Study Guide for "Remember What Matters Most"

In his talk "Remember What Matters Most", President M. Russell Ballard emphasizes the importance of focusing on things that will last for eternity. He shares personal experiences and teachings to help us understand the significance of our relationships with God, family, and neighbors, the need to follow the promptings of the Spirit, and the power of bearing testimony. He invites us to consider what truly matters in our lives and to align our priorities accordingly.

Before Reading

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

What are some of the things that President Ballard emphasizes as matters most?
How does President Ballard use personal experiences to illustrate his points?
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives according to President Ballard?
How does President Ballard describe the importance of bearing testimony?
What does President Ballard suggest about the nature of love in family relationships?

Topics

Cultivating a Relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

President Ballard emphasizes that our relationship with Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, is the most important relationship we can have. This relationship matters not only in this life but also in eternity.

First, a relationship with our Heavenly Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is most important. This relationship matters most now and in eternity.

Why does President Ballard consider our relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to be the most important?
How can we cultivate and strengthen our relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
How would you evaluate your current relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
What steps can you take to enhance your relationship with Heavenly Father and His Son?

Nurturing Family Relationships

President Ballard underscores the importance of family relationships, including extended family, friends, and ward families. He stresses that nurturing these relationships requires commitment, love, patience, communication, and forgiveness.

Second, family relationships are among those things that matter most.

Nurturing these important relationships is a choice. A choice to be part of a family requires commitment, love, patience, communication, and forgiveness.

What are some ways President Ballard suggests we can nurture our family relationships?
Why does President Ballard include extended family, friends, and ward families in his definition of "family"?
What actions can you take to improve your relationships within your family?
How can you show greater commitment, love, patience, communication, and forgiveness in your family relationships?

Following the Promptings of the Spirit

President Ballard shares a personal experience to highlight the importance of following the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our relationships and in our efforts to love our neighbors.

I testify that following the promptings of the Spirit is one of the things that matter most in all our relationships.

Why is following the promptings of the Spirit crucial in our relationships and in our love for our neighbors?
What lesson does President Ballard share from his personal experience about following the Spirit's promptings?
Can you recall a time when you felt prompted by the Spirit to do something? What was the outcome?
How can you become more attuned to the promptings of the Spirit in your daily life?

Bearing Testimony of Jesus Christ

President Ballard testifies that bearing testimony of Jesus Christ is one of the things that matter most. He encourages us to bear testimony of what we know, believe, and feel, emphasizing that a testimony born of the Spirit can change lives and carry the truth into the hearts of others.

Finally, on this Palm Sunday weekend, I testify that being converted to the Lord, bearing testimony of Him, and serving Him are also among the things that matter most.

A testimony of Jesus Christ, born of and strengthened by the Spirit, changes lives—it changes the way we think and how we live.

Why does President Ballard place such importance on bearing testimony of Jesus Christ?
How does a testimony of Jesus Christ change our lives according to President Ballard?
How has bearing your testimony of Jesus Christ affected your life?
What steps can you take to bear your testimony more frequently and powerfully?

Recognizing What Matters Most and Lasts Longest

President Ballard concludes by reiterating the importance of focusing on things that matter most and last longest, which include our relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, our families, and our neighbors, and following the Spirit's guidance in these relationships.

In my ministry, I have learned what matters most is our relationships with Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, our families, and our neighbors, and allowing the Spirit of the Lord to guide us in those relationships so we can testify of the things that matter most and last longest.

What does President Ballard consider to be the things that matter most and last longest?
How does President Ballard suggest we can focus more on these things?
How can you prioritize the things that matter most and last longest in your life?
What changes might you need to make in your life to focus more on these eternal matters?