Overcoming the World
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does it mean to "overcome the world" according to Elder Andersen?
- How does developing a love for the Savior help us overcome the world?
- Why is accountability to God important in our spiritual journey?
- In what ways does unselfishness contribute to overcoming the world?
- What role do the teachings of prophets and apostles play in helping us overcome the world?
Topics
Developing a Love for the Savior
Elder Andersen emphasizes that those who overcome the world develop a deep, all-encompassing love for Jesus Christ. This love is cultivated through prayer, repentance, studying the life of the Savior, and pondering the power of His Atonement.
Those who overcome the world develop an all-encompassing love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Overcoming the world is not one defining moment in a lifetime, but a lifetime of moments that define an eternity.
- How does Elder Andersen describe the process of developing a love for the Savior?
- What role does the Atonement of Jesus Christ play in overcoming the world?
- In what ways can you deepen your love for the Savior in your daily life?
- How has understanding the Atonement of Jesus Christ helped you overcome personal challenges?
Remaining Accountable to God
Elder Andersen explains that accountability to God is a crucial part of overcoming the world. Unlike the world, which indulges the natural man, those who overcome the world strive to keep their promises to God and live in accordance with His commandments.
Overcoming the world is not a global invasion but a private, personal battle, requiring hand-to-hand combat with our own internal foes.
Overcoming the world means treasuring the greatest commandment: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength."
- What does Elder Andersen mean by "hand-to-hand combat with our own internal foes"?
- Why is accountability to God essential in overcoming the world?
- How can you improve in keeping your promises to God?
- What personal battles do you face, and how can you apply the principle of accountability to overcome them?
Practicing Unselfishness
Elder Andersen teaches that overcoming the world involves turning outward and serving others. This includes prioritizing the happiness of our spouse, helping our children love God, and sharing our material blessings with those in need.
Overcoming the world means turning ourselves outward, remembering the second commandment: "He that is greatest among you shall be your servant."
The world builds its universe around itself, proudly proclaiming: "Look at me compared to my neighbor! Look at what is mine! See how important I am!"
- How does Elder Andersen describe the difference between the world's view and the gospel's view on self-importance?
- What are some ways we can practice unselfishness in our daily lives?
- How can you better prioritize the needs of your family and those around you?
- What specific actions can you take to serve others more effectively?
Finding Safety in the Prophets
Elder Andersen underscores the importance of heeding the guidance of living prophets and apostles. He explains that overcoming the world entails being willing to stand out and be different, even when our beliefs are ridiculed by the world.
Overcoming the world will always mean that we will have some beliefs that are ridiculed by the world.
The Lord gives us safety as we heed the guidance from His living prophets and apostles.
- Why does Elder Andersen say that overcoming the world will involve ridicule from others?
- How do living prophets and apostles help us overcome the world?
- How can you strengthen your commitment to follow the counsel of living prophets?
- What experiences have you had where following prophetic guidance brought you safety and peace?
Drawing Inspiration from Exemplary Individuals
Elder Andersen shares the inspiring example of Elder Bruce D. Porter, whose loyalty to the Savior and enduring faith despite severe health challenges exemplify what it means to overcome the world.
For more than 12 years of his service as a General Authority, Bruce was on dialysis to clean his blood.
The testimony I have of the reality and love of Jesus Christ has been the compass of my life.
- What aspects of Elder Bruce D. Porter's life illustrate overcoming the world?
- How did Elder Porter’s faith and testimony sustain him through his trials?
- Who are the individuals in your life that inspire you to overcome the world?
- How can you emulate the faith and dedication of Elder Bruce D. Porter in your own life?
