Study Guide for "An Especially Noble Calling"

In this talk, Sister Joy D. Jones, Primary General President, discusses the vital role of women in the Restoration and in the Lord's Church. She emphasizes the importance of women stepping forward and making unique, faithful contributions. Drawing from the teachings of prophets and her own experiences, she explores the concept of effort, the pursuit of personal revelation, and the power of priesthood covenants. She encourages women to recognize their divine potential and eternal worth and to continue their journey towards spiritual growth.

Before Reading

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

What is the unique role of women in the Restoration and in the Church?
How does the Lord value effort and hard work?
What principles can we learn from the First Vision?
Why is personal revelation important for our spiritual progression?
How do women access the power of the priesthood?

Topics

Recognizing the Unique Role of Women in the Church

Sister Jones discusses the distinctive and vital role of women in the Church and the Restoration. She emphasizes that women's influence is immeasurable, and their contributions as wives, mothers, leaders, and defenders of the faith are essential.

It is clear that throughout history women have held a distinctive place in our Heavenly Father’s plan.

Sisters, it is our turn. We have a divine errand from the Lord, and our faithful, unique contributions are vital.

What are some ways women have influenced the Church and the Restoration?
How can women today continue to contribute to the Lord's work?
How can you, as a woman, contribute to the work of the Lord in your own unique way?
What can you do to live up to your divine errand from the Lord?

Valuing Effort and Hard Work in Our Spiritual Journey

Sister Jones shares a conversation between President Nelson and a group of Primary children, highlighting the importance of effort and hard work in becoming more like the Savior. She encourages us to keep practicing and striving to follow the Lord.

The Lord loves effort, and effort brings rewards.

We keep practicing. We are always progressing as long as we are striving to follow the Lord.

Why does the Lord value effort and hard work?
How does effort contribute to our spiritual progression?
How can you put in more effort in your spiritual practices?
What rewards have you experienced from your efforts to follow the Lord?

Seeking Personal Revelation for Spiritual Progression

Sister Jones emphasizes the importance of seeking personal revelation for our spiritual progression. She discusses principles we can learn from the Prophet Joseph Smith and the First Vision, and encourages us to increase our spiritual capacity to receive revelation.

The Lord instructed Emma Smith to "receive the Holy Ghost," learn much, "lay aside the things of this world, … seek for the things of a better," and "cleave unto [her] covenants" with God.

President Nelson said, "I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation."

What can we learn from the Prophet Joseph Smith about seeking personal revelation?
How can increasing our spiritual capacity to receive revelation help us in our spiritual progression?
What steps can you take to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation?
How has personal revelation guided your spiritual journey?

Accessing the Power of the Priesthood through Covenants

Sister Jones discusses the power of priesthood covenants and how women can access this power. She encourages women to recognize and cherish this priesthood power through their covenants.

We access the power of the priesthood through covenants, made first in the waters of baptism and then within the walls of holy temples.

Every woman and every man who makes covenants with God and keeps those covenants, and who participates worthily in priesthood ordinances, has direct access to the power of God.

How do women access the power of the priesthood?
Why are covenants important in accessing the power of the priesthood?
How have you experienced the power of the priesthood through your covenants?
What can you do to better understand and cherish the power of the priesthood available to you through your covenants?

Continuing the Journey Towards Spiritual Growth

Sister Jones encourages women to continue their journey towards their highest spiritual potential. She emphasizes the importance of love, service, leadership, and compassion in this journey, and testifies of the role of Jesus Christ in championing women and womanhood.

Let us boldly declare our devotion to our Heavenly Father and our Savior, "with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save."

The world’s greatest champion of woman and womanhood is Jesus the Christ.

What does it mean to continue our journey towards our highest spiritual potential?
How does Jesus Christ champion women and womanhood?
What steps can you take to continue your journey towards your highest spiritual potential?
How have you felt the Savior's championing influence in your life as a woman?