Participate to Prepare for Christ’s Return

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

Elder Shumway highlights that participating in God's work is essential for spiritual preparation for Christ's return. He shares insights on how callings and service help us grow and receive God's blessings.

Now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

When we say yes to serving, we are saying yes to Jesus Christ.

• Participating in God's work prepares us for Christ's return.
• Callings and service are not just duties but opportunities for growth.
• Engaging in service is a way to say yes to Jesus Christ.

• Recall a time when you felt unprepared for a calling but grew through the experience.
• Share an instance where serving in a calling brought unexpected blessings into your life.
• Discuss how participating in Church service has helped you feel closer to Christ.

God Rejoices in Our Progress

Elder Shumway explains that God values our progress in His work rather than perfection. Our efforts in callings and service help us grow into the measure of our creation.

He did not say the work was finished nor that it was perfect. But what He did say was that there was progress, and in God’s eyes, that is good!

• God acknowledges our progress, not just the end result.
• Callings help us grow spiritually and develop Christlike attributes.
• Our worth is not determined by the callings we hold.

• Reflect on a calling where you noticed personal growth over time.
• Share a story of how a small step in service led to significant spiritual progress.
• Think about how recognizing progress in others has influenced your perception of service.

Service Transforms Homes and Churches

Service in callings elevates our homes and churches into holy places. By living our covenants through service, we create environments that reflect Christ's teachings.

Serving elevates our homes and churches into holy places where we can practice covenant living.

• Service turns our homes and churches into sanctuaries of faith.
• Living covenants through service transforms service into joy.
• Service helps us practice and live out our covenants.

• Describe a time when serving in the Church brought a spirit of peace to your home.
• Share how a calling has helped you better live your covenants.
• Think about how service has changed the atmosphere in your ward or branch.

Receive God's Grace Through Service

Engaging in God's work allows us to receive His grace, which strengthens us spiritually. Our weaknesses are exposed, but through service, we can experience the transformative power of grace.

For our labor we are to receive the grace of God, that we might wax strong in the Spirit.

• Service is an avenue to receive God's grace.
• Our weaknesses can be transformed into strengths through grace.
• God's grace enables us to perform beyond our natural abilities.

• Reflect on an experience where you felt God's grace through service.
• Share a story of overcoming a personal weakness through a Church calling.
• Discuss how serving others has helped you feel God's love and support.

Invite Others to Participate in Callings

Elder Shumway encourages leaders to extend callings to those who may seem unlikely or unworthy. This inclusion helps individuals grow and prepares them for Christ's return.

Callings are sacred gifts from a loving Heavenly Father to help bring others with us to Jesus Christ.

• Callings help individuals grow spiritually and prepare for Christ.
• Leaders should seek to include all members in service opportunities.
• Service helps individuals feel valued and included in the Church community.

• Share an experience of receiving a calling that seemed beyond your abilities.
• Reflect on a time when you saw someone else grow through a calling.
• Discuss how extending callings to diverse individuals has blessed your ward or branch.