Study Guide for "Divine Discontent"

In her General Conference talk, "Divine Discontent," Michelle D. Craig, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, addresses the feelings of inadequacy and yearning for greater personal capacity that many of us experience. She highlights the concept of "divine discontent," a term coined by Elder Neal A. Maxwell, which refers to the gap between what we are and what we have the potential to become. Craig explains how these feelings, when approached correctly, can lead us to faithful action, service to others, and ultimately to Christ. She contrasts divine discontent with Satan's counterfeit of paralyzing discouragement and provides practical steps to harness these feelings for spiritual growth.

Before Reading

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

What is the difference between divine discontent and paralyzing discouragement?
How can feelings of inadequacy be transformed into faithful action?
What role does the Holy Ghost play in guiding us to do good?
How can recognizing our weaknesses lead us to Christ?
What does C.S. Lewis's analogy of God rebuilding a house teach us about divine transformation?

Topics

Understand Divine Discontent

Michelle D. Craig introduces the concept of divine discontent, explaining it as the feeling of yearning for greater personal capacity and the gap between our current selves and our potential. She emphasizes that these feelings are God-given and meant to urge us to act and grow.

Divine discontent comes when we compare "what we are [to] what we have the power to become."

These feelings are God given and create an urgency to act.

What is divine discontent?
How does divine discontent differ from regular feelings of inadequacy?
When have you felt divine discontent in your life?
How can you use these feelings to motivate positive change?

Act in Faith

Craig discusses how divine discontent should lead us to faithful action rather than despair. She uses Joseph Smith's experience as an example of turning feelings of inadequacy into faithful actions that brought about significant spiritual outcomes.

Divine discontent is not an invitation to stay in our comfort zone, nor will it lead us to despair.

Joseph acted in faith. He turned to the scriptures, read the invitation in James 1:5, and turned to God for help.

What did Joseph Smith do when he felt divine discontent?
How can acting in faith change our feelings of inadequacy?
What steps can you take to act in faith when you feel divine discontent?
How can you seek guidance from the scriptures and prayer in times of spiritual unease?

Follow Promptings to Do Good

Craig emphasizes the importance of following promptings from the Holy Ghost to do good. She shares a story about Susan, who followed a prompting to make a tie for President Spencer W. Kimball, illustrating how small acts of service can have significant impacts.

Never suppress a generous thought.

Whether they are direct promptings or just impulses to help, a good deed is never wasted, for "charity never faileth."

What does it mean to follow promptings to do good?
How can small acts of service be significant?
When have you followed a prompting to do good?
How can you be more attentive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost in your daily life?

Divine Discontent Leads Us to Christ

Craig explains that divine discontent should lead us to humility and reliance on Christ. She highlights how recognizing our weaknesses and inadequacies can turn us to Christ for strength and transformation.

With Christ’s help, we can do all things.

The surprising truth is that our weaknesses can be a blessing when they humble us and turn us to Christ.

How does divine discontent lead us to Christ?
What role does humility play in our spiritual growth?
How can you turn your weaknesses into strengths through Christ?
What steps can you take to rely more on Christ in your daily life?

God's Transforming Power

Using an analogy from C.S. Lewis, Craig describes how God transforms us from our current state into something far greater. She emphasizes that through the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, we can be sanctified and made equal to the tasks ahead.

He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of. … You thought you were [being] made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace.

Because of our Savior’s atoning sacrifice, we can be made equal to the tasks that lie ahead.

What does C.S. Lewis's analogy teach us about God's transforming power?
How can the Savior’s atoning sacrifice sanctify us?
In what ways has God transformed you in your life?
How can you better allow God to work in your life to transform you?