Study Guide for "Spiritual Eclipse"

In his thought-provoking talk titled "Spiritual Eclipse," Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles uses the imagery of a solar eclipse to illustrate how minor obstructions in our lives can block the light of Jesus Christ and His gospel. He provides insights and practical advice on how to prevent these "spiritual eclipses" by maintaining a gospel perspective and avoiding common pitfalls such as pride and the misuse of social media. Elder Stevenson emphasizes the importance of humility, gospel principles, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in preserving our spiritual vision.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What analogy does Elder Stevenson use to describe spiritual obstructions in our lives?
How can "gospel glasses" help us maintain a clear vision of the gospel?
What are some common distractions that can lead to a spiritual eclipse?
How can social media usage impact our spiritual well-being?
What role does humility play in preventing spiritual eclipses?

Topics

Understand Spiritual Eclipses

Elder Stevenson compares a solar eclipse to a spiritual eclipse, where minor obstructions in our lives can block the light of Jesus Christ and His gospel. He explains that just as the moon can obscure the sun, small distractions can obscure our spiritual vision.

In the same manner that the very small moon can block the magnificent sun, extinguishing its light and warmth, a spiritual eclipse can occur when we allow minor and troublesome obstructions—those we face in our daily lives—to get so close that they block out the magnitude, brightness, and warmth of the light of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

When we draw other things too close, placing them first, we obscure our vision of heaven.

What is a spiritual eclipse?
How can small distractions block our spiritual vision?
What are some minor obstructions in your life that might be blocking your spiritual vision?
How can you ensure that you prioritize the light of Jesus Christ in your daily activities?

Maintain a Gospel Perspective with Gospel Glasses

Elder Stevenson introduces the concept of "gospel glasses"—a metaphor for viewing life's challenges through the lens of gospel principles. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from spiritual blindness and maintain a clear perspective on our priorities and challenges.

Looking at a spiritual eclipse through the protecting and softening lens of the Spirit provides a gospel perspective, thus protecting us from spiritual blindness.

When you put on gospel glasses, you find enhanced perspective, focus, and vision in the way you think about your priorities, your problems, your temptations, and even your mistakes.

What are "gospel glasses" and how do they help us?
How can a gospel perspective protect us from spiritual blindness?
How can you put on "gospel glasses" in your daily life?
What challenges are you currently facing that could benefit from a gospel perspective?

Avoid the Dangers of Social Media

Elder Stevenson discusses the potential risks of social media, including time consumption, reduced face-to-face interaction, and the pitfalls of idealized reality and debilitating comparisons. He emphasizes the importance of using technology to uplift and inspire rather than to portray unrealistic versions of ourselves.

The use of social media, mobile apps, and games can be inordinately time-consuming and can reduce face-to-face interaction.

Comparing our own seemingly average existence with others’ well-edited, perfectly crafted lives as represented on social media may leave us with feelings of discouragement, envy, and even failure.

What are some risks associated with social media usage?
How can idealized reality on social media lead to feelings of discouragement?
How much time do you spend on social media, and how does it affect your spiritual well-being?
What steps can you take to use social media in a way that uplifts and inspires rather than discourages?

Embrace Humility to Overcome Pride

Elder Stevenson addresses the issue of pride and its negative impact on our relationships and spiritual growth. He contrasts pride with humility, which he describes as a willingness to submit to the will of the Lord and give honor to others.

Pride is the opposite of humility, which is a "willingness to submit to the will of the Lord."

In my experience in the Church as well as throughout my professional career, some of the greatest, most effective people I have known have been among the most meek and humble.

What is the difference between pride and humility?
How does pride negatively impact our relationships and spiritual growth?
In what areas of your life do you struggle with pride?
How can you cultivate humility and a willingness to submit to the will of the Lord?

Conclusion: Prevent Spiritual Eclipses

Elder Stevenson concludes by reiterating the importance of recognizing and preventing spiritual eclipses. He encourages us to use "gospel glasses" to maintain our spiritual vision and avoid letting insignificant matters block our view of the gospel's light.

If you discover anything that seems to be blocking the light and joy of the gospel in your life, I invite you to place it in a gospel perspective.

Don’t let life’s distractions eclipse heaven’s light.

How can we prevent spiritual eclipses in our lives?
What role do "gospel glasses" play in maintaining our spiritual vision?
What distractions in your life are currently eclipsing your spiritual vision?
How can you better prioritize the gospel to ensure it remains the central light in your life?