“The Principles of My Gospel”

Understanding Gospel Principles

Elder Bednar explains that gospel principles are doctrinally based guidelines that provide direction and standards for righteous living. They derive from broader gospel truths and are fundamental in guiding our moral agency. Examples of these principles include the teachings in the first three Articles of Faith and the Word of Wisdom.

Stated succinctly, a gospel principle is a doctrinally based guideline for the righteous exercise of moral agency.

Principles derive from broader gospel truths and provide direction and standards as we press forward on the covenant path.

• What is a gospel principle?
• How do gospel principles provide direction and standards for righteous living?
• Can you identify some gospel principles in your life?
• How have these principles guided your decisions and actions?

Teaching Correct Principles

Elder Bednar emphasizes the importance of teaching correct principles, as illustrated by the teachings of President Oaks, President Nelson, and Joseph Smith. These principles serve as guidelines and standards that help us make righteous decisions and govern ourselves.

President Oaks did not provide for the young men a lengthy list of things to do and not to do. Rather, he explained the principle with the expectation that the young men and their parents and teachers could and should use their own judgment and inspiration to follow the guideline.

President Nelson’s simple but powerful question emphasizes a principle that cuts through any uncertainty about what it means and what we should do to honor the Sabbath.

His message about being willing to let God prevail is a remarkable example of teaching correct principles so that we can govern ourselves.

• What does it mean to teach correct principles?
• How do these principles help us govern ourselves?
• How have you applied the principle of non-distraction in your life?
• How has the principle of the Sabbath as a sign influenced your Sabbath day observance?
• How has the principle of being willing to let God prevail impacted your life decisions?

Principles as a Helm

Elder Bednar likens gospel principles to a helm that steers a ship. Just as a helm helps a ship maintain balance and not capsize during a storm, gospel principles help us stand firm and not lose our balance in the storms of life. They provide us with direction and guidance to navigate the latter-day storms of darkness and confusion.

Gospel principles are for me and you what a helm is to a ship. Correct principles enable us to find our way and to stand firm, steadfast, and immovable so we do not lose our balance and fall in the raging latter-day storms of darkness and confusion.

• How do gospel principles act as a helm in our lives?
• How do they help us navigate through life's storms?
• Can you share an experience where a gospel principle acted as a helm during a challenging time in your life?
• How did this principle help you navigate through this challenge?

Testimony of Gospel Principles

Elder Bednar bears testimony of the doctrine and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He affirms that these principles are the foundational sources of direction for our lives and of enduring joy in mortality and eternity. He emphasizes that our living Savior is the source from which these truths flow.

I know that the doctrine and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ are the foundational sources of direction for our lives and of enduring joy in mortality and eternity.

And on this glorious Easter Sunday, I joyfully witness that our living Savior is the fount from which these truths flow.

• What did Elder Bednar testify about the doctrine and principles of the gospel?
• How do these principles bring enduring joy in our lives?
• How has your understanding of gospel principles deepened after reading Elder Bednar's testimony?
• How can you apply his testimony to strengthen your faith and deepen your devotion to Jesus Christ?