Elder David A. Bednar (Oct. '22): "Put On Thy Strength, O Zion"

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 As an English professor, I confess an affinity for talks that dig deep into a single relatively short passage of scripture.  So, obviously, this talk is right up my alley 😁.  Also, though, I love the emphasis on our need to make righteous choices so that we can, in turn, be chosen for God's kingdom.

The Activity:

  1. Ensure that everyone has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically.
  2. Draw a vertical line down the middle of the board.  Label one side "called" and the other side "chosen."
  3. Read aloud the first sentence in par. 24 ("The invitation to . . . related but different.").
  4. Explain that you want to spend a few minutes exploring these labels and how they relate to our lives and the lives of all people.
  5. Ask the class members to briefly read over the last section of Elder Bednar's talk (entitled "Many Are Called, but Few Are Chosen").
  6. Allow a few minutes of silence for them to complete this reading.
  7. Invite class members to share what they learned about these two concepts (and their relationship) as they read Elder Bednar's talk.
  8. As a class member shares a thought, record it on the appropriate side of the board.  
  9. Discuss each answer with an eye towards bearing testimony and encouraging application in the lives of those in the class.

Using the Activity:

For many of us, it is not in our natures to dig deeply into a single text (it is not my natural state, only my trained state because of my profession); yet, we are told that spending time allowing the ideas of the gospel to marinate in our minds invites learning and revelation.  This activity is built on that idea.  

Also, it is worth noting steps #5 and 6.  Often times, it feels like there is so much to cover in a lesson that there is no time for silence.  We need to overcome this tendency.  The purpose of a lesson is NOT to cover an entire talk; instead, the purpose is to foster spiritual experiences with the gospel doctrine and principles in the talk so that the testimonies, faith, and conversions of those in the class (including us) deepen.  So, devoting some time to something like re-reading a portion of the lesson can be a powerful part of class.  In terms of re-reading a section, it allows the ideas to be fresh(er) whether a class member has read the talk in preparation for the lesson or not.  It fosters more invigorating discussions.  

As always, I pray this idea is helpful to you in your calling.  God bless you.

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