Assess Your Learning 8

3 Nephi 8–Mormon 6

Reflecting on and assessing your spiritual learning can help you draw closer to the Savior. This lesson is intended to help you evaluate the goals you have set and the growth you have experienced during your recent study of 3 Nephi 8 through Mormon 6.

Preflight checks

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then of the First Presidency, shared an important lesson he learned from his time as a pilot:

In piloting an airplane, you learn quickly that your flight path depends greatly on how you handle challenging external influences such as wind and weather. Even more important, however, are the decisions you make in response to those external influences. … In order to make those decisions correctly, it helps to know what your actual position is. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “As You Embark upon This New Era,” BYU Speeches, Apr. 23, 2009, 4)

• Why is it important for a pilot to know his or her actual position before making any decisions?

• How does the example of a pilot identifying his or her actual position relate to improving yourself spiritually?

Before reviewing specific topics you have learned in seminary, consider what has stood out to you more generally. The following questions could help. Consider recording your answers in your study journal.

• What have you learned from your recent studies that has been most impactful?

• What changes have you noticed in your feelings and attitudes lately?

• What are some ways you have applied what you have been learning?

Explaining the doctrine of Christ

You might remember that shortly after the resurrected Savior first appeared to the Nephites, He shared important truths about what we must do to receive the blessings of eternal life (see 3 Nephi 11:31–39 and 3 Nephi 27:13–22). We often refer to these teachings as “the doctrine of Christ” (2 Nephi 31:21). You will have an opportunity to explain the Savior’s teachings in your own words by using the following scenario:

Imagine you have a friend, Josh, who has become interested in the Church. Although he feels good about what he is learning, he does not see the need to be baptized.

1. Answer the following questions:

   • Which verses from the Book of Mormon might you use to help Josh understand the doctrine of Jesus Christ? (If you are not sure where to start, you might look at 3 Nephi 11:31–39 or 3 Nephi 27:13–22.)

   • How do you think the Savior’s teachings in these verses could help address Josh’s concern?

Reflect on your feelings about Jesus Christ

The scriptures are a valuable resource for us to learn more about Jesus Christ’s character. In several lessons, starting with 3 Nephi 8–10, you were invited to make a list of things you learned about Jesus Christ as He ministered to the Nephites after His Resurrection. You may also have had some experiences in which you imagined being present as the Savior ministered to the Nephites. Reflecting on your notes or on some of the moments you visualized, can help you feel love for and from the Savior.

Take a few minutes to review your list in your study journal, looking for what you learned about Christ that may impact your feelings about Him. Alternatively, you could review the chapter headings or scriptures you marked in your study of 3 Nephi with the same thing in mind.

2. Answer the following questions:

   • What are some of the most significant things you have learned or felt about Jesus Christ as you studied His ministry to the Nephites? Why?

Participating in the gathering of Israel

As you studied 3 Nephi 15–16; 20–22; and 25, you learned about the Lord’s desire to gather Israel. You may have made plans to help someone come closer to Jesus Christ and to participate in temple or family history work.

Take a minute to review the plans you may have recently made to help participate in the gathering of Israel.

Use some or all of the following questions to help assess your progress with your plans:

3. Answer at least two of the following questions.

   • What have you done to act on your plans?

   • What did you learn from acting on your plans? How did you grow?

   • What do you still want to do to take part in gathering Israel?