Following Christ

Embrace the Great Commandments

President Oaks highlights the importance of the two great commandments: to love God and to love our neighbors. These commandments are foundational and should guide our daily actions and interactions.

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

• The great commandments are central to following Christ.
• Loving God and neighbor provides a steadying force in our lives.
• Our covenants connect us to God and help us withstand life's challenges.

• Reflect on a time when you felt strengthened by your love for God.
• Consider how loving your neighbor has brought peace into your life.
• Share an experience where following these commandments guided your decisions.

Understand the Doctrine of Christ

The doctrine of Christ encompasses faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. These principles are essential for spiritual growth and salvation.

The doctrine of Christ: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, enduring to the end.

• The doctrine of Christ is fundamental and permanent.
• Enduring to the end involves continuous faith and repentance.
• Becoming as a little child is key to trusting and submitting to the Lord.

• Recall a moment when your faith in Christ helped you overcome a challenge.
• Describe how repentance has brought you closer to the Savior.
• Share your experiences with baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost.

Follow Christ's Example of Peacemaking

President Oaks urges followers of Christ to be peacemakers, avoiding contention and harsh words. Emulating Christ's example, we should strive for reconciliation and understanding in all interactions.

Contention is a choice. Peacemaking is a choice.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

• Peacemaking is a fundamental part of following Christ.
• Avoiding contention aligns us with Christ's teachings.
• Using compassionate communication fosters understanding and unity.

• Think of a time when you chose peace over contention.
• Discuss how being a peacemaker has strengthened your relationships.
• Share an experience where you applied the Golden Rule in a challenging situation.

Adhere to Permanent and Temporary Commandments

President Oaks explains the difference between permanent and temporary commandments, emphasizing the importance of obedience to both as directed by the Lord through His prophets.

The Lord’s commandments are of two types: permanent, like the doctrine of Christ, and temporary.

• Permanent commandments are foundational and eternal.
• Temporary commandments address specific needs and circumstances.
• Obedience to all commandments is crucial for spiritual growth.

• Reflect on how obedience to a specific commandment has blessed your life.
• Consider a time when following a temporary commandment required faith.
• Discuss how you prioritize commandments in your daily life.

Let God Prevail in Your Life

President Oaks encourages members to allow God's influence to guide their lives, making His commandments and teachings the priority over all other voices and influences.

Are you willing to let God prevail in your life?

Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other?

• Letting God prevail involves prioritizing His teachings and commandments.
• Allowing God's influence brings peace and direction.
• Following Christ requires daily commitment and effort.

• Share a moment when you felt God's guidance in a decision.
• Discuss how you prioritize spiritual influences over worldly ones.
• Reflect on how letting God prevail has changed your life.