Minerva Teichert (1888–1976), Alma Baptizes in the Waters of Mormon, 1949–1951, oil on masonite, 35 7/8 × 48 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, 1969

December 2–8: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

Moroni 1–6

After finishing his father’s record of the Nephites and abridging the record of the Jaredites, Moroni thought that his record-keeping work was done (see Moroni 1:1). What more was there to say about two nations that were utterly destroyed? But Moroni had seen our times (see Mormon 8:35), and he was inspired to “write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth … in some future day” (Moroni 1:4). He knew that widespread apostasy was coming, bringing with it confusion about priesthood ordinances and about religion in general. This may be why he gave clarifying details about the sacrament, baptism, conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the blessings of gathering with fellow believers to “keep [each other] in the right way, … relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of [our] faith” (Moroni 6:4). Precious insights like these give us reason to be thankful that the Lord preserved Moroni’s life so he could “write a few more things” (Moroni 1:4).

Ideas for Learning at Home and at Church

Moroni 1

I can follow Jesus Christ despite opposition.

As you read Moroni 1, what inspires you about Moroni’s faithfulness to the Lord and to his calling? What are some ways a person might “deny the Christ”? (Moroni 1:2–3). Ponder how you can be faithful to Jesus Christ, even when you face trials and opposition.

Moroni 2–6

Priesthood ordinances must be administered as the Lord commands.

Moroni was running for his life when he wrote these chapters. Why would he bother to write about administrative details like how to perform ordinances? Ponder this as you read Moroni 2–6. Why do you think these details are important to the Lord? Here are some questions that could guide your study:

Confirmation (Moroni 2; 6:4).What do the Savior’s instructions in Moroni 2:2 teach you about the ordinance of confirmation? How would you explain what it means to be “wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost”? (Moroni 6:4).

Priesthood ordination (Moroni 3).What do you find in this chapter that could help someone prepare to be ordained to the priesthood? What do you find that would help someone prepare to perform an ordination?

The sacrament (Moroni 4–5; 6:6).What can you do to make the sacrament the spiritual highlight of your week?

Baptism (Moroni 6:1–3).What are you doing to continue to meet the qualifications for baptism?

Jesus taught how ordinances should be performed

Based on what you have learned, how will you change the ways you think about, participate in, or prepare others for these ordinances?

See also Doctrine and Covenants 84:20.

Role-play. One great way to remember what you are learning is to explain it to others. For example, try role-playing scenarios like this one: A friend isn’t sure she’s ready to be baptized. How would you use Moroni 6 to help her?

Moroni 4–5

Taking the sacrament helps me draw closer to Jesus Christ.

You have probably heard the sacrament prayers many times, but how often do you think carefully about what the words mean? Maybe you could try writing down the two sacrament prayers from memory. Then compare what you wrote with Moroni 4:3 and 5:2. Did you notice anything about these prayers that you hadn’t noticed before?

Consider including a sacrament hymn in your study, such as “In Memory of the Crucified” (Hymns, no. 190).

Moroni 6:4–9

Disciples of Jesus Christ care for each other’s souls.

The choice to follow Christ is an individual one, but fellow believers can help keep us “in the right way” (Moroni 6:4–5). What did Church members in Moroni’s time do to strengthen each other? As you read Moroni 6:4–9, ponder the blessings that come from being “numbered among the people of the church of Christ” (Moroni 6:4).

You might also think about the people who attend your ward or branch. Is there anyone who might have special need of your love—perhaps someone who is new or recently returning? How could you help make their experiences at church more like what Moroni described? (for ideas, see My Covenant Path or the “Strengthening New Members” videos in the Gospel Library). You might find some inspiration in section I of President Dallin H. Oaks’s message “The Need for a Church” (Liahona, Nov. 2021, 24–25).

As you ponder what it means to be “nourished by the good word of God” (Moroni 6:4), it might help to think about the nourishment that a seedling or a baby needs—and what happens if it is neglected. Search Moroni 6:4–9 for ideas about how you can help “nourish” others spiritually. How have fellow disciples helped to nourish you?

It’s not obvious to everyone why it’s important to be “numbered among the people of the church of Christ” and to “meet together oft” in Church meetings. How would you explain why you are thankful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ? (see the other sections of President Oaks’s message “The Need for a Church”).

For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.

Ideas for Teaching Children

Moroni 2–6

The Holy Ghost is a sacred gift.

• The Holy Ghost or the Spirit is mentioned several times in Moroni 2–6. Maybe you could ask your children to find every verse that mentions Him, read these verses, and list what your children learn about the Holy Ghost. You could also share with each other experiences when you felt the Spirit’s influence.

Moroni 4–5

I take the sacrament to show that I will always remember Jesus Christ.

• Reading the sacrament prayers with your children could lead to a discussion about how to have more meaningful experiences with the sacrament. It might help for them to imagine that a friend is coming to sacrament meeting for the first time. How would we explain to our friend what the sacrament is and why it is sacred? Encourage your children to use something from Moroni 4 or 5 in their explanations. Younger children could use this week’s activity page or Gospel Art Book, no. 108.

  

• Consider singing a song together that helps your children think about the Savior (such as “Reverently, Quietly,” Children’s Songbook, 26). You could also practice sitting reverently during the sacrament.

Moroni 6:1–3

I can prepare to be baptized.

• Who can be baptized? Help your children find answers to this question in Moroni 6:1–3. What does it mean to have a “broken heart and a contrite spirit”? (Moroni 6:2). How does this help us prepare for baptism? Consider telling your children how you prepared to be baptized.

Sophia's Baptism Promises

Moroni 6:4–6, 9

We go to church to take the sacrament and support each other.

• Do your children know why you like going to church? Reading Moroni 6:4–6, 9 can give you an opportunity to discuss together some of the things we do at church. Maybe they could draw pictures of themselves doing these things (such as praying, teaching, singing, and taking the sacrament).

• After reading Moroni 6:4 together, you and your children could look at pictures or examples of nourishing foods and compare nourishing our bodies to being “nourished by the good word of God.” You could also watch the video “Children Sharing the Gospel” (Gospel Library).

  Children Sharing the Gospel

For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.

Moroni in the Cave, by Jorge Cocco