Study Guide for "Participate to Prepare for Christ’s Return"

In his General Conference address, Elder Steven D. Shumway of the Seventy speaks about the importance of engaging in God's work as a means to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He shares personal experiences and insights, emphasizing that participation in God's work is not only a way to serve others but also a path to spiritual growth and readiness for the Savior's return. Elder Shumway invites members to see callings and service opportunities as sacred gifts that help us become more like Christ.

Before Reading

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

Why does Elder Shumway believe participation in God's work is crucial for preparing for Christ's return?
What are the three principles Elder Shumway shares about how participation in God's work blesses us?
How does Elder Shumway describe the role of grace in our service and callings?

Topics

Engage in God's Work to Prepare for Christ's Return

Elder Shumway emphasizes that participating in God's work is essential for preparing ourselves and others for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He highlights that callings, ministering, temple worship, and following promptings are all ways that uniquely prepare us to meet the Savior.

The Lord’s promise is compelling that callings, ministering, temple worship, following promptings, and other ways we embark in God’s work uniquely prepare us to meet the Savior.

Why does Elder Shumway believe that participation in God's work is a preparation for the Savior's return?
How does Elder Shumway describe the impact of saying "yes" to callings and service?
What are some ways you can increase your participation in God's work?
Reflect on a time when accepting a calling or service opportunity helped you grow spiritually.

God Delights in Our Service

Elder Shumway shares that God is pleased when we engage in His work, even when it is inconvenient. He admires those who selflessly serve and promises that great rewards and eternal glory await those who serve in righteousness.

God "delights to honor [you for serving Him] in righteousness." He promises, "Great shall be [your] reward and eternal shall be [your] glory."

What does Elder Shumway say about the rewards of serving in God's work?
How does Elder Shumway describe the relationship between service and Christlike discipleship?
How can you find joy in serving others, even when it is inconvenient?
Consider a calling or service opportunity you have been hesitant to accept. What might change if you viewed it as a chance to delight God?

Participation Leads to Progression

Elder Shumway explains that as we participate in God's work, we progress toward the measure of our creation. He notes that God rejoices in our progress, even when we are not perfect, and encourages us to engage in meaningful ways like prayer and scripture study when unable to serve in formal callings.

Callings do not determine or validate a person’s worth or worthiness. Rather, as we labor with God in whatever way He asks, we grow into the measure of our own creation.

How does Elder Shumway describe the relationship between participation in God's work and personal progression?
What does Elder Shumway say about God's view of our progress?
Reflect on your current calling or service opportunity. How is it helping you progress spiritually?
What are some ways you can continue to progress toward the measure of your creation, even when not serving in a formal calling?

Service Elevates Homes and Churches

Elder Shumway discusses how serving in callings elevates our homes and churches into holy places where we practice covenant living. He emphasizes that living our covenants through service transforms duty into joy and helps us become the kind of people who desire to be in God's presence.

When we serve because we love God and want to live our covenants, service that seems dutiful and draining becomes joyful and transformative.

How does Elder Shumway describe the impact of service on our homes and churches?
What is the connection between covenant living and service according to Elder Shumway?
How can you make your home a more holy place through service?
In what ways can you better live your covenants through the service opportunities available to you?

Grace and Growth Through Service

Elder Shumway teaches that participating in God's work allows us to receive God's grace and feel His greater love. He explains that grace compensates for our weaknesses and that through service, we grow in grace until we are prepared to stand before Jesus Christ.

We do not receive financial compensation for serving. Instead, scripture teaches that for our "labor [we are] to receive the grace of God."

When we consecrate our meager but best effort, God magnifies it. When we sacrifice for Jesus Christ, He sanctifies us.

What role does grace play in our participation in God's work according to Elder Shumway?
How does Elder Shumway describe the transformative power of God's grace?
Reflect on a time when you felt God's grace as you served. How did it impact your spiritual growth?
What are some areas in your life where you can rely more on God's grace as you serve?