Study Guide for "The Greatest Possession"

In this talk, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland discusses the importance of wholehearted, unreserved devotion to divine responsibility. Using the story of the rich young ruler from the scriptures and other examples, Elder Holland emphasizes the need for complete commitment to Christ and His gospel, regardless of our worldly possessions or personal flaws.

Before Reading

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

What is the story of the rich young ruler and how does it relate to our devotion to Christ?
What does Elder Holland suggest about our ability to change and elevate our lives?
How does Elder Holland describe the effects of the love of God in our lives and in society?
What does it mean to love God wholeheartedly, without reservation or compromise?
How does Elder Holland relate the concept of wholehearted devotion to the two great commandments?

Topics

Understanding the Lesson of the Rich Young Ruler

Elder Holland uses the story of the rich young ruler to emphasize the importance of complete devotion to Christ and His gospel. Regardless of our worldly possessions, we are expected to commit ourselves fully to Christ.

The scriptures speak of a rich young ruler who ran to Jesus, knelt at His feet, and, with genuine sincerity, asked the Master, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

With or without riches, each of us is to come to Christ with the same uncompromised commitment to His gospel that was expected of this young man.

What is the main lesson we can learn from the story of the rich young ruler?
How does this story apply to our own commitment to Christ and His gospel?
How can you demonstrate your complete commitment to Christ in your everyday life?
How do your worldly possessions affect your devotion to Christ and His gospel?

Embracing the Possibility of Change

Elder Holland assures us that divine help is available for everyone who seeks to change their behavior and live at a more elevated level. God is exceptionally good at forgiving and forgetting our sins, and He offers us the gift of change.

God gave Saul “another heart.” Ezekiel called on all of ancient Israel to cast off her past and “make … a new heart and a new spirit.”

Clearly the possibility of change and living at a more elevated level has always been one of the gifts of God to those who seek it.

What does Elder Holland teach about the possibility of change?
How does God help us in our efforts to change?
What changes do you feel prompted to make in your life?
How have you experienced God's forgiveness and help in your efforts to change?

Living a Higher and Holier Life

Elder Holland encourages us to seek a "higher and holier" life by allowing the love of God to set the tone for our lives and relationships. When we do this, old distinctions and divisions begin to pass away, and peace increases.

When the love of God sets the tone for our own lives, for our relationships to each other and ultimately our feeling for all humankind, then old distinctions, limiting labels, and artificial divisions begin to pass away, and peace increases.

What does it mean to live a "higher and holier" life?
How does the love of God influence our lives and relationships?
How can you allow the love of God to set the tone for your life and relationships?
What steps can you take to live a "higher and holier" life?

Loving God Wholeheartedly

Elder Holland emphasizes the importance of loving God wholeheartedly, without reservation or compromise. This is the first great commandment, and it requires complete devotion to God.

We are speaking here of the first great commandment given to the human family—to love God wholeheartedly, without reservation or compromise, that is, with all our heart, might, mind, and strength.

What does it mean to love God wholeheartedly?
How does this relate to the first great commandment?
How do you show your love for God in your daily life?
What can you do to love God more wholeheartedly?

The Interplay of the Two Great Commandments

Elder Holland discusses the connection between the two great commandments. When we love God enough to be fully faithful to Him, He gives us the ability to love our neighbors and ourselves.

If we love God enough to try to be fully faithful to Him, He will give us the ability, the capacity, the will, and the way to love our neighbor and ourselves.

How does Elder Holland describe the relationship between the two great commandments?
How does our love for God influence our ability to love our neighbors and ourselves?
How has your love for God helped you love your neighbors and yourself?
What can you do to strengthen your love for God and, in turn, your love for others?