Object Lesson:
"Write Priesthood holder next to the lamp in the illustration. In this lesson, light from the lamp represents blessings people can receive from God through the service of a priesthood holder.
Write Powers of heaven next to the electrical outlet in the illustration. In this analogy, electricity represents the powers of heaven....
A man receives the right to exercise the priesthood when priesthood authority is conferred upon him by the laying on of hands. The right to act with this authority depends on a man’s worthiness. On the illustration, label the electrical cord Priesthood authority.
Write Powers of heaven next to the electrical outlet in the illustration. In this analogy, electricity represents the powers of heaven.
Imagine that you plug the cord of a lamp into the power source, but the lamp does not light up. You examine the lamp and find that the light switch is not in the “on” position. Next to the light switch (on the cord in the illustration), write Principles of righteousness."
- In this analogy, how is following the “principles of righteousness” like turning on the switch of a lamp?
- Based on what you learn in Doctrine and Covenants 121:36, complete the following statement: Priesthood holders can draw upon the powers of heaven only if they …" (1)
While we are not the source of the power in the lamp, we can direct or control the light by turning the switch. But if we are not living the principles of righteousness, we can not enjoy the blessings of the priesthood.
- what are the principles of righteouness?
- Read Mosiah 23:17
- Read Alma 13:3
- Read Doctrine and Covenants 121: 41-42
- This is what Uchtdorf referred to as the "owners manual" of the priesthood.(8)
Persuasion
- What does it mean to persuade someone righteously?
- "When others disagree with our stand we should not argue, retaliate in kind. r contend with them...ours is to explain our position through reason, friendly puersuasion, and accurate facts. Ours is to stand firm and unyielding on themoral issues of the day and the eternal principles of the gospel, but to contend with no man or organization. Contention builds wall and puts up barriors. Love opens doors. Contention neer was and enever will be an ally of progress." Marvin J. Ashton (2)
- Have you ever gotten into an argument with a friend or family member and eneded up yelling and pushing your opinion?
- Did it change the other persons mind?
Friendly Persuasion by Bobbette Bushnell (3)
Long Suffering
- What is long suffering?
- "Patience is not just enduring, it is enduring well." Dieter F. Ucthdorf (4)
Paitence is like a tootsie pop. All too often we want to crunch into the sucker, getting to the center, but then we miss out on the sweetness .
- Find joy in the process, not just the end.
- Joy is in the journey
(4)
Gentleness
Egg lesson: find 2 eggw with no cracks at all. Let the kids hold and try and break it by squeezing it. It won't break. Add smiley faces to each and name them. Now take one egg and say mean things to it. Every time you do, poke a hole in it with a safety pin. Squeeze the egg and it will crumble. Now take the other egg and say nice things to it. Every time you do, rub a cotton swab over it. Squeeze the egg and it stays strong.
Meekness
- What is meekness?
- being gentle and humble
- " The Christlike quality of meekness often is misunderstood in our contemporary world. Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; and gracious, not brash. A meek person is not easily provoked, pretentious, or overbearing and readily acknowledges the accomplishments of others.Meekness is a spiritual gift for which we appropriately can seek. As we come unto and follow the Savior, we increasingly and incrementally are enabled to become more like Him." Bednar (5)
It takes true effort to put aside the natural man and truly submit to God'swill. Meekness is the opposite of weakness.
Being meek "means recognizing that we are not on earth to see how important we can become but to see how much difference we can make in the lives of others." Hinckley (6)
You can not develop any of the other righteous qualities to help you with the priesthood power or become more like Christ without meekness.
(7)
Love Unfeigned/Kindness
"The need to approach others with enthusiasm for difference is absolutely critical to any change. You know . . . I’m the toughest of fighters. And you know I love a good fight. And I love to win. But I think what I have learned is that you have got to approach differences with this notion that there is good in the other. And that if we can’t figure out how to do that and if there isn’t the crack in the middle where there are some people on both sides who absolutely refuse to see the other as evil, this is going to continue. (9)"
"We must realize that all of God’s children wear the same jersey. Our team is the brotherhood of man. This mortal life is our playing field. Our goal is to learn to love God and to extend that same love toward our fellowman. We are here to live according to His law and establish the kingdom of God. We are here to build, uplift, treat fairly, and encourage all of Heavenly Father’s children." (10)
There will always be times when we must take a stand for what is right. But I believe that we can try to do so in a loving and genuine manner, avoiding ad hominem and mean-spirited attacks. I recognize that possessing love unfeigned is extremely challenging, but I have seen examples throughout my life from my parents, wife, colleagues, and students that give me hope.
1. Doctrine and Covenants Church Manual
2. Marvin J. Ashton
3. "Friendly Persuasion", Bobbette Bushnell, Aprill 200 New Era
4. "Continue in Patience", Dieter F. Uchtdorf,
5. "Meek and Lowly of Heart", David A. Bednar, April 2018
6. Hinckley
7. Youtube
8. “Your Potential, Your Privilege,” Uchtdorf Ensign, May 2011
9. “Listening Beyond Life and Choice,” radio interview with Frances Kissling, Being, 20 January 2011
10. “Pride and the Priesthood,” Ensign, November 2010
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