Pressing toward the Mark

Understanding the Concept of Pressing toward the Mark

Elder Dube explains that pressing toward the mark refers to faithfully continuing on the "strait and narrow path" leading to eternal life with our Savior and Heavenly Father. This concept emphasizes the importance of focusing on our divine purpose and potential, amidst our mortal challenges and sufferings.

To press toward the mark is to faithfully continue on the "strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life" with our Savior and our Father in Heaven.

It is not so much about what we are going through in life but what we are becoming.

There is joy in pressing toward the mark.

• What does Elder Dube mean when he talks about "pressing toward the mark"?
• Why does Elder Dube suggest that our focus should be on what we are becoming rather than what we are going through?
• How can you apply the principle of "pressing toward the mark" in your life?
• Can you recall a time when focusing on your divine potential helped you navigate a difficult situation or challenge?

Learning from the Apostle Paul's Example

Elder Dube draws upon the example of the Apostle Paul, highlighting his unwavering dedication to serving, teaching, and testifying of Jesus Christ, despite his sufferings. Paul's attitude of love, gratitude, and joy serves as an inspiring model for us in our own discipleship.

How can such a person serve with such love and gratitude, especially considering his great sufferings? What motivated Paul to serve?

Paul viewed his sufferings as "not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

We all need to take courage from Paul: "I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ."

• What can we learn from the example of the Apostle Paul?
• How did Paul view his sufferings in relation to his service to Christ?
• How can you apply Paul's attitude of gratitude and joy in your own discipleship?
• Can you recall a time when you were able to serve with love and gratitude, despite facing challenges or difficulties?

Embracing the Lord's Will in Our Lives

Elder Dube shares personal experiences to highlight the importance of accepting and embracing God's will in our lives. He emphasizes that even in times of intense suffering, we can find peace and purpose by aligning our will with that of our Heavenly Father.

It is not up to you or anyone else, but it is up to God whether this pain will go away or not.

He said: "Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is [my] gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me."

• Why is it important to embrace the Lord's will in our lives?
• How can aligning our will with God's bring peace and purpose?
• How can you strive to align your will with that of your Heavenly Father in your daily life?
• Can you recall a time when accepting God's will brought you peace or purpose amidst difficulty?

Finding Hope and Comfort in the Plan of Salvation

Elder Dube shares a conversation with a bishop who lost his wife and daughter to the coronavirus pandemic. Despite his grief, the bishop found hope and comfort in the plan of salvation. This story illustrates how our understanding of God's plan can provide strength and perspective during our darkest times.

Bishop Thabethe responded that there is always hope and comfort in knowing that the Savior has taken upon Himself the pains of His people that He may know how to succor us.

He then asked me a question: "Is this not what our prophet was trying to teach us this last conference?"

• What comfort and hope can we find in the plan of salvation?
• How can our understanding of God's plan provide strength during difficult times?
• How has your understanding of the plan of salvation provided comfort or hope in your life?
• Can you recall a time when your knowledge of God's plan helped you navigate a difficult situation or loss?

Never Giving Up and Running the Race with Patience

Elder Dube concludes his talk by encouraging us to never give up, to lay aside every weight and sin, and to run the race set before us with patience. He assures us that as we look up to Jesus Christ, who overcame all, we will find help and joy in our journey.

My humble invitation to all of us is to never give up! We are called to "lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith."

I testify that He who overcame all will help us as we look up to Him.

• What does Elder Dube mean when he encourages us to "run with patience the race that is set before us"?
• How can looking unto Jesus Christ help us in our journey?
• How can you "run with patience the race that is set before you" in your current circumstances?
• Can you recall a time when looking unto Jesus Christ helped you overcome a challenge or trial?