Brighter and Brighter until the Perfect Day
Contents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What message of hope did Paul share with the Corinthians?
- How does Elder Bragg describe the concept of positive leadership?
- In what three areas does Elder Bragg suggest we can always find light?
- How does the Church act as a beacon of light in a darkening world?
- What role does the Light of Christ play in our lives according to Elder Bragg?
Topics
Recognize Light in Dark Times
Elder Bragg begins by sharing Paul's message of hope to the Corinthians, emphasizing that even in the darkest times, there is light and goodness around us. He highlights the adversary's attempts to blind us with darkness but reassures that God's light will continue to grow brighter.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
- What message of hope did Paul share with the Corinthians?
- How does Elder Bragg describe the adversary's attempts to blind us?
- What promise does the Lord give about receiving light?
- How can you recognize the light in your life during difficult times?
- In what ways have you experienced the adversary's attempts to blind you with darkness?
- What steps can you take to continue in God and receive more light?
Embrace Positive Leadership
Elder Bragg shares insights from a leadership program he attended, focusing on the concept of positive leadership and its heliotropic effect. He explains that all living systems have an inherent inclination toward positive energy, and highlights compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude as critical components of a successful workplace culture.
This refers to the tendency in all living systems toward positive energy [light] and away from negative energy [darkness].
As people turn towards the positive (light), the attributes perfectly exemplified by the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, are present!
- What is the heliotropic effect as described by Professor Kim Cameron?
- What are the three critical components of a successful workplace culture mentioned by Elder Bragg?
- How does turning towards the positive relate to the attributes of Jesus Christ?
- How can you apply the principles of positive leadership in your personal and professional life?
- In what ways can you cultivate compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude in your daily interactions?
- How have you seen the attributes of Jesus Christ manifest in positive environments?
Find Light in the Church
Elder Bragg emphasizes that the Church is a beacon of light in a darkening world. He shares examples of the Church's growth and the positive impact it has on its members, particularly the youth. Despite criticism, the Church continues to shine brightly, providing light and guidance to its members.
The Church is a beacon of light to a darkening world.
The Church is stronger than it has ever been and quite literally grows stronger each day as new members join us, new congregations are formed, new missionaries are called, and new territories are opened to the gospel.
- How does Elder Bragg describe the Church's role in a darkening world?
- What examples does Elder Bragg provide to illustrate the Church's growth and positive impact?
- How should we respond to criticism of the Church?
- In what ways has the Church been a beacon of light in your life?
- How can you contribute to the Church's mission to provide light and guidance?
- What experiences have you had where the Church's teachings helped you overcome criticism or challenges?
Strengthen Families through the Gospel
Elder Bragg discusses the importance of the gospel in strengthening families. He highlights how gospel principles can resolve misunderstandings and heal discord within families. He emphasizes the sacredness of the home and the temple, and the joy that comes from family unity and temple work.
Through the light of the gospel, families can resolve misunderstandings, contentions, and challenges.
Families increase in light as they increase in love and kindness.
Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness.
- How does the gospel help families resolve misunderstandings and challenges?
- What role do love and kindness play in increasing light within families?
- Why is the home considered sacred, comparable to the temple?
- How can you apply gospel principles to strengthen your family relationships?
- In what ways can you increase love and kindness in your home?
- What steps can you take to make your home a sacred place comparable to the temple?
Follow the Light of Christ
Elder Bragg explains the universal presence of the Light of Christ and its role in guiding us to do good. He shares how the Light of Christ can help us see others through the Savior's eyes and be more loving and understanding. He recounts a touching story of firefighters who saved paintings of Christ, illustrating the impact of the Light of Christ in difficult times.
The Spirit of Christ is always there. … The Light of Christ is as universal as sunlight itself.
The Light of Christ “inviteth and enticeth to do good continually.”
The Light of Christ will help us see others through the Savior’s eyes.
- What is the Light of Christ and how is it described by Elder Bragg?
- How does the Light of Christ guide us to do good?
- What impact does the Light of Christ have on our ability to see others through the Savior's eyes?
- How have you felt the influence of the Light of Christ in your life?
- In what ways can you allow the Light of Christ to guide your actions and decisions?
- What experiences have you had where the Light of Christ helped you see others with more love and understanding?