Becoming More in Christ: The Parable of the Slope
Contents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- How does Elder Gilbert use the metaphor of a mathematical slope to describe our spiritual journey?
- What does Elder Gilbert say about the importance of our starting points in life?
- How can we involve the Lord in our personal development and progress?
- What counsel does Elder Gilbert give to those with difficult starting points?
- What advice does Elder Gilbert offer to those who have more advantageous beginnings?
Topics
Understanding Our Divine Potential
Elder Gilbert emphasizes the Church's belief in the divine potential of all God's children. He highlights that it is not where we start, but where we are headed that matters in the eyes of the Lord. He uses the metaphor of a mathematical slope to illustrate this, explaining that our future is determined less by our starting point and more by the direction we choose to take.
Brothers and sisters, in this Church, we believe in the divine potential of all of God’s children and in our ability to become something more in Christ.
No matter where we start, Christ considers what we do with what we are given. While the world focuses on our intercept, God focuses on our slope.
In the Lord’s calculus, He will do everything He can to help us turn our slopes toward heaven.
- What does Elder Gilbert mean when he talks about our "intercept" and "slope"?
- How does this metaphor relate to our spiritual growth and divine potential?
- What does your "slope" currently look like? Are you headed in a direction that brings you closer to Christ?
- How can you involve the Lord in turning your "slope" towards heaven?
Navigating Difficult Starting Points
Elder Gilbert offers counsel for those who face difficult starting circumstances. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on where we are headed, rather than where we began, and involving the Lord in the process of lifting our slope. He shares experiences and testimonies that illustrate these principles.
For any struggling with difficult starting points, please recognize that the Savior knows our struggles.
First, focus on where you are headed and not where you began.
Second, involve the Lord in the process of lifting your slope.
- What advice does Elder Gilbert give to those facing difficult starting circumstances?
- Why is it important to focus on where we are headed, rather than where we began?
- How can we involve the Lord in lifting our slope?
- What are some difficult starting circumstances you have faced or are facing?
- How can you focus more on where you're headed rather than where you began?
- How can you involve the Lord in your personal progress?
Recognizing the Blessings of Elevated Starting Points
Elder Gilbert also addresses those with elevated starting points, emphasizing the importance of humility and constant improvement. He warns against complacency and encourages seeking correction and improvement, even when things seem to be going well.
First, can we show some humility for circumstances we may not have created ourselves?
Second, focusing on a high starting point can often trap us into feeling that we are thriving when in fact our inner slope may be quite stagnant.
Even when things appear to be going well, we must seek out opportunities to improve through prayerful petition.
- What advice does Elder Gilbert give to those with elevated starting points?
- Why is humility important in recognizing our blessings?
- How can we avoid becoming complacent in our spiritual growth?
- How have you been blessed with an elevated starting point in your life?
- How can you exercise humility in recognizing these blessings?
- What can you do to ensure you're continuously improving, even when things are going well?
Making God Our Partner
Elder Gilbert emphasizes the importance of making God our partner in realizing our divine potential. He shares a conversation with an educator about the success of BYU–Pathway, highlighting the power of teaching individuals their divine potential.
Regardless of whether we start in abundant or difficult circumstances, we will realize our ultimate potential only when we make God our partner.
Imagine if your whole life, you were told you could never succeed. Then consider the impact of being taught that you are an actual son or daughter of God with divine possibility.
- What does Elder Gilbert mean when he says we should make God our partner?
- Why is it important to understand our divine potential as sons and daughters of God?
- How can you make God a more active partner in your life?
- How has understanding your divine potential influenced your life?