On the Right Path

By Ann Jamison

“And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God” (3 Ne. 11:33).

Have you ever gone on a long trip? How did you know which direction to travel? Did you follow a road map? Did you follow road signs?

All of us are on a very important journey—a journey to the celestial kingdom, where we can live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father has provided a “map” to guide us as we travel. This map is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord’s commandments are like road signs along the way.

Heavenly Father’s plan makes it possible for each of us to come to earth to gain a body, learn to obey His commandments, and follow the example of His Son, Jesus Christ.

When we are baptized, we enter the gate that opens onto the path back to Heavenly Father. Without entering the gate of baptism, we could not follow the path to the celestial kingdom. After we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost helps us choose the right and stay on the path. (See 2 Ne. 31:17–18.)

Even Jesus, who was perfect, was baptized (see Matt. 3:16–17). His baptism showed that He was obedient. Heavenly Father is pleased when we are baptized because we are following the example of Jesus Christ and we are on the path that leads back to Him.

As we travel on earth’s highways, we must watch carefully for the road signs that tell us when to turn, stop, and be extra cautious. Some of the important gospel “road signs” include praying daily, studying the scriptures, following the living prophet, remembering the Savior, paying tithing, treating others kindly, and obeying our parents. Keeping these commandments will help us stay on the path to the celestial kingdom.

When we are baptized, we are on the right path—the path that leads to our heavenly home.

Instructions

Discover some “gospel road signs” by looking up each reference on page 5. Fill in the blanks on each road sign to find some of the commandments that will help you stay on the path to the celestial kingdom. As you study the scriptures, watch for other gospel road signs. You might draw a small road-sign symbol in the margin by the scriptures you find.

Photograph of temple by Steve Tregeagle; photograph of baptism by Longin Lonczyna; electronically composed by Pat Gerber

As I pass through the gateway of baptism, I enter the path to eternal life (see 2 Ne. 31:17–18). The commandments are like road signs to help me stay on the path.

Acts 2:38
Repent and ____________

D&C 14:8
Receive the ____________

Exodus 20:8
Keep the ____________

John 15:12
Love ____________

D&C 88:76
Continue in ____________ and ____________

D&C 18:21
Speak the ____________

3 Nephi 24:10
Pay ____________

Mosiah 13:20
Honor my ____________

Celestial Kingdom

Sharing Time Ideas

Remind the children that baptism is an important step along the path to the celestial kingdom. Divide the children into small groups, giving each group one or two of the following scripture references. Ask each group to identify some of the “road signs” found in the scriptures that help us stay on the path to the celestial kingdom. The children could mark the road signs in their own scriptures. As each road sign is identified, sing a song from the Children’s Songbook about that principle. Scripture references: Alma 32:27 (exercise faith); Alma 5:50 (repent); Matt. 6:14–15 (forgive); 2 Ne. 31:5 (be baptized); D&C 8:2 (listen to the Holy Ghost); 2 Ne. 4:15 (search the scriptures); D&C 124:45 (follow the prophets); John 13:34–35 (love one another).
Explain that the Savior’s life and teachings provide wonderful examples for us to follow. Have each class pantomime one story or teaching of Jesus. Possible stories: Mark 1:35 (prayer); Matt. 3:13–17 (baptism); John 13:34–35 (love others); Mark 12:41–44 (widow’s mite); Luke 8:4–15 (parable of the sower); Luke 10:29–37 (the good Samaritan). Have the other children identify in each presentation the example we should follow. Discuss ways they can follow that example. Sing “When Jesus Christ Was Baptized” (Children’s Songbook, 102; The Friend, September 1997, 5).