Study Guide for "Your Great Adventure"

In his talk, "Your Great Adventure", Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf uses the metaphor of a journey or adventure to describe our spiritual journey in this life. He emphasizes the importance of taking active steps towards discipleship, serving others, and sharing our experiences with others. He also addresses the challenges we may face along the way and the blessings that come from choosing to embark on this spiritual adventure.

Before Reading

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

How does Elder Uchtdorf use the metaphor of an adventure to describe our spiritual journey?
What does Elder Uchtdorf suggest are the key steps on this spiritual adventure?
What challenges and blessings are associated with choosing to embark on this spiritual adventure?
How does Elder Uchtdorf encourage us to share our spiritual journey with others?

Topics

Choosing to Embark on Your Spiritual Adventure

Elder Uchtdorf compares our spiritual journey to an adventure, which we chose to embark on before we were born. This journey involves leaving the comfort of God's presence and facing challenges and trials on earth, with the promise of precious treasures, learning, and growth.

Long, long ago, even before we were born, in an age dimmed by time and clouded from memory, we too were invited to embark on an adventure. It was proposed by God, our Heavenly Father.

And so, trusting the promises and power of God and His Beloved Son, we accepted the challenge.

What does it mean to embark on a spiritual adventure?
What are the challenges and rewards associated with this journey?
How can you see your life as a spiritual adventure?
What steps can you take to actively embark on or continue your spiritual adventure?

Inclining Your Heart to God

As part of our spiritual adventure, Elder Uchtdorf encourages us to incline our hearts to God, strive to find Him, love Him, and follow His teachings. He emphasizes that discipleship is about intentional effort, not perfection, and encourages us to keep striving even when we fail.

First, you need to choose to incline your heart to God. Strive each day to find Him. Learn to love Him.

Even when you fail, you can choose not to give up, but rather discover your courage, press forward, and rise up. That is the great test of the journey.

What does it mean to incline your heart to God?
How does Elder Uchtdorf suggest we can continue striving even when we fail?
What steps can you take to incline your heart to God?
How can you continue to strive in your spiritual journey, even when you face challenges or failures?

Reaching Out in Love to Others

Elder Uchtdorf teaches that a key part of our spiritual adventure is reaching out in love to others. He states that helping others is the path of discipleship and that through service, our own character is refined and our spirit is enlarged.

To help others is the path of discipleship. Faith, hope, love, compassion, and service refine us as disciples.

True disciples of Jesus Christ love God and His children without expectation of something in return.

Why is reaching out in love to others a key part of our spiritual adventure?
How does service refine us as disciples?
How can you reach out in love to others in your life?
What opportunities for service can you seek out as part of your spiritual adventure?

Sharing Your Story

Elder Uchtdorf encourages us to share our spiritual journey with others. He suggests that we should not be ashamed of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ and should share our experiences in natural and normal ways. He emphasizes the importance of invitation in sharing our faith.

We do not hide our faith. We do not bury it.

Share your experiences in person, on social media, in groups, everywhere.

The difference between casual social contacts and compassionate, courageous discipleship is—invitation!

Why is sharing our spiritual journey with others important?
How can we share our experiences in natural and normal ways?
How can you share your spiritual journey with others?
Who could you invite to learn more about your faith?

Starting Your Spiritual Adventure

Elder Uchtdorf emphasizes that now is the time to start or continue our spiritual adventure. He encourages us not to wait for perfect conditions, but to commit to seeking God, ministering to others, and sharing our experiences.

We could spend a lifetime waiting for that moment when everything lines up perfectly. But now is the time to commit fully to seeking God, ministering to others, and sharing our experience with others.

It’s time to begin!

Why does Elder Uchtdorf suggest that now is the time to start our spiritual adventure?
What does it mean to commit fully to seeking God, ministering to others, and sharing our experiences?
What steps can you take to start or continue your spiritual adventure today?
How can you commit fully to seeking God, ministering to others, and sharing your experiences?