Think Celestial!
Ideas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by sharing a personal experience when thinking "celestial" helped guide a decision or provide comfort during a challenging time.
- Start with a discussion about what it means to "think celestial" and how this perspective can influence our daily decisions and long-term goals.
- Open the lesson with a brief overview of President Nelson's talk, emphasizing his invitation to adopt the practice of "thinking celestial".
- Ask class members to share their thoughts or experiences about how focusing on eternal perspectives can impact our lives on earth.
Topics
Understanding Heavenly Father's Plan
President Nelson emphasized the importance of understanding Heavenly Father's plan for us. He stated that understanding this plan takes the mystery out of life and the uncertainty out of our future.
I have learned that Heavenly Father’s plan for us is fabulous, that what we do in this life really matters, and that the Savior’s Atonement is what makes our Father’s plan possible.
- What are some ways that understanding Heavenly Father's plan has helped you in your life?
- How does the knowledge of the Savior's Atonement contribute to our understanding of Heavenly Father's plan?
- What steps can we take to better understand Heavenly Father's plan?
- How does this understanding influence the choices we make?
- How can we help others understand Heavenly Father's plan?
Choosing Eternal Perspectives
President Nelson taught that our choices today determine where we will live throughout all eternity, the kind of body with which we will be resurrected, and those with whom we will live forever.
Mortality is a master class in learning to choose the things of greatest eternal import.
- How can we ensure that our daily decisions align with our eternal goals?
- What are some examples of choices with eternal consequences?
- How does the knowledge of resurrection influence our choices?
- How can we help others make choices with an eternal perspective?
- What are some challenges we face when trying to make choices with an eternal perspective?
Avoiding Addictions and Obsessions
President Nelson warned against anything that robs us of our agency, including addictions and obsessions. He encouraged seeking spiritual and professional help when struggling with these issues.
Any addiction—be it gaming, gambling, debt, drugs, alcohol, anger, pornography, sex, or even food—offends God. Why? Because your obsession becomes your god. You look to it rather than to Him for solace.
- How do addictions and obsessions rob us of our agency?
- What are some ways we can seek help if we struggle with an addiction or obsession?
- How can we support others who are struggling with addictions or obsessions?
- What are some strategies to avoid developing addictions or obsessions?
- How can thinking celestial help us avoid or overcome addictions and obsessions?
Maintaining Moral Purity
President Nelson emphasized the importance of obeying the law of chastity and warned of the consequences of violating this divine law. He encouraged repentance for those who have been unchaste.
Much of the world does not believe this, but public opinion is not the arbiter of truth. The Lord has declared that no unchaste person will attain the celestial kingdom.
- Why is maintaining moral purity so important in our journey to the celestial kingdom?
- How can we resist the world's views on chastity and morality?
- What are some ways we can support others in their efforts to maintain moral purity?
- How does repentance play a role in maintaining moral purity?
- How can thinking celestial help us maintain moral purity?
Building Faith through Obedience and Worship
President Nelson shared personal experiences and teachings about how obedience to God's laws and worship, especially in the temple, can build our faith and draw us closer to the Savior.
Paying tithing requires faith, and it also builds faith in God and His Beloved Son. Spending more time in the temple builds faith.
- How has obedience to God's laws helped build your faith?
- What are some ways we can increase our worship in the temple?
- How has temple worship helped you think celestial?
- What are some challenges we face in being obedient and how can we overcome them?
- How can we encourage others to obey God's laws and participate in temple worship?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we apply President Nelson's teachings about 'thinking celestial' in our daily lives?
- What are some practical ways we can 'think celestial' when faced with difficult decisions?
- How can 'thinking celestial' help us when we face trials or opposition?
- What are some ways we can help our families and friends to 'think celestial'?
- How can we use the teachings from this talk to strengthen our testimonies?
- How can 'thinking celestial' influence our attitudes towards service and ministering?
- How can we incorporate 'thinking celestial' in our personal study and prayers?
- How does 'thinking celestial' affect our understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
- What are some ways 'thinking celestial' can help us in our roles as parents, spouses, or leaders?
- How does 'thinking celestial' influence our preparation for and participation in sacrament meeting?