Study Guide for "More Than a Hero"

In this talk, Bishop W. Christopher Waddell discusses the importance of recognizing Jesus Christ as our ultimate hero and guide. He uses historical examples and personal experiences to illustrate the dangers of misplaced hero worship and the eternal importance of keeping our focus on the Savior. Bishop Waddell emphasizes the significance of choosing Jesus Christ in our day-to-day decisions and actions, and the eternal consequences of our choices.

Before Reading

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

Who are some of your personal heroes and why?
What dangers can arise from misplaced hero worship?
How can we keep our focus on Jesus Christ in our daily lives?
How can our choice of heroes affect our spiritual progress?
What does it mean to choose Jesus Christ?

Topics

Understanding the Importance of Choosing the Right Hero

Bishop Waddell discusses the potential dangers of misplaced hero worship. He explains how focusing on earthly heroes, such as athletes or celebrities, can distract us from our ultimate goal of following Jesus Christ. Choosing the right hero has eternal implications.

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.

The hero—our hero, now and always—is Jesus Christ, and anything or anyone that distracts us from His teachings, as found in the scriptures and through the words of living prophets, can negatively impact our progress on the covenant path.

What does Bishop Waddell mean by "looking beyond the mark"?
Why is it important to choose Jesus Christ as our hero?
How can misplaced hero worship negatively impact our spiritual progress?
Who are your current heroes and why?
How can you shift your focus to make Jesus Christ your ultimate hero?
What changes can you make in your life to avoid the trap of misplaced hero worship?

Recognizing the Heroic Acts of Jesus Christ

Bishop Waddell highlights the heroic acts of Jesus Christ, particularly His Atonement and Resurrection. He underscores the importance of remembering and acknowledging these acts in our lives.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, when faced with such an overwhelming task, the Savior bravely stated, “Not my will, but thine, be done,” and proceeded to take upon Himself the combined pains, the sicknesses, and the suffering for the sins of all who would ever live. In a perfect act of obedience and commitment, Jesus Christ completed the supreme heroic act in all of creation, culminating in His glorious Resurrection.

What are some of the heroic acts of Jesus Christ that Bishop Waddell mentions?
Why is it important to remember and acknowledge these acts?
How have the heroic acts of Jesus Christ impacted your life?
What can you do to better remember and acknowledge these acts in your daily life?

Choosing Jesus Christ in Our Daily Lives

Bishop Waddell emphasizes the importance of choosing Jesus Christ in our daily decisions and actions. He provides examples of how we can do this, such as honoring the Sabbath, studying the scriptures, and living worthy of a temple recommend.

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, especially when we have differences of opinion.

What are some ways that Bishop Waddell suggests we can choose Jesus Christ in our daily lives?
Why is it important to make these choices?
How can you better choose Jesus Christ in your daily decisions and actions?
What specific steps can you take to implement Bishop Waddell's suggestions?

The Eternal Consequences of Our Choices

Bishop Waddell discusses the eternal consequences of our choices, particularly our choice of heroes. He warns of the dangers of choosing earthly heroes over Jesus Christ and emphasizes the importance of choosing the kingdom of God first.

Choosing the right hero has eternal consequences.

If you have not chosen the kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference what you have chosen instead.

What are the eternal consequences of our choices, according to Bishop Waddell?
Why is it important to choose the kingdom of God first?
How have your choices of heroes affected your spiritual progress?
What can you do to better choose the kingdom of God first in your life?

The Uniqueness and Supremacy of Jesus Christ

Bishop Waddell testifies of the uniqueness and supremacy of Jesus Christ. He affirms that Jesus Christ stands above all other heroes in the world and is not only our hero, but also our Lord, King, Savior, and Redeemer.

In a world of heroes, with monuments and museums devoted to the exploits of mortal men and women, there is One who stands above all others. I testify that Jesus Christ is not only our hero; He is our Lord and King, the Savior and Redeemer of mankind.

How does Bishop Waddell describe the uniqueness and supremacy of Jesus Christ?
Why is it important to recognize Jesus Christ as not only our hero, but also our Lord, King, Savior, and Redeemer?
How can you better recognize and testify of the uniqueness and supremacy of Jesus Christ in your life?
What can you do to better follow Jesus Christ as your Lord, King, Savior, and Redeemer?