Lesson Prepration Guide for "Following Christ"

In his General Conference address, President Dallin H. Oaks emphasizes the continuous commitment required to follow Jesus Christ. He reflects on the Savior's invitation to "Come, follow me," and outlines the foundational principles of discipleship. President Oaks explores the importance of love for God and fellow men, the doctrine of Christ, and the need for peacemaking in our communications. His message calls for a deeper dedication to living as true disciples, following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin by asking the class to reflect on a moment when they felt closest to Christ. Invite a few members to share their experiences.
Share a personal story or testimony about a time when following Christ's teachings made a significant difference in your life.
Invite the class to silently ponder what "Come, follow me" means to them personally and how it has impacted their lives.
Start with a short video clip or a hymn that focuses on following Christ, setting a reverent tone for the lesson.
Ask the class to consider what it means to them to be a disciple of Christ and how they can follow His example more closely in their daily lives.

Topics

Commit to Following Christ Continuously

Following Christ is a continuous commitment and way of life that should guide us at all times and in all places. It is not a casual or occasional practice but requires constant dedication.

Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice. It is a continuous commitment and way of life that should guide us at all times and in all places.

What does it mean to you to follow Christ continuously?
How can we ensure that following Christ guides us in all aspects of our lives?
What are some challenges you face in maintaining a continuous commitment to Christ?
How does the concept of daily discipleship differ from a more casual approach to following Christ?
What are some practical ways we can strengthen our commitment to follow Christ?

Love God and Neighbor as Commandments

The first step in following Christ is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This love is the foundation of all commandments.

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.”

How can we better love God with all our heart, soul, and mind?
In what ways can we show greater love for our neighbors?
Why do you think these two commandments are considered the greatest?
How do these commandments influence our daily actions and decisions?
Can you share an experience where loving your neighbor brought you closer to God?

Embrace the Doctrine of Christ

The doctrine of Christ includes faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. These fundamentals guide our spiritual journey and growth.

These are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, enduring to the end, and becoming as a little child.

How does each element of the doctrine of Christ strengthen our faith?
Why is it important to continually repent and strive to improve?
What role does the Holy Ghost play in our journey of following Christ?
How can we endure to the end in our spiritual journey?
What does it mean to become as a little child in the context of following Christ?

Be Peacemakers and Avoid Contention

Christ taught that contention is of the devil and that we should be peacemakers. In today's world, avoiding harsh words and promoting peace is essential for following Christ.

Contention is a choice. Peacemaking is a choice. You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation.

Why is avoiding contention important in our discipleship?
How can we become better peacemakers in our families and communities?
What are some practical ways to choose peacemaking over contention?
Can you share a time when being a peacemaker changed the outcome of a situation?
How does choosing to be a peacemaker honor the Savior?

Let God Prevail in Your Life

President Nelson challenged us to let God be the most important influence in our lives. Allowing His words, commandments, and covenants to guide us daily is crucial for discipleship.

Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day?

What does it mean to let God prevail in your life?
How can we prioritize God's influence over other influences in our lives?
What changes might we need to make to align more closely with God's will?
Can you share an experience where letting God prevail led to blessings?
How can we help others let God prevail in their lives?

Additional Discussion Questions

How does following Christ's example influence our interactions with others?
What are some ways to strengthen our connection to God through covenants?
How can we apply the teachings of Christ in resolving conflicts?
What role does humility play in following Christ?
How can we better support each other in our journey to follow Christ?
What are some obstacles to loving our neighbors, and how can we overcome them?
How does studying the scriptures help us follow Christ more closely?
What are the benefits of living the doctrine of Christ in our daily lives?
How can we maintain our spiritual focus in a world full of distractions?
What does it mean to you to be a disciple of Christ in today's world?