The Trek Continues!
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What significance does Elder Ballard attribute to the early pioneers" journey to Utah?
- Who was Jane Manning James, and what role did she play in the early Church?
- What lessons does Elder Ballard draw from the pioneer experience for modern-day Saints?
- What warnings does Elder Ballard give regarding deception and doctrinal purity?
- How does Elder Ballard suggest we support and embrace all of God's children today?
Topics
Reflect on the Pioneering Spirit
Elder Ballard recounts the journey of early Saints who crossed the plains to settle in Utah, emphasizing their faith and unity despite diverse backgrounds. He highlights the example of Jane Manning James, a faithful convert who faced significant challenges but remained steadfast in her faith.
By 1869, more than 70,000 Saints had made a similar trek. Despite their many differences in language, culture, and nationality, they shared a testimony of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and a desire to build Zion.
Sister James, like so many other Latter-day Saints, not only built Zion with blood, sweat, and tears but also sought the Lord’s blessings through living gospel principles as best she could while holding on in faith to Jesus Christ—the great healer to all who sincerely seek Him.
- What qualities did the early Saints exhibit during their journey to Utah?
- How did Jane Manning James demonstrate her faith and commitment to the gospel?
- How can you draw inspiration from the pioneering spirit in your own life?
- What challenges are you currently facing that require faith and perseverance?
Maintain Strong Ties to Spiritual Heritage
Elder Ballard stresses the importance of remembering and honoring our pioneer forebears. He believes that losing our connection to them would mean losing a precious treasure, and he encourages rising generations to have the same faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.
I have a deep conviction that if we lose our ties to those who have gone before us, including our pioneer forefathers and mothers, we will lose a very precious treasure.
I know that rising generations must have the same kind of faith that the early Saints had in the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.
- Why does Elder Ballard emphasize the importance of maintaining ties to our pioneer forebears?
- What can we learn from the faith and sacrifices of the early Saints?
- How can you better honor and remember your own spiritual heritage?
- What steps can you take to ensure that future generations understand and appreciate their spiritual roots?
Stay True to the Pure Doctrine of Christ
Elder Ballard warns against deception and urges members to keep the doctrine of Christ pure. He advises against listening to those who are not ordained or who claim secret knowledge, and he cautions against get-rich schemes and questionable health practices.
Brothers and sisters, keep the doctrine of Christ pure and never be deceived by those who tamper with the doctrine.
Be aware of organizations, groups, or individuals claiming secret answers to doctrinal questions that they say today’s apostles and prophets do not have or understand.
- What are some ways that people might tamper with the doctrine of Christ?
- Why is it important to follow ordained leaders and avoid those who claim secret knowledge?
- How can you ensure that you are not deceived by false teachings or practices?
- What steps can you take to strengthen your understanding of true doctrine?
Embrace Community and Support One Another
Elder Ballard highlights the importance of community and mutual support, drawing parallels between the early Saints and modern members. He emphasizes the roles of the Relief Society and priesthood quorums in providing for the spiritual and temporal well-being of members.
For our pioneer ancestors, independence and self-reliance were vital, but their sense of community was just as important.
The Relief Society and the priesthood quorums provide for the spiritual and temporal well-being of our members.
- How did the early Saints support one another in their communities?
- What roles do the Relief Society and priesthood quorums play in the Church today?
- In what ways can you contribute to the sense of community in your ward or branch?
- How can you better support and serve those around you?
Welcome and Embrace All of God's Children
Elder Ballard calls for compassion and inclusivity, urging members to eliminate prejudice and embrace all of God's children. He emphasizes that the blessings of the restored gospel are for everyone and encourages members to assist missionaries in sharing the gospel.
We need to embrace God’s children compassionately and eliminate any prejudice, including racism, sexism, and nationalism.
Let it be said that we truly believe the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ are for every child of God.
- Why is it important to eliminate prejudice and embrace all of God's children?
- How can members assist missionaries in sharing the gospel?
- What can you do to eliminate prejudice in your own heart and actions?
- How can you help others feel welcome and included in your Church community?
