Study Guide for "Our Heartfelt All"

In this talk, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf uses the story of a widow's mite as a metaphor to discuss the principle of offering our "heartfelt all" to the Lord. He explores the concepts of balance and lift, sacrifice and consecration, and the unifying purpose of serving God and His children. Elder Uchtdorf encourages us to give our all to the Lord, even if it seems small, because it is the sincerity and completeness of our offering that matters to Him.

Before Reading

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

What does Elder Uchtdorf mean by offering our "heartfelt all" to the Lord?
How does Elder Uchtdorf relate the principles of balance and lift to discipleship?
What is the difference between sacrifice and consecration according to Elder Uchtdorf?
How can we find joy in the many tasks we have to do?
What encouragement does Elder Uchtdorf offer to those who feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities?

Topics

Understanding the Meaning of Offering Our "Heartfelt All"

Elder Uchtdorf uses the story of the widow's mite to illustrate that the Lord measures our offerings not by their size, but by the sincerity and completeness of our commitment. This means giving our whole souls to the Lord, regardless of how small our offering may seem.

To the Lord, the value of the donation was measured not by the effect it had on the treasury but by the effect it had on the heart of the donor.

Jesus taught that our offering may be large or it may be small, but either way, it must be our heartfelt all.

What principle does the story of the widow's mite teach us about offering to the Lord?
How does the Lord measure our offerings?
How can you give your "heartfelt all" to the Lord in your current circumstances?
What are some ways you can show the Lord that your offerings come from your heart and soul?

Balancing Our Lives as Disciples of Jesus Christ

Elder Uchtdorf uses the analogy of riding a bicycle to explain how balance in our discipleship comes from moving forward, keeping our eyes on the road ahead, and focusing on our ultimate destination of returning to our Father in Heaven.

Staying balanced is all about moving forward.

But our common, overall objective is to follow the Way of our Master, Jesus Christ, and return to the presence of our beloved Father in Heaven.

What does it mean to find balance in our discipleship?
What should be our common, overall objective as disciples of Jesus Christ?
How can you keep your focus on your ultimate destination amidst the many tasks and responsibilities in your life?
What steps can you take to move forward in your discipleship?

Sacrificing and Consecrating Our Lives to the Lord

Elder Uchtdorf discusses the principles of sacrifice and consecration, explaining that sacrifice involves giving up something for something more valuable, while consecration involves dedicating our lives and talents to the Lord's service.

Sacrifice and consecration are two heavenly laws that we covenant to obey in the holy temple.

We all have things, large and small, we need to sacrifice in order to follow Jesus Christ more completely.

What is the difference between sacrifice and consecration?
Why are sacrifice and consecration important in our discipleship?
What are some things you might need to sacrifice in order to follow Jesus Christ more completely?
How can you consecrate your talents and efforts to the Lord's service?

Finding Joy in Serving God and His Children

Elder Uchtdorf encourages us to view our many tasks and responsibilities as different ways of serving God and His children. When we align our lives with this single, holy purpose, we can find joy in our efforts.

When we look at our lives and see a hundred things to do, we feel overwhelmed. When we see one thing—loving and serving God and His children, in a hundred different ways—then we can work on those things with joy.

How can we find joy in the many tasks and responsibilities we have?
What does it mean to align our lives with the purpose of serving God and His children?
How can you see your daily tasks and responsibilities as different ways of serving God and His children?
What changes can you make in your life to align your efforts with the purpose of serving God and His children?

Receiving Encouragement and Testimony from Elder Uchtdorf

Elder Uchtdorf offers words of encouragement and testimony, assuring us that our efforts to love and serve God and keep His commandments are purifying our hearts and preparing us for a glorious future.

Your loving Father in Heaven knows your heart. He knows that you can’t do everything your heart wants you to do. But you can love and serve God. You can do your best to keep His commandments.

I testify that Jesus Christ is our Master, our Redeemer, and our one and only Way back to our beloved Father in Heaven.

What encouragement does Elder Uchtdorf offer to those who feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities?
What does Elder Uchtdorf testify of Jesus Christ?
How can Elder Uchtdorf's words of encouragement and testimony help you in your efforts to serve God and keep His commandments?
How have you felt the Lord's love and understanding in your efforts to do your best?