The Eternal Everyday
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- Why does Elder Cook compare our mortal existence to a British summer?
- What is the Lord's true purpose for all of His children, according to Elder Cook?
- How does humility play a role in establishing the Church and preparing individuals to meet God?
- What are some modern challenges to maintaining humility?
- How does Elder Cook describe the relationship between humility and forgiveness?
Topics
Recognize the Fleeting Nature of Mortal Life
Elder Cook compares our short mortal existence to a British summer, emphasizing the brevity of life from an eternal perspective. He underscores the importance of using our time on earth wisely to prepare to meet God.
It could be said that from an eternal perspective, our time on earth is as fleeting as a British summer.
This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.
- Why does Elder Cook compare our mortal life to a British summer?
- What does Amulek teach about the purpose of this life?
- How can you make the most of your time on earth?
- What steps can you take to prepare to meet God?
Understand the Lord's Purpose for His Children
Elder Cook explains that God's purpose is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. He emphasizes that all are alike unto God and that humility is essential in understanding and fulfilling this divine purpose.
For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
All are alike unto God, including black and white, bond and free, male and female.
- What is God's purpose for His children?
- How does the doctrine of equality before God relate to humility?
- How can you align your life with God's purpose for you?
- In what ways can you demonstrate humility and equality in your interactions with others?
Follow the Savior's Example of Humility and Sacrifice
Elder Cook highlights the Savior's ultimate example of humility and sacrifice, known as His condescension. He describes how Christ's willingness to suffer for all mankind serves as the most profound event in history and a model for our own humility.
The Savior, even as a member of the Godhead, was willing to come to earth as a lowly infant.
This act of love and humility on the part of Christ is known as His condescension.
- What does Elder Cook mean by the Savior's condescension?
- How does Christ's example of humility and sacrifice inspire you?
- In what ways can you emulate the Savior's humility in your daily life?
- How can you show love and sacrifice for others as Christ did?
Embrace Humility in Church Service
Elder Cook discusses the importance of humility in Church service, sharing historical examples of leaders who demonstrated humility in their callings. He emphasizes that true service is about how faithfully we serve, not where we serve.
Sometimes humility is accepting callings when we do not feel adequate.
Humble leaders have verbally and by example established that it is not where we serve but how we faithfully serve.
- Why is humility important in Church service?
- What lessons can we learn from historical examples of humble Church leaders?
- How can you demonstrate humility in your current Church calling?
- What can you do to serve faithfully, regardless of the assignment?
Cultivate Everyday Humility to Prepare to Meet God
Elder Cook emphasizes the need for everyday humility to prepare to meet God. He contrasts the world's emphasis on pride and self-aggrandizement with the scriptural call to be meek, humble, and accountable to God.
The test of greatness is the way One meets the eternal Everyday.
When we are truly humble, we pray for forgiveness and forgive others.
- How does Elder Cook describe the importance of everyday humility?
- What are some modern challenges to maintaining humility?
- What steps can you take to cultivate humility in your daily life?
- How can you avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-aggrandizement in today's world?
