Study Guide for "Worthiness Is Not Flawlessness"

In his talk, "Worthiness Is Not Flawlessness", Bradley R. Wilcox addresses common misconceptions about repentance, change, and worthiness. He emphasizes that God's love for us is not contingent on our perfection, but rather on our honesty and efforts to improve. Through personal stories and scriptural references, Wilcox illustrates the importance of understanding God's grace and the process of repentance.

Before Reading

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

What is the difference between worthiness and flawlessness according to Bradley R. Wilcox?
How does Bradley R. Wilcox describe the process of repentance?
What role does God's grace play in our journey towards worthiness?
How does the speaker address the issue of feeling unworthy due to personal shortcomings?
What advice does Bradley R. Wilcox give to those who feel they are not making progress in their spiritual journey?

Topics

Understanding the True Meaning of Repentance and Change

Bradley R. Wilcox emphasizes that repentance and change are not one-time events, but ongoing processes. He compares life to a cross-country road trip where we need to refill our spiritual tanks over and over again. This refilling comes through repentance, renewing our covenants, and receiving the Holy Spirit.

Some mistakenly receive the message that repentance is a onetime event. God’s message is that, as President Russell M. Nelson has taught, “Repentance … is a process.”

Life is like a cross-country road trip. We can’t reach our destination on one tank of gas. We must refill the tank over and over.

What does it mean that repentance is a process, not a one-time event?
How does the analogy of a cross-country road trip relate to our spiritual journey?
What are some ways you can continually "refill your tank" spiritually?
How can you incorporate repentance as an ongoing process in your life?

Recognizing that Worthiness Is Not Flawlessness

Wilcox clarifies that worthiness does not equate to being flawless. Instead, it involves being honest about our shortcomings and making sincere efforts to improve. He stresses that God's love for us is not dependent on our perfection, but on our efforts to become more like Him.

God’s message is that worthiness is not flawlessness. Worthiness is being honest and trying.

The Lord has said the gifts of the Spirit are “given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do.”

How does Bradley R. Wilcox define worthiness?
Why does he emphasize that worthiness is not flawlessness?
How can you apply the principle of "worthiness is not flawlessness" in your life?
In what ways can you demonstrate your honesty and efforts to improve?

Understanding God's Grace

Wilcox explains that God's grace is not just a reward for the righteous, but a divine assistance that helps us become righteous. He emphasizes that God's grace is available to us at all times, not just after we repent, and it is this grace that enables us to become more like Christ.

His grace is not just a prize for the worthy. It is the “divine assistance” He gives that helps us become worthy.

Some mistakenly receive the message that God is waiting to help until after we repent. God’s message is that He will help us as we repent.

What is God's grace according to Bradley R. Wilcox?
When is God's grace available to us?
How have you experienced God's grace in your life?
In what ways can you seek God's grace during your process of repentance and change?

Overcoming Bad Habits and Addictions

Wilcox discusses the struggle of overcoming bad habits and addictions, emphasizing the importance of setting small, attainable goals and focusing on incremental growth. He reminds us that change is possible and that God and Christ are willing to help us in our struggles.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson has counseled: “To deal with something [very] big, we may need to work at it in small, daily bites. … But we can do it because we can appeal to God … for the help we need each day.”

Now, brothers and sisters, the COVID-19 pandemic has not been easy for anyone, but the isolation associated with quarantine restrictions has made life especially difficult for those struggling with bad habits.

What advice does Bradley R. Wilcox give for overcoming bad habits and addictions?
Why is it important to set small, attainable goals in the process of overcoming bad habits?
What small, attainable goals can you set to overcome a bad habit or addiction?
How can you seek God's help in your struggle to overcome bad habits?

Experiencing God's Love and Long-Suffering

Wilcox reassures us of God's unchanging love and long-suffering towards us, regardless of our shortcomings. He emphasizes that God meets us in our need and is always ready to give us good things. Wilcox encourages us to remember that we are not just walking towards God and Christ, but with them.

So many have been hurt by broken and strained relationships that it is difficult for them to believe in God’s compassion and long-suffering.

We are not just walking toward God and Christ. We are walking with Them.

How does Bradley R. Wilcox describe God's love and long-suffering?
What does it mean to walk with God and Christ?
How have you experienced God's love and long-suffering in your life?
In what ways can you strive to walk with God and Christ in your daily life?