Study Guide for "Simplicity in Christ"

In his General Conference address, Elder Michael Cziesla of the Seventy shares his personal experiences and insights on finding joy and strength in the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through stories from his mission, family life, and the example of his grandmother, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on the "plain and precious things" of the gospel and how this focus can lead to true discipleship and enduring joy.

Before Reading

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

What does Elder Cziesla mean by the "simplicity that is in Christ"?
How can we maintain focus on the gospel amidst life's complexities?
What role do "small and simple things" play in living the gospel?
How did Elder Cziesla's grandmother exemplify gospel simplicity?
What are the promised blessings of focusing on the simplicity of Christ's teachings?

Topics

Focus on the Simplicity in Christ

Elder Cziesla discusses the importance of focusing on the simplicity of Christ's teachings amidst a complex and confusing world. He emphasizes that the gospel is accessible and understandable, even to children, through faith, repentance, baptism, and enduring to the end.

The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.

The doctrine of Christ and the law of the gospel are so simple that even little children can understand them.

What is meant by the "simplicity that is in Christ"?
How can focusing on the simplicity of the gospel help us in our daily lives?
How can you simplify your approach to living the gospel?
What are some "plain and precious things" you can focus on this week?

The Power of Small and Simple Things

Elder Cziesla highlights the significant impact of small and simple gospel practices, such as prayer, scripture study, and singing hymns, in bringing about great spiritual strength and miracles.

We sometimes underestimate the strength we receive from simple acts like prayer, fasting, scripture study, daily repentance, partaking of the sacrament weekly, and regular worship in the house of the Lord.

It is in that simplicity that [we] will find … peace, joy, and happiness.

Why are small and simple acts of faith powerful?
How do small and simple things help us stay focused on Christ?
What small and simple gospel practices can you incorporate into your daily routine?
Reflect on a time when a small act of faith led to a significant spiritual experience.

Examples of Faith in Adversity

Elder Cziesla shares the story of his grandmother, Oma Cziesla, who remained faithful to the gospel despite challenging circumstances. Her dedication to gospel principles, even when isolated from the Church, exemplifies enduring faith.

When my aunt and my father were born, with no priesthood in the home and no Church meetings or access to ordinances nearby, she again did what she could do and focused on teaching her children "to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord."

How did Oma Cziesla demonstrate faith in adversity?
What lessons can we learn from Oma Cziesla's example of faith?
Think of a challenging situation you are facing. How can you apply Oma Cziesla's example of faith?
What small acts of faith can you perform to strengthen your relationship with God during difficult times?

Prioritizing Eternal Relationships

Elder Cziesla encourages prioritizing people and eternal relationships over processes and short-term behaviors. By focusing on what truly matters, we align ourselves with God's work of salvation and exaltation.

Applying the simplicity that is in Christ makes us prioritize people over processes and eternal relationships over short-term behaviors.

We focus on "the things that matter most" in God’s work of salvation and exaltation.

Why is it important to prioritize eternal relationships?
How does focusing on eternal relationships help us in our discipleship?
Identify a relationship in your life that needs more focus. How can you prioritize it?
Reflect on how prioritizing people over processes has blessed your life.

Enduring Joy Through Gospel Simplicity

Elder Cziesla testifies that focusing on the simplicity of the gospel leads to enduring joy and the fulfillment of promised blessings. By embracing simple gospel truths, we find peace and confidence even amidst trials.

Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.

We find strength and "confidence before God," even when we experience heartache.

How does focusing on gospel simplicity lead to enduring joy?
What does it mean to have "confidence before God"?
How can you focus on gospel simplicity to find joy in your current circumstances?
Reflect on a time when embracing simple gospel truths brought you peace.