January 23

How Can the Lord Help Me Serve More Faithfully?

Genesis 5; Moses 6

Counsel Together

Led by a member of the quorum or class presidency; 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Young Women Theme or the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme. Then lead a discussion about the work of salvation and exaltation using one or more of the questions below or questions of your own (see General Handbook, 10.2, 11.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Plan ways to act on what you discuss.

• Live the gospel. What recent experiences have strengthened our testimonies?

• Care for those in need. Who needs our help and prayers? What do we feel impressed to do to help them?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. How can we be a light to family members or friends who don’t share our beliefs?

• Unite families for eternity. How can we show more love and support for our families and make a positive difference in our homes?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind class or quorum members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

When Enoch received his call to serve the Lord, he felt completely inadequate (see Moses 6:31). But the Lord did not just send Enoch off to do His work; He promised Enoch that He would protect and help him (see Moses 6:32–34).

Perhaps you can relate to Enoch’s feelings of inadequacy in your own efforts to serve. Some of our service is given through Church callings. At other times, we simply see a need and feel prompted by the Spirit to show our love and support. However the opportunity comes, we can take courage, like Enoch did, knowing that the Lord will help us as we accept His invitation to “walk with me” (Moses 6:34).

As you prepare to teach about the help we can receive from the Lord as we serve others, review Moses 6 and think of experiences you have had serving others. How did the Lord help you in your efforts? What do you hope your class or quorum members will learn from the examples of Enoch and others? You could also read one of these messages by President Henry B. Eyring: “Walk with Me” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 82–85) or “Covenant Women in Partnership with God” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 70–73).

We can follow the Savior’s example as we serve as part of our daily lives.

Learn Together

Serving others provides an opportunity for us to “walk with [God],” and we will receive His help as we serve (Moses 6:34). To help class or quorum members begin discussing this, you might ask them to search Moses 6:32–39 for ways the Lord was with Enoch in his service. How does the Lord help us when we serve Him? The following ideas can help you lead a discussion about the divine help we can receive as we serve others.

• The scriptures are filled with teachings about service (see, for example, Matthew 25:31–40; Luke 10:25–37; Mosiah 2:17). Consider inviting those you teach to share scripture passages that inspire them to serve others. You could ask them in advance to come prepared to share scripture passages about service or examples of service. If they need help, encourage them to look under “Service” in the Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we feel inspired to do because of what we read?

• The Savior served others throughout His ministry. What do we learn from His example that can help us as we serve? To answer this question, each class or quorum member could read one of the following scriptures, looking for something it teaches about the Savior’s example of service: Matthew 14:13–21; John 9:1–11, 35–38; 13:4–5, 12–17; 3 Nephi 17:5–9. Invite everyone to share something they found. Provide time for everyone to think of someone they can serve and how they will follow the Savior’s example in their service.

• Sometimes we think service means doing something big and time consuming. That may be one reason some of us don’t serve as much as we could. You might point out that the Savior often served people He noticed throughout the course of His everyday life (see, for example, Matthew 12:9–13; Mark 5:21–34; Luke 19:1–10; John 4:3–26). To help class or quorum members think of simple ways they can serve others in their everyday lives, you could show one of the following videos: “When Ye Are in the Service—YM” or “When Ye Are in the Service—YW” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the youth to share their thoughts. What small acts of service have we seen others doing? What are we inspired to do? Invite each person to write down ways to complete the following statements: “I can serve others by …” and “I will seek the Lord’s help in my efforts to serve by …” Then ask several to share what they wrote.

Act in Faith

Encourage class or quorum members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. If they would like, they could share their ideas. Invite them to think about how acting on their impressions will strengthen their relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Supporting Resources

• “Opportunities to Do Good,” “Teachings of Thomas S. Monson: Rescuing Those in Need” (videos), ChurchofJesusChrist.org

• Bonnie L. Oscarson, “The Needs before Us” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 25–27)

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

“In addition to helping learners feel and recognize the Spirit, help them act on the promptings they receive” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way [2016], 10).