The Doctrine of Belonging
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What are the three parts of the doctrine of belonging as discussed by Elder Christofferson?
- How does Elder Christofferson describe the role of Jesus Christ in the doctrine of belonging?
- What does Elder Christofferson say about the importance of service and sacrifice in fostering a sense of belonging?
- What are some challenges to belonging that Elder Christofferson identifies and how does he suggest these can be overcome?
- How does Elder Christofferson use personal stories and scriptural references to illustrate his points?
Topics
The Role of Belonging in Gathering the Lord’s Covenant People
Elder Christofferson discusses the role of belonging in gathering the Lord’s covenant people. He emphasizes the importance of unity and the need to eliminate any form of prejudice or discrimination within the Church. He also underscores the significance of diversity within the Church and the need for a warm and spontaneous welcome for all members.
As the long-prophesied latter-day gathering of the Lord’s covenant people gains momentum, the Church will truly be composed of members from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.
Having been given this privilege, we cannot permit any racism, tribal prejudice, or other divisions to exist in the latter-day Church of Christ. The Lord commands us, "Be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine."
- What is the role of belonging in gathering the Lord's covenant people?
- Why is it important to eliminate prejudice and discrimination within the Church?
- How does diversity contribute to the sense of belonging in the Church?
- How can you contribute to creating a welcoming environment in the Church?
- What steps can you take to eliminate prejudice and discrimination within your own heart?
- How can you help others feel a sense of belonging in the Church?
The Importance of Service and Sacrifice in Belonging
Elder Christofferson discusses the importance of service and sacrifice in fostering a sense of belonging. He emphasizes that belonging comes from reaching out to help one another and that sacrificing for others can enhance our sense of belonging. He also addresses the countercultural nature of service and sacrifice in today's society.
A second facet of the doctrine of belonging has to do with our own contributions. Although we rarely think about it, much of our belonging comes from our service and the sacrifices we make for others and for the Lord.
Belonging comes not as we wait for it but as we reach out to help one another.
- Why are service and sacrifice important for fostering a sense of belonging?
- How does helping others contribute to our own sense of belonging?
- Why does Elder Christofferson describe service and sacrifice as countercultural in today's society?
- How can you serve and sacrifice for others in your community?
- What opportunities for service are available to you?
- How have you experienced a sense of belonging through service and sacrifice?
The Centrality of Jesus Christ to Belonging
Elder Christofferson discusses the central role of Jesus Christ in the doctrine of belonging. He emphasizes that individuals join the Church for redemption through the love and grace of Jesus Christ and to secure the ordinances of salvation and exaltation. He also highlights the importance of keeping the covenants of salvation and exaltation to obtain the highest and deepest sense of belonging.
The final and most important element of the doctrine of belonging is the central role of Jesus Christ. We don’t join the Church for fellowship alone, important as that is. We join for redemption through the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
The Church is the custodian of the covenants of salvation and exaltation that God offers us through the ordinances of the holy priesthood.
- What is the role of Jesus Christ in the doctrine of belonging?
- Why is it important to keep the covenants of salvation and exaltation?
- How does joining the Church for redemption through Jesus Christ contribute to a sense of belonging?
- How does your faith in Jesus Christ contribute to your sense of belonging in the Church?
- What can you do to strengthen your commitment to the covenants of salvation and exaltation?
- How can you help others understand the central role of Jesus Christ in the doctrine of belonging?
Overcoming Feelings of Not Fitting In
Elder Christofferson addresses the issue of feeling like one doesn't fit in within the Church. He shares a personal story to illustrate this struggle and emphasizes the importance of attending Church to renew covenants, increase faith, find peace, and minister to others. He encourages members not to judge themselves against others" expectations but to remember that the Lord looks on the heart.
A sense of belonging is important to our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Yet it is quite possible that at times each of us might feel that we don’t fit in.
We may unwittingly impose expectations on others—or even ourselves—that are not the Lord’s expectations.
- How does Elder Christofferson address the issue of feeling like one doesn't fit in within the Church?
- What advice does he give for overcoming feelings of not fitting in?
- Why is it important to remember that the Lord looks on the heart?
- Have you ever felt like you didn't fit in within the Church? How did you overcome this feeling?
- How can you help others who may feel like they don't fit in?
- What can you do to ensure that your expectations of yourself and others align with the Lord's expectations?
The Role of the Church in Fostering Belonging
Elder Christofferson discusses the role of the Church in fostering a sense of belonging. He emphasizes that the Church is designed by God to help individuals progress towards the ideal and that belonging is fostered through participation in the project to establish Zion in preparation for the Lord's return.
Paul explained that the Church and its officers are given by God "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."
We join to participate in a great project to establish Zion in preparation for the Lord’s return.
- What is the role of the Church in fostering a sense of belonging?
- How does participating in the project to establish Zion contribute to a sense of belonging?
- Why is the Church important in helping individuals progress towards the ideal?
- How can you contribute to the work of the Church to foster a sense of belonging?
- What can you do to participate in the project to establish Zion?
- How has your involvement in the Church helped you feel a sense of belonging?
