In April 1832, the Prophet Joseph Smith and others traveled to Independence, Missouri. They were following the Lord’s command to establish an organization to build up Zion and care for the poor (see Doctrine and Covenants 78). After helping resolve some disputes between members, the Prophet received this revelation describing the Lord’s expectations of His people. This lesson can help students understand ways the Lord has blessed them and how He expects them to use those blessings.
Possible Learning Activities
What the Lord has given you
To help prepare students for this lesson, consider singing a hymn about the blessings the Lord has given. One example is “Because I Have Been Given Much” (Hymns, no. 219). The hymn could be part of devotional.
Invite three students to stand in front of the class. Hand one a copy of the Book of Mormon, another an envelope with a large amount of money written on the outside (for example, $1,000,000), and another several pieces of candy.
Based on what they have been given, what would you hope these students would do?
Consider inviting the students in front of the class to share an idea or two of how they could bless others with what they have been given.
Point out that we would not have the same expectations for someone who has not received the same things.
As Heavenly Father’s children and as members of His Church, we have been given much. Invite students to take several minutes to list blessings they have received from the Lord. It might be helpful to create a few categories for students to think about as they make their list (for example, blessings of being in the Church, spiritual experiences they have had, people who bless their lives, earthly possessions and opportunities they have, and so on).
Display the following questions for students to ponder.
Ponder the following questions:
How have these blessings affected you?
What can they teach you about the Lord?
How might the Lord expect you to act differently from someone who has not received these blessings?
As you study this lesson, look for additional insights into these questions.
The Saints at this time had received great blessings from the Lord. These blessings included the restored Church, the Book of Mormon, and a living prophet revealing the Lord’s words. However, they still struggled to live the way the Lord desired. The following are some examples:
For several months, unkind feelings had developed between Sidney Rigdon in Ohio and Bishop Edward Partridge in Missouri. They had recently reconciled.
Some members of the Church in Missouri had been critical of Joseph Smith.
As Church members moved to Missouri, many of them failed to obey the Lord’s counsel and commands, including living the law of consecration.
The Prophet Joseph Smith and other Church leaders traveled to Missouri and held a council of high priests of the Church. The revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 82 was received during the afternoon session.
Read Doctrine and Covenants 82:1–7, looking for what the Lord expected of the Saints because they had been so greatly blessed.
What do you learn from these verses?
Students may share various truths. Ask them why the truths they share are important to understand.
Students may or may not share the principle that the Lord requires much of those to whom He has given much. If students do not, invite them to share what they learned from verse 3.
If students ask about former sins returning (see verse 7), help them understand that if we continue to commit the same sin, we need to continue our repentance. We can patiently rely on the Savior and continue to strive to improve, knowing He will help us. (See Neil L. Andersen, “Repent … That I May Heal You,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 40).
Why do you think the Lord has these expectations?
Why is it important for us to understand them?
For additional insights, read the following statement by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
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Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Our Heavenly Father is a God of high expectations. …
… God’s purpose is that we, His children, may be able to experience ultimate joy, to be with Him eternally, and to become even as He is. …
If we sincerely desire and strive to measure up to the high expectations of our Heavenly Father, He will ensure that we receive all the help we need, whether it be comforting, strengthening, or chastening. (D. Todd Christofferson, “As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 97, 99)
Why is it also helpful to remember the Lord’s understanding and compassionate nature? (see verses 1, 7).
Remembering what the Lord has given us
The following is one way to help students understand why God expects more of those “unto whom much is given” (Doctrine and Covenants 82:3). Students could do the activity in small groups or individually.
Blessings from the Lord
Select at least two of the following blessings, or choose other blessings not listed.
Scriptures
Living prophets
Forgiveness of sins
The gift of the Holy Ghost
A knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Atonement for us
Temples
For a few minutes, study about the blessings you chose. Use the scriptures, general conference addresses, and other Church resources such as For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices (2022). Look for:
Ways the Lord improves our lives through these blessings.
What the Lord expects of those to whom these blessings are given.
Add any of your own thoughts or insights from personal experiences. You might include how people with these blessings might help or be an example to those who have not been given the same experiences and knowledge.
Invite students to share what they learned. One way of doing this is to ask a volunteer to share and then name another student they feel has been a great blessing to the class. Then ask the recommended student if they would be willing to share what they learned. Be sure they know that they are not obligated to share. Repeat this exercise a few times.
If it would be helpful to show an example of someone who lived this principle, show “Treasures in Heaven: The John Tanner Story” from time code 8:21 to 12:24. Explain that John Tanner was a man the Lord blessed with great riches before he was converted to the gospel. Invite students to look for how John used his fortune.
God’s expectations and love
As students answer the following questions, evaluate how well they have understood the principle covered in this lesson. Look for ways to emphasize the Lord’s love and how we can bless more of His children as we live according to what He has given us.
Guide learners to recognize the Lord’s influence in their lives: For more training on how to do this, see the training titled “Help learners recognize the Lord’s love, power, and mercy in their lives” found in Teacher Development Skills: Focus on Jesus Christ. Consider practicing the skill. You could ask students questions that focus on connecting the Lord’s love, power, and mercy in their lives.
Why are you grateful for the Lord’s expectations?
How do the Lord’s expectations show His love?
Invite students to look at their list of what the Lord has given them. They can add any additional blessings they thought of throughout the lesson. Ask them to record what they would like to remember or do because of what the Lord has given them.