Pillars and Rays
Ideas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by asking the class to share a moment when they felt a small, yet significant, spiritual impression or guidance.
- Start the lesson by inviting the class to reflect on the story of Joseph Smith's First Vision and how it was a profound spiritual experience.
- Open the lesson by discussing the concept of "living in revelation" and ask class members to consider what this phrase means to them.
Topics
Understanding the Nature of Spiritual Experiences
Elder Dushku emphasized that spiritual experiences often come as rays of light, not necessarily as overwhelming pillars of light like Joseph Smith's First Vision. He warned against expecting dramatic experiences and instead encouraged recognizing and treasuring the smaller, continuous spiritual impressions.
Rather than sending us a pillar of light, the Lord sends us a ray of light, and then another, and another.
- How have you experienced "rays of light" in your spiritual journey?
- Why might we sometimes overlook these smaller spiritual experiences?
- What are some ways we can better recognize and value these "rays of light"?
- How can we avoid the trap of expecting only dramatic spiritual experiences?
- How have these "rays of light" influenced your testimony of the gospel?
Recognizing Personal Ways of Receiving Testimony
Elder Dushku highlighted that everyone experiences God's light and truth in unique ways. He encouraged individuals to consider how they personally experience the Spirit and to value those experiences as part of their testimony.
No two people experience God’s light and truth in exactly the same way. Take some time to think about how you experience the light and Spirit of the Lord.
- What are some ways you personally have felt the Spirit?
- How can recognizing our unique spiritual experiences strengthen our testimonies?
- Why is it important to understand that everyone experiences the Spirit differently?
- How can we support others in recognizing their unique spiritual experiences?
- How can our unique spiritual experiences contribute to the strength of our wards and communities?
Building a Testimony One Ray at a Time
Elder Dushku taught that testimonies are built gradually, one spiritual experience at a time. He testified that as we recognize, remember, and value these experiences, they combine to form a powerful testimony that can withstand doubt.
Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a ray and there a ray—one small, treasured spiritual moment at a time—there grows up within us a core of light-filled, spiritual experiences.
- How have your personal "rays of light" contributed to your testimony?
- Why is it important to remember and value each spiritual experience?
- How can these "rays of light" help us withstand doubt and challenges to our faith?
- How can we help others recognize and value their own "rays of light"?
- What can we do to invite more "rays of light" into our lives?
Experiencing the Light of Christ Continuously
Elder Dushku testified that the Light of Christ is continuously being poured upon us, and as we exercise faith, repent, and honor our covenants, we are worthy to receive these divine rays constantly.
If we have received the gift of the Holy Ghost and are striving to exercise faith, repent, and honor our covenants, then we are worthy to receive these divine rays constantly.
- What does it mean to you to "live in revelation"?
- How can we make ourselves more receptive to the continuous light of Christ?
- How does repentance help us receive these divine rays?
- What role does the Holy Ghost play in helping us recognize and receive these divine rays?
- How have you felt the continuous light of Christ in your life?
Choosing Light Over Darkness
Elder Dushku concluded his talk by urging us to choose the light of Christ over the darkness of the world, always and forever. He bore witness of Jesus Christ as the light and life of the world.
May we recognize and receive His glorious light and then choose Him over the darkness of the world—always and forever.
- What does it mean to you to choose the light of Christ over the darkness of the world?
- How can we make conscious choices each day to choose light over darkness?
- What challenges might we face in choosing light, and how can we overcome them?
- How has choosing the light of Christ affected your life?
- How can we help others in their efforts to choose light over darkness?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we help those who feel they haven't had significant spiritual experiences?
- How can we cultivate an environment that encourages sharing of spiritual experiences, big or small?
- How have the 'rays of light' you've experienced helped you in your daily life?
- What can we learn from Joseph Smith's First Vision about seeking and receiving spiritual experiences?
- How can we use our 'rays of light' experiences to strengthen others in their faith?
- How can understanding that spiritual experiences come in different forms help us be more patient with ourselves and others in our spiritual journeys?
- How does understanding that we are 'living in revelation' change our perspective on our daily lives?
- What are some ways we can prepare ourselves to be more receptive to the 'rays of light'?
- How can we encourage our families to recognize and appreciate their own 'rays of light'?
- How can we use our understanding of 'rays of light' to better serve and minister to others?