In the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 93, the Savior described how we can receive more of the light and truth that come from Him. This lesson can help students plan to receive more of God’s light and truth in their lives.
Possible Learning Activities
Light versus darkness
Elder Timothy J. Dyches of the Seventy described an experience he and his sons had while rappelling into a deep cave.
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Elder Timothy J. Dyches
Without warning, the lights [in the cave] suddenly went completely out. Suspended above the abyss, we were engulfed in a darkness so profound that we could not even see our hands on the ropes in front of us. A voice instantly called out, “Dad, Dad, are you there?”
“I’m here, Son; I’m right here,” I responded.
The unexpected loss of light was designed to show that without electricity, the darkness of the cavern was impenetrable. It succeeded; we “felt” the darkness. (Timothy J. Dyches, “Light Cleaveth unto Light,” Liahona, May 2021, 113)
What are some feelings people associate with darkness?
What are some words or phrases that describe how light feels?
Elder Dyches described what it was like for him and his sons when the lights in the cave were turned back on.
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Elder Timothy J. Dyches
When the lights did return, the darkness instantly surrendered, as darkness must always surrender, to even the faintest light. My sons and I have been left with a memory of a darkness we had never known, a greater appreciation for light we will never forget, and the assurance that we are never all alone in the dark.
Our descent into that cavern in some ways parallels our journey through mortality. (“Light Cleaveth unto Light,” 113)
What similarities did you notice between this story and our journey through mortality?
How can the light and truth that come from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ help you in your journey through mortality?
Invite the students to think about how much of God’s light or influence they currently feel in their lives. You could also invite them to think about how their life might be different if Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ had more influence in it.
Explain that in Doctrine and Covenants 93, the Savior taught about behaviors that can either increase or decrease our access to the light and truth that come from Him. As students study, encourage them to look for teachings that can help them receive more of the Savior’s light and truth into their lives.
Jesus Christ teaches us how to receive His light
Consider displaying the following chart and inviting students to copy it in their study journals. They could complete the study activity with a partner or a small group.
Read the verses listed in the chart, and look for the Savior’s teachings that describe how we can increase or decrease His light and truth in our lives. Record your findings in each column.
What blessings are available to those who seek the Savior’s light and truth?
How would you summarize your findings for each column in your chart as statements of truth?
Students may identify truths similar to the following: We increase the Savior’s light and truth in our lives as we keep His commandments (verses 20, 28). Disobedience can cause us to lose the Savior’s light and truth from our lives (verse 39).
How do you think keeping the Savior’s commandments can impact your ability to discern truth?
As part of your discussion of the previous question, consider displaying or drawing the following image. Invite the students to share how they see teachings from Doctrine and Covenants 93 represented in it. If needed, explain that as we obey the commandments of God, we are blessed with more of the Savior’s light in our lives, which increases our ability to understand or discern the truth. When we disobey the commandments, we lose the Savior’s light and have a decreased ability to understand or discern the truth.
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truth
How can understanding the Savior’s teachings from these verses impact the choices we make?
Increasing the Savior’s light and truth in our lives
What are some specific things that have helped or could help you to receive more of the Savior’s light in your life?
Students could discuss the previous question with a partner or in small groups before sharing their responses with the class. You might also consider using the following statement by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf to help students think of ideas.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared examples of how we can experience the Savior’s light.
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President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Every time you turn your hearts to God in humble prayer, you experience His light. Every time you seek His word and will in the scriptures, the light grows in brightness. Every time you notice someone in need and sacrifice your own comfort to reach out in love, the light expands and swells. Every time you reject temptation and choose purity, every time you seek or extend forgiveness, every time you courageously testify of truth, the light chases away darkness and attracts others who are also seeking light and truth. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Bearers of Heavenly Light,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 79)
Consider inviting a few willing students to share how the ideas they discussed have made a difference in their own lives. As part of this discussion, consider showing “Finding Christ during Difficult Times” (4:35), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org. You could invite students to notice how both the absence and the addition of the Savior’s light impacted the young man in the video.
Apply the Savior’s teachings
Invite students to prayerfully consider how they can increase the Savior’s light and truth in their lives as they answer the following questions in their study journals.
What have you felt prompted to start doing to invite more of the Savior’s truth and light into your life? What is something you feel prompted to stop doing?
What obstacles might you encounter as you start or stop these actions? How could you address the obstacles you identify?
To conclude the lesson, consider sharing your feelings about the power Christ’s light and truth have brought into your life. Invite students to strive to increase the Savior’s light in their lives by what they have felt prompted to do today.