Study Guide for "The Things of My Soul"

In this talk, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reflects on the "things of his soul" - the core principles and beliefs that guide his life and his work in the gospel. He discusses the importance of questions in spiritual discovery, the value of loving God, oneself, and others, the necessity of keeping commandments, and the importance of following the living prophet. He encourages listeners to identify and share their own "things of the soul", and to seek the Lord's guidance in their lives.

Before Reading

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

What does Elder Rasband mean by "the things of my soul"?
What are some of the key principles Elder Rasband identifies as the "things of his soul"?
How does Elder Rasband suggest we can identify and share our own "things of the soul"?
What is the role of questions in spiritual discovery, according to Elder Rasband?
How does Elder Rasband describe the importance of following the living prophet?

Topics

Understanding the "Things of the Soul"

Elder Rasband uses the phrase "things of my soul" to describe the core principles and beliefs that guide his life and his work in the gospel. He emphasizes the importance of questioning and seeking answers to deepen our understanding of these principles.

Nephi’s words raise the questions “What things do you ponder?” “What things really matter to you?” “What are the things of your soul?”

The things of our souls are often clarified and deepened by asking questions.

What does Elder Rasband mean by "the things of my soul"?
How can asking questions help to clarify and deepen our understanding of the "things of our soul"?
What are some of the "things of your soul"?
How can you seek answers to deepen your understanding of these principles?

Loving God, Others, and Ourselves

Elder Rasband emphasizes the importance of love in our spiritual lives. This includes love for God and Jesus Christ, love for our neighbors, and love for ourselves. He suggests that loving ourselves can sometimes be more difficult than loving others, but it is equally important.

First, love God the Father and Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Second, “Love thy neighbour.”

Third, love yourself.

Why does Elder Rasband emphasize the importance of love in our spiritual lives?
How does Elder Rasband suggest we can learn to love ourselves?
How can you show love for God and Jesus Christ in your daily life?
How can you show love for your neighbors?
How can you show love for yourself?

Keeping the Commandments

Elder Rasband stresses the importance of keeping the commandments. He suggests that striving each day to be and do a little better can help us to press forward in righteousness.

Fourth, keep the commandments.

Strive each day to be and do a little better and to press forward in righteousness.

Why does Elder Rasband emphasize the importance of keeping the commandments?
How can striving to be and do a little better each day help us to keep the commandments?
What are some ways you can strive to be and do a little better each day?
How can you press forward in righteousness?

Being Worthy of a Temple Recommend

Elder Rasband encourages listeners to always be worthy of a temple recommend, whether or not they have access to a temple. He suggests that being worthy of a temple recommend can help us to stay focused on the things that matter and the covenant path.

Fifth, always be worthy to attend the temple.

Whether you have access to a temple or not, being worthy of a current temple recommend keeps you firmly focused on the things that matter, the covenant path.

Why does Elder Rasband encourage listeners to always be worthy of a temple recommend?
How can being worthy of a temple recommend help us to stay focused on the things that matter and the covenant path?
What can you do to ensure you are always worthy of a temple recommend?
How can being worthy of a temple recommend help you to stay focused on your spiritual goals?

Following the Living Prophet

Elder Rasband emphasizes the importance of following the living prophet. He suggests that the prophet's direction can shield us from deceit, craftiness, and secular ways, and that his words are the most important for us to hear, ponder, and follow.

Seventh, follow God’s living prophet.

We have a prophet of God on the earth today! Never discount what that means for you.

The most important words we can hear, ponder, and follow are those revealed through our living prophet.

Why does Elder Rasband emphasize the importance of following the living prophet?
How can the prophet's direction shield us from deceit, craftiness, and secular ways?
How can you better follow the guidance of the living prophet?
How have the words of the living prophet influenced your life?