More Than a Hero
W. Christopher Waddell, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
Bishop W. Christopher Waddell testifies that Jesus Christ is our ultimate hero and should be our primary focus in life.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by discussing the concept of heroes and ask class members to share who their heroes are and why.
- Start with the story of the handcart pioneers and their rescuers, emphasizing the heroism displayed.
- Open with a discussion about the role of Jesus Christ in our lives, asking class members to share experiences where Christ has been their hero.
Topics
Recognizing True Heroism in the Handcart Pioneers" Rescue
Bishop Waddell recounts the story of the handcart pioneers and their desperate situation before the arrival of the rescue teams. Ephraim Hanks, one of the rescuers, is highlighted for his heroic efforts.
These rescuers were heroes to the pioneers, putting their own lives at risk in extreme weather conditions to bring as many as possible safely home. One such hero was Ephraim Hanks.
- How does Ephraim Hanks" sacrifice reflect the Savior's love for us?
- What can we learn from the faith and courage of the handcart pioneers and their rescuers?
- In what ways can we emulate the selflessness and dedication of these early Saints in our own lives?
- How does the rescue of the handcart pioneers parallel our own spiritual rescue through Christ?
- How can we apply the lessons from this historical event in our service to others?
Understanding the Difference Between Admiration and "Hero Worship"
Bishop Waddell warns against excessive reverence or "hero worship" of individuals, such as athletes, celebrities, or influencers, which can lead us to lose sight of what is truly essential.
As adults, what was once innocent childhood fun can become a stumbling block when “hero worship” of politicians, bloggers, influencers, athletes, or musicians causes us to look “beyond the mark” and lose sight of what is truly essential.
- How can we distinguish between healthy admiration and "hero worship"?
- What are some dangers of "hero worship"?
- How can we ensure that our admiration for others does not distract us from our focus on Christ?
- In what ways can we redirect our admiration towards Christlike attributes?
- How can we use the positive qualities of those we admire to inspire us to become better disciples of Christ?
Recognizing Jesus Christ as Our Ultimate Hero
Bishop Waddell emphasizes that Jesus Christ is our ultimate hero, who has already accomplished the greatest act of heroism by performing the Atonement.
Jesus Christ completed the supreme heroic act in all of creation, culminating in His glorious Resurrection.
- What makes Jesus Christ our ultimate hero?
- How can we better recognize and appreciate the heroic act of the Atonement in our daily lives?
- What characteristics of Christ make Him our hero?
- How does understanding Christ as our hero influence our actions and decisions?
- How can we show our gratitude for Christ's heroism?
Choosing the Right Hero Has Eternal Consequences
Bishop Waddell teaches that choosing the right hero, Jesus Christ, has eternal consequences and warns against allowing worldly figures to become the primary objects of our attention.
Choosing the right hero has eternal consequences.
- Why is it important to choose Christ as our ultimate hero?
- How can choosing the right hero impact our eternal progression?
- What steps can we take to ensure Christ is our primary focus, not worldly figures?
- How does our choice of hero reflect our values and priorities?
- How can we help others, especially the youth, to choose Christ as their hero?
Choosing Christ in Our Daily Actions
Bishop Waddell emphasizes that we choose Christ when we honor His day, study His words, live worthy of a temple recommend, and refuse to be contentious.
We choose Him, Jesus Christ, when we choose to honor His day whether we’re at home or traveling on vacation. We choose Him when we choose His words through the scriptures and the teachings of living prophets. We choose Him when we choose to hold a temple recommend and live worthy of its use. We choose Him when we are peacemakers and refuse to be contentious.
- How can we better choose Christ in our daily actions?
- What changes can we make in our lives to choose Christ more fully?
- How does choosing Christ influence our interactions with others?
- How can our daily choices reflect our commitment to Christ?
- What blessings have you experienced from choosing Christ in your daily actions?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we help those around us to recognize Christ as their hero?
- What can we do to ensure our admiration for others does not become 'hero worship'?
- How does understanding the Atonement deepen our appreciation for Christ as our hero?
- How can we use the story of the handcart pioneers' rescue to strengthen our faith in Christ?
- What steps can we take to ensure Christ is the primary object of our attention and focus?
- How can we apply the lessons from this talk in our service to others?
- How can we use the positive qualities of those we admire to inspire us to become better disciples of Christ?
- How does our choice of hero reflect our values and priorities?
- Why is it important to choose Christ as our ultimate hero?
- How can we show our gratitude for Christ's heroism?
