FHE from LDS LIVING : Becoming Like Christ

I bear witness of the reality and power of the Savior’s Atonement to cleanse, purify, and make us and our homes holy as we strive to put off the natural man and follow Him.

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “He Teaches Us to Put Off the Natural Man”, by Juan A. Uceda, Ensign, Nov. 2010, 53–55.

Thought:
I bear witness of the reality and power of the Savior’s Atonement to cleanse, purify, and make us and our homes holy as we strive to put off the natural man and follow Him.

(Juan A. Uceda, “He Teaches Us to Put Off the Natural Man”, Ensign, Nov. 2010, 53–55.)

Song:
“He Sent His Son,” Children’s Songbook, p. 34.

Scripture:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do. (3 Nephi 27:21)

Object Lesson:
Materials Needed: A picture of the solar system.
Procedure: Display the picture of the solar system and show that the sun is the center of our solar system with all the planets revolving around it. Discuss how the rotation and revolution of the Earth ensure constant light and heat on our planet.Explain that the Savior offers us the spiritual light (truth) and warmth (love) that we need to guide us. Point out that to enjoy the full benefit of the Savior’s light and warmth we must keep him at the center of our lives. We demonstrate his importance by revolving our lives around him. Discuss how this can be done. Ideas might include prayer, scripture study, temple attendance, and obedience.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Object Lessons Made Easy, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010], p. 30.)

Story:
“The Lord Has Carried Me”
Olivia Hart

For most of my adult life I have enjoyed teaching Primary children. I feel I have done well at it. Teaching Primary falls well inside my comfort zone.

But that comfort was shaken when my bishop invited me into his office and asked me to do something I had never done before—teach adults. To make things worse, he called me to the most challenging adult class I can think of, which is Gospel Doctrine.

I have a testimony of the gospel. I know that the Lord inspires ward leaders when they prayerfully ask where members of their ward should serve. But could I feel that was true of me, now?

I answered with a yes, but I was nervous and worried. What could I possibly teach those in my ward who were so knowledgeable? Would those people even be open to what I tried to teach? Wasn’t I too young and inexperienced to have such a calling? I feared criticism and judgment.

I returned home from my meeting with the bishop with a resolve to obtain a witness from the Lord that this new calling was indeed his will. When I prayed, a warm feeling filled my soul, and I knew that it was right. I resolved I would do my best, but still I felt almost consumed with fear.

Before my first lesson, I prayed repeatedly and deeply for help. I studied the lesson carefully to make sure I understood the material. I tried to be open to what Heavenly Father would have me teach. I specifically asked that the Spirit of the Lord would be with me and with the members of the class so we would understand the truth and receive a witness of it. I asked for help so my insecurities did not overshadow my conviction or my ability to deliver a strong spiritual message. I asked for divine help so I would be able to deliver the lesson with sincerity and testimony.

I was surprised at what happened when I actually went to teach. I felt quite nervous before the lesson. I also felt nervous after the lesson. But during the lesson I was calm. I felt the Spirit. I felt that through the grace of the Lord I was able to teach well. I did the best I could, and he made up for the things I could not do on my own.

So it has been with each lesson I’ve taught. I’ve prepared diligently and prayerfully. I’ve been nervous and worried. And the Lord has carried me through the lesson, every single time.

Along the way I’ve learned another important lesson. Through inspiration I have learned that I should be more Christ-like and loving toward those in the class rather than worrying about what they think of me. When I focus on their needs rather than my own anxieties or insecurities, I am able to receive much greater help from the Spirit. And I’ve discovered that when I focus on loving them instead of on my own fears, I am able to love them better, and I forget my fears for a while.

My knowledge and testimony of the scriptures have grown through this terrifying and wonderful experience. But, more important, I have gained a more complete understanding and witness of the grace of God and his love for me. I know that he can and will bless me in every capacity in my life, large and small, if I am willing and if I sincerely try to do his will.

(Jay A. Parry, Everyday Answers, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 112.)

Activity:
Give everyone a pencil and a piece of paper. Have them write the word “Christlike” at the top of their paper.

At the signal to start, have everyone make as many words as they can in ten minutes, using only the letters from the starting word.

The winner is the person with the most words.

(George and Jeane Chipman, Games! Games! Games!, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 1983], p. 131.)

Refreshment:
Cherry Nut Bread

1 cup sugar
1⁄2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1⁄4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 jar (8 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained (reserve juice), and slightly chopped
1⁄2 cup walnuts, chopped

Grease and flour two 8×4-inch loaf pans or line with waxed paper; set aside. In large mixing bowl, cream sugar and oil; add eggs and beat well. Stir in vanilla. In separate bowl, mix flour and baking powder. Measure 1⁄2 cup maraschino cherry juice, or add water to juice to make 1⁄2 cup. Alternately add flour mixture and maraschino cherry juice to creamed mixture until all ingredients are blended. Stir in cherries and nuts. Pour into loaf pans; bake at 325 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Makes 2 loaves.