As a Little Child
Jeffrey R. Holland, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
President Holland emphasizes the importance of embodying childlike humility and faith to enter God's kingdom.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by asking the class to reflect on their experiences with children and what qualities they admire in them. Encourage them to share specific examples.
- Share a personal story or anecdote about a child exhibiting Christlike attributes, and invite class members to think about how they can emulate these qualities.
- Display a picture of Jesus with children and ask the class to ponder what lessons they think Jesus was teaching through His interactions with children.
- Start with a brief silent reflection, asking class members to consider moments when they felt closest to God and how childlike qualities played a role.
- Play a short video or audio clip of a child praying or singing a hymn, then discuss the purity and sincerity found in a child's faith.
Topics
Embrace Childlike Humility
President Holland emphasized the importance of humility, as exemplified by children, in entering the kingdom of heaven. He highlighted how Christ taught His apostles to become as little children, emphasizing humility as a key virtue.
Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
- How can we cultivate childlike humility in our daily lives?
- Why do you think Jesus emphasized becoming like little children to His apostles?
- Can you share an experience where humility brought you closer to God?
- What are some ways we can teach children about humility through our actions?
- How do you feel humility affects your relationship with others and with God?
Recognize the Power of Childlike Faith
President Holland discussed the pure and sincere faith that children possess, noting how their prayers and love for Jesus are genuine and heartfelt. He urged adults to emulate this kind of faith in their own lives.
Is there anything sweeter, more pure, or more humble than a child at prayer? It is as if heaven is in the room.
- What can we learn from the way children express their faith?
- How can we maintain a pure and sincere faith as we grow older?
- Why do you think children's faith is so powerful?
- In what ways can we encourage our own children to develop strong faith?
- Have you ever witnessed a child's faith inspiring others? Can you share that experience?
Learn from Children's Capacity for Love and Forgiveness
President Holland highlighted the natural ability of children to love and forgive easily. He encouraged adults to adopt these qualities, which can soften hearts and improve relationships.
Children love so easily, they forgive so readily, they laugh so delightfully that even the coldest, hardest heart can melt.
- How can we improve our ability to forgive like a child?
- What role does love play in forgiveness?
- Can you share a time when a child's love or forgiveness impacted you?
- Why is it important to nurture a forgiving heart?
- How does practicing forgiveness affect our spiritual growth?
Draw Strength from Pure and Courageous Acts
President Holland shared the story of Easton Darrin Jolley, whose courage and faith in the face of physical challenges exemplified purity and strength. He encouraged us to draw inspiration from such examples.
Faith, loyalty, purity, trust, honor, and, in the end, love for that father he so wished to please.
- What lessons can we learn from Easton's story about facing challenges?
- How does courage relate to purity and faith?
- Can you think of someone whose courage inspired you to be better?
- Why is it important to recognize and celebrate acts of courage in our community?
- How can we support those who are facing their own "Mount Everest" challenges?
Follow Christ with Sincerity and Devotion
President Holland urged us to follow Christ sincerely, not just in word but in deed. He emphasized the importance of taking Christ seriously and living by His teachings.
Many of us profess to be Christians, yet we … do not take Him seriously. … We respect Him, but we don’t follow Him.
- What does it mean to follow Christ sincerely?
- How can we ensure that our actions align with our professed beliefs?
- Why might some people struggle to take Christ seriously in their daily lives?
- How can we support each other in living more Christ-centered lives?
- What changes can we make to better reflect Christ's teachings in our actions?
Additional Discussion Questions
- In what ways can we become more like children in our spiritual journey?
- Why do you think Jesus used a child to teach His apostles about greatness in the kingdom of heaven?
- How can we balance childlike qualities with the responsibilities of adulthood?
- What role does humility play in our ability to receive personal revelation?
- How can we create an environment that encourages childlike faith in our homes and communities?
- What are some practical steps we can take to become more forgiving?
- How can we help those who struggle with feelings of inadequacy or fear?
- What lessons can we learn from the way children approach prayer?
- How does the story of Easton inspire you to face your own challenges?
- What can we do to better support the youth in our church as they develop their faith?
