Lesson 17: D&C 41-44

April 19-25
Doctrine and Covenants 41-44
"My law to govern my church"

Materials: tithing slip, print out and piece of paper prepared for the activity (see below), 
Opening Song: "I'll walk with you" (Children's Songbook, 140)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Show the pictures below. What do these two jobs have in common?  These people deal with the laws. Police officers and judges are meant to make sure
the laws are obeyed. Just like our country has certain laws, Heavenly Father has laws he wants us to follow too. What are some of God's laws?

Lesson:
God has many laws or commandments that he wants us to follow. What are some of the commandments? Read Matthew 22: 37-39: "

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt ^alove the Lord thy God with all thy ^bheart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy ^cmind. This is the first and great ^acommandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt ^alove thy neighbour as thyself." The 10 commandments are God's most basic laws he has given his children. When Christ came he taught higher laws to his disciples. 

In the early days of the church, the saints practiced the law of consecration. To consecrate s yeahomething is to dedicate something to the service of the Lord. What is the law of consecration? Take turns reading D&C 42: 30-33. After reading have a family member try to summarize what the law of consecration entailed. 

Why is this law important? What blessings could come from living the law of consecration?

Activity: The printout below describes the purposes of the law of consecration. Print the  printout below. Take a sheet of paper and cut into strips. Tape the strips onto the printout over the sentances, so that only the word "consecration" is showing. Have your family take turns removing each strip to reveal the purposes of the law of consecration below. 

The law of consecration is one of Heavenly Father's highest laws. It enables all of God's children to be cared for and allows for people to serve each other. It enabled church buildings and temples to be built and land could be purchased. By members consecrating their property to the church, they learned peace and humility. 

How do we live the law of consecration today? We have been asked to consecrate 10% of our income to the Lord by paying an honest tithe. We also consecrate our time and talents to fulfill callings and help build the kingdom of God. Missonaries consecrate two years of their life to share the gospel. We are still required to help the poor and needy and are encouraged to give generously. Tithing slips are found outside the offices of every bishop and branch president in the church. Show a tithing slip. Point out the different areas that people can donate to the church. Tithing slips can serve as a visual reminder that we still live the law of consecration. 

The law of consecration can bring us many blessings, but obeying is not always easy. It requires sacrifice. When it seems to be a great struggle, it can be helpful to remember that everything you have truly belongs to the Lord. Bear your testimony of the law of consecration. 

Closing Song: "The Church of Jesus Christ" (Children's Songbook, 77)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: No Bake Banana Split Dessert recipe here