The Lord gave His Saints instructions as they prepared to make great sacrifices to gather to Ohio. In His revelation to the Saints, the Savior revealed His character and invited His people to live like Him. This lesson can help students become more like the Savior by valuing others and seeking unity.
Possible Learning Activities
The Lord wants us to become as He is
You could begin the lesson by inviting each student to write down five of their interests. Then divide the class into small groups. Invite them to share their interests and list any they have in common. Afterward, ask them to discuss why it is sometimes challenging for people with different interests to be unified and why unity is important for disciples of Christ.
Invite students to reflect on the following questions:
How do I think about and act toward those who may be different from me?
How might my thoughts and actions cause division or bring unity?
Encourage students to seek inspiration through the Holy Ghost to help identify ways they can follow the examples of Jesus Christ in the way they treat others.
In December of 1830, Joseph Smith was working on the inspired revision of the Bible and had received what is now Moses 6–7 in the Pearl of Great Price. These chapters give an account of a prophet named Enoch and his people. Because of their righteousness and unity, the Lord called these people Zion.
In Doctrine and Covenants 38, the Savior instructed the Saints on gathering to Ohio. He taught them about His character and emphasized principles of building Zion. Obedience to these principles would help the Saints prepare themselves to receive the Savior’s law and be endowed with His power (see Doctrine and Covenants 38:32).
What can we learn about the Savior from the parable in verses 26–27?
What do verses 24–27 teach us about how we can become like Jesus Christ?
Help students identify a principle similar to this: We can become like Jesus Christ as we value others and seek unity as His disciples.
How is Jesus Christ an example of valuing others? Of encouraging unity?
President Russell M. Nelson taught about how we can value others and be one.
Image
President Russell M. Nelson
Ultimately, we realize that only the comprehension of the true Fatherhood of God can bring full appreciation of the true brotherhood of men and the true sisterhood of women. That understanding inspires us with passionate desire to build bridges of cooperation instead of walls of segregation.
(Russel M. Nelson, “Remarks at Worldwide Priesthood Celebration,” [address given at the “Be One” celebration June 1, 2018], newsroom.Churchofjesuschrist.org)
Consider showing the video “One in Christ” (4:48), available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, to help students understand how the Savior helps us to become unified.
What did you find that would help those moving to Ohio value one another and be unified?
Abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice
Use the words of prophets to emphasize doctrine and principles: For practice with this, see the training titled, “Teach from the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets” in Teacher Development Skills: Teach the Doctrine. Consider practicing the skill, “prepare invitations that help students connect truths found in the scriptures to what living prophets are saying” as illustrated in the following statement from President Nelson.
President Russell M. Nelson taught about the importance of the way we treat others. Read the statement or watch the video “Let God Prevail” (18:51; watch from time code 10:40 to 13:01) at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Image
President Russell M. Nelson
Each of us has a divine potential because each is a child of God. Each is equal in His eyes. The implications of this truth are profound. Brothers and sisters, please listen carefully to what I am about to say. God does not love one race more than another. His doctrine on this matter is clear He invites all to come unto Him, “black and white, bond and free, male and female [2 Nephi 26:33].”
I assure you that your standing before God is not determined by the color of your skin. Favor or disfavor with God is dependant upon your devotion to God and His commandments and not the color of your skin.
I grieve that our Black brothers and sisters the world over are enduring the pains of racism and prejudice. Today I call upon our members everywhere to lead out in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice. I plead with you to promote respect for all of God’s children.
The question for each of us, regardless of race, is the same. Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other? Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition? Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His? (Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 84)
What stands out to you from President Nelson’s teachings?
What are some ways we can lead to prevent or abandon attitudes and actions of prejudice?
As students discuss what they learned from the quote, be sensitive to any of your students that may be experiencing prejudice or racism of any kind. Ask students to share how they have been blessed by striving to value others and be united as disciples of Christ.
Invite students to prayerfully assess how well they feel they are doing at valuing others and seeking unity.
Students may want to answer the following questions in their study journal.
Prayerfully think about the following questions and answer one or more in your study journal:
What can you do to value all of God’s children and show love to them?
How can you lead to prevent or abandon attitudes and actions of prejudice?
How will doing this help you become more like the Savior?
Consider sharing your feelings about the importance of how we treat others and the blessings of becoming one in Christ.