Beware the Second Temptation
Scott D. Whiting, of the Seventy
Elder Whiting warns against hiding from God after sinning and encourages seeking the Atonement's healing power.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Share a personal story of a time when you felt the need to hide after making a mistake. Invite class members to consider similar experiences in their lives.
- Begin with a scripture reading from Genesis about Adam and Eve's experience in the Garden of Eden, focusing on their reaction after partaking of the forbidden fruit.
- Play a short video clip or share a story about someone overcoming the temptation to hide from God, and discuss the feelings and outcomes involved.
- Ask class members to think about a time they felt isolated or disconnected from their community and how they overcame it.
- Invite a class member to share a brief testimony about the power of the Atonement in their life, particularly in overcoming feelings of shame or guilt.
Topics
Recognize the Desire to Fit In
Elder Whiting shared a personal story from his youth about the desire to fit in with older peers, which led him to participate in a prank. This desire to fit in is a common human behavior and can lead to actions we might later regret.
Many patterns in human behavior seem to be common in the natural man—the desire to fit in, the desire to prove oneself, the fear of missing out...
- When have you felt the desire to fit in lead you to make decisions you later regretted?
- How can we help others feel included without compromising our values?
- What are some positive ways to satisfy the desire to belong?
- How can understanding our identity as children of God help us resist negative peer pressure?
- What role does the gospel play in helping us overcome the natural man?
Avoid the Second Temptation to Hide
Elder Whiting emphasized the temptation to hide from God after making a mistake, as exemplified by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Hiding from God can lead to greater consequences than the initial mistake.
This temptation—I will call it the "second temptation"—is the temptation that may bring the greatest consequence if we succumb.
- Why do you think hiding from God can be more damaging than the initial sin?
- How can we resist the temptation to hide when we make mistakes?
- What scriptures help you remember that God is always aware of us?
- What are some ways to approach God with humility after making a mistake?
- How can we create a supportive environment in our wards and branches to help others resist the temptation to hide?
Support New Converts in Their Journey
Elder Whiting addressed the challenges new converts face, including lifestyle changes and the adversary's attempts to make past lives seem attractive. He encouraged new members to seek support from the Church community and rely on the Atonement.
At a time when you need our love and support the most, don’t be deceived into thinking that we will reject you if you take a step back into your prior lifestyle.
- What challenges do new converts face that might lead them to feel isolated?
- How can we better support new members in our wards and branches?
- What role does the Atonement play in helping new converts stay on the covenant path?
- How can we help new members feel a sense of belonging in the Church?
- What are some ways we can encourage new converts to seek help when they struggle?
Embrace the Healing Power of the Atonement
Elder Whiting reminded us of the importance of seeking the Atonement's healing power after succumbing to temptation. It is through the Atonement that we can be made whole and continue to progress.
Instead, avail yourself of the miraculous healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
- How has the Atonement helped you overcome mistakes in your life?
- What steps can we take to fully access the healing power of the Atonement?
- How can the Atonement help us restore relationships with others?
- What does it mean to be made whole through the Atonement?
- How can we teach others about the power of the Atonement in a loving way?
Foster a Culture of Belonging in the Church
Elder Whiting urged the Church community to create an environment of love and acceptance, where all members feel they belong and are encouraged to progress along the covenant path.
As His Saints, each of us must foster a culture of belonging in the Church that is loving, accepting, and encouraging of all who desire to progress along His path.
- What does a culture of belonging look like in a ward or branch?
- How can we ensure that everyone feels welcome and included in our church meetings?
- What are some barriers to creating a culture of belonging, and how can we overcome them?
- How can we better understand and appreciate the diverse backgrounds of our fellow members?
- What actions can we take to make our Church community more inclusive?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we apply the lessons from Adam and Eve's experience to our own lives?
- What are some practical ways to resist the adversary's temptations in our daily lives?
- How can we help each other recognize when we are succumbing to the second temptation?
- What role does repentance play in overcoming the temptation to hide from God?
- In what ways can we support each other in staying on the covenant path?
- How can we strengthen our faith to better withstand temptations?
- What are some signs that someone might be feeling isolated in the Church, and how can we help?
- How can the teachings of modern prophets help us resist the second temptation?
- What experiences have helped you feel a stronger sense of belonging in the Church?
- How can we better teach our children about the dangers of the second temptation?
