Lesson Prepration Guide for "A Higher Joy"

In this talk, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf discusses the concept of joy, where it comes from, and how we can experience it in greater measure. He uses the story of the Wright brothers and their father's first flight as a metaphor for seeking higher joy in our lives. He also addresses the challenges of finding happiness and the role of the gospel of Jesus Christ in leading us to a more profound and enduring joy.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin the lesson by sharing a personal story about a time when you experienced great joy. Ask class members to share similar experiences.
Start the lesson with a discussion about the difference between temporary happiness and lasting joy. Ask class members to share their thoughts on what brings true joy.
Open the lesson by asking class members to share what they remember from Elder Uchtdorf's talk. Discuss their favorite parts and what stood out to them.

Topics

Understanding the Higher Joy

Elder Uchtdorf spoke about the joy that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ, describing it as higher and more profound than any joy the world offers. This joy is the very purpose of God's plan for His children.

And yet, as amazing as that joy is, there is an even higher kind of joy. Today, in the spirit of Milton Wright’s delighted cry, “Higher, Orville, higher,” I would like to speak about this higher joy—where it comes from, how it enters our hearts, and how we can experience it in greater measure.

What does Elder Uchtdorf mean by "higher joy"?
How can we experience this higher joy in our lives?
What are some ways we can invite this joy into our hearts?
How has the gospel brought you joy?
How can we share this joy with others?

Finding True Happiness

Elder Uchtdorf discussed the universal desire for happiness and the struggle many people face in finding it. He emphasized that true happiness comes from following the Savior and walking in His way.

If happiness is the one thing we humans desire most, why are we so unsuccessful at finding it? To paraphrase a country song, maybe we’ve been looking for joy in all the wrong places.

Why do you think people struggle to find true happiness?
How does following the Savior lead to happiness?
What changes can we make in our lives to align ourselves more with the Savior's teachings?
How can we help others find this happiness?
What has been your experience in seeking happiness through the gospel?

God's Eternal Joy

Elder Uchtdorf contrasted worldly happiness, which is temporary, with the eternal joy that comes from God. He invited us to seek more of this godly joy in our lives by following Jesus Christ.

Worldly happiness, by contrast, does not last. It cannot. It is the nature of all earthly things to grow old, decay, wear out, or become stale. But godly joy is eternal, because God is eternal. Jesus Christ came to lift us out of the temporal and replace corruption with incorruption. Only He has that power, and only His joy is perpetual.

How is godly joy different from worldly happiness?
Why is it important to seek godly joy?
What steps can we take to seek more of God's eternal joy in our lives?
How has following Jesus Christ brought you joy?
What does it mean to replace "corruption with incorruption" in our lives?

Drawing Near to God

Elder Uchtdorf used the story of the woman with the bleeding illness in the New Testament to illustrate the healing, peace, and joy that come from drawing near to God, despite our fears and perceived inadequacies.

Like this woman, I have learned that if we draw near to God and reach out to touch Him, we can indeed find healing, peace, and joy.

What can we learn from the woman with the bleeding illness about drawing near to God?
What fears or perceived inadequacies might be holding us back from drawing near to God?
How can we overcome these barriers and draw nearer to Him?
How has drawing near to God brought you healing, peace, or joy?
What steps can we take to draw nearer to God in our daily lives?

Bringing Joy to Others

Elder Uchtdorf highlighted the joy that comes from serving others, emphasizing that true joy multiplies when it is shared. He suggested simple ways we can bring joy to others.

Can it be that in our search for joy, the best way to find it is to bring joy to others? Brothers and sisters, you know and I know this is true! Joy is like a barrel of flour or a jar of oil that will never run out. True joy multiplies when it is shared.

How does serving others bring us joy?
What are some simple ways we can bring joy to others?
How has bringing joy to others brought you joy?
How can we make serving others a more regular part of our lives?
How can we share the joy of the gospel with others through service?

Additional Discussion Questions

How have you seen the principles Elder Uchtdorf discussed play out in your life?
What stood out to you most from Elder Uchtdorf's talk?
How can we better seek the 'higher joy' Elder Uchtdorf spoke about?
What can we do to better remember and apply the principles Elder Uchtdorf taught?
How can we help others find the joy that comes from the gospel?
What are some ways you have found joy in your life?
How can we find joy in times of trial or sorrow?
How can we draw nearer to God in our daily lives?
What are some ways we can bring joy to others in our community?
How has the gospel brought you joy?