Study Guide for "Let Doing Good Be Our Normal"

In this talk, Elder Rafael E. Pino discusses the concept of "normality" and how it is shaped by our customs, traditions, and the principles of the gospel. He stresses the importance of making good habits part of our "normal" and highlights four key practices that should be habitual for members of the Church. He also encourages us to embrace a "new normal" that aligns with the teachings of the gospel and helps us stay on the covenant path.

Before Reading

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

What does Elder Pino mean by "normality"?
How can our customs and traditions influence our spiritual lives?
What are the four habits Elder Pino identifies as being crucial for members of the Church?
How does Elder Pino suggest we can establish a "new normal" that aligns with gospel principles?
Why is it important to be "steadfast and immovable" in doing good?

Topics

Understanding Normality in the Context of Customs and Traditions

Elder Pino discusses the concept of "normality" as it relates to our customs and traditions. He explains that what is considered normal varies from person to person, based on their unique customs and traditions. He also emphasizes that we should strive to make those practices that align with gospel principles our "normal".

Frequently, the things we think and do in a habitual way we recognize as normal.

What is normal for some may be odd for others, depending on their customs and traditions.

He invites us to let the normal things in our lives be those which help keep us on the covenant path.

What does Elder Pino mean by "normal"?
How can our customs and traditions influence what we consider to be "normal"?
Why is it important to align our "normal" with gospel principles?
What are some of your customs and traditions that align with gospel principles?
Are there any practices in your life that you need to change to align your "normal" with gospel principles?
How can you strive to make gospel principles a normal part of your life?

Embracing a New Normal Centered on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

Elder Pino refers to President Russell M. Nelson's invitation to embrace a "new normal" by turning our hearts, minds, and souls to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. This new normal involves making practices that keep us on the covenant path a regular part of our lives.

President Russell M. Nelson has said: "Today we often hear about ‘a new normal.’ If you really want to embrace a new normal, I invite you to turn your heart, mind, and soul increasingly to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Let that be your new normal."

President Nelson has also counseled: "Embrace your new normal by repenting daily. Seek to be increasingly pure in thought, word, and deed. Minister to others. Keep an eternal perspective. Magnify your callings. And whatever your challenges, my dear brothers and sisters, live each day so that you are more prepared to meet your Maker."

What does it mean to embrace a "new normal"?
How can turning our hearts, minds, and souls to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ help us embrace this new normal?
What practices does President Nelson suggest we incorporate into our new normal?
How can you strive to make Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ the center of your "new normal"?
What steps can you take to embrace the practices suggested by President Nelson in your daily life?
How has embracing a "new normal" centered on the gospel impacted your spiritual growth?

Establishing Good Habits as Our Normal

Elder Pino emphasizes the importance of making good habits a normal part of our lives. He identifies four key practices that should be habitual for members of the Church: personal and family study of the scriptures, personal and family prayer, weekly sacrament meeting attendance, and frequent participation in temple and family history work.

Among the marvelous habits that should be normal for members of the Church are these four: Personal and family study of the scriptures. Personal and family prayer. Weekly sacrament meeting attendance. Frequent participation in temple and family history work.

I love these words because we know that the things that become normal in our lives are those that we repeat again and again. If we are steadfast and immovable in doing good, our customs will be in accordance with the principles of the gospel and they will help us to stay on the covenant path.

Why is it important to make good habits a normal part of our lives?
What are the four key practices that Elder Pino identifies as being crucial for members of the Church?
How can being steadfast and immovable in doing good help us stay on the covenant path?
How can you incorporate these four key practices into your daily life?
What steps can you take to make these practices a "normal" part of your life?
How have these practices helped you stay on the covenant path?