Elders Quorum
The lesson was based on President Monson’s April 2014 General Conference talk titled Be Strong and of Good Courage
"We live in a world where moral values have, in great measure, been tossed aside, where sin is flagrantly on display, and where temptations to stray from the strait and narrow path surround us. We are faced with persistent pressures and insidious influences tearing down what is decent and attempting to substitute the shallow philosophies and practices of a secular society."
The world talks about not just there is no harm in foul language and pornography, but that there is value in them. Logical arguments are created to try to show those things are valuable in telling a story or in speaking in general. In reality, stories can be told and the message gotten across that a character is tough or wicked without the profanity. It is lazy story writing that does otherwise. Additionally, a person speaking that way does not portray themselves in a good light. People are generally just too lazy to find the vocabulary to express themselves or are trying to make a splash with a vulgar or salacious word.
"We can help ourselves in our desire to do what is right if we put ourselves in places and participate in activities where our thoughts are influenced for good and where the Spirit of the Lord will be comfortable."
I think we serve missions and get moved around the country for school and work to give us perspective about the things other people and other church members have to deal with and the way they see things.
Sunday School
Old Testament Lesson 27, The Influence of Wicked and Righteous Leaders 1 Kings 12–14; 2 Chronicles 17; 20
Hand out from the instructor on historical leaders:
What are the attributes of righteous leaders? What are the attributes of wicked leaders?
We sometimes perceive Israel as weak for stooping to the level of bringing out their idols. But when we get stressed or celebrate we bring out our chocolate or our electronics or other things before we turn to God for strength or to give gratitude.
Take time to listen to the life experience of other people, especially older people.
Leaders should serve the people not assume the people should serve them. Just like the example of King Benjamin who taught the people as he served with them in the fields.
We went over the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20.
Sacrament Service
Patriarchal blessings should be cherished and treasured. The speaker proposed that a Patriarchal blessing helps us to grasp eternity.
It was proposed that our patriarchal blessing is our plan for our life from Heavenly Father.
