Lesson Prepration Guide for "In the Path of Their Duty"

In his talk "In the Path of Their Duty", Elder David A. Bednar pays tribute to the often unnoticed but incredibly valuable service given by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Drawing from historical examples and contemporary situations, Elder Bednar emphasizes the importance of faithfully fulfilling our duties, no matter how big or small they may seem. He assures us that these acts of service, performed in the path of our duty, contribute significantly to the strength and progress of the Church.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin the lesson by discussing the concept of duty and how it applies to our lives as members of the Church.
Start with a brief history of the pioneers and their journey to the Salt Lake Valley, focusing on the last wagon and its symbolic meaning.
Open with a discussion about the role of service in the Church, emphasizing the idea of being "no less serviceable".
Begin by asking class members to share experiences when they felt they were "in the path of their duty".

Topics

Recognizing the Contributions of the Last Wagon

Elder Bednar discusses the contributions of the pioneers who traveled in the last wagon of the westward migration. These individuals, often overlooked, faced immense challenges and yet pressed forward with faith.

President Clark declared, "They of the last wagon pressed forward, worn and tired, footsore, sometimes almost disheartened, borne up by their faith that God loved them, that the restored gospel was true, and that the Lord led and directed the Brethren out in front."

Why is it important to remember the contributions of those in the "last wagon"?
How can we apply the lessons learned from the pioneers in our own lives?
What challenges do we face today that are similar to those faced by the pioneers?
How does faith help us to press forward in difficult times?
Can you share a personal experience where you felt like you were "in the last wagon" and how you pressed forward?

Being "No Less Serviceable"

Elder Bednar emphasizes the importance of being "no less serviceable", referring to those who serve diligently and faithfully without receiving public recognition. He encourages us to serve and grow faithfully and quietly.

President Hunter then counseled all of us to be no less serviceable. He said: "If you feel that much of what you do this year or in the years to come does not make you very famous, take heart. Most of the best people who ever lived weren’t very famous either. Serve and grow, faithfully and quietly."

What does it mean to be "no less serviceable"?
Why is it important to serve without seeking recognition?
How can we cultivate a desire to serve faithfully and quietly?
Can you share an experience where you or someone you know was "no less serviceable"?
How does serving others help us to grow spiritually?

Walking "In the Path of Their Duty"

Elder Bednar uses the phrase "in the path of their duty" to describe those who serve others, support their families, return to God, yearn for covenants, translate the gospel, honor their marriage covenants, teach children, and care for others. He emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our duties, regardless of how small or unnoticed they may seem.

The phrase "in the path of their duty" describes discerning brothers and sisters who look for and sit next to people who are alone in Church meetings and in a variety of other settings. They consistently strive to "comfort those that stand in need of comfort," without expectations of acknowledgment or praise.

What does it mean to walk "in the path of our duty"?
How can we better fulfill our duties in our homes, church callings, and communities?
Can you share a personal experience where fulfilling a duty brought you closer to God?
Why is it important to perform our duties without seeking acknowledgment or praise?
How can we support others in their efforts to walk "in the path of their duty"?

Additional Discussion Questions

How can we better recognize and appreciate those who serve quietly in the Church?
What can we learn from the pioneers about perseverance and faith?
How does the concept of duty apply to our church callings?
How can we encourage others to be 'no less serviceable'?
How does fulfilling our duties bring us closer to Christ?
What are some ways we can better fulfill our duties at home?
How can we support those who are striving to return to God?
How does the gospel translation work contribute to the growth of the Church?
What can we learn from the examples of those who honor their marriage covenants?
How can we better fulfill our duty to teach and care for children?