Alma 7:14–27

“The Path which Leads to the Kingdom of God”

Prophets often refer to the “strait and narrow path” (2 Nephi 31:19), the “covenant path,” or “the path which leads to the kingdom of God” (Alma 7:19). Alma recognized that the people of Gideon were on this path and taught them how to continue on it and become more like God. This lesson is intended to help you in your efforts to acquire Christlike attributes as you follow the path that leads back to God.

Foster a feeling of love and respect. Encourage students to express Christlike love and acceptance to each class member. Doing so can soften the hearts of class members who are struggling.

Student preparation: Invite students to think about Christlike attributes they would like to develop more fully and to come prepared to share why.

Possible Learning Activities

A path to follow

Consider displaying the following image (or one similar) while asking the following question.

• What are the advantages of having a path to follow?

Consider watching “Daily Restoration” from time code 1:40 to 3:25 to see Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explain what happens to people who are traveling without a path or reliable landmarks. This video is available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

After prophesying to the people of Gideon about the life and Atonement of Jesus Christ, Alma shared words of encouragement with them.

Read Alma 7:19–20 to see what Alma said about God, His path, and the people of Gideon.

Consider marking the phrase “the path which leads to the kingdom of God” in verse 19. Today you will learn more about this path.

• How do you think you can tell if you are on the path that leads to God’s kingdom?

Consider drawing the following image on the board and labeling it “The path which leads to the kingdom of God.” Invite students to draw something similar in their journals.

Draw a picture similar to the following and label it “The path which leads to the kingdom of God.”

The path that leads to the kingdom of God is often referred to as the strait and narrow path or the covenant path. We are on this path when we are following the example and teachings of Jesus Christ. Continuing on this path will lead us to eternal life (see 2 Nephi 31:19–20).

As you study, ponder whether you see yourself on the path that leads to the kingdom of God. Look for teachings that help you better understand this path and the blessings the Lord offers you as you follow it.

“The path which leads to the kingdom of God”

Alma described actions we can take that will lead us back to God’s presence.

Read Alma 7:14–16, and then record these actions on or next to the path in your drawing.

• What did these verses help you understand about what it means to be on the path that leads to God?

Consider allowing a few students to write their responses to the previous question on the board. These students could then invite others who could come up and circle a response on the board that seems especially important to them. The student who circled the response could then be asked to explain why they feel this is an important action that helps us return to God’s presence.

One truth we can learn from these verses is that as we repent, make covenants with God, and receive the ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we follow the path that leads to the kingdom of God.

• How do these actions help prepare us to return to God’s presence?

• What blessings might we experience during this life by following God’s path?

Consider inviting students to share blessings they have experienced in their lives by following God’s path. You might share examples from your personal life as well.

Developing Christlike attributes while walking His path

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained that one blessing of following God’s covenant path is that it “leads us to become like Him” (“Choose You This Day,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 104).

Consider displaying these images of the Savior (or others you choose) while asking students the following questions. You could share the attributes of Jesus Christ you most admire before asking the questions.

• What attributes do you most admire about Jesus Christ? Why?

• In what ways do you want to be more like the Savior? What can make it difficult? How might we overcome these difficulties with the Lord’s help?

• When have you felt the greatest desire to be like Him? What was happening in your life that made you feel that way?

Alma identified some of the Christlike attributes we should strive to obtain as we walk the path that leads to the kingdom of God.

Read Alma 7:22–25 and look for Christlike attributes and behaviors you see stated or described. Consider marking these in your scriptures. You might also consider listing these attributes and behaviors on or near the path in your drawing.

The following activity is intended to help students learn more about the Christlike attributes mentioned in Alma 7:22–25 and make a plan to develop one or more of these attributes. It might be beneficial for you to complete this activity before class so you will be better prepared to assist students as they work. Be sure to provide students with enough time to complete this activity.

Consider displaying the following instructions.

Prayerfully choose an attribute mentioned in Alma 7:22–25 that you feel Heavenly Father would like you to develop, and then complete the following activity. Record your insights at the bottom of your picture or somewhere else in your study journal.

1. Learn more about this attribute. Consider using scripture resources such as Guide to the Scriptures, Topical Guide, or Bible Dictionary to assist with this. Write down what you learned.

2. List challenges of developing the attribute you chose and why you think God allows you to experience those challenges.

3. List two to three different ways your life would be better after acquiring this attribute.

4. Identify an example from the Savior’s life in which He exemplified this attribute. Alternatively, list an example from the life of someone you know in which they exemplified this Christlike attribute.

5. Identify one or more actions you could take that would invite God’s help as you strive to develop this attribute. Make a plan for how to implement that action in your life. One way you might strive to implement this action is by talking with Heavenly Father in your daily prayers about your progress and requesting His help where you are falling short.

Consider placing students in small groups. Each person in the group could briefly explain what they learned and felt about the attribute they chose and why they want to develop it. Alternatively, they could share the attribute they chose and the example from the Savior’s life or an example from the life of someone they know. Encourage students to act on their plans. Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will help them in their efforts.

Commentary and Background Information

Why is the path to the kingdom of God also referred to as the “covenant path”?

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:

What is the covenant path? It is the one path that leads to the celestial kingdom of God. We embark upon the path at the gate of baptism and then “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men [the two great commandments] … to the end” [2 Nephi 31:20]. In the course of the covenant path (which, by the way, extends beyond mortality), we receive all the ordinances and covenants pertaining to salvation and exaltation. (D. Todd Christofferson, “Why the Covenant Path,” Liahona, May 2021, 116)

How can I develop Christlike attributes?

Watch “Christlike Attributes—the Wind Beneath Our Wings” from time code 12:08 to 16:19 to see Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles answer this question.

Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Seventy explained:

Because Christlike attributes are gifts from God and cannot be developed without His help, in family and personal prayers, pray for those gifts. (Lynn G. Robbins, “What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye to Be,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 105)

Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Seventy added these insights:

The attributes of Christ are acquired in the “process of time” [Moses 7:21] by intentional progress along the covenant path. Christlike attributes adorn the lives of those who strive to live with goodness. They fill homes with gospel light, whether the floor is mud or marble. Even if you are the only one in your household who follows the injunction to “seek after these things” [Articles of Faith 1:13], you can contribute to the spiritual furnishings of your family’s home. (L. Whitney Clayton, “The Finest Homes,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 108)

Supplemental Learning Activities

Repentance, ordinances, and the covenant path

After identifying the bolded truth, consider giving students an opportunity to explain the importance of repentance, ordinances, and covenants. Students could role play explaining to someone who is not a member of the Church what it means to repent, what the ordinances of Christ’s gospel are, and why they are so important.

Students could refer to the Guide to the Scriptures entries under “Repent, Repentance” and “Ordinances” if they need help.

Comparing Alma 7 with 2 Nephi 31

If students would benefit from studying more about the path that leads to the kingdom of God, consider the following activity.

Invite students to create a chart similar to the following:

Alma 7:14–27 descriptions of the path and how to stay on it	2 Nephi 31:13–21 descriptions of the path and how to stay on it

Invite students to work in pairs. One partner could study Alma 7 and the other could study 2 Nephi 31. They could each fill out the appropriate portion of their charts. When they have finished, they could share their side of the chart while the other partner records what their partner shares. After sufficient time, invite students to share with the class what they learned about the Savior and His path as they did this activity. Invite them to determine one thing they can do to get on or stay on this strait and narrow path.