Study Guide for "Look down the Road"

In this talk, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III uses the metaphor of learning to drive to teach important principles about focusing on Jesus Christ, avoiding distractions, and understanding that we can be rescued. He draws on the story of Peter walking on water to illustrate these principles and encourages us to "look down the road" to focus on eternal things and keep Christ at the center of our lives.

Before Reading

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

What does Elder Meredith mean by "looking down the road"?
How does Elder Meredith use the story of Peter walking on water to teach about focusing on Christ?
What distractions does Elder Meredith warn us about?
How does Elder Meredith explain the principle of being rescued by Christ?

Topics

Focusing on Christ

Elder Meredith teaches that focusing on Jesus Christ is key to navigating life successfully. He emphasizes that understanding our ultimate purpose in life helps us to know what our focus should be. He encourages us to establish small and simple spiritual habits to become better disciples and to make time every day for those things that help us become more like Christ.

While Peter kept his eyes focused on Jesus, he could walk on water. The storm, the waves, and the wind could not hinder him as long he centered his focus on the Savior.

Our focus on Christ becomes more clear when we look down the road at where we want to be and who we want to become and then make time every day to do those things that will help us get there.

What does it mean to focus on Christ?
How does understanding our ultimate purpose in life help us focus on Christ?
What are some small and simple spiritual habits that can help us focus on Christ?
How can you improve your focus on Christ in your daily life?
What steps can you take to make time every day for those things that help you become more like Christ?

Beware of Distractions

Elder Meredith warns us about the many distractions that can take our focus away from Christ. He explains that these distractions don't have to be bad or immoral to be effective, and that even good things can become distractions without discipline.

There are many things "in front of the hood" that can distract us from focusing on Christ and eternal things that are "down the road."

The adversary understands that distractions do not have to be bad or immoral to be effective.

Why is it important to beware of distractions?
What kinds of things can become distractions from focusing on Christ?
What distractions are currently taking your focus away from Christ?
How can you better discipline yourself to avoid these distractions?

We Can Be Rescued

Elder Meredith teaches that we can be rescued by Christ, whether we are sinking because of afflictions, trials, or our own mistakes and transgressions. He encourages us to have hope and patience, knowing that Christ is always watching and will not let us endure more than we can bear.

When we find ourselves sinking, when we face affliction, or when we falter, we too can be rescued by Him.

Rescue always comes to the faithful, whether during mortality or in the eternities.

What does it mean to be rescued by Christ?
Why is it important to have hope and patience when we are waiting to be rescued?
Can you recall a time when you felt rescued by Christ?
What can you do to strengthen your faith and patience while you wait for rescue?