Don’t Look Around, Look Up!
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What experiences in Elder Choi's life influenced his faith and perspective?
- How does Elder Choi suggest we handle disappointments and criticisms within the Church?
- What role does family history and temple work play in Elder Choi's message?
- How can looking up to Jesus Christ help us in challenging times?
- What does Elder Choi teach about the blessings of obedience and service?
Topics
Fulfilling Our Purpose by Looking Up to Jesus Christ
Elder Choi stresses the importance of focusing on Jesus Christ to fulfill our divine purpose of inviting others to come unto Him. He shares personal experiences, including his family's conversion story, to illustrate the transformative power of the gospel and the joy that comes from sharing it.
My purpose is to "invite others to come unto Christ." This is your purpose too. We can fulfill this purpose by looking up to Jesus Christ.
Do not lose your faith because of the people around you, but build a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. Don’t look around, look up!
- What does it mean to look up to Jesus Christ?
- How can focusing on Christ help us fulfill our purpose?
- How can you strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ?
- In what ways can you invite others to come unto Christ in your daily life?
The Power of Family Conversion and Temple Work
Elder Choi shares the story of his family's conversion and the significant impact it had on their lives. He highlights the importance of family history and temple work in linking generations and fulfilling our responsibilities to our ancestors and descendants.
Seven months after we were baptized, 23 of my family and relatives became members of the Church.
Building upon the work of my father and others, our family tree now spans to 32 generations, and we are now completing temple work for many branches.
- Why is family history and temple work important in the gospel?
- How can our actions impact future generations?
- What steps can you take to engage in family history and temple work?
- How can you strengthen your family's faith and commitment to the gospel?
Overcoming Disappointments and Criticisms in the Church
Elder Choi recounts a time when he was disheartened by criticisms within the Church but was counseled by his father to focus on the perfection of the gospel rather than the imperfections of its members. This advice helped him maintain his faith and commitment.
Do not lose your faith because of the people around you, but build a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. Don’t look around, look up!
The gospel had been restored and it is perfect but members are not yet, neither himself nor me.
- How can focusing on Christ help us deal with disappointments and criticisms within the Church?
- What is the difference between the perfection of the gospel and the imperfections of its members?
- How can you strengthen your faith when faced with criticisms or disappointments in the Church?
- What can you do to support and uplift others who may be struggling with similar feelings?
Recognizing Blessings Amidst Challenges
Elder Choi shares a personal story about his son's musical achievement and the realization that blessings come through faithful service, even when they are not immediately apparent. He emphasizes the importance of looking up to see the blessings beyond our immediate challenges.
Because you cannot go, your son has been given this privilege. Would you rather trade?
When we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.
- How can we recognize blessings even when they are not immediately apparent?
- What role does obedience play in receiving blessings?
- Reflect on a time when you recognized a blessing amidst a challenge. How did it strengthen your faith?
- How can you maintain a perspective of gratitude and faith during difficult times?
The Eternal Perspective of Family and Faith
Elder Choi discusses the importance of maintaining an eternal perspective, especially in the context of family and faith. He shares experiences that illustrate the joy and strength that come from focusing on eternal truths rather than temporal challenges.
All of us are in the middle of an eternal family. Our role can be a turning point at which significant changes can occur in positive or negative ways.
It is never too late to look up to Jesus Christ. His arms are always open to you.
- Why is it important to maintain an eternal perspective in our lives?
- How can focusing on eternal truths help us navigate temporal challenges?
- How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life?
- What steps can you take to strengthen your family's commitment to eternal principles?
