Study Guide for "Be Faithful, Not Faithless"

In this talk, Stephen W. Owen discusses the importance of spiritual nourishment and staying connected with heaven amidst the distractions of the world. He emphasizes the role of home-centered gospel learning and the support provided by the Church to foster spiritual growth. He further encourages members to be faithful in their commitment to the gospel despite the challenges they may encounter.

Before Reading

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

What are some of the distractions that can prevent us from connecting with heaven?
How does President Owen describe the role of home in spiritual nourishment?
What support does the Church provide to complement home-centered gospel learning?
How can we help the youth stay connected with heaven and be faithful?
What are some of the challenges we face in staying spiritually nourished and how can we overcome them?

Topics

Understanding the Importance of Spiritual Nourishment

President Owen discusses the distractions of modern technology that can prevent us from obtaining spiritual nourishment. He stresses the importance of deliberate daily disconnection from the world to connect with heaven. He warns against spiritual malnutrition by merely going through the motions of spirituality without true conversion.

That morning I missed my scripture study, and consequently I didn’t get the spiritual nourishment I was hoping for.

Many of the messages that bombard us in the information age are the spiritual equivalent of feeding hay to deer—we can eat it all day long, but it will not nourish us.

We must deliberately take time each day to disconnect from the world and connect with heaven.

What are some of the distractions that can prevent us from receiving spiritual nourishment?
What are the consequences of spiritual malnutrition?
How can we ensure that we are truly connected to heaven and not just going through the motions of spirituality?
What distractions do you need to eliminate to focus more on spiritual nourishment?
How can you make deliberate time each day to disconnect from the world and connect with heaven?
Reflect on a time when you felt truly connected with heaven. What did you do differently?

Embracing Home-Centered Gospel Learning

President Owen highlights the importance of making homes the center of gospel learning and living. He emphasizes the need to take personal responsibility for one's conversion and spiritual growth, regardless of circumstances.

Regardless of your circumstances, you can make your home the center of gospel learning and living.

It simply means taking personal responsibility for your conversion and spiritual growth.

What does it mean to make your home the center of gospel learning and living?
How can we take personal responsibility for our conversion and spiritual growth?
How can you make your home a center of gospel learning and living?
What steps can you take to take more responsibility for your personal conversion and spiritual growth?

Recognizing the Role of the Church in Supporting Home-Centered Gospel Learning

President Owen explains how the Church supports home-centered gospel learning through sacrament meetings, Sunday School, Primary, and youth programs. He also emphasizes the importance of building relationships with fellow disciples of Jesus Christ.

Our experiences at church can reinforce the spiritual nourishment that happens at home.

The loving relationships we develop with fellow disciples of Jesus Christ can be a powerful support to our home-centered discipleship.

How does the Church support home-centered gospel learning?
Why are relationships with fellow disciples of Jesus Christ important in our spiritual journey?
How have your experiences at church reinforced your spiritual nourishment at home?
How can you strengthen your relationships with fellow disciples of Jesus Christ?

Supporting the Youth in Their Spiritual Journey

President Owen underscores the importance of supporting the youth in their spiritual journey. He encourages parents and leaders to build strong relationships with the youth, attend their activities, and help them feel connected with heaven.

Parents, please build strong relationships with your children. They need more of your time, not less.

Whether you are a leader, a neighbor, a quorum member, or simply a fellow Saint, if you have the opportunity to touch the life of a young person, help him or her connect with heaven.

Why is it important to support the youth in their spiritual journey?
How can we help the youth feel connected with heaven?
What can you do to support the youth in your family or community in their spiritual journey?
How can you help the youth feel more connected with heaven?

Staying Faithful Amidst Challenges

President Owen acknowledges the challenges that every generation faces in staying faithful. He assures that the Lord is aware of these challenges and is preparing us to meet them through the leadership of the Church.

Yes, you face challenges. But so does every generation. These are our days, and we need to be faithful, not faithless.

I testify that the Lord knows about our challenges, and through the leadership of President Nelson, He is preparing us to meet them.

What are some challenges we face in staying faithful?
How is the Lord preparing us to meet these challenges?
What challenges are you facing in staying faithful and how are you dealing with them?
How have you seen the Lord preparing you to meet your challenges?