Lesson Prepration Guide for "Humble to Accept and Follow"

In his talk, Elder Joni L. Koch explores the concept of humility from a gospel perspective, emphasizing its importance in our spiritual growth. He shares personal experiences and teachings from the scriptures to illustrate the consequences of pride and the blessings of humility. Elder Koch also discusses the importance of following the counsel of our prophet and recognizing our dependence on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin the lesson by asking class members to share a time when they experienced humility or were humbled.
Start the lesson by reading Alma 5:27 and discussing what it means to be "sufficiently humble".
Open the lesson with a discussion on the difference between being humble and being humiliated, using Elder Koch's experience as an example.

Topics

Understanding Humility in the Gospel Context

Humility is not synonymous with being poor or shy, but a willingness to submit to the will of the Lord and being teachable. It is a vital catalyst for spiritual growth.

Then what is humility? According to Preach My Gospel, it is a “willingness to submit to the will of the Lord. … It is being teachable. … [It] is a vital catalyst for spiritual growth.”

What are some misconceptions about humility?
How can we demonstrate humility in our daily lives?
Why is humility a vital catalyst for spiritual growth?
What are some ways we can develop the attribute of humility?
Can you share a time when being humble allowed you to grow spiritually?

Following the Counsel of Our Prophet with Humility

Being humble means following the counsel of our prophet, even when it may seem simple or easy. This includes accepting the full name of the Church, letting God prevail in our lives, trusting the doctrine of Christ, and becoming peacemakers.

During this conference we’ve heard and will yet hear the unfailing counsel of our prophets and apostles. It’s a perfect occasion to develop humility and let our strong opinions be swallowed by an even stronger conviction that the Lord does speak through these chosen leaders.

Why is it important to follow the counsel of our prophet?
Can you share a time when following the counsel of the prophet led to spiritual growth?
How can we cultivate an attitude of humility towards the teachings of our prophet?
What are some challenges you've faced in following the counsel of the prophet?
How does humility help us accept and follow prophetic counsel?

Accepting Our Dependence on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

Humility involves understanding and accepting our dependence on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. This is why making and keeping covenants with God is so important as it invites Their power into our lives.

But through the restored gospel, we’ve learned that we greatly depend on Heavenly Father’s benevolence and the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ, “for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”

Why is it important to recognize our dependence on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
How does making and keeping covenants demonstrate our humility and dependence on God?
Can you share a time when recognizing your dependence on God led to a spiritual breakthrough?
How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ relate to our humility and dependence on God?
What are some ways we can show our dependence on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

Being Humble in the Face of Challenges

Facing challenges with humility means acknowledging our limitations and turning to God for help. This can lead to divine intervention and resolution of our problems.

Brothers and sisters, the command, invitation, and promise from the Lord is clear and comforting: “Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.”

How does humility help us face and overcome challenges?
Can you share a time when humbly turning to God helped you solve a problem?
Why is it important to be humble when facing challenges?
How can we cultivate an attitude of humility in the face of adversity?
What are some scriptural examples of individuals who faced challenges with humility?

Transforming Through Humility, Ordinances and Covenants

Humility, coupled with receiving ordinances and keeping covenants, allows God and Jesus Christ to transform us into the best version of ourselves in this life and make us perfect in Christ.

May we be humble to follow the counsel of our prophets and accept that only God and Jesus Christ can transform us—through ordinances and covenants received in His Church—into the best version of ourselves in this life and, one day, make us perfect in Christ.

How do humility, ordinances, and covenants contribute to our spiritual transformation?
Can you share a time when keeping a covenant or receiving an ordinance led to personal transformation?
Why is humility necessary for our transformation through ordinances and covenants?
How does humility help us to better understand and keep our covenants?
What are some ways we can invite God and Jesus Christ to transform us through humility, ordinances, and covenants?

Additional Discussion Questions

How can we cultivate a spirit of humility in our interactions with others?
Why is humility important in our relationship with God and Jesus Christ?
How does humility contribute to our spiritual growth and development?
What are some ways we can show humility in our daily lives?
How does humility help us to better understand and follow the teachings of the gospel?
Why is it important to be humble when receiving counsel from our leaders?
How can we demonstrate humility in our service to others?
How does humility help us in our journey to become more like Christ?
What are some ways we can cultivate humility in our families?
How does humility relate to other Christlike attributes?