Pres. Dallin H. Oaks (Oct. '19): "Two Great Commandments"

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This talks deals with a complex subject and it feels like any time it is discussed that someone will be upset by what is said.  For me, though, this talk was an effort to explain both sides of the issue.  I know not everyone will agree with me, but that is the stance I took with this activity.

The Activity:

  1. Give each class member an index card or post-it note and something to write with.
  2. Read the quote in par. 18 "Meanwhile, we must  . . . along the way."
  3. Ask the class members to picture a line like a balance beam.  On one side of the line is the first great commandment and on the other side of the line is the second great commandment.  Ask them to picture where they think God would see them in relation to the line.  Ideally, we would all be on that line, but maybe we aren't.
  4. Now, ask the class members to consider what changes they could make to move closer to that line (or to move more firmly on it).  These could be simple things that involve the words we use or the thoughts we think, or they could be larger things.  Ask them to choose one of those things and write it down as a goal on their card.
  5. Challenge the class members to focus on doing this thing throughout the week.
Using the Activity:

Like I said, I could see this being a troubling talk for some on both sides of this issue.  So, the impetus of this activity is to provide a safe way for everyone to think about how they can align their lives more completely with God's will.  I think it is interesting that Pres. Oaks talks about the challenge of balancing the two great commandments and the need to do so.  In some ways, it reminds me of another of his conference talks, "Good, Better, Best," where he talks about choosing between two good options to make the best choice.  With this activity, I was aiming for all of us to consider what the best choice is and how we can align ourselves with that.  

I pray that this activity will be of help to those of you who are called to teach this talk.  May God bless you to teach with power and authority.

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