Where Will This Lead?

Considering Future Consequences in Decision Making

President Oaks emphasizes the importance of considering the future outcomes of our decisions. He uses the story of a squirrel and a dog to illustrate the dire consequences of inaction when danger is imminent. He urges us to take action when we see threats approaching us or the things we love.

Our present and our future will be happier if we are always conscious of the future. As we make current decisions, we should always be asking, "Where will this lead?"

Where the consequences are immediate and serious, we cannot afford to do nothing. We must sound appropriate warnings or support appropriate preventive efforts while there is still time.

• What does President Oaks mean when he says we should always ask "Where will this lead?" when making decisions?
• How does the story of the squirrel and the dog illustrate the consequences of inaction?
• Can you think of a time when considering the future outcomes of a decision helped you make a better choice?
• How can you apply the principle of considering future consequences in your daily decision making?

Choosing Between Two Good Things

President Oaks talks about the common situation of having to choose between two good things. He introduces the concept of "opportunity cost" and emphasizes the importance of thoughtful decision making, considering what we might be losing by choosing one good thing over another.

We make many choices between two goods, often involving how we will spend our time. There is nothing bad about playing video games or texting or watching TV or talking on a cell phone. But each of these involves what is called "opportunity cost," meaning that if we spend time doing one thing, we lose the opportunity to do another.

• What does President Oaks mean by "opportunity cost"?
• Why is it important to consider what we might be losing when choosing between two good things?
• Can you think of a time when you had to choose between two good things? How did you make your decision?
• How can you apply the principle of considering "opportunity cost" in your daily life?

Recognizing Our Eternal Identity

President Oaks emphasizes the importance of recognizing our eternal identity as children of God. He warns against labeling ourselves in ways that limit our potential and encourages us to strive for eternal goals.

Most important, each of us is a child of God with a potential destiny of eternal life. Every other label, even including occupation, race, physical characteristics, or honors, is temporary or trivial in eternal terms. Don’t choose to label yourselves or think of yourselves in terms that put a limit on a goal for which you might strive.

• Why does President Oaks emphasize the importance of recognizing our identity as children of God?
• How can labeling ourselves in temporary or trivial terms limit our potential?
• How does recognizing your identity as a child of God influence your decisions and goals?
• How can you better internalize this eternal identity in your daily life?

Making Sacrifices for Eternal Goals

President Oaks shares a story of a couple who made significant sacrifices to get married in the temple, emphasizing the importance of making present sacrifices for important future goals. He highlights the growth and spirituality that come from such sacrifices.

This example concerns the choice to make a present sacrifice to achieve an important future goal.

The Lord had rewarded them with the growth that comes from sacrifice. She also observed that their five-day trip to the temple accomplished a great deal more in building their spirituality than many visits to the temple that were sacrifice-free.

• Why does President Oaks emphasize the importance of making sacrifices for eternal goals?
• What benefits does he highlight from making such sacrifices?
• Can you think of a time when you made a sacrifice for an eternal goal? How did it impact your spirituality?
• What are some sacrifices you might need to make to achieve your eternal goals?