Joseph Smith Lesson #23: “How Good and How Pleasant It Is … to Dwell Together in Unity”
Attention Activity:
Have your class imagine that your ward has been asked to build a new Church building. Have the class work in groups for about 2-3 minutes to discuss how they are going to plan to build a new church. Spend some time discussing what are the ward’s greatest strengths and greatest limitations in building a new church? Do you think we could do it?
Class Discussion:
Look in the “From the Life of Joseph Smith” section to see what these Saints were asked to build. What is interesting is what Joseph Smith says is the key element in their success. Look in the 1st paragraph on page 275 for what he says allowed them to be able to accomplish the work. (“Unity of purpose and design,…put[ting] their shoulder to the wheel.”) Look at what he says is the outcome of this type of unity in the rest of that paragraph. Ask the class to explain why the last sentence, “Unity is power” is true. Now what is important is that we be able to apply this principle to our own lives. Read the last paragraph on page 274. Point out that Joseph was interested in what lead them to be able to accomplish “this great work.” What is the great work in you need to perform in your families?” Have people think about broad general topics, but also about things that would apply only to your specific family—but if there are things that are too private, don’t have class members share them with the class. So, what are some ways we can build the same kind of unity in our families that this group of Saints in Kirtland experienced?
Ask class members, “What is wrong with the idea ‘I would love total unity because then everyone would see things the same way I do?’” Now look in the 1st paragraph on page 276 for Joseph’s answer. (We more often must sacrifice our way for the Lord’s or another’s way in order to obtain unity.) The third paragraph is another idea to explore. We must sacrifice to the way God wants things done, and focus on His work if we want true unity. You can also discuss the idea on the top of page 278 that unity requires that we do nothing—especially talk about people—in a way that would be hurtful, because it also hurts ourselves. You may want to take some time discussing this principle. Also discuss the third paragraph under the heading “The greatest temporal and spiritual blessings…” Ask, “What role have you seen patience with other’s weaknesses play in your efforts to be unified in the Church and in your families?” Finally point out the great truth on page 279. Unity will take great effort, but will produce “glory and triumph.”
Application:
Have class members share the principle that they think would make the biggest impact in their family if they personally started to live it.
Have your class imagine that your ward has been asked to build a new Church building. Have the class work in groups for about 2-3 minutes to discuss how they are going to plan to build a new church. Spend some time discussing what are the ward’s greatest strengths and greatest limitations in building a new church? Do you think we could do it?
Class Discussion:
Look in the “From the Life of Joseph Smith” section to see what these Saints were asked to build. What is interesting is what Joseph Smith says is the key element in their success. Look in the 1st paragraph on page 275 for what he says allowed them to be able to accomplish the work. (“Unity of purpose and design,…put[ting] their shoulder to the wheel.”) Look at what he says is the outcome of this type of unity in the rest of that paragraph. Ask the class to explain why the last sentence, “Unity is power” is true. Now what is important is that we be able to apply this principle to our own lives. Read the last paragraph on page 274. Point out that Joseph was interested in what lead them to be able to accomplish “this great work.” What is the great work in you need to perform in your families?” Have people think about broad general topics, but also about things that would apply only to your specific family—but if there are things that are too private, don’t have class members share them with the class. So, what are some ways we can build the same kind of unity in our families that this group of Saints in Kirtland experienced?
Ask class members, “What is wrong with the idea ‘I would love total unity because then everyone would see things the same way I do?’” Now look in the 1st paragraph on page 276 for Joseph’s answer. (We more often must sacrifice our way for the Lord’s or another’s way in order to obtain unity.) The third paragraph is another idea to explore. We must sacrifice to the way God wants things done, and focus on His work if we want true unity. You can also discuss the idea on the top of page 278 that unity requires that we do nothing—especially talk about people—in a way that would be hurtful, because it also hurts ourselves. You may want to take some time discussing this principle. Also discuss the third paragraph under the heading “The greatest temporal and spiritual blessings…” Ask, “What role have you seen patience with other’s weaknesses play in your efforts to be unified in the Church and in your families?” Finally point out the great truth on page 279. Unity will take great effort, but will produce “glory and triumph.”
Application:
Have class members share the principle that they think would make the biggest impact in their family if they personally started to live it.
1 comment:
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