October 22

How Can I Stay Strong in My Commitment to Jesus Christ?

1 and 2 Thessalonians

Counsel Together

Led by a member of the class or quorum presidency; approximately 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). 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; approximately 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

Most of us know someone who at one time seemed fully committed to Jesus Christ but has since fallen away from their faith. It’s natural to wonder, “Could that ever happen to me?” Paul praised the Thessalonian Saints for their faithfulness but felt inspired to warn them about false teachings and other influences that could weaken their faith. No matter how strong our commitment to the Savior is right now, there is always much we can do to “perfect that which is lacking in [our] faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:10).

As you pray about the people in your class or quorum, listen for the promptings the Lord sends you. What do you feel would help them stay faithful to the Savior regardless of the opposition they will face? What has helped you? As you prepare to teach, you might review Elder Dale G. Renlund’s message “Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 22–25) in addition to 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

Learn Together

To help the youth review what they have read in 1 and 2 Thessalonians and introduce the topic of staying strong in our commitment to the Savior, you could read together 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3. Discuss what the term “falling away” could mean. In particular, what does it mean for an individual to fall away from Jesus Christ? You could contrast this term with other phrases Paul used, like “stand fast in the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 3:8) and “be not weary in well doing” (2 Thessalonians 3:13). You could then review 1 Thessalonians 5:15–23. How can following Paul’s counsel in these verses help keep us from falling away from our faith in Jesus Christ—even when we face opposition? Use activities like the following to help class or quorum members stay strong in their commitment to the Savior.

• It can be inspiring to learn from the examples of others who became immovable in their commitment to Christ. For instance, you could study together the example of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, who had been “a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people” but “never did fall away” after they were “converted unto the Lord” (Alma 17:14; 23:6–8). What does Alma 24:8–18 suggest about why they remained faithful? What key choices did they make? How did the Savior help them? Additional examples can be found in Elder Dale G. Renlund’s message “Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ.” Perhaps a few youth could read some of these examples and share what they learn about staying true to Christ. How have we stayed committed to the Lord despite our shortcomings?

• In our efforts to strengthen our faith, it’s helpful to be aware of forces that seek to weaken it. Lehi’s vision of the tree of life describes some of these forces. Perhaps you could show a picture of the vision (see Gospel Art Book [2009], no. 69) and review together the details, found in 1 Nephi 8:10–34. In the vision, what kept people from enjoying the fruit of the tree? What helped people reach the tree and stay there? What do these things symbolize in our lives?

• In his message “Power to Overcome the Adversary” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 110–12), Elder Peter M. Johnson listed three ways Satan tries to weaken us. You could assign each youth to read about one of these and share with the class or quorum examples of how Satan uses this tool against youth today. Then they could each read one of Elder Johnson’s four suggestions for overcoming the adversary’s tactics and share what they learned.

Be Not Afraid, by Michael Malm

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

• 1 Nephi 2:9–10; Alma 17:1–3; Helaman 5:12

• Jeffrey R. Holland, “Lord, I Believe,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 93–95

• Neil L. Andersen, “Never Leave Him,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 39–42

• Becky Craven, “Careful versus Casual,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 9–11

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

In many cases, it may be appropriate to invite learners to help each other find answers to their questions. When prompted by the Spirit, you may decide to do this even if you feel that you know the answer.