Study Guide for "Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth"

In this talk, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf addresses the young members of the Church, reminding them of their divine potential and the love that the Savior Jesus Christ has for them. He emphasizes the importance of making choices based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and introduces the revised version of the For the Strength of Youth guide. The talk is filled with empowering messages about the strength we can find in Christ and the importance of choosing light over darkness.

Before Reading

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

What message does Elder Uchtdorf believe the Savior would have for the youth?
What is the role of choice in our spiritual journey?
How does the For the Strength of Youth guide help the youth?
What does Elder Uchtdorf mean by the power of true doctrine?
What are the high standards Jesus Christ sets for His followers?

Topics

Understanding Christ's Love and Encouragement to Repent

Elder Uchtdorf emphasizes the immense love that Jesus Christ has for us. He also highlights that despite our weaknesses and mistakes, Christ does not make excuses for us but rather encourages us to repent and change, reminding us of His atoning sacrifice.

My dear young friends, if the Savior were here right now, what would He say to you? I believe He would start by expressing His deep love for you.

He would ask you to repent—to leave your sins behind, to change, so He can forgive you. He would remind you that 2,000 years ago He took those sins upon Himself so that you could repent.

How does Jesus Christ express His love for us?
What is Christ's attitude towards our mistakes and sins?
How does Christ's Atonement make repentance possible?
How have you felt Christ's love in your life?
What changes can you make in your life to better align with Christ's teachings?
How can you better utilize the Atonement of Jesus Christ in your life?

Exercising the Power of Choice

Elder Uchtdorf discusses the principle of agency, emphasizing that our Heavenly Father allows us to freely choose between light and darkness, good and evil. He suggests that our choices become clearer when we seek eternal, unchanging truth.

At the heart of God’s plan for your happiness is your power to choose.

But when you earnestly seek the truth—eternal, unchanging truth—your choices become much clearer.

Why is the power of choice so central to God's plan?
How does seeking truth influence our choices?
How have your choices been influenced by your understanding of eternal truths?
What choices can you make to draw closer to Christ and His teachings?

Applying the For the Strength of Youth Guide

Elder Uchtdorf introduces the revised version of the For the Strength of Youth guide, emphasizing its role in helping the youth make choices based on Christ's doctrine. He stresses that the guide does not make decisions for the youth but rather provides a foundation for their choices.

For over 50 years, For the Strength of Youth has been a guide for generations of Latter-day Saint youth.

It teaches you how to make righteous choices based on those eternal truths.

What is the purpose of the For the Strength of Youth guide?
How does the guide help in making righteous choices?
How has the For the Strength of Youth guide helped you in your life?
What principles from the guide can you apply more fully in your life?

Living by the Doctrine of Jesus Christ

Elder Uchtdorf discusses the importance of understanding and living by the doctrine of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that focusing on Christ and His teachings, rather than just following rules, will lead to a higher, more mature way of living.

For the Strength of Youth is bold in declaring the doctrine of Jesus Christ.

He is saying, “Live in a holier, higher, more mature way.”

Why is it important to understand and live by the doctrine of Jesus Christ?
What does it mean to live in a "holier, higher, more mature way"?
How can you better understand and live by the doctrine of Jesus Christ?
What steps can you take to live in a "holier, higher, more mature way"?

Embracing High Standards of Jesus Christ

Elder Uchtdorf reminds us that Jesus Christ has high standards for His followers. He encourages us to make important choices not based on convenience or popularity, but on the will of God, and to strive to follow Christ's example.

Jesus Christ has very high standards for His followers.

He is saying, "Keep my commandments."

What are some of the high standards that Jesus Christ sets for His followers?
How does keeping the commandments relate to living up to Christ's standards?
How can you strive to meet the high standards set by Jesus Christ?
What commandments can you work on keeping more fully?