Pres. Russell M. Nelson (Oct. 18): "Becoming Exemplary Latter-Day Saints"

I understand that this talk is not a likely choice for a lesson because it comes at the end and it doesn't set forth a lot of new things.  However, it strikes me much like the last few verses in most sections of the Doctrine and Covenants-- it may not seem to say much, but it really does say a lot.  So, I think this talk is worthy of at least a consideration for a lesson, and I see it as a tool to strengthen our testimonies of Pres. Nelson, his role as the Lord's chosen prophet, and the counsel he has given.

The Activity:

1. Prior to the lesson, create sheets of paper with the following labels:  Home-centered, Church-supported curriculum; Honoring the Lord through the correct use of the name of the Church; Greater temple attendance.
2. Post these sheets around the room.
3. Review with the class in broad terms some of the direction given and invitations extended to us by Pres. Nelson since he has become the President of the Church.
4. Point out that in this talk, Pres. Nelson reiterates some of those things and attaches specific promises to each initiative.  
5. Take a moment and read each promise, asking the class members to consider these promises as they are read and to reflect on how these blessings are being or might be realized in their lives.
1. Home-centered curriculum:  Para. 2 "I promise that as you . . . dramatic and sustaining."
2. Correct use of the Church's name:  Para. 3 "I promise you . . . of His Church."
3. Temple attendance:  "I promise you . . . in His temples."
6. After a moment of quiet reflection, point out the labels around the room to the class members.
7. Ask the class members to choose the instruction/promises that they feel most comfortable/ inspired to discuss.
8. Have class members go to the area of the room where their chosen label is.
9. Allow the class members time to discuss the promises and invitations in their heading.
10. After some time, have class members come back together to share what they discussed in their groups.  

Using the Activity:

The scriptural mandate that this activity is based on is two-fold.  First, we are commanded in the scriptures repeatedly to remember-- remember the Lord, remember what he has done for us, remember our covenants, etc.  This activity is designed to provide a space where people can remember not only what we have been asked to do by the prophet but also the blessings we have experienced as we have obeyed.  Second, we are also told to imagine-- imagine the consequences of our actions, imagine what might be as we obey, imagine that prophecies and events foretold have already come to pass.  This activity is an invitation to those who may not have been as diligent in applying this counsel or those who have not yet seen the fruits of obedience in their lives to imagine what will happen.

It is also worth noting that in this activity it may be beneficial to remind the class members that not all spiritual experiences are to be shared and everyone should follow the promptings of the Spirit as they talk about sacred things.  Similarly, you may want to be sensitive the physical limitations of some of your class members.  It may not be appropriate to ask everyone to get up and move around the room.  While there are good reasons for this from a learning and community building perspective, it may be that those benefits are outweighed by the needs of some individuals in the class.  This activity could be reformulated to rely on groups of people sitting near one another and be similarly effective.

As always, I hope that this activity is of use to you, whether you use it as is, modify it, or are simply inspired by it to do something else entirely different.  Please let me know how it goes.  I do enjoy hearing from you.  God bless.