I felt such a nice spirit during our lesson today.
As we discussed, the parables in Matthew 25 were the answers to the apostles questions about the 2nd coming of the Lord. We discussed how the Savior's answers are critical for our preparation for His glorious 2nd coming.
Our KEY TAKEAWAYS TODAY INCLUDED:
1. Do not become complacent in the amount of spiritual reserves we have in our personal preparation for the 2nd coming. Make sure our lives are over-flowing in living the gospel and strengthening our testimonies.
3. Use our unique gifts from God to bless the lives of others (ward members, family, friends, etc)
1. The parable of the ten virgins. Matthew 25:1-13
We watched a church video clip, that portrayed a Jewish male escorting his bride to the wedding.
We then read the parable and talked about what everything represents:
Bridegroom: Savior
Virgins: Members of the church
The wedding: The Savior’s Second Coming
The oil in the lamps: Preparation of the Second Coming
We talked about ways in which we add "oil" in our personal lamps. They included:
-Exercising faith
-Church attendance
-Keeping covenants
-Giving service
-Temple work
-Sacrificing for others
-Scripture study
Here is the often used quote from President Kimball (my boyhood prophet) that we read in class:
“In the parable, oil can be purchased at the market. In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures—each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste thoughts and actions, marriage in the covenant for eternity—these, too, contribute importantly to the oil with which we can at midnight refuel our exhausted lamps” (Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 256).
I asked everyone to write on the handout (picture of an oil lamp) TWO things they were going to do this week to add "oil" to their lamp. I requested the action item #1 be something they already knew they were going to do. Action item #2 was for something they were not already planning to do, but added to increase their personal "oil" reserves.
We discussed how sometimes we can make the same mistake as the foolish virgins by assuming our oil reserves are sufficient or that we can lean on others' supplies. Erroring on having too much oil is a much better idea than running out and "missing the wedding" or in other words, not being prepared for the 2nd coming.
KEY TAKEAWAY:
- Do not become complacent in the amount of spiritual reserves we have in our personal preparation for the 2nd coming. Make sure our lives are over-flowing in living the gospel and strengthening our testimonies.
2. The parable of talents. Matthew 25:14-30
We read the parable and quickly identified the elements in the parable:
The man traveling to a far country – The Lord
The Servants – Each of us
Talents – Gifts from God
A class member talked about how sometimes we are fearful of using our gifts.
Another class member helped remind us that it's important not to focus on how MANY talents we each have, but focus on using whatever talents we were given. That's the reason the Lord showed one servant was given 5 and made 5, one was given 2 and made 2 more...both those servants received the EXACT same reward from the Master....just like Heavenly Father's gift of exaltation.
We read a list from Elder Marvin J. Ashton that reminded us of often forgotten gifts that many of us have or know those who do:
“Let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. Among these may be your gifts—gifts not so evident but nevertheless real and valuable.
“Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts:
the gift of asking;
the gift of listening;
the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice;
the gift of being able to weep;
the gift of avoiding contention;
the gift of being agreeable;
the gift of avoiding vain repetition;
the gift of seeking that which is righteous;
the gift of not passing judgment;
the gift of looking to God for guidance;
the gift of being a disciple;
the gift of caring for others;
the gift of caring for others;
the gift of being able to ponder;
the gift of offering prayer;
the gift of bearing a mighty testimony;
the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost”
(in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 23; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20).
One class member helped remind us that it's critical to pray, ponder, and MAKE PLANS to use our gifts...don't just wait for opportunities to use them. A GREAT point.
We talked about how these gifts are critical in helping and supporting each other in our ward family.
I shared how my own mother has many gifts from Elder Ashton's list...one that always helps me is her gift of "not passing judgment"
I closed with my testimony about as I read this list, I thought of various ward members that I felt had and shared these gifts and how much that strengthened me. I challenged us all to USE and DEVELOP our gifts and bless the lives of each other.
KEY TAKAWAYS:
- Pray and ponder and identify our own special gifts (and do not be fearful of them)
- Use our unique gifts from God to bless the lives of others (ward members, family, friends, etc)
Thanks to all today who offered prayers, read scriptures, shared thoughts and feelings, and who contributed siliently with their hearts. I hope you all felt and enjoyed the spirit of the Lord today.
Happy Sunday.
-Josh Bingham
