, happy, joyful repentance by making it your lifestyle of choice. In doing so, beware of the temptation to procrastinate, and don’t expect the world to cheer you on. Keeping your eyes on the Savior, care more about what He thinks of you, and let the consequences follow. Spiritual confidence increases when you voluntarily and joyfully repent of sins, both small and great, in real time by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

“5. Become really, really good at forgiving. “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men” (D&C 64:10). Forgive everyone, everything, all the time, or at least strive to do so, thus allowing forgiveness into your own life. Don’t hold grudges, don’t be easily offended, forgive and forget quickly, and don’t ever think that you are exempt from this commandment. Spiritual confidence increases when you know that the Lord knows that you bear no ill feelings toward another soul.

“6. Accept trials, setbacks, and “surprises” as part of your mortal experience. Remember that you are here to be proved and tested, “to see if [you] will do all things whatsoever the Lord [your] God shall command [you]” (Abraham 3:25)--and may I just add, “under all circumstances.” Millions of your brothers and sisters have been or are being thus tested, so why would you be exempt? Some trials come through your own disobedience or negligence. Other trials come because of the negligence of others or simply because this is a fallen world. When these trials come, the adversary’s minions begin broadcasting that you did something wrong, that this is a punishment, a sign that Heavenly Father does not love you. Ignore that! Instead, try to force a smile, gaze heavenward, and say, “I understand, Lord. I know what this is. A time to prove myself, isn’t it?” Then partner with Him to endure well to the end. Spiritual confidence increases when you accept that “often trials and tribulations are allowed to come into [your life] because of what [you] are doing right” (Glenn L. Pace, “Crying with the Saints” [Brigham Young University devotional, Dec. 13, 1987], 2; speeches.byu.edu).” (Elder Klebingat, Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence)

I love that many of his suggestions are the Christlike attributes that we have written on the board.  When we become more like Christ, we will love ourselves more!

Forgiveness

let's talk about forgiveness.  A trick that makes it easier to keep the commandment to forgive is to not be easily offended by others in the first place.  Elder Bednar said, “As sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, we have been blessed with the gift of moral agency, the capacity for independent action and choice.  Endowed with agency, you and I are agents, and we primarily are to act and not just be acted upon.  To believe that someone or something can make us feel offended, angry, hurt, or bitter diminishes our moral agency and transforms us into objects to be acted upon.  As agents, however, you and I have the power to act and to choose how we will respond to an offensive or hurtful situation.”  We have the power to choose to act, we can choose not to take offense. 

However, what if you are really trying not to take offense and not to be hurt, but you have those feelings and they won’t go away?  In Lesson 8 in the New Testament: Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual it gives a great step in the forgiveness process.  It says, “What should we do when someone has offended us?”  It directs us to Matthew 18:15 for that answer.  “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”  In that scripture we learn that we need to go to the person who hurt us and tell them that how they've hurt us.  I would suggest that this should be done prayerfully and in complete humility, that means owning up to what you may have done wrong in the situation.  An apology should not be demanded.  If someone does something that bothers you or hurts you, don’t go around behind their backs telling others about how they have wronged you.  That would be wrong.  I don’t know how many times I’ve told my children just because someone does something mean to you it doesn’t make it right for you to do something mean back to them.  Two wrongs don’t make a right. J 

The Gospel Doctrine lesson I mentioned earlier also asks, “What are the dangers of waiting for a person who has offended us to ask for our forgiveness?”  Or in other words, why is it dangerous to wait for others to apologize first before we forgive them?  The lesson manual directs us to D&C 64:8-11for that answer.  “My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil they were afflicted and sorely chastened.  Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.  I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.  And ye ought to say in your hearts—let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.”

In the Feb. 2013 New Era it says, “One of my friends really offended me.  I know I’m supposed to be forgiving, but how do I get over the hurt?  Forgiving your friend and letting go of hurt feelings can be difficult.  To forgive and to get over the hurt feelings will require mercy—yours and the Lord’s.  Your job is not to try to get over the hurt but to forgive: to show mercy to your friend.  As you do, the Lord, if you seek His help, will show mercy to you.  That is, He can replace your hurt feelings with love and peace.  Talk to your friend.  Seek to understand what happened.  You may find that your friend did not mean to hurt you, which could make it easier to forgive and get over the hurt.  Even if forgiveness is hard or takes a long time, keep trying.  Eventually, you will want to let your friend know that you forgive him or her and still want to be friends.  Holding a grudge at the cost of a friendship can never lead to the peace that comes from true forgiveness.”  I love how this teaches us that although forgiveness doesn’t come quickly, it will come if we keep trying and if we keep seeking the Lord’s help.

Charity

What is Charity?  “The Apostle Paul taught that when we have charity we are filled with good feelings for all people.  We are patient and kind.  We are not boastful or proud, selfish or rude.  When we have charity we do not remember or rejoice in the evil others have done.  Neither do we do good things just because it is to our advantage.  Instead, we share the joy of those who live by truth.  When we have charity we are loyal, we believe the best of others, and we are kind to them. The scripture teach that ‘charity never faileth.’

     “The Savior was our example of how to feel toward and treat other.  He despised wickedness, but He loved sinners in spite of their sins.  He had compassion for children, the elderly, the poor, and the needy.  He had such great love that He could beg our Heavenly Father to forgive the soldiers who drove the nails into His hands and feet.  … He said, “I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. … For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye?”  We must learn to feel toward others as Jesus did” (Gospel Principle Manual, Chapter 30: Charity). 

When you have Charity, “you will avoid negative feelings such as anger, envy, lust, or covetousness.  You will avoid judging others, criticizing them, or saying negative things about them.  You will try to understand them and their points of view.  You will be patient with them and try to help them when they are struggling or discouraged.  Charity, like faith, leads to action.  You will develop charity as you look for opportunities to serve others and give of yourself” (Preach My Gospel, How do I develop Christlike Attributes?, Chapter 6).

In Pres. Uchtdorf’s recent talk in Woman’s conference he shared a quote that really explains Charity and how God loves us.  He said, “God loves you this very day and always.  He is not waiting to love you until you have overcome your weaknesses and bad habits.  He loves you today with a full understanding of your struggles. … He loves you for extending yourself to others.  He loves you for reaching out and helping others bear their heavy burdens—even when you are struggling with your own.  He knows everything about you.  He sees you clearly—He knows you as you really are.  And He loves you—today and always!  Do you suppose it matters to our Heavenly Father whether your makeup, clothes, hair and nails are perfect?  … Do you think outward attractiveness, your dress size, or popularity make the slightest difference in your worth to the One who created the universe?  He loves you not only for who you are this very day but also for the person of glory and light you have the potential and the desire to become” (Living the Gospel Joyful, Sept. 2014 General Woman’s Conference).  Isn’t it wonderful how God loves us?  God wants us to love others in that same way.

Group 3

Excerpt from Dallin H. Oaks’ talk “Followers of Christ”

Most Christians give to the poor and the needy, as Jesus taught (see Matthew 25:31–46; Mark 14:7). In following this teaching of our Savior, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members excel. Our members make generous contributions to charities and give personal service and other gifts to the poor and needy. In addition, our members fast for two meals each month and donate at least the cost of these meals as a fast offering, which our bishops and branch presidents use to help our needy members. Our fasting to help the hungry is an act of charity and, when done with pure intent, is a spiritual feast.

Less well known is our Church’s global humanitarian service. Using funds donated by generous members, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sends food, clothing, and other essentials to relieve the suffering of adults and children all over the world. These humanitarian donations, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars in the last decade, are made without any consideration of religion, race, or nationality. …

In His last biblical teaching, our Savior directed His followers to take His teachings to every nation and every creature. From the beginning of the Restoration, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has sought to follow that teaching. Even when we were a poor and struggling new church with only a few thousand members, our early leaders sent missionaries across the oceans, east and west. As a people, we have continued to teach the Christian message until today our unique missionary program has more than 60,000 full-time missionaries, plus thousands more who serve part-time. We have missionaries in over 150 countries and territories worldwide.

As part of His great Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). The purpose of this teaching and the purpose of following our Savior is to come to the Father, whom our Savior referred to as “my Father, and your Father; and … my God, and your God” (John 20:17).

From modern revelation, unique to the restored gospel, we know that the commandment to seek perfection is part of God the Father’s plan for the salvation of His children. Under that plan we are all heirs of our heavenly parents. “We are the children of God,” the Apostle Paul taught, “and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:16–17). This means, as we are told in the New Testament, that we are “heirs … of eternal life” (Titus 3:7) and that if we come to the Father, we are to “inherit all things” (Revelation 21:7)—all that He has—a concept our mortal minds can hardly grasp. But at least we can understand that achieving this ultimate destiny in eternity is possible only if we follow our Savior, Jesus Christ, who taught that “no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). We seek to follow Him and become more like Him, here and hereafter. So it is that in the final verses of our hymn “Come, Follow Me,” we sing:

Is it enough alone to know

That we must follow him below,

While trav’ling thru this vale of tears?

No, this extends to holier spheres. …

For thrones, dominions, kingdoms, pow’rs,

And glory great and bliss are ours,

If we, throughout eternity,

Obey his words, “Come, follow me.”⁷

I testify of our Savior, Jesus Christ, whose teachings and example we seek to follow. He invites all of us who are heavy laden to come unto Him, to learn of Him, to follow Him, and thus to find rest to our souls (see Matthew 4:19; 11:28). I testify of the truth of His message and of the divine mission and authority of His restored Church in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

• Give to the poor and needy
• Fast for 2 meals each month
•  Share the gospel with every nation and every creature
• Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect”

Be Ye Therefore Perfect

Let’s talk about the commandment to be perfect.   Footnote 48b in Matthew 5:48 says that an alternate Greek translation of the word perfect is “complete, finished, fully developed.”  The command should motivate us rather than frustrate us.  President Joseph Fielding Smith said: 

“I believe the Lord meant just what he said: that we should be perfect, as our Father in heaven is perfect.  That will not come all at once, but line upon line, and precept upon precept, example upon example, and even then not as long as we live in this mortal life, for we will have to go even beyond the grave before we reach that perfection and shall be like God. 

“But here we lay the foundation.  Here is where we are taught these simple truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in this probationary state, to prepare us for that perfection.  It is our duty to be better today than we were yesterday, and better tomorrow than we are today. … If we are keeping the commandments of the Lord, we are on that road to perfection” (Lesson 8 in the New Testament: Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual). 

Sis. Linda K. Burton said, “As we try our best to move forward along the covenant path, we become more complete and perfect in this life.”  We don’t have to be perfect today, we don’t have to be perfect tomorrow.  We just need to do a little better every day.

Invite them to think of a difficult situation they are facing in their own lives. How would these attributes of Christ help them respond to the situation appropriately?

I hope we can develop these Christlike attributes and apply them in all our relationships—at home, at school, at play and especially at church and activities with our fellow young women.  There are enough issues that have to be dealt with out in the “world” that it should not be happening in our young women’s classes.  I hope that we will love each other, stick up for each other, and bare each other’s burdens.  We come to church to fix ourselves and to encourage others. 

In closing I’d like to share this quote from Elder Hales.  “For many, the call to be a Christian can seem demanding, even overwhelming. But we need not be afraid or feel inadequate. The Savior has promised that He will make us equal to His work. “Follow me,” He said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” As we follow Him, He blesses us with gifts, talents, and the strength to do His will, allowing us to go beyond our comfort zones and do things we’ve never before thought possible” (Being a More Christian Christian).