August 30- September 5
Doctrine and Covenants 94-97
"For the Salvation of Zion"
Materials: scriptures
Opening Song: "Do as I'm doing" (Children's Songbook, 276)
Opening Prayer:
Attention Activity: Play a few rounds of "mother may I" with your family.
Lesson:
In January 1833, the Lord commanded the saint to build a temple in Kirtland; but after almost half year, the saints had not started building the temple. In June, the Lord revealed D&C 95 and told the saints he was disappointed they had not yet obeyed. Read D&C95:3.
Story: Imagine that want to do something fun like play a video game. You ask your Mom or Dad and they tell you to clean your room. Your room is rather messy: toys, clothes, trash, etc. You really don't want to clean it. You put a few easy toys on your shelf but then you look around the room at the clothes. They aren't all dirty but you throw them in your hamper because you hate folding them. There is some other stuff out too, but by that point, you just want to be done so you kick some of it under your bed and hide the rest under your dresser. The floor looks clean enough now so you tell your Mom its done. Later, Mom finds the mess. She's upset and scolds you for not being obedient and for lying. You get a punishment for your actions.
Why is your mom upset? Did you deserve to have a negative consequence? Does this mean she doesn't love you?
When your parents or teachers or even your boss scolds you for doing something wrong this is called being "chastened." The Lord also did this to the saints when they failed to show initiatve and start building the Kirtland temple. He also chastens us when we sin and don't repent. Obviously Heavenly Father loves us very much. He want what's best for us.
Read D&C 95: 1-2. Christ says that by rebuking us when we are bad, he is preparing a way for us to be delivered from temptation and to be forgiven.
Have a family member read the following quote: "Divine chastening has at least three purposes: (1) to persuade us to repent, (2) to refine and sanctify us, and (3) at times to redirect our course in life to what God knows is a better path" (D. Todd Christofferson, "As Many As I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten" General Conference, April 2011).
Obedience to our Heavenly Father's commandments is like divine fire insurance. We are protected from the Lord's wrath when we listen. "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise" (D&C 82:10) What can you do to be more obedient?
Elder Christofferson also said, "I would like to speak of one particular attitude and practice we need to adopt if we are to meet our Heavenly Father’s high expectations. It is this: willingly to accept and even seek correction. Correction is vital if we would conform our lives “unto a perfect man, [that is,] unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). Paul said of divine correction or chastening, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth” (Hebrews 12:6). Though it is often difficult to endure, truly we ought to rejoice that God considers us worth the time and trouble to correct."
Discussion Questions:
1. How can we do as Elder Christofferson suggests and seek correction?
2. What can we do to willingly accept correction from Heavenly Father?
3. How do we know we are being chastened from the Lord?
Video: Obedience Brings Blessings.
Blessings come by being obedient. Being chastening also brings blessings because it reminds us to be obedient. Our Heavenly Father is a parent who wants what is best for his children. Sometimes we must be disciplined in order to learn and grow. He does because He loves us and wants us to become like He is.
Bear your testimony.
Closing Song: "I feel my Savior's love" (Children's Songbook, 74)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Pineapple upside down cake
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