Study Guide for "O Youth of the Noble Birthright"

In his inspiring General Conference talk, Brother Bradley R. Wilcox addresses the youth of the Church, emphasizing the unique and noble responsibilities they hold as "children of the covenant." He explores why Latter-day Saints live differently and highlights the concept of a spiritual birthright that comes with making and keeping covenants. Brother Wilcox reminds the youth of their divine potential and the trust Heavenly Father has placed in them to help fulfill His work on earth.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

Why do Latter-day Saints live differently from others?
What does it mean to be a "child of the covenant"?
How does our spiritual birthright influence our responsibilities?
What are the blessings associated with keeping covenants?
How can youth find strength to fulfill their birthright responsibilities?

Topics

Embrace Your Spiritual Birthright

Brother Wilcox explains that Latter-day Saints are set apart by their spiritual birthright, which comes from making and keeping covenants with God. This birthright is not about being better than others but about being chosen to serve and lead. It involves responsibilities and blessings that help individuals grow and become more like Heavenly Father.

Does your birthright mean you are better than others? No, but it does mean you are expected to help others be better.

Is your birthright evidence of God’s love? Yes, but more important, it is evidence of His trust.

What is the significance of being a "child of the covenant"?
How does our spiritual birthright set us apart from others?
In what ways can you honor your spiritual birthright in daily life?
How can understanding your birthright help you make better choices?

Understand the Trust God Places in You

God's trust is a central theme in the talk. Brother Wilcox emphasizes that Heavenly Father trusts His covenant children to live differently and to help bring others to Him. This trust is accompanied by responsibilities that require the youth to be distinct from the world.

Your Father in Heaven trusts you. He has given you great blessings, including the fulness of the gospel and sacred ordinances and covenants that bind you to Him and bring His power into your life.

Think of it! God trusts you—of all the people on the earth, the children of the covenant, His crew members—to help with His work of bringing all His children safely home to Him.

What does it mean to be trusted by God?
How does God's trust influence your actions and decisions?
Reflect on times when you felt God's trust in you. How did it affect your choices?
What steps can you take to be more worthy of the trust God places in you?

Live Differently to Make a Difference

Brother Wilcox encourages the youth to embrace their unique role and live differently as members of God's crew. He uses the metaphor of a cruise ship to illustrate the responsibilities of covenant children, who are tasked with helping others safely reach their heavenly destination.

You can’t be a life[guard] if you look like all the other swimmers on the beach.

You are a member of the crew. You have responsibilities that passengers do not have.

Why is it important for Latter-day Saints to live differently?
How does living differently help you fulfill your divine responsibilities?
Identify areas in your life where you can choose to live differently to make a positive impact.
How can you support others in their journey by living according to gospel principles?

Receive Compensatory Spiritual Power

Brother Wilcox assures the youth that living their birthright responsibilities brings compensatory spiritual power. This power includes greater assurance, confirmation, and confidence, helping them to grow in righteousness and knowledge.

There is a compensatory spiritual power for the righteous, including greater assurance, greater confirmation, and greater confidence.

Your commitments demand more of you because that is how God is making more of you.

What is compensatory spiritual power?
How does keeping covenants bring greater spiritual power into your life?
Reflect on how you have experienced compensatory spiritual power in your life.
In what ways can you seek greater spiritual power through your covenant relationship with God?

Strengthen Your Relationship with Jesus Christ

The talk highlights the importance of deepening one's relationship with Jesus Christ through covenants. Brother Wilcox emphasizes that as we work with Christ, we gain the strength and desire to live differently, reflecting His example.

As you fulfill your birthright responsibilities, you are never alone. The Lord of the vineyard labors with you.

With each new covenant—and as your relationship with Him deepens—you hold each other tighter and tighter until you are firmly clasped together.

How does your relationship with Jesus Christ empower you to fulfill your responsibilities?
Why is it important to strengthen your relationship with the Savior?
How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ through your daily actions?
Reflect on a time when you felt the Savior's support in your efforts to live the gospel.