Elder Dale G. Renlund (Octo. 18): "Choose You This Day"

I apologize that I have been tardy in getting these up.  These last six weeks or so have been crazy hectic (more than usual with five kids) and I am just way behind.  Apologies.  I am trying to catch up.

I love the way that Elder Renlund speaks of the Savior and our Heavenly Father.  It is always focused on the love and tender care that our Lord and Father have for us.  This activity may take more time (or at least has the potential to be longer).  Also, if you choose to use this activity or even if you don't, it is important to stress that the idea of justice and paying for one's sins "is not to be confused with those whose agency is violated.  They are not off the path; they are victims.  They receive God's understanding, love, and compassion" (para. 20). 

The Activity:

1. Divide the class in half.
2. Explain that the class is going on an imaginary journey.
1. One half of the class will choose righteousness on their journeys.
2. The other half of the class will choose wickedness on their journeys.
3. Explain that before going on this journey there are some ground rules that need to be established.
4. Read and discuss the following passages:
1. Para. 6  "Brothers and sisters . . . involves making choices."
2. Para. 10  "To ensure that . . . us to be."  
3. Para. 19  "These commandments are . . . receiving enduring joy."
5. Now, pass out sheets to each half and ask them to read the quotes identified and talka bout what they indicate about their imagined journeys.
1. Group 1 (choosing righteousness):  How would your life be in light of the following quotes:
1. Para. 14 "the Savior forgives . . . reconciliation with God."
2. Para. 18  "If Christ were . . . eventually and always."
2. Group 2 (choosing wickedness):  How would your life be in light of the following quotes:
1. Para. 15-17 "In stark contrast . . . like unto himself."
6. After a few minutes ocme together and share as a whole class what was talked about in the groups. 
7. After contrasting the two groups experience, talk about repentance.  
8. Then, read para. 23  "No matter how . . . were never off."  and compare the futures of the two groups now.  Stress the idea that there is always hope.

Using the Activity:

This activity parallels in some ways the famous speech in Alma 5, where Alma asks a series of questions to the people of Zarahemla.  In verses 16-25 (or so), Alma asks them to imagine their ultimate fate.  Can they imagine what will happen when they stand before God with unclean hands and hearts?  Can they imagine how great it will be if their hearts and hands are clean and pure?  Etc.  The idea is to ask the class members to tie specific consequences to their choices.  Often, in real life, the consequences can be distant and remote from the actual choices.  This activity is designed to connect the choice and the consequence.  At the same time, I hope to stress hope and trust in repentance.  While I don't want to make repentance seem too easy, I do want to portray the amazing power of repentance accurately.

Beyond the message of the activity and the idea that this activity asks class members to imagine their eternal futures, this activity is also designed to encourage discussion.  Anyone can speak to the questions asked here, minimal knowledge is required.  So, all can participate.  To further increase participation, it may be necessary to create more than two groups.  These smaller groups will allow for more participation.  At the same time, beware of making the groups so small that someone will feel overly pressured to speak up, when they feel extremely uncomfortable.  

I hope this activity is helpful.  Please let me know how things go.  God bless.