The Lord Is My Light
By Elder Quentin L. Cook Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
LEARNER READINESS
SAY: Brad Wilcox - parable of the school bus.
READ A
A - Our ability to stand firm and true and follow the Savior despite the vicissitudes of life is greatly strengthened by righteous families and Christ-centered unity in our wards and branches.
Q: What is the definition of vicissitude?
LEARNER INVOLVEMENT
READ B
B - The clamor that reverberates across the earth because of worldly wickedness creates feelings of vulnerability. With modern communication the impact of iniquity, inequality, and injustice leaves many feeling that life is inherently unfair. As significant as these trials can be, they must not distract us from rejoicing in and celebrating Christ’s supernal intercession in our behalf. The Savior literally “gained the victory over death.” With mercy and compassion He took upon Himself our iniquity and transgressions, thus redeeming us and satisfying the demands of justice for all who would repent and believe on His name.
SAY; EC says that life is inherently unfair. They can create significant trials for us.
Q: Why does EC say that they must not distract us from rejoicing in and celebrating Christ's supernal intercession in our behalf?
READ C
C - His magnificent atoning sacrifice is of transcendent significance beyond mortal comprehension. This act of grace provides the peace that surpasses understanding. Philippians 4:7
Q: Why is it meaningful to you that Christ satisfied the demands of justice and has encircled you in the arms of safety?
READ Alma 34:16SAY: EC says "this act of grace provides the peace that surpasses understanding?
16 And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption.
Q: What is grace?
Q: How does grace help you in your daily life?
Q: How do we gain access to grace?
SAY: EC tells a story about sunflowers growing in the most inhospitable places. He concludes the story by saying:
READ D
D - Like the young sunflower, when we follow the Savior of the world, the Son of God, we flourish and become glorious despite the many terrible circumstances that surround us. He truly is our light and life.
Q Why is this the case?
LEARNER APPLICATION
SAY: Let's move on to the application phase of lesson. EC talks about the importance of the family.
READ E
E - Our ability to stand firm and true and follow the Savior despite the vicissitudes of life is greatly strengthened by righteous families and Christ-centered unity in our wards and branches.
Q: What are some of the attributes of Christ-centered family?
WRITE: [Family: family prayer, scripture study, FHE, priesthood blessings, Sabbath day observance, acceptance, peace,
Q: How about a loving atmosphere? Listen to what EC has to say:
READ F
F - The role of the family in God’s plan is “to bring us happiness, to help us learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and to prepare us for eternal life.” The beautiful traditions of religious observance in the home need to be embedded in the hearts of our children.
SAY: Let talk about the culture of the ward.
READ G
G - In the world there is rampant contention and iniquity and a major emphasis on divergent cultures and inequality. In the Church, except for language units, our wards and branches are geographical. We don’t divide by class or rank. We rejoice in the fact that all races and cultures are mixed together in a righteous congregation. Our ward family is important to our progress, happiness, and personal effort to be more Christlike.
Q: What are some of the attributes of Christ-centered unity in a ward?
WRITE: [Ward: Accepting, not judging,
Q: Why is contention so debilitating?
SAY: Let's listen to what EC wants each ward culture to aspire to.
H - There is no better starting point in the scriptures than 4 Nephi for a description of the Church culture that is essential for all of us. In verse 2 it reads in part, “The people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another.” In verse 16 we read, “And surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.” The fact that there was no contention was attributed to “the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people." This is the culture to which we aspire.
Q: What does EC what our ward to aspire to?
READ I
I - Even with diversity of languages and beautiful, uplifting cultural traditions, we must have hearts knit in unity and love. The Lord has stated emphatically: “Let every man esteem his brother as himself. … Be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.” While we treasure appropriate cultural diversities, our goal is to be united in the culture, customs, and traditions of the gospel of Jesus Christ in every respect.
Q: How does a ward get to a place where their hearts are knit together in unity and love?
CONCLUSION
READ
Our protections in this life and for eternity will be in individual and family righteousness, Church ordinances, and following the Savior. This is our refuge from the storm. For those who feel they are alone, you can stand resolutely in righteousness knowing that the Atonement will protect and bless you beyond your ability to fully understand.
We should remember the Savior, keep our covenants, and follow the Son of God as the young sunflower follows the sunshine. Following His light and example will bring us joy, happiness, and peace. As Psalm 27 and a favorite hymn both proclaim, “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”
SAY: Following Christ brings me joy, happiness and peace. It has blessed my life. This grace that we are under [or the atonement] has protected and blessed you and I beyond our ability to fully understand. Amen.
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