Lesson Prepration Guide for "Divine Helps for Mortality"

In his profound General Conference talk, President Dallin H. Oaks explores the divine aids provided by our Heavenly Father to help His children navigate the challenges of mortality. He emphasizes the importance of Jesus Christ's Atonement, the Spirit of Christ, divine commandments, and the Holy Ghost as essential guides on our journey back to God. President Oaks encourages us to trust in these divine helps and live according to God's plan to achieve our eternal destiny.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin by asking class members to share a time when they felt guided by the Spirit of Christ in making a decision.
Start with a discussion on the importance of preparation, referencing the parable of the ten virgins.
Invite a class member to share a personal experience of how following commandments has blessed their life.
Ask the class to ponder silently on how the Atonement has personally affected their lives and then share their thoughts.
Show a short video clip or share a story about someone who trusted in the Lord during a difficult time.

Topics

Understand the Pre-Earth Life and Mortal Purpose

President Oaks explained that our pre-earth life was a time when we existed as spirit children of God. The purpose of creating the earth was to allow us to receive a body, learn through experience, and develop divine attributes. The plan includes choosing between good and evil, with the potential to progress toward eternal glory.

Those who qualified would "have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever" (Abraham 3:26).

How does knowing about our pre-earth life influence your daily decisions?
In what ways have you felt that your experiences on earth are helping you develop divine attributes?
Why is opposition necessary in our mortal journey?
How can we better remember our divine potential during challenging times?
What role does agency play in our progression toward eternal life?

Recognize the Role of Jesus Christ's Atonement

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to God's plan, providing forgiveness for repented sins and the resurrection of the dead. It is the strongest help God has given us, emphasizing the importance of faith in Christ as the first principle of the gospel.

By far, God’s strongest mortal help was His provision of a Savior, Jesus Christ, who would suffer to pay the price and provide forgiveness for repented sins.

How has the Atonement of Jesus Christ personally impacted your life?
Why is faith in Jesus Christ considered the first principle of the gospel?
In what ways can we more fully access the power of the Atonement in our daily lives?
How does the Atonement enable us to overcome our weaknesses?
What are some ways we can strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ?

Utilize the Spirit of Christ for Guidance

The Spirit of Christ is given to every person to help them discern between good and evil. This divine light guides us if we hearken to its promptings, ensuring we are not left helpless in our mortal journey.

The Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil (Moroni 7:16).

How can we become more attuned to the Spirit of Christ in our lives?
What are some experiences where the Spirit of Christ has helped you make a decision?
How does the Spirit of Christ differ from the gift of the Holy Ghost?
Why is it important to recognize the Spirit of Christ in guiding our choices?
How can we teach others to recognize and follow the promptings of the Spirit of Christ?

Follow Commandments, Ordinances, and Covenants

Commandments, ordinances, and covenants are essential components of God's plan, guiding us toward eternal life. They are not punitive but are intended to help us progress and receive the highest blessings by keeping promises made to God.

Commandments define the path our Heavenly Father has marked out for us to progress toward eternal life.

How have commandments helped you progress spiritually?
Why are ordinances and covenants considered essential guardrails on our path to eternal life?
How can we better prepare to make and keep sacred covenants?
What blessings have you experienced from keeping the commandments?
How can we help others understand the purpose of commandments in God's plan?

Embrace the Gift of the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is a significant gift that provides guidance, comfort, and a testimony of truth. It is conferred after repentance and baptism and is essential for spiritual growth and maintaining a righteous path.

The Holy Ghost will "enlighten the minds of the people with regard to the things of God."

How has the gift of the Holy Ghost been a guide in your life?
What are some ways we can invite the Holy Ghost to be with us more consistently?
How can we teach others about the importance of the Holy Ghost?
What role does the Holy Ghost play in our conversion and spiritual growth?
How can we recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost in our daily lives?

Additional Discussion Questions

What does it mean to have 'glory added upon their heads for ever and ever'?
How can we better prepare for our eventual meeting with the Savior?
What are some examples of how the Atonement can help us overcome sin?
Why is it important to maintain spiritual practices like prayer and scripture study?
How does trusting in the Lord help us navigate life's challenges?
What can we learn from the parable of the ten virgins about spiritual preparedness?
How can we help those who feel the Church is not meeting their needs?
What are some ways to strengthen our trust in the Lord?
How can we support returned missionaries in maintaining their spiritual growth?
Why is humility important in following God's plan?