The Voice of Warning
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the role of a watchman as described in the scriptures?
- Why is it important to warn others about sin and its consequences?
- How does Elder Christofferson suggest we warn others with love and compassion?
- What examples from Jesus Christ's ministry illustrate the importance of warning others?
- How can modern-day cultural attitudes towards morality affect our willingness to warn others?
Topics
Understanding the Role of the Watchman
Elder Christofferson explains the metaphor of the watchman used in commissioning the prophet Ezekiel. The watchman’s duty is to warn the people of impending danger, much like prophets warn of spiritual dangers. This responsibility is crucial as it can save lives, both physically and spiritually.
“If when [the watchman] seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.”
“So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them [for] me.”
- What is the responsibility of a watchman according to Ezekiel?
- How does the role of a watchman apply to modern-day prophets and Church leaders?
- In what ways can you act as a watchman in your community or family?
- How can you ensure that your warnings to others are given out of love and not judgment?
The Duty to Warn Out of Love
Elder Christofferson emphasizes that the motivation for warning others should be love. He explains that to warn is to care, and that it should be done with meekness, gentleness, and genuine love. This principle is rooted in the two great commandments: to love God and to love our neighbors.
“The motivation for raising the warning voice is love—love of God and love of fellowman. To warn is to care.”
“The Lord instructs that it is to be done ‘in mildness and in meekness’ and ‘by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness … , and by love unfeigned.’”
- Why is love an essential element when warning others?
- How did Jesus Christ exemplify warning others out of love during His ministry?
- Reflect on a time when someone warned you out of love. How did it affect you?
- How can you cultivate a spirit of love when you feel prompted to warn someone?
Parental Responsibility to Warn
Elder Christofferson highlights the special duty parents have to warn their children. This involves teaching and testifying of gospel truths, and illustrating both the consequences of sin and the joy of obedience. Parents are urged to bring up their children in light and truth.
“Surely love would compel parents to warn their closest ‘neighbors’—their own children.”
“It means teaching children the doctrine of Christ: faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
- What specific responsibilities do parents have in warning their children?
- How can parents effectively teach their children about the consequences of sin and the joy of obedience?
- As a parent, how can you better fulfill your duty to warn your children?
- What are some ways you can teach your children about the joy of living the gospel?
Christ's Example of Warning
Elder Christofferson discusses how Jesus Christ was not hesitant to warn others. He preached repentance and was direct in His warnings, especially to the scribes and Pharisees. Christ’s warnings were always motivated by His love and concern for others’ eternal happiness.
“At the outset of His ministry, ‘Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”
“Surely no one would accuse the Savior of not loving these scribes and Pharisees—after all, He suffered and died to save them too.”
- How did Jesus Christ exemplify the principle of warning others?
- What was the underlying motivation for Christ’s warnings?
- How can you follow Christ’s example in warning others with love?
- What can you learn from Christ’s interactions with the scribes and Pharisees about giving warnings?
Challenges of Modern Moral Relativism
Elder Christofferson addresses the challenges posed by modern attitudes towards morality, where truth is seen as relative and social acceptance is prioritized over eternal truths. He contrasts this with the stable foundation of God’s unchanging laws and emphasizes the need to uphold and share these truths.
“In a guilt culture you know you are good or bad by what your conscience feels. In a shame culture you know you are good or bad by what your community says about you.”
“How much better it is to have the unchanging law of God by which we may act to choose our destiny rather than being hostage to the unpredictable rules and wrath of the social media mob.”
- What are the dangers of moral relativism as described by Elder Christofferson?
- How does the gospel provide a stable foundation in contrast to modern cultural attitudes?
- Reflect on a time when you felt pressured by societal norms. How did you respond?
- How can you strengthen your commitment to God's unchanging laws in your daily life?
