Abide the Day in Christ
Amy A. Wright, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency
Sister Amy A. Wright testifies of the importance of spiritual preparation and finding peace and happiness in Jesus Christ.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by asking class members to share their thoughts or feelings about the parable of the ten virgins.
- Invite the class to reflect on a time when they felt unprepared for something important and the consequences of that lack of preparation.
- Start with a discussion on the concept of spiritual preparedness and its importance in our daily lives.
- Ask class members to share their interpretation of "abiding the day" in a spiritual context.
Topics
Understanding the Parable of the Ten Virgins
Sister Wright discusses the parable of the ten virgins, emphasizing the importance of spiritual preparedness and the consequences of not being prepared.
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. ... And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
- How does the parable of the ten virgins relate to our spiritual preparedness?
- What can we learn from the actions of the wise and foolish virgins?
- What does the oil in the lamps represent in our lives?
- How can we ensure that we are spiritually prepared for the coming of the Bridegroom?
- What does it mean when "the door was shut" in the parable?
Experiencing Peace through Spiritual Preparedness
Sister Wright shares her personal experience of being diagnosed with cancer and how her spiritual preparedness brought her peace during this difficult time.
Because of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, if I died, my family would be comforted, strengthened, and one day restored. If I lived, I would have access to the greatest power on this earth to help succor, sustain, and heal me. In the end, because of Jesus Christ, everything can be OK.
- How did Sister Wright's spiritual preparation bring her peace during her cancer diagnosis?
- What role does faith in Jesus Christ play in our spiritual preparation?
- How can spiritual preparation comfort and strengthen us during trials?
- What experiences have you had where your spiritual preparation brought you peace?
- How can we draw on the "greatest power on this earth" in our own lives?
Abiding the Day through Simplification and Focus
Sister Wright emphasizes the importance of simplifying our lives and focusing on Jesus Christ to "abide the day".
We need to simplify, focus our efforts, and be gatherers of the Light of Jesus Christ. We need more holy and revelatory experiences.
- What does it mean to "abide the day"?
- How can simplification and focus help us in our spiritual journey?
- What are some ways we can gather the Light of Jesus Christ in our lives?
- How can we seek more holy and revelatory experiences?
- Can you share a time when simplifying and focusing on Christ helped you "abide the day"?
Nourishing Our Testimonies through Small and Simple Things
Sister Wright discusses how consistent, small and simple actions can nourish our testimonies and help us stay spiritually prepared.
Like “the dews of Carmel,” as we seek to nourish our souls “with things pertaining to righteousness,” “small and simple things,” our testimonies and the testimonies of our children will live!
- What are some "small and simple" things that nourish your testimony?
- How do these small actions contribute to our spiritual preparedness?
- What can we learn from the analogy of the "dews of Carmel"?
- How can we help our children nourish their testimonies through small and simple things?
- Can you share a time when a small and simple thing had a big impact on your testimony?
Sharing Christ's Light and Hope
Sister Wright encourages us to share the light of Christ with others, emphasizing that His atonement is infinite and can reach all, regardless of our past actions.
My dear friends, we cannot share our oil, but we can share His light. Oil in our lamps will not only help us “abide the day” but can also be the means of illuminating the path that leads those we love to the Savior, who stands ready “with open arms to receive” them.
- How can we share the light of Christ with others?
- What does it mean that Christ's atonement is infinite and can reach all?
- How can sharing Christ's light help others "abide the day"?
- What opportunities do we have to share Christ's light in our daily lives?
- Can you share a time when someone else's light helped you see the path to the Savior?
Additional Discussion Questions
- What are some practical ways we can prepare spiritually each day?
- How can we increase our faith in Jesus Christ as part of our spiritual preparation?
- What role does the Holy Ghost play in our spiritual preparedness?
- How can we better use the scriptures and words of living prophets in our spiritual preparation?
- How can we help others in their journey of spiritual preparation?
- What are some challenges you have faced in your spiritual preparation and how have you overcome them?
- How can we ensure that our spiritual preparation is a priority in our busy lives?
- What role does repentance play in our spiritual preparation?
- How does attending the temple contribute to our spiritual preparedness?
- How does observing the Sabbath day help us in our spiritual preparation?
