Seminary
Doctrinal Mastery: Matthew 5:14–16

Doctrinal Mastery: Matthew 5:14–16

“Let Your Light So Shine before Men”

young woman standing in sunlight

The Savior instructed His disciples to be an example to others by following Him. This lesson can help you use the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge to be an example to others and come closer to the Savior.

Memorize and explain

Read Matthew 5:14–16.

Draw an illustration of the key scripture phrase “Let your light so shine before men” and its reference, Matthew 5:14–16. As you draw, think of ways to include the reference to help you remember it.

While looking at the illustration, repeat the reference and key scripture phrase several times. Then look away, and try to repeat the reference and key scripture phrase from memory.

Consider sharing your illustration with a family member or friend and explaining the truth from the passage.

Practice application

In this practice application, you will use the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge to determine how to be an example to others and invite them to come closer to the Savior.

Review paragraphs 5–12 of the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2022).

journaling icon 1. In your study journal, summarize in two or three sentences each of the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge.

Read the following scenario, and think of how you could respond if you were in Raul’s situation.

Raul, a newly ordained priest, is with a group of friends when a few of them start to tell dirty jokes and speak rudely about someone Raul knows. Raul feels uncomfortable and knows what they are doing is wrong. As he is wondering what to do, his friend Jesse, who is a member of a different religion and whom Raul really admires, turns to Raul and says, “Hey, why do you look so serious?”

Consider each of the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge to help you develop a response.

Examine concepts and questions with an eternal perspective

Select one of the people in the scenario (Jesse or the person being ridiculed).

journaling icon2. Answer the following questions in your study journal:

  • How do you think the Lord feels about the person you selected?

  • How might seeing this person as the Lord sees them impact how Raul responds to Jesse’s question?

Seek further understanding through divinely appointed sources

journaling icon3. Answer the following questions in your study journal:

  • How might remembering and applying the principles in Matthew 5:14–16 be helpful for Raul?

  • What other divinely appointed sources do you think could help Raul?

Act in faith

journaling icon4. Answer the following questions in your study journal:

  • Why might it be difficult for Raul to act in faith in this situation?

  • What do you recommend that Raul could do to act in faith?

Think about a situation similar to Raul’s that you are facing now or could face in the future.

  • How could what you learned today help you be an example to others?