Following Christ
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does it mean to truly follow Christ in our daily lives?
- How do the commandments of God serve as a guiding force?
- What are the permanent and temporary commandments mentioned in the talk?
- Why is peacemaking emphasized as a crucial aspect of discipleship?
- How can we apply the principle of the Golden Rule in our interactions?
Topics
Commit to Following Christ Continuously
President Oaks emphasizes that following Christ is a lifelong commitment and not a casual practice. He highlights the importance of loving God and our neighbors as foundational commandments that guide our lives.
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.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
- What are the two great commandments mentioned by President Oaks?
- How do these commandments guide our lives as followers of Christ?
- How can you strengthen your commitment to follow Christ daily?
- In what ways can you show love for God and your neighbors this week?
Understand the Doctrine of Christ
The talk outlines the fundamentals of the doctrine of Christ, which include faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, enduring to the end, and becoming as a little child. These principles are permanent commandments essential for eternal progression.
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.
- What are the key components of the doctrine of Christ?
- Why is it important to become as a little child in following Christ?
- Reflect on your progress in living the doctrine of Christ. What areas need more focus?
- How can you increase your faith and trust in the Lord?
Embrace Peacemaking and Avoid Contention
President Oaks stresses the importance of avoiding contention and being peacemakers, especially in today's contentious world. He encourages followers of Christ to communicate with love and compassion, following the Savior's teachings.
Contention is a choice. Peacemaking is a choice. You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation.
One of the best ways we can honor the Savior is to become a peacemaker.
- What did Jesus teach about contention?
- How can being a peacemaker honor the Savior?
- Identify situations where you can choose to be a peacemaker. How will you respond?
- Reflect on a recent conflict. How could you have approached it with more compassion?
Follow the Golden Rule
The talk highlights the significance of the Golden Rule in discipleship. President Oaks urges members to treat others as they would like to be treated, fostering kindness and understanding in all interactions.
All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
- What is the Golden Rule, and why is it important in following Christ?
- How does the Golden Rule relate to the commandments of God?
- Think of a relationship that could benefit from applying the Golden Rule. What changes can you make?
- How can you incorporate the Golden Rule into your daily interactions?
Let God Prevail in Your Life
President Oaks encourages members to prioritize God's influence in their lives, allowing His commandments and covenants to guide their actions and decisions. This requires a willingness to let God be the most important influence in one's life.
Are you willing to let God prevail 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 allowing God's influence guide your daily decisions?
- Reflect on areas of your life where you can allow God to have more influence. What changes will you make?
- How can you prioritize God's commandments and covenants in your daily routine?
