They Are Their Own Judges

Embrace the Father's Plan of Happiness

Elder Bednar discusses the Father's plan, emphasizing the role of moral agency as a central element. He explains that this agency allows us to choose and act in righteousness, aligning with the first and second great commandments to love God and our neighbors.

The overarching purposes of the Father’s plan are to provide His spirit children with opportunities to receive a physical body, learn "good from evil" through mortal experience, grow spiritually, and progress eternally.

The fundamental purposes for the exercise of agency are to love one another and to choose God.

• What is moral agency, and why is it essential in God's plan?
• How does moral agency relate to the commandment to love God and others?
• How can you better use your agency to choose God and love others?
• Reflect on a time when you exercised moral agency in a way that aligned with God's commandments.

Focus on Doing and Becoming

Elder Bednar explains that the gospel of Jesus Christ calls us not only to perform righteous acts but to become righteous individuals. The Final Judgment evaluates both our actions and what we have become through them.

From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become.

• How does the concept of "becoming" differ from merely "doing"?
• Why is it important to focus on what we become through our actions?
• In what ways can you focus more on becoming like Christ in your daily life?
• Consider how your actions reflect what you are becoming. What changes might you need to make?

Rely on the Savior's Atonement

Elder Bednar teaches that while our works are important, it is through the Savior's Atonement that we are ultimately reconciled to God. The Atonement provides the means for us to be cleansed from sin and to stand before God with a pure heart.

After all we can do, we are reconciled with God only through the mercy and grace available through the Savior’s infinite and eternal atoning sacrifice.

• Why is the Savior's Atonement essential for our salvation?
• How does the Atonement enable us to stand clean before God?
• How can you more fully rely on the Savior's Atonement in your life?
• Reflect on a time when you felt the power of the Atonement in your life. How did it change you?

Cultivate Godly Fear

Elder Bednar distinguishes between worldly fear and godly fear, emphasizing that godly fear brings peace and assurance. It involves a reverence for the Lord and a commitment to live according to His commandments.

Godly fear grows out of a correct understanding of the divine nature and mission of the Redeemer.

Righteous fear encompasses a deep feeling of reverence and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ.

• What is the difference between godly fear and worldly fear?
• How does godly fear influence our behavior and choices?
• How can you develop a greater sense of godly fear in your life?
• Identify areas in your life where godly fear can guide you to make better choices.

Understand Our Role as Judges

Elder Bednar explains that ultimately, we are our own judges. At the Final Judgment, we will acknowledge what we have become and where we belong in eternity based on our desires and actions.

Ultimately, then, we are our own judges. No one will need to tell us where to go.

• How do our desires and actions determine our final judgment?
• What does it mean to be our own judges?
• Reflect on your current desires and actions. How do they align with your eternal goals?
• Consider how you can better prepare yourself for the Final Judgment by aligning your life with gospel principles.