Study Guide for "But We Heeded Them Not"

In this inspiring talk by Elder David A. Bednar, he discusses the importance of not heeding the influences and mocking voices of the world. Drawing from the hymn "Let Us All Press On" and the experiences of Lehi and his family in the Book of Mormon, Elder Bednar shares insights on how faith, covenants, and the word of God can help us "heed not" the distractions of our fallen world.

Before Reading

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

What does the phrase "heed not" mean in the context of this talk?
How does Elder Bednar relate the phrase "heed not" to the hymn "Let Us All Press On" and Lehi's vision in the Book of Mormon?
What roles do faith, covenants, and the word of God play in helping us "heed not" worldly influences?
How can we strengthen our ability to "heed not" the distractions and taunts of the world?

Topics

Understanding the Meaning of "Heed Not"

The phrase "heed not" means to pay no attention to or ignore. Elder Bednar emphasizes that we should "heed not" the wicked and the distractions, taunts, and diversions of our fallen world. This can be achieved by focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ and the truths of His gospel.

"We will heed not" what the wicked may say, but the Lord alone we will obey.

The doctrine of Christ written "with the Spirit of the living God … in fleshy tables of [our hearts]" increases our capacity to "heed not" the many distractions, taunts, and diversions in our fallen world.

What does the phrase "heed not" mean?
How does focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel help us "heed not" worldly distractions?
What are some distractions in your life that you need to "heed not"?
How can you better focus on the Lord and His gospel to "heed not" these distractions?

Creating a Personal Connection through Covenants

Sacred covenants and priesthood ordinances bind us to the Lord Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, creating a deeply personal and spiritually powerful connection. As we honor these covenants and ordinances, we are drawn closer to Him and experience His divinity and living reality in our lives.

Entering into sacred covenants and worthily receiving priesthood ordinances yoke us with and bind us to the Lord Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.

Living and loving covenant commitments creates a connection with the Lord that is deeply personal and spiritually powerful.

How do sacred covenants and priesthood ordinances bind us to the Lord?
What happens when we honor our covenants and ordinances?
How have you felt the Lord's divinity and living reality in your life through your covenants?
What can you do to honor your covenants and ordinances more fully?

Holding Fast to the Iron Rod

Holding fast to the word of God, as symbolized by the iron rod in Lehi's vision, is crucial for resisting the temptations and fiery darts of the adversary. The word of God includes the teachings of Jesus Christ as recorded in the scriptures and the teachings of living prophets and apostles.

Our covenant connection with God and Jesus Christ is the channel through which we can receive the capacity and strength to "heed not."

Let me suggest that holding fast to the word of God entails (1) remembering, honoring, and strengthening the personal connection we have with the Savior and His Father through the covenants and ordinances of the restored gospel and (2) prayerfully, earnestly, and consistently using the holy scriptures and the teachings of living prophets and apostles as sure sources of revealed truth.

What does it mean to "hold fast to the word of God"?
How can holding fast to the word of God help us "heed not" worldly influences?
How can you strengthen your personal connection with the Savior and His Father?
What can you do to use the scriptures and the teachings of living prophets and apostles more effectively in your life?

Pressing On, Holding Fast, and Heeding Not

Elder Bednar testifies that fidelity to the covenants and ordinances of the gospel enables us to press on in the work of the Lord, hold fast to Him as the Word of God, and heed not the allurements of the adversary.

I witness that fidelity to the covenants and ordinances of the Savior’s restored gospel enables us to press on in the work of the Lord, to hold fast to Him as the Word of God, and to heed not the allurements of the adversary.

What does Elder Bednar mean by "press on", "hold fast", and "heed not"?
How does fidelity to the covenants and ordinances of the gospel help us do these things?
How have you experienced the power of pressing on, holding fast, and heeding not in your life?
What can you do to increase your fidelity to the covenants and ordinances of the gospel?