GROUP 1
“How can each of us
become such a significant influence? We must be sure to sincerely love those we
want to help in righteousness so they can begin to develop confidence in God’s
love. For so many in the world, the first challenge in accepting the gospel is
to develop faith in a Father in Heaven, who loves them perfectly. It is easier
to develop that faith when they have friends or family members who love them in
a similar way.
“Giving them
confidence in your love can help them develop faith in God’s love. Then through
your loving, thoughtful communication, their lives will be blessed by your
sharing lessons you have learned, experiences you have had, and principles you
have followed to find solutions to your own struggles. Show your sincere
interest in their well-being; then share your testimony of the gospel of Jesus
Christ.
“Remember, loving them
is the powerful foundation for influencing those you want to help. The
influence of my Grandmother Whittle and my wife, Jeanene, would have been
negligible had I not first known that they loved me and wanted me to have the
best in life.
“As
a companion to that love, trust them. In some cases it may seem difficult to
trust, but find some way to trust them. The children of Father in Heaven can do
amazing things when they feel trusted. Every child of God in mortality chose
the Savior’s plan. Trust that given the opportunity, they will do so again” (Richard G. Scott, “‘I
Have Given You an Example,’” Ensign,
May 2014, 33-34 (paragraphs 10-11, 16-17)).
·
“At the end of a
particularly tiring day toward the end of my first week as a General Authority,
my briefcase was overloaded and my mind was preoccupied with the question, ‘How
can I possibly do this?’ I left the office of the Seventy and entered the
elevator of the Church Administration Building. As the elevator descended, my
head was down and I stared blankly at the floor. The door opened and someone
entered, but I didn’t look up. As the door closed, I heard someone ask, ‘What
are you looking at down there?’ I recognized that voice—it was President Thomas
S. Monson. I quickly looked up and responded, ‘Oh, nothing.’ (I’m sure that
clever response inspired confidence in my abilities!) But he had seen my
subdued countenance and my heavy briefcase. He smiled and lovingly suggested,
while pointing heavenward, ‘It is better to look up!’ As we traveled down one
more level, he cheerfully explained that he was on his way to the temple. When
he bid me farewell, his parting glance spoke again to my heart, ‘Now, remember,
it is better to look up’ (Carl B. Cook, “It
Is Better to Look Up,” Ensign,
November 2011, 33 (paragraphs 1-4)).
GROUP 2
God’s purpose is “to
bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” That is
fundamental to all we do. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in things that we find
fascinating or become so consumed by mundane responsibilities that we lose
sight of God’s objectives. As you consistently focus your life on the most
basic principles, you will gain an understanding of what you are to do, and you
will produce more fruit for the Lord and more happiness for yourself.
When you focus your
life on the basic principles of the plan of salvation, you will better
concentrate on sharing what you know because you understand the eternal
importance of the ordinances of the gospel. You will share what you know in a
way that encourages your friends to want to be strengthened spiritually. You
will help your loved ones want to commit to obey all of His commandments and
take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ.
Share principles that help those you love to press forward along
the path to eternal life. Remember, we all grow line upon line. You have
followed that same pattern in your understanding of the gospel. Keep your
sharing of the gospel simple.
There is no doctrine more fundamental to our work than the
Atonement of Jesus Christ. At every appropriate opportunity, testify of the
Savior and of the power of His Atoning sacrifice. Use scriptures that teach of
Him and why He is the perfect pattern for everyone in life. You will need to study diligently. Do
not become so absorbed with trivial things that you miss learning the doctrine
and teachings of the Lord. With a solid, personal doctrinal foundation, you
will be a powerful source for sharing vital truths with others who desperately
need them. (Richard G. Scott, “‘I
Have Given You an Example,’” Ensign,
May 2014, 34-35 (paragraphs 13-14, 18, 21)).
·
“It is true
intelligence for a man to take a subject that is mysterious and great in
itself, and to unfold and simplify it so that a child can understand it” (John
Taylor in Preach
My Gospel, 182).
GROUP 3
Remember that the conversion of
individuals is only part of the work. Always seek to strengthen families. Teach
with a vision of the importance of families being sealed in the temple. With
some families it may take years. This was the case with my parents. Many years
after I was baptized, my father was baptized, and later my family was sealed in
the temple. My father served as a sealer in the temple, and my mother served
there with him. When you have the vision of the sealing ordinances of the
temple, you will help build the kingdom of God on earth.
Your personal
testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is a powerful tool. Accompanying
resources are prayer, the Book of Mormon and the other scriptures, and your
commitment to priesthood ordinances. All of these will facilitate the direction
of the Spirit, which is so crucially important for you to rely upon.
To be effective and to
do as Christ has done, concentrate on this basic principle of the gospel: the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes possible our becoming more
like our Father in Heaven so that we can live together eternally in our family
units.
There is no doctrine more fundamental
to our work than the Atonement of Jesus Christ. At every appropriate
opportunity, testify of the Savior and of the power of His Atoning sacrifice.
Use scriptures that teach of Him and why He is the perfect pattern for everyone
in life. You will need to
study diligently. Do not become so absorbed with trivial things that you miss
learning the doctrine and teachings of the Lord. With a solid, personal
doctrinal foundation, you will be a powerful source for sharing vital truths
with others who desperately need them. (Richard G. Scott, “‘I
Have Given You an Example,’” Ensign,
May 2014, 34-35 (paragraphs 15, 19-21)).
·
“I know Heavenly Father
loves each of His children perfectly, individually, and constantly. I know that…we
have an essential part in the plan of happiness. Our best effort is all He
requires from us, and each of us is needed in building up the kingdom. The
Atonement is real. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I testify that if
we are faithful and endure to the end, we will receive all of Heavenly Father’s
blessings, even eternal life and exaltation” (Silvia H. Allred, “Steadfast
and Immovable,” Ensign, November
2010, 118 (last paragraph)).
