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NOTE
This week has several shorter sections to examine and, if you teach the youth, I find this to be a good week to do more of an activity type lesson. So I’ll provide an activity idea for you youth teachers out there, but also give some insight and commentary to help those of you that teach adults as well. To be honest, if this turned out to be the week that you had a Sunday School lesson to teach, I might choose one of the other Come Follow Me weeks to focus on more. I would spend more time in the 111-114 block or consider introducing the 121-123 Liberty Jail block. There is so much you could cover there, that, as great as these sections are, I’m afraid they just don’t compare to the significance and relevance of the Liberty Jail sections.
ICEBREAKER
The youth activity I might use this week is something I call “Dig and Draw”. This activity is great because it helps to train your students to more carefully and closely read in their scriptures. There are no teams in this activity, just the class competing against itself. I usually promise the class some kind of reward if they can collectively earn at least 80% of the possible points. That might be a food reward, a movie reward (like showing them a Studio C clip) or sometimes I promise to show them a magic trick. Whatever the reward, you give them a certain section of scriptures to study and ask them to be prepared to answer questions about it. The catch is, that once I start asking the questions, they have to close their scriptures and answer from memory. That really encourages them to study their scriptures more carefully—which they're not always used to doing. As the teacher, you should have a set of popsicle sticks or cards with the names of your individual students written on each one. You ask the class a question and then draw one of the names. If the person who you draw can answer the question correctly, without help from anyone else, then the entire class earns 2 out of 2 points. If that person can't answer or they get it wrong, then you ask if there is anyone in the class who thinks they know the correct answer. If that person gets it right, then the entire class earns 1 of 2 points. If that person answers incorrectly or nobody knows the answer, then they earn 0 out of 2 points. That's the dig portion of the activity. Then, every 3 or 4 questions we do a "Draw" round. For this, you select a name from the popsicle sticks or cards and have that person come forward to be the artist. You show them a word that comes from the section the class just read. Then it's like Pictionary, the artist has to get the class to guess the word by drawing only pictures, no words. If the class can guess it in 20 seconds or less, they earn 2 out of 2 points. If they can guess it in 40 seconds or less, they earn 1 out of 2 points. If they can't guess it in 40 seconds, you reveal the word, and they earn 0 points. For the “Draw” portion I’ll provide you with several different words you could choose from depending on the age and maturity of your students. Keep in mind that you may only want to do two words for the Draw portion instead of all four. I’ve found that this activity is well suited to these sections because they are relatively short.
So here’s the format for the video. I’ll start by displaying the DIG questions and their answers. Then I’ll display the DRAW words. And then I’ll spend some time sharing some insight and commentary from each section as we go. I hope that’s ok for this week.
But let’s start with section 115.
115-DIG
Q1: In the first 4 verses of the section, the Lord revealed a very important instruction for the church. What was it?
A1: The official name of the Church. That it was to be called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
That’s
Q2: Fill in the blank. 5 Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy ________ may be a standard for the nations;
A2: Verse 5, That thy LIGHT may be a standard for the nations.
Q3: In verse 8, the Lord commanded the people to build a temple in the city of Far West. They were to begin working on the temple on what specific day?
A3: The fourth of July
Q4: Fill in the blank. 14 But let a house be built unto my name according to the ________ which I will show unto them.
A4: Verse 14, PATTERN
115-DRAW
DEFENSE-v. 6
WORSHIP-v. 8
PATTERN-v. 14
STAKES-v. 18
115 INSIGHT
Section 115 is where we are first given the official name of the Church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some may wonder why it took eight years to finally get the official name. Before that time it was called by several other names, like “The Church of Christ” and “The Church of the Latter-day Saints”. My answer, line upon line, precept upon precept. Perhaps it was time to receive the official name of the Church because after the building of the Kirtland Temple and subsequent visions therein, the Lord was able to restore all the keys necessary to administer the church. Our current prophet, Russell M. Nelson, has really emphasized the significance of this section in recent years. I’m sure you know that he has instructed the general membership of the church to no longer refer to ourselves as Mormons, or Latter-day Saints, but members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Or at least, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ. He said:
“ . . .first let me state what this effort is not:
* It is not a name change.
* It is not rebranding.
* It is not cosmetic.
* It is not a whim.
* And it is not inconsequential.
Instead, it is a correction. It is the command of the Lord. Joseph Smith did not name the Church restored through him; neither did Mormon. It was the Savior Himself who said, “For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” (Doctrine & Covenants 115:4)
. . .
Thus, the name of the Church is not negotiable. When the Savior clearly states what the name of His Church should be and even precedes His declaration with, “Thus shall my church be called,” He is serious. And if we allow nicknames to be used or adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, He is offended.”
(“The Correct Name of the Church”, Conference Report, October 2018)
This echoes the teachings of the Savior himself in 3 Nephi 27:7-8
7 Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake.
8 And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.
Personally, I really like this correction although I still struggle to implement it. The term “Mormon” has become so ubiquitous that it’s hard to let it go. Plus, it’s shorter. I’ve never had any issues with the term Mormon, since I love the Book of Mormon, and Mormon was such a great man and hero of mine. But, to have my identity be more frequently associated with the name of Jesus Christ is really a privilege and an honor. Of all the heroes and good people to be named after and emulate, Christ is the one I most desire to throw my lot in with. That’s why in the past I’d always get a bit offended by those who wished to exclude me from the title of Christian. I’d think, “I’ve been taught my whole life to follow Christ, live his teachings, rely on his atonement, remember Him as I partake of the sacrament each week, study his life, and testify of him, and no you mean to tell me, that this whole time, I’ve never been a Christian”. But then I heard this little quote from Maya Angelou that changed my perspective on that accusation. She said:
“I'm always amazed when people walk up to me and say, 'I'm a Christian.' I always think, 'Already? You've already got it?' I'm working at it. And at my age, I'll still be working at it at 96.”
Maya Angelou
From that perspective, I guess I can agree with them then. I’m not really a Christian yet, but it’s something that I’m working on, and will continue to work on until my dying day.
An activity you could do with your students is ask them to break down each part of the church’s name and ask why it’s significant. Then allow them to compare their answers to what Elder Ballard had to say about it. He said:
“The word The indicates the unique position of the restored Church among the religions of the world.
“The words Church of Jesus Christ declare that it is His Church. …
“Of Latter-day explains that it is the same Church as the Church that Jesus Christ established during His mortal ministry but restored in these latter days. …
“Saints … simply refers to those who seek to make their lives holy by covenanting to follow Christ” (“The Importance of a Name,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 80).
A few other thoughts from section 115.
Verse 5 encourages us to be a light and a standard to other nations. In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ encouraged us to let our lights so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven. How do we shine our light then? By doing good works-by being examples and witnesses of Christ at all times, in all things, and all places. True “Christians” let that light shine and are not ashamed of it.
Verse 6 reminds us that the stakes of Zion will be a place of defense and refuge from the storms of the last days. Have you ever been caught outside in a major storm? I was hiking with my sons to the top of the highest mountain in Arizona, Mt. Humphreys when we got caught in a surprise thunderstorm near the summit, and let me tell you, it was terrifying. Lightning strikes all around, high winds blowing, and large hail pelting us from above. What we wouldn’t have given to have had a refuge from the storm in that moment. Life, at this time, is kind of like that storm. Thankfully, we have the holy places of Zion to provide us with relief, protection, and comfort: our homes, our churches, and our temples
One final thought. I love that the date selected for the building of the temple in Far West was the fourth of July. What greater way to declare our independence from the world and from sin, to proclaim freedom to the spiritually captive on both sides of the veil, and celebrate the liberty that comes from understanding the truth, than by building a temple. Temples stand as great symbols of our spiritual independence.
This next section can go fast. You only need to give them a minute or so to study this one since it’s only one verse long.
116 DIG
Q1: What is the temporal or earthly name of Adam-ondi-Ahman?
A1: Spring Hill
Q2:Who is the Ancient of Days?
A2:Adam
Q3: What Old Testament prophet prophesied that Adam would come to visit Adam-ondi-Ahman preceding the Second Coming?
A3: Daniel
116-DRAW
SPRING HILL-v.1
VISIT-v.1
116 INSIGHT
PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE
This section is so short that there’s not a whole lot to say. If you ever get the chance to go to the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman in Missouri, I believe it’s worth the trip. There really isn’t much to see out there right now, just large fields, rolling hills, and lots of trees. It is a beautiful area though, especially if you go at sunset. But what makes this place special is not so much present as its past and its future. In its past, we learn from section 107:53-57 that Adam-ondi-Ahman was the place where Adam blessed his posterity with a final blessing before he died. We also learn from section 117:8 that it was the place where Adam dwelt. So as you contemplate the Adam and Eve story in the books of Genesis or Moses, or Abraham, or what we learn about them in the temple, you can picture Adam-ondi-Ahman as the location where those scenes took place. That is its past. But that sight is also significant for what will happen there in the future. Section 116 teaches that it is the place that will host a very important sacrament meeting between Christ and Adam and many other faithful prophets and members of Christ’s church before the Second Coming.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught:
“He [Christ] will come in private to his prophet and to the apostles then living. Those who have held keys and powers and authorities in all ages from Adam to the present will also be present. And further, all the faithful members of the Church then living and all the faithful saints of all the ages past will be present. It will be the greatest congregation of faithful saints ever assembled on planet earth. It will be a sacrament meeting. It will be a day of judgment for the faithful of all the ages. And it will take place in Daviess County, Missouri, at a place called Adam-ondi-Ahman” Bruce R. McConkie (The Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man [1982], 578–79).
If you wish to know more about the details of that sacrament meeting, we talked about it back in section 27:5-14. Whenever I visit Adam-ondi-Ahman I also like to ponder my own spiritual past, present, and future and ask myself if I’m living my life in a way that will lead me back to this place for that great meeting.
117-DIG
Q1: William Marks and Newel K. Whitney are still in Kirtland at this time. What specific instruction did the Lord have for them?
A1: To come to Far West speedily and not to tarry. OR they could answer, that they needed to Repent. OR they could say that God wanted them to let their properties go.
Q2: Fill in the blank. Either word will result in full point value. 8 Is there not room enough on the mountains of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and on the plains of Olaha Shinehah, or the land where Adam dwelt, that you should covet that which is but the ______, and neglect the more ________ matters?
A2: They could either answer DROP, or WEIGHTY
Q3: Newel K. Whitney was to be ashamed of this kind of band?
A3: Nicolaitane
Q4: We are to hold this early church member’s name in sacred remembrance from generation to generation, forever and ever. Who is it?
A4: Oliver Granger
117 DRAW
SNOWS-v. 1
BLOSSOM-v. 7
BISHOP-v.11
RISE-v.13
117 INSIGHT
Here’s some great scriptural teachings for our ultra-materialistic society—where we all have to have the latest gadgets, largest homes, nicest cars, most toys, and the best of everything. It’s very easy to get caught up in the never-ending supply of new things to buy and confuse wants with needs. In this section, Newel K. Whitney and William Marks have expressed concern about leaving behind all their property and business back in Kirtland. We know that Newel K. Whitney had a very successful store and comfortable living in Kirtland. Now he was obliged to leave it all behind and start over again in frontier Missouri. What was the Lord’s counsel to him?
4 Let them repent of all their sins, and of all their covetous desires, before me, saith the Lord; for what is property unto me? saith the Lord.
5 Let the properties of Kirtland be turned out for debts, saith the Lord. Let them go, saith the Lord, and whatsoever remaineth, let it remain in your hands, saith the Lord.
6 For have I not the fowls of heaven, and also the fish of the sea, and the beasts of the mountains? Have I not made the earth? Do I not hold the destinies of all the armies of the nations of the earth?
7 Therefore, will I not make solitary places to bud and to blossom, and to bring forth in abundance? saith the Lord.
8 Is there not room enough on the mountains of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and on the plains of Olaha Shinehah, or the land where Adam dwelt, that you should covet that which is but the drop, and neglect the more weighty matters?
So, what is property unto me? God says. Newel, don’t get so caught up in the temporal things of the world. And the Lord reminds him that: “Hey, I created the world, I created the universe. Worlds without number have I created. So you had some property and some land back in Kirtland. It’s just so much dirt, and wood, and rock. Just let it go. I’ll take care of you! I take care of the birds, and the fish, and the animals. They don’t have stores, and businesses, and 401k’s and bank accounts, and I take of them! I’ll take care of you too! I can cause solitary places to blossom and flourish.” I love what he calls property in verse 8. He calls it “the drop”. Property and material goods are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. They are just a small drop in the great ocean of God’s universe. We can’t take it with us. So it shouldn’t be too hard to let it go. Instead, we can focus our attention and efforts on the more “weighty matters”. Our faith, our family relationships, our knowledge, our service. If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would do with your time? You probably wouldn’t spend it in the office trying to make more money, right? You would more than likely spend it on more weightier matters, with people you love and doing things that are important to you. When we stand before Christ at the judgment, he is not going to care about our net worth, or how big our home was, or how nice the car was that we drove or how many toys we had. Hopefully we can avoid the trap of getting too caught up chasing and worrying about “the drop” and neglecting the “weighty matters”.
Another thought from section 117. Let’s talk a bit about Oliver Granger. Who was he? I mean, we’re told in verse 12 that we are to hold his name in sacred remembrance from generation to generation, forever and ever. That’s quite the statement and very high praise. Was he some great leader in the church? Was he responsible for inspiring some great revelation? Did he assist the prophet in accomplishing some crucial gospel mission? Not really. He was sent back to Kirtland to try and settle the prophets financial affairs and recover lost assets, which, from what I was able to gather, he did rather OK at. But, he wasn’t a Parley P. Pratt, a Wilford Woodruff, or an Ephraim Hanks. He was just an ordinary member of the church who was given a bit of a mundane, but nevertheless important, task to perform. The Lord even says in verse 13, that “when he falls he shall rise again”. It’s not even “if he falls” but “when he falls”. The Lord is basically acknowledging that Oliver is going to struggle and falter. Oliver Granger is not a name you hear mentioned very often in church history. But maybe we should. To liken the scriptures here, can we see anything of ourselves in the story of Oliver Granger? Maybe we look at ourselves and our own contributions to the Lord’s work and wonder if we’re really doing much. If our assigned tasks are really that important. Maybe we don’t feel like we’ve been very gifted or that we haven’t been given many opportunities to really shine in God’s kingdom. Perhaps we’re concerned about our failings and shortcomings and difficulties. In our efforts to be dedicated disciples of Christ, we ARE going to fall. We will make mistakes. But hopefully, like Oliver Granger, we will rise again when we fall.
In a talk entitled “Finishers Wanted”, Thomas S. Monson shared the following poem.
“Stick to your task ’til it sticks to you;
Beginners are many, but enders are few.
Honor, power, place and praise
Will always come to the one who stays.
“Stick to your task ’til it sticks to you;
Bend at it, sweat at it, smile at it, too;
For out of the bend and the sweat and the smile
Will come life’s victories after a while.”
—Author Unknown
Oliver Granger was the kind of man who stuck to his task until it stuck to him. He rose each time he fell. He was a finisher, and he does indeed die in the faith. And the Lord makes this brilliant promise to him. “For his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase”. Do you understand what that’s saying? We know that sacrifice brings increase. The Lord always blesses those who sacrifice for him. But the promise here is that the sacrifice itself will become more meaningful to us and God than the blessings we receive from it. In other words, it’s the difficult things we experience and overcome we will really value most in the end. The blessings of the victory are great and we enjoy them, but it’s the journey that means the most. Like, when I climb a difficult mountain or endure a grueling backpacking trip—the beauties I enjoyed and the sense of accomplishment of standing on the summit are all a wonderful and rewarding part of the experience. But the difficulty and endurance required to get there are what gave those moments meaning. The sacrifice was a huge part of the victory. On a date, I recently took my wife to the top of a high mountain in the Wasatch Front on the Snowbird Tram. Within a matter of minutes, we were at the top. As beautiful and worthwhile as that experience was, there was no sacrifice to get there, and therefore, did not hold the same meaning as when I’ve climbed to that elevation. The sacrifice is more sacred than the increase. A realization of that truth can often make our sacrifices easier to make.
Oliver Granger was a man that understood these promises. Section 117 reminds us that we need to remember and recognize these people. Don’t forget about those that aren’t necessarily in the spotlight. As a teacher, I really have to be careful about this. There are two types of student that seem to draw the most attention and time from me as a teacher. You have the really great, social, vocal students that participate a lot and are easy to talk to. Then, you have the students who struggle, who need a little more correction, or attention, or help to get the most out of their seminary experience. They also take some time. But, then you have this middle group of students. They’re good students. They are attentive and considerate and faithful. But they’re quieter and they don’t draw a lot of attention to themselves. Sometimes it’s easy to let them just fade into the background However, they need our love, attention, and praise as well. We all need those things. So I always try to make sure that I focus on them as well.
So, who was Oliver Granger? He was your average, every day, committed member of the Church. One that didn’t get all the accolades, or high positions of authority, or the more visible and showy gifts of the Spirit. I feel he represents those who quietly, and faithfully live their religion. Those that rise when they fall. Those that endure. These verses are the scriptural equivalent of the “Fanfare for the Common Man”. This is the fanfare for the common member of the Church. May we all be like him and receive the same assurance:
15 Therefore let no man despise my servant Oliver Granger, but let the blessings of my people be on him forever and ever.
118 DIG
Q1: Name one of the qualities the apostles were charged to teach with while on their mission.
A1: There are four they could have chosen from. In verse 3. Lowliness of heart, meekness, humility, or long suffering.
Q2: The apostles were to leave for their mission from the city of Far West on the 26th day of what month?
A2: April
Q3: What specific location in Far West were they supposed to leave from?
A3: From the temple
118 DRAW
PREACH-v.3
DOOR-v. 3
FULNESS-v. 4
118 INSIGHT
At first glance this doesn’t seem like too significant of a section. It’s a brief call to a number of the leaders of the Church to serve a mission to England the next year. Joseph gives them a specific time and place for the commencement of that mission to begin: the temple lot of Far West on April 26th. Kind of like mission calls we receive today. “You are to report to such and such a place on such and such a date. Well, a lot happens in the time between when that revelation is given and April the 26th, 1838. In 1838, the Saints are no longer in Missouri. They’ve been kicked out and are in Illinois! The extermination order has been given. Joseph Smith and Hyrum have been languishing in Liberty Jail for months. It was an incredibly dangerous time to be a member of the Church in Missouri. It was life-threatening. The Missouri mobocrats and antis loved this section because it gave them a time and a place to work with. They were very aware of this prophecy and were determined to prove that Ol’ Joe Smith was a false prophet. They vowed that such an event would never take place. Well, considering those circumstances, many in the Church felt that God would understand if they didn’t fulfill that prophecy. That God would release them from that requirement. I mean, even God himself at a later point is going to teach the principle that:
49 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings.
(D&C 124:49)
I feel like this prophecy would certainly fall under that umbrella. Even Joseph Smith Sr. suggests to the brethren that it probably wasn’t a good idea to try and go back to Far West and that God would accept the will for the deed.
And personally, I agree with Father Smith. I don’t even think God really required this of these brethren. Still, I’m also sure that He was pleased with their determination and faith. And so, this story is almost like a Mission Impossible movie. Can you just see these brethren sneaking across state lines, hiding from their enemies, and making their way back into the lion’s den of western Missouri? The prophecy stated that they would leave from the temple site of Far West on April 26th. So knowing that the mobs would probably be there all the next day, guarding the site, they decide to show up just after midnight, so that they could technically leave on April 26th. They sneak over to the temple site and there hold a small council. The revelation had stated that they were to begin to lay the foundation of the temple on that day as well. And so they do. They move a large rock to the Southeast corner of the temple site. And I love that it is a large rock. I’m not sure if this is a picture of the actual stone, maybe someone more well versed in Church History could tell me but we know that it was a large stone, and the cornerstones of the Far West temple that you can see today are indeed very large rocks. If it had been me, knowing the mortal danger I was in, I would probably pick up a hand size rock, place it on the spot and call it good. But they move this massive boulder . Almost as if to say to any that came the next day. Look! We were here! Can’t ignore this large rock, can you!
I call this attitude of these brethren, “large rock” obedience. It’s the kind of obedience that says “I am going to do this thing that God has requested, even when I have every excuse in the world not to”. Sometimes that’s the best time to be obedient. Maybe even God himself would excuse us, but we do it anyway. This is the kind of obedience that Brigham Young, and Wilford Woodruff, and John Taylor had. All of which were there on that night. Those two future prophets, and John E. Page, would actually be ordained apostles on that rock. What a fitting way for them to begin their leadership in the Church.
Sometimes we may find ourselves in similar situations when there is a fairly valid excuse not to be obedient or to follow a specific commandment or counsel. I believe that God will bless us four-fold when we decide to be obedient anyway. A few examples of this. If you’ve ever seen the movie “Chariots of Fire”, you’ll remember that it depicts the story of a champion runner who refuses to run in an Olympic race that he is heavily favored to win, because it is scheduled on the Sabbath. Perhaps someone would argue that that would be a valid reason to disregard the commandment just that once. But not him. He had “large rock” obedience. We too may be faced with those kinds of decisions. In sharing this, I’m not suggesting that the Lord never makes exceptions. I’m sure there are times when it is acceptable. But I’m sure it pleases him when he sees his children obey regardless. Maybe we continue to fast, even though we have a headache. We study our scriptures, even though it’s been a long and busy day and we’re super tired. We pay our tithing, even when our finances are a bit strained. We keep our language clean at work, even though everyone else around us is cursing. We tell the truth, even though it would be far more advantageous to tell a little white lie. There will be many opportunities for us to demonstrate “large rock” obedience because opportunities to demonstrate that kind of obedience rarely come at convenient times. I hope we can learn that principle from the example of these faithful brethren.
119-120 DIG
Q1: What law is the major focus of these two sections?
A1: The law of tithing
Q2: What kind of property should we always give to the bishop?
A2: Surplus property
Q3:Name at least one specific consequence mentioned of not living the law of tithing.
A3: We will not be found worthy to abide in Zion, the land will not be sanctified or holy, it will not be a land of Zion to us.
Q4: Who is to be in charge of dispensing the tithing funds of the Church?
A4: I would accept any combination of the following answers: A council. The first presidency of the Church, the bishop, and his council. The Lord himself.
119-120 DRAW
FOUNDATION-v. 2
LAW-v. 4
GATHER-v. 5
HOLY-v. 6
119-120 INSIGHT
These final two sections deal with the law of tithing. If you read the section heading to 119, you’ll see that this is the point where the Lord formally releases the members of the church from living the then established method of applying the law of consecration. Instead, tithing would be the primary way the church would be funded. You’ll notice as you read this section that the exact definition of tithing is a little fuzzy. The meaning of phrases like “surplus property”, and “one-tenth of all their interest annually” have inspired some debate over the years. Later prophets have clarified that “interest” in this case could better be interpreted as the word “increase”, or compensation or profit. But the exact definition of tithing has still been left deliberately vague. As a bishop I’ve received training that we are not to elaborate any further on those statements as to exactly what tithing requires. Some have asked me whether we are to pay tithing on our net or gross earnings. You may have heard the clever response that that depends on whether you want net or gross blessings. But still, the church has never formally declared an official position on that matter. God does not need to command in all things. So the matter is between the member and the Lord.
What is certain, is that the payment of tithing is a matter of worthiness. We cannot be counted worthy members if we are not making that sacrifice. That’s why we see that question on the temple recommend interview. And hopefully we can understand why. Tithing is the way in which the Lord is able to maintain and administer his Church and all the programs associated with it. Our temples, church buildings, seminaries and institutes, ward, and youth programs all require funds to continue functioning. Those buildings and programs require maintenance and upkeep. Those funds need to come from somewhere. God doesn’t take our tithing money for himself. What’s he going to do with it? No, he gives that money right back to us in the form of these buildings and programs. We are the ones that benefit from it. Doesn’t it make sense that we should do our part in supporting those things? If we are the ones reaping the benefits?
According to verse 6, tithing is one of the ways in which we build Zion. If we observe not this law, then it shall not be a land of Zion unto you. Tithing is necessary for the sanctification of Zion. Personally, I feel that tithing is the greatest deal that has ever been offered to mankind. We’ve already seen the Lord remind us many times in the Doctrine and Covenants that all things are his and that we are merely stewards over what he has given us. How generous of him to let us hold on to 90% of what is his, not ours. And then, to take that 10% and give it right back to us in the form of churches, and temples, and church programs. But not only that, he also promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out great blessings upon those that are willing to give that 10%. That sounds like a really great deal. Who wouldn’t take someone up on that kind of offer?
Sometimes as an activity I like to ask my students to share how they might respond to someone who said the following: Tithing is the worst. The church asks way too much of us. What would they kindly say to that person to help them understand the principle of tithing?
HANDOUT APPLICATION ACTIVITY
Well, I always like to provide you teachers with a handout option that you can use in your classes. For this week, I have a Scripture Prescription activity you could do. The way this works is that I’ve listed a number of different situations your students could choose from that they relate to most. Once they’ve picked it, they circle that scenario and then study the scripture prescription that accompanies it. They look for ways that those scriptures could help someone in that particular situation and write a quick summary of how they feel it could do that. Then, you can encourage them to share their thoughts with a fellow student or with the class as a whole.
Here are the possible scenarios they could choose from:
115:5-6
The world just seems to be so terrible right now. It’s bad news all the time. Is there anything I can do about it?
117:4-5, 8-9
Everything costs too much. I have to keep working harder and harder in order to just keep up with the rest of the world. I want the latest iPhone, the newest car model, the bigger house, but I just never seem to have enough. I feel like I don’t have much time for family or church because I need to work more hours to get more money so I can buy all these things. What should I do?
117:13
I feel discouraged in my efforts to be a good follower of Jesus Christ. I try to do my best, but I still frequently fail. What should I do?
118:3 What could help me to be a better missionary?
119:3-7 Why should I pay my tithing?
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