Study Guide for "Nourish the Roots, and the Branches Will Grow"

In his General Conference talk, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf reflects on his 75-year journey of faith since being baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shares cherished memories from his childhood in Zwickau, Germany, and emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between eternal truths and temporal matters. Elder Uchtdorf teaches that nurturing the core principles of the gospel, particularly faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, is essential for spiritual growth and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

Before Reading

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

What significant milestone does Elder Uchtdorf celebrate in this talk?
How does Elder Uchtdorf describe the difference between eternal and temporal things?
What analogy does Elder Uchtdorf use to explain the importance of focusing on core gospel principles?
How does Elder Uchtdorf suggest we can strengthen our testimonies and faith?
What role does personal experience play in developing strong faith, according to Elder Uchtdorf?

Topics

Recognize What Is Eternal

Elder Uchtdorf emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between eternal truths and temporal matters. He explains that while physical structures and experiences may fade, the spiritual witness and covenant connections we forge with God endure.

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee.

What does Elder Uchtdorf say about the difference between eternal and temporal things?
How can understanding what is eternal change our relationships and choices?
What are some eternal truths that you hold dear in your life?
How can you focus more on eternal truths in your daily decisions and interactions?

Focus on the Roots of Faith

Elder Uchtdorf uses the analogy of roots and branches to illustrate the importance of focusing on core gospel principles, with Jesus Christ and His Atonement as the root of our faith. He warns against mistaking lesser truths for the core and encourages nurturing the roots to strengthen our testimonies.

The branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine.

Nourish the roots, and the branches will grow.

What does Elder Uchtdorf mean by "nourishing the roots" of our faith?
How can focusing on Jesus Christ and His Atonement strengthen our testimonies?
What are some ways you can focus more on the core principles of the gospel in your study and worship?
How can you ensure that the branches of your testimony are connected to the roots?

Develop Strong Faith Through Personal Experience

Elder Uchtdorf highlights the role of personal experience in developing a strong testimony. He explains that faith is tested and strengthened through trials and that it should be rooted in Jesus Christ and His doctrine, independent of external circumstances or traditions.

Faith is not faith if never tested.

Faith endures the trials and the uncertainties of life because it is firmly rooted in Christ and His doctrine.

How does personal experience contribute to the strength of our faith?
Why is it important for our faith to be independent of external circumstances?
Reflect on a time when your faith was tested. How did that experience strengthen your testimony?
What steps can you take to ensure your faith is deeply rooted in Christ?

Understand the Role of Traditions and Habits

Elder Uchtdorf discusses the importance of traditions and habits in our spiritual lives, while cautioning against relying solely on them for faith. He encourages cultivating a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that goes beyond traditions.

Faith is strong when it has deep roots in personal experience, personal commitment to Jesus Christ.

What role do traditions and habits play in our spiritual development?
How can we ensure that our faith is not solely based on traditions?
Consider your spiritual habits. How do they contribute to your personal commitment to Jesus Christ?
What changes can you make to deepen your personal commitment to the Savior?

Nourish Your Testimony with Diligence

Elder Uchtdorf likens a testimony to a tree that requires constant nourishment. He emphasizes the importance of diligent and patient care in growing our faith, assuring that the Lord's promises are sure for those who persevere.

A testimony is not something that you build once and it stands forever. It’s more like a tree that you nourish constantly.

Ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering.

What does Elder Uchtdorf mean by saying a testimony is like a tree?
Why is diligence and patience important in nurturing our testimony?
What specific actions can you take to nourish your testimony daily?
Reflect on a time when you experienced growth in your testimony through diligent effort. What did you learn?