Elder Clark G. Gilbert (Oct. '21): "Becoming More in Christ: The Parable of the Slope"

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 Since conference ended I have been in two lessons that asked people to share the parts of conferences that most stuck out to them.  In both meetings, this talk was brought up.

The Activity:'

  1. Read par. 11 "Regardless of whether . . . God our partner"
  2. Point out that partners work beside each other for a common goal.
  3. Ask the class members to consider how God can be our partner (or us His partner).  Discuss experiences they have had or stories from the scriptures that illustrate this relationship.
  4. On the board, draw a line down the middle and label one side "us" and the other side "Father"
  5. As incidents are shared, record on each side what the respective parties do.
  6. Examine what is written for patterns that emerge.

Using the Example:

This activity focuses on an aspect of the talk that is not the one that most likely jumps to people's minds when they read/think of this talk.  However, it was a part that stood out to me.  I think that as we join Father in His work, we will find our slope moving upwards-- regardless of where it started.  I also think it is valuable to see how Father acts as a partner in our life as we strive to become more like Him.  

The pedagogically important part of this activity is the search for patterns.  In several instances, Father tells us that he gives us patterns to learn from.  Yet, we often fail to recognize these patterns as they emerge before our eyes (or at least I do).  This activity is designed to help us see these patterns.

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