Lesson 44: “Being Good Citizens"

Purpose

To encourage Church members to be good citizens by participating in government, obeying the law, and strengthening the community.

Preparation

Prayerfully study the following scriptures and other materials:

• Doctrine and Covenants 58:21–22, 26–28; 98:4–10; 134; Articles of Faith 1:12.
• Our Heritage, pages 133–34, focusing on Elder Ezra Taft Benson's service as Secretary of Agriculture for the United States of America.
• Review the material for this lesson in the Class Member Study Guide.

To gain a greater understanding of historical events related to the doctrine in this lesson, consider reviewing the following:

• "Of Governments and Laws."
• "Ministry of Ezra Taft Benson: A Latter-day Saint in Washington, D.C."
• Additional historical material for this lesson.

Discussion and Application

 

1. Participating in government

In August 1835, a general assembly of the Church at Kirtland, Ohio, unanimously approved a declaration of beliefs about government. This declaration is recorded in D&C 134.

• What are the purposes of civil governments? (See D&C 134:1, 6–8, 11.)
  • "For the good and safety of society" (D&C 134:1).
  • "For the protection of the innocent and the punishment of the guilty" (D&C 134:6).
  • "For the protection of all citizens in the free exercise of their religious belief" (D&C 134:7).
  • "For redress of all wrongs and grievances" (D&C 134:11).
• What can we do as citizens to help fulfill these purposes of government?
• Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve: "As Church members, we live under the banner of many different flags. How important it is that we understand our place and our position in the lands in which we live! We should be familiar with the history, heritage, and laws of the lands that govern us. In those countries that allow us the right to participate in the affairs of government, we should use our free agency and be actively engaged in supporting and defending the principles of truth, right, and freedom" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 87; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 72).
  • How can we support and defend truth, right, and freedom through our participation in government?
• Doctrine and Covenants 134 teaches that we should seek for and uphold leaders who "administer the law in equity and justice" (verse 3). 
  • What other qualities should we look for when choosing leaders? (See, for example, D&C 98:10.) 
  • How can we prepare ourselves to choose leaders wisely?

As we participate in government and political processes, we should do so with the understanding that "the Church is politically neutral. It does not endorse political parties, platforms, or candidates. Candidates should not imply that they are endorsed by the Church or its leaders. Church leaders and members should avoid any statements or conduct that might be interpreted as Church endorsement of political parties or candidates" (Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998], 325).

2. Obeying the laws of the land

• What is our responsibility regarding the laws of the land? (See D&C 58:21–22; 98:4–6; 134:5–6; Articles of Faith 1:12.) 
  • How can parents, teachers, and leaders teach children to obey the laws of the land?
• How should we treat law-enforcement officers and other civil officers? (See D&C 134:3, 6.) 
  • How can we show our appreciation for their efforts?
• What relationship should exist between religion and civil governments? (See D&C 134:4, 9. These verses teach that government should not impose laws upon religion unless religious exercise infringes upon the rights and liberties of others.) 
  • How can religion strengthen government?

3. Strengthening the community

From the Church Handbook of Instructions: "Members should do their civic duty by supporting measures that strengthen society morally, economically, and culturally. Members are urged to be actively engaged in worthy causes to improve their communities and make them wholesome places in which to live and rear families" (Book 2, page 325).

• What are some ways we can strengthen our community?

Serve others

• Why is it important that Church members serve in their communities?
• What are some community service projects that you or other Church members have participated in? 
  • How did you become aware of the need? 
  • What did the group do to make the project successful?
• What are some individual, informal ways that you or other Church members have given community service?
• What opportunities for service exist in our community today? 
  • How can we become more aware of opportunities for community service?
• In what ways does community service benefit the community? 
• What are some of the ways we are blessed when we serve?

Serve in elected or appointed public service positions
From the First Presidency to Church members: "We strongly urge men and women to be willing to serve on school boards, city and county councils and commissions, state legislatures, and other high offices of either election or appointment" (First Presidency letter, 15 Jan. 1998).

• What are some examples of public service positions in our community? 
• How are people in such positions able to bring about good in a community?

Support worthy causes or activities

• Read D&C 58:27. 
• How can we become "anxiously engaged" in good causes in the community?

Reflect upon the following account of a Latter-day Saint who made a significant contribution to her community and nation by supporting a worthy cause:
"While Dolina Smith was serving as Young Women president in the Toronto Ontario Stake in 1986, she asked an expert to speak at a fireside about the growing problem of pornography. Later she became involved with a nationwide group called Canadians for Decency, which mobilizes thousands of anti-pornography Canadians to contact their elected officials as specific concerns about pornography arise. …
"… In 1990 her involvement increased when she was named chairperson of Canadians for Decency. In this new role she has given numerous presentations before the provincial and federal governing bodies that make and change pornography laws. She has also spoken to many groups of citizens who work with local governments to clamp down on the spread of pornography in their communities" (Donald S. Conkey, "Together We Can Make a Difference," Ensign, Feb. 1996, 68).

• What are some worthy causes we can support in the community? 
• How can we appropriately fight evil influences in our community?
• What are some challenges to serving in the community? 
• How can we overcome these challenges? 

Conclusion

From Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve: "In the Church, we often state the couplet, 'Be in the world but not of the world.' … Perhaps we should state the couplet … as two separate admonitions. First, 'Be in the world.' Be involved; be informed. Try to be understanding and tolerant and to appreciate diversity. Make meaningful contributions to society through service and involvement. Second, 'Be not of the world.' Do not follow wrong paths or bend to accommodate or accept what is not right. …
"Members of the Church need to influence more than we are influenced. We should work to stem the tide of sin and evil instead of passively being swept along by it. We each need to help solve the problem rather than avoid or ignore it" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 100–101; or Ensign, May 1989, 80).

Lesson 43: “Take upon You My Whole Armor”

Purpose

To help class members put on the full armor of God to protect them in the battle against evil.

Preparation

• Read The Following Scriptures: 
   
  • D&C 76:25–29
  • Moses 4:3-4
  • D&C 76:29
  • D&C 27:15–18
  • D&C 42:22–24; 59:6; 63:16
  • D&C 121:45–46
  • D&C 42:21; 51:9; 97:8
  • D&C 63:60–62; 136:21
  • D&C 52:16; 136:24; 
  • Ephesians 4:29
  • Romans 13:12
  • Ephesians 6:11–17
  • 2 Nephi 1:23
  • D&C 27:15–18

Discussion and Application 

1. Put on the whole armor of God.

• Read D&C 76:25–28 and Moses 4:3. Who were the leaders of the two forces involved in the War in Heaven, and what were their objectives? How are we involved in a similar conflict on the earth today? (See D&C 76:29; Moses 4:4.)
• The Lord has not left us unprotected in the battle against evil. Read D&C 27:15–18. What is the Lord's armor described in these verses?
• What can we do to put on the "whole armor" of God? How have you felt added protection from temptation as you have prayed? studied the scriptures? kept the Sabbath day holy? gone to the temple? honored the priesthood?
• What might be the consequences of wearing only part of the Lord's armor or neglecting to wear it for even a brief time?

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve warned that Satan "seeks to find any chink in the armor of each person. He knows our weaknesses and knows how to exploit them if we allow him to do so. We can defend ourselves against his attacks and deceptions only by understanding the commandments and by fortifying ourselves each day through praying, studying the scriptures, and following the counsel of the Lord's anointed" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1988, 44; or Ensign, Nov. 1988, 35).

This lesson will focus on three areas in which Satan is trying to exploit weaknesses in our armor today: chastity, honesty, and language.

2. Live the law of chastity.

• What is the Lord's law of chastity? (See D&C 42:22–24; 59:6; 63:16; and the following quotations.)
  
  The First Presidency stated: "The Lord's law of moral conduct is abstinence outside of lawful marriage and fidelity within marriage. Sexual relations are proper only between husband and wife appropriately expressed within the bonds of marriage. Any other sexual contact, including fornication, adultery, and homosexual and lesbian behavior, is sinful" (First Presidency letter, 14 Nov. 1991).
  
  Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve taught: "Any sexual intimacy outside of the bonds of marriage—I mean any intentional contact with the sacred, private parts of another's body, with or without clothing—is a sin and is forbidden by God. It is also a transgression to intentionally stimulate these emotions within your own body" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 51; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 38).
  
  
• What are some consequences of violating the law of chastity? How does a person's violation of the law of chastity affect others?
  
  Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin taught: "One of the most pervasive deceptions in recent years is the notion that immorality is normal and acceptable and has no negative consequences. In truth, immorality is the underlying cause of much suffering and many other problems that are prevalent today, including rampant disease, abortion, broken families, families without fathers, and mothers who themselves are children" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 100; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 76).
  
  
• How are we blessed as we live the law of chastity? (See D&C 121:45–46) How might our obedience to the law of chastity affect others?
  
  
• How does Satan tempt people to violate the law of chastity? How do people try to rationalize violating this law?
  
  President Gordon B. Hinckley warned: "You must not fool around with the Internet to find pornographic material. You must not dial a long-distance telephone number to listen to filth. You must not rent videos with pornography of any kind. This salacious stuff simply is not for you. Stay away from pornography as you would avoid a serious disease. It is destructive. It can become habitual, and those who indulge in it get so they cannot leave it alone. It is addictive" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1998, 66–67; or Ensign, May 1998, 49).
  
  
• How can we protect ourselves from temptations to violate the law of chastity? What can we do in our homes to avoid immoral influences?
  
  
• The law of chastity includes purity of thought as well as action. How are we affected spiritually when our thoughts are unclean? (See D&C 63:16.) How can we dismiss unclean thoughts from our minds?
  
  Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve counseled us to evict unworthy thoughts from our minds by putting "something edifying in their place" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1977, 90; or Ensign,Nov. 1977, 60). Discuss how to follow this counsel. Suggestions include praying for strength, singing a favorite hymn or reciting a favorite scripture in our minds, or thinking about our love for family members.

3. Be honest.

• What does it mean to be honest?
  
  President James E. Faust taught: "Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, and truth loving" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 57; or Ensign,Nov. 1996, 41).
  
  
• Read D&C 42:21, 51:9, and D&C 97:8. Why is it important to be honest in all aspects of our lives? What are the consequences of being dishonest? How are we blessed as we are honest?
  
  
• What are some ways we are tempted to be dishonest? How can giving in to small temptations to be dishonest make us more vulnerable to other temptations? How can we overcome temptations to be dishonest?
  
  
• What does it mean to be honest with the Lord?
  
  
• What does it mean to be honest with ourselves?
  
  
• How can we effectively teach honesty in our homes?

4. Use language that reverences God and is edifying.

• Read D&C 63:60–62 and D&C 136:21. What is the Lord's commandment concerning how we use His name? What are some ways that people take the Lord's name in vain?
  
  
• In addition to taking the Lord's name in vain, what other kinds of language should we avoid?
  
  President Hinckley said: "Don't swear. Don't profane. Avoid so-called dirty jokes. Stay away from conversation that is sprinkled with foul and filthy words. You will be happier if you do so, and your example will give strength to others" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 59; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 48).
  
  
• What are some consequences of using bad language?
  
  Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve said, "Profanity and vulgarity … are sins that separate us from God and cripple our spiritual defenses by causing the Holy Ghost to withdraw from us" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1986, 69; or Ensign, May 1986, 52).
  
  
• How does Satan tempt people to use profane, vulgar, or obscene language? How can we overcome temptations to use bad language?
  
  
• Why is learning to control our words essential to our spiritual growth? How can controlling our words help us stay away from other temptations?
  
  
• How should we respond when we are around people who use bad language or when bad language is used in movies, television, or books?
  
  
• How can parents teach children not to use bad language?
  
  
• What kind of language would the Lord like us to use? (See D&C 52:16; 136:24; Ephesians 4:29.) In what ways can our words edify others? How can we encourage others to use language that reverences God and is edifying?

5. The armor of God includes weapons that we can wield

While serving in the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Harold B. Lee explained that the armor of God includes not only defensive protections but also weapons that we can actively wield:

"[The] armoured man hold[s] in his hand a shield and in his other hand a sword. … That shield was the shield of faith and the sword was the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God. I can't think of any more powerful weapons than faith and a knowledge of the scriptures in … which are contained the Word of God. One so armoured and one so prepared with those weapons is prepared to go out against the enemy" ("Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace," Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year [9 Nov. 1954], 7).

Lesson 42: “Continuing Revelation to Latter-day Prophets”

Purpose

To show class members that the Lord continues to guide the Church through revelation to latter-day prophets, seers, and revelators.

 

Preparation

• Prayerfully study the following scriptures and other materials:
  • Doctrine and Covenants 1:38; 68:1–4; 84:109–10; 107:25, 34, 93–98; 132:8.
  • Official Declaration 2 (pages 293–94 in the Doctrine and Covenants).
  • Our Heritage, pages 117–19, 125–27.
• Review the material for this lesson in the Class Member Study Guide.
• To gain a greater understanding of historical events related to the doctrine in this lesson, consider reviewing the following:
  • "Witnessing the Faithfulness."
  • "Race and the Priesthood."
  • "Ministry of David O. McKay: Church Correlation."
  • "Ministry of Harold B. Lee: The Purposes of Priesthood Correlation."
  • Additional historical material for this lesson.

Discussion and Application

Read D&C 1:38 and D&C 68:1–4. Members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are latter-day prophets, seers, and revelators. They continue to receive revelation to guide the Church. Their direction is:

"the will of the Lord,
… the mind of the Lord,
… the word of the Lord,
… the voice of the Lord,
and the power of God unto salvation" (D&C 68:4). 

1. Church correlation

Review Our Heritage, beginning with the last paragraph on page 117 and including all of page 118. Church correlation was initiated and continues to operate today by revelation from the Lord to His prophets.

The purpose of Church correlation is to preserve "the right way of God" (Jacob 7:7). Ultimately it is intended to help accomplish the mission of the Church, which is to invite all people to "come unto Christ, and be perfected in him" (Moroni 10:32; see also D&C 20:59).

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve oversee correlation in the Church. Correlation includes:

• Maintaining purity of doctrine.
• Emphasizing the importance of the family and the home.
• Placing all the work of the Church under priesthood direction.
• Establishing proper relationships among the organizations of the Church.
• Achieving unity and order in the Church.
• Ensuring simplicity of Church programs and materials.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve said that correlation is a process "in which we take all the programs of the Church, bring them to one focal point, wrap them in one package, operate them as one program, involve all members of the Church in the operation—and do it all under priesthood direction" (Let Every Man Learn His Duty [pamphlet, 1976], 2).

How does the Church's correlation efforts bless our lives.


Importance of the family
The correlation effort has emphasized the importance of the family in many ways. One is the establishment of the family home evening program. Parents are to hold a weekly family home evening to teach and strengthen their families. Monday evenings are reserved for family home evening throughout the Church and should be kept free from Church meetings and activities.

• How has family home evening influenced your life? 
• What have you done to make family home evenings successful?

The correlation effort has also emphasized the importance of the family by clarifying the role of the organizations, programs, and activities of the Church in relation to the family. The Church Handbook of Instructions states:

"The most important place for gospel teaching and leadership is in the family and the home (see Mosiah 4:14–15; D&C 68:25–28). … Quorums, auxiliaries, programs, and activities in the Church should strengthen and support the family. They should enhance gospel-centered family activities, not compete with them" (Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998], 299).

• Why is it important to understand that Church auxiliaries, programs, and activities exist to support the family? 
• How have Church organizations and activities strengthened you and your family?

The correlation effort also emphasizes that Church programs and activities should not make unnecessary demands on the effort, time, or other resources of Church members.


Operation of Church auxiliaries

One important role of correlation is to unify and coordinate the auxiliary organizations of the Church—the Relief Society, Young Men, Young Women, Primary, and Sunday School. For many years these organizations were somewhat independent. At the general Church level, some had their own magazines, funding, and conferences. As they grew, they became increasingly complex and often had unnecessary duplication in their programs and materials.

Through the process of correlation, such complexity and duplication have been reduced. Through correlation, there has also been an emphasis on auxiliary organizations functioning under the direction of priesthood leaders. For example, in a ward these organizations all function under the direction of the bishopric.

• Why is it important to unify and coordinate the efforts of the auxiliary organizations in the ward? 
• How have you seen these organizations be able to work more effectively by coordinating their efforts?

Preparation of Church publications
Church publications, such as lesson manuals and Church magazines, are produced to help members learn and live the gospel of Jesus Christ. The correlation process helps ensure that these materials are scripture-based, doctrinally accurate, and appropriate for the intended audience. All Church publications are planned, prepared, reviewed, and implemented under the direction of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve.

One result of correlation in Church publications is that adult and youth Gospel Doctrine classes and most Primary classes study the same book of scripture during the year. This can encourage and facilitate discussion of the scriptures in the home.

• How can lessons taught at church support parents' efforts to teach their children at home?

Home teaching
Read D&C 20:53–55. Explain that home visits by priesthood holders have been part of the Church since the time of the Prophet Joseph Smith. As part of the correlation effort, these visits were reemphasized in the 1960s and called home teaching. Home teaching continues to be a vital responsibility of teachers, priests, and Melchizedek Priesthood holders.

• What are the purposes of home teaching? 
• What experiences have shown you the importance of home teaching?

Read D&C 84:109–10 and D&C 132:8.

• In what ways does Church correlation help us fulfill these words?
• What can we do individually and in our Church callings to apply the principles of Church correlation?
  

 

2. Revelation extending the blessings of the priesthood to every worthy male member of the Church

Explain that in June 1978, President Spencer W. Kimball announced a revelation that extended the blessings of the priesthood to every worthy male member of the Church. Review the account of this revelation from Our Heritage, pages 125–27.

• Read Official Declaration 2. How has this revelation been a blessing to the Church?
• What can we learn from the process President Kimball went through before receiving this revelation? (See Our Heritage, page 126.)

 

3. Publication of new Latter-day Saint editions of the scriptures

In 1979, after years of careful work under the direction of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, the Church published a Latter-day Saint edition of the Bible. This edition of the Bible has the same text as the King James Version, but it includes special study aids, such as the Topical Guide, the Bible Dictionary, and footnotes referring to passages in other books of scripture and to excerpts from Joseph Smith's translation of the Bible.

In 1981, the Church published a new edition of the triple combination (the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price in a single volume), with expanded footnotes and index entries.

• Read Ezekiel 37:15–19. Explain that "the stick of Judah" is the Bible and "the stick of Ephraim" is the Book of Mormon. How do the new editions of the scriptures help the Bible and Book of Mormon become "one in [your] hand"?
  
  Many footnotes in the Bible refer to scriptures in the Book of Mormon, and many footnotes in the Book of Mormon refer to scriptures in the Bible. Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve observed: "The stick or record of Judah—the Old Testament and the New Testament—and the stick or record of Ephraim—the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ—are now woven together in such a way that as you pore over one you are drawn to the other; as you learn from one you are enlightened by the other. They are indeed one in our hands" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1982, 75; or Ensign, Nov. 1982, 53).

Reflect upon the various study aids in the Latter-day Saint editions of the scriptures. Then reflect on the following questions:

• In what ways have you used the study aids in the scriptures? 
• How have these resources helped you in your scripture study? 
• In what ways do you think the Church has been blessed because of the Latter-day Saint editions of the scriptures?
  
  Soon after these scriptures were printed, Elder Boyd K. Packer prophesied: "With the passing of years, these scriptures will produce successive generations of faithful Christians who know the Lord Jesus Christ and are disposed to obey His will. … The revelations will be opened to them as to no other [generation] in the history of the world. Into their hands now are placed the sticks of Joseph and of Judah. They will develop a gospel scholarship beyond that which their forebears could achieve. They will have the testimony that Jesus is the Christ and be competent to proclaim Him and to defend Him" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1982, 75; or Ensign, Nov. 1982, 53).
  
  In the April 1995 general conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley made an observation that shows that Elder Packer's words are being fulfilled: "I look back to my own youth. Neither young men nor young women were doing much scripture reading at that time. What a marvelous change has been wrought. A new generation is arising who are familiar with the word of the Lord" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 117; or Ensign, May 1995, 87).

 

4. Additional Quorums of the Seventy

As the Church has grown, the Lord has revealed how general Church administration should change to meet the needs of members all over the world. These changes have been especially evident in the organization of additional Quorums of the Seventy.

• Read D&C 107:25, 34. What are the responsibilities of the Seventy?

For many years there were only seven General Authorities of the Church who served as Seventies. They made up the First Council of the Seventy. In 1975, others were called; they served in the First Quorum of the Seventy. Further expansion came in 1989, when a Second Quorum of the Seventy was added.

In April 1995, President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the calling of new local officers, called Area Authorities, who would serve for a period of about six years. (See Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 71–72; or Ensign, May 1995, 52.)

In 1997, President Hinckley announced that Area Authorities would be ordained Seventies and would form the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Quorums of the Seventy. Unlike Seventies who serve as General Authorities, Area Authority Seventies serve in the areas in which they live and continue in their present employment. (See Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 4–5; or Ensign, May 1997, 5–6.)

• Read D&C 107:93–97. How does creation of additional Quorums of the Seventy comply with the instructions in this revelation?
• How do you think the calling of Area Authority Seventies will help the Church as it grows?
  
  Concerning the creation of additional Quorums of the Seventy, President Hinckley said: "With these respective quorums in place, we have established a pattern under which the Church may grow to any size with an organization of Area Presidencies and Area Authority Seventies, chosen and working across the world according to need. Now, the Lord is watching over His kingdom. He is inspiring its leadership to care for its ever growing membership" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 5; or Ensign, May 1997, 6).

Lesson 41: “Every Member a Missionary”

Purpose

To inspire class members to participate in taking the gospel to all the world and to strengthen new converts.

Preparation

• Prayerfully study the following scriptures and other materials:
  • Doctrine and Covenants 1:4–5, 30; 65; 88:81;109:72–74.
• To gain a greater understanding of historical events related to the doctrine in this lesson, consider reviewing the following:
  • "Teachings of David O. McKay: Every Member a Missionary": This two-minute video introduces President McKay's slogan, "Every member a missionary." 
  • "Yoga Missionary": This excerpt describes one member's strategy for sharing the gospel in Communist-era Czechoslovakia.
• Read the following from Our Heritage:
  • Missionary work under the administration of President David O. McKay (pages 116–17).
  • President Spencer W. Kimball's address to the regional representatives of the Church (first two paragraphs on page 125).

Discussion and Application

1. The Church is coming forth out of obscurity.

This year's course of study has shown how the Church began as a small group of people who were little known. The Church has now grown to include members in almost every country of the world. This dramatic increase in membership and visibility would have been difficult to comprehend during the Church's early days of struggle, persecution, and poverty. But the Lord revealed the marvelous destiny of His Church through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Read the following scriptures and discuss what each teaches about the destiny of the Church.

1. D&C 1:30.
2. D&C 65:1–6. 
3. D&C 109:72–74.

The Prophet Joseph Smith declared, "No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done" (History of the Church, 4:540).

• In what ways is the Church coming out of obscurity throughout the world?

2. Latter-day prophets have challenged us to take the gospel to all the world.

One important way the Church moves forward throughout the world is through the missionary efforts of each member. Latter-day prophets have challenged us to make greater efforts to share the gospel as member missionaries and as full-time missionaries.

President David O. McKay became well known for his saying "Every member a missionary." Read Our Heritage, pages 116–17

Later, President Spencer W. Kimball called on Church members to lengthen their stride in missionary service. He asked Church members to pray that the doors of nations would be opened to the preaching of the gospel and to increase the number of prepared missionaries so we could enter those doors.

Read President Kimball's address to the regional representatives (Our Heritage, page 125, first two paragraphs). President Kimball's vision of how missionary work would move across the earth is now coming to pass.

President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that each of us has a responsibility to bring to pass this vision of the gospel filling the earth:

"Now, what of the future? What of the years that lie ahead? It looks promising indeed. People are beginning to see us for what we are and for the values we espouse. …

"If we will go forward, never losing sight of our goal, speaking ill of no one, living the great principles we know to be true, this cause will roll on in majesty and power to fill the earth. Doors now closed to the preaching of the gospel will be opened. The Almighty, if necessary, may have to shake the nations to humble them and cause them to listen to the servants of the living God. Whatever is needed will come to pass.

"The key to the great challenges facing us and to the success of the work will be the faith of all who call themselves Latter-day Saints" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 92; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 68).

• How are these prophecies of the gospel filling the earth being fulfilled?

3. "Every member a missionary."

• Read D&C 1:4–5 and D&C 88:81. What do these passages teach about our responsibility to share the gospel?
• What can each of us do to assist in missionary work? 

Prepare to serve full-time missions

• How can we prepare ourselves to serve full-time missions? Why is it important that we prepare ourselves before we are called?
  
  President Spencer W. Kimball said: "When I ask for more missionaries, I am not asking for more testimony-barren or unworthy missionaries. I am asking that we start earlier and train our missionaries better in every branch and every ward in the world. … Young people [should] understand that it is a great privilege to go on a mission and that they must be physically well, mentally well, spiritually well, and that 'the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance' [D&C 1:31]" ("When the World Will Be Converted," Ensign, Oct. 1974, 7).
  • How can parents and other adults help young people prepare to be full-time missionaries?
    
• What challenges do youth face as they prepare to serve full-time missions? How can they overcome these challenges? What challenges do older members face as they prepare to serve full-time missions? How can they overcome these challenges?

Serve full-time missions

• Who should serve full-time missions?
  
  Elder David B. Haight of the Quorum of the Twelve counseled: "The goal of every physically able couple in the Church, just as it is for every nineteen-year-old young man in the Church, should be to serve a mission. No finer example can be given, no finer testimony can be borne by parents to children or grandchildren, than through missionary service in their mature years" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1987, 73; or Ensign, May 1987, 61).

Support full-time missionaries

• How can we support missionaries who are now serving?
  
  President Gordon B. Hinckley said: "My brethren and sisters, we can let the missionaries try to do it alone, or we can help them. If they do it alone, they will knock on doors day after day and the harvest will be meager. Or as members we can assist them in finding and teaching investigators" ("Find the Lambs, Feed the Sheep," Ensign, May 1999, 107).

Share the gospel throughout our lives

• Why is it important for us to share the gospel with others throughout our lives? What experiences have you had in sharing the gospel with others?
• Why are we sometimes afraid to share the gospel? How can we overcome these fears?
• Were any of you influenced to join the Church because of the example and friendshipping of a Church member? How did the actions of this Church member affect you?
• What are some ways we can share the gospel with others as part of our daily lives?

President Spencer W. Kimball said: "It seems to me that the Lord chose his words when he said [that the gospel must go to] 'every nation,' 'every land,' 'uttermost bounds of the earth,' 'every tongue,' 'every people,' 'every soul,' 'all the world,' 'many lands.' Surely there is significance in these words! … I wonder if we are doing all we can. Are we complacent in our approach to teaching all the world? … Are we prepared to lengthen our stride? To enlarge our vision?" (Ensign, Oct. 1974, 5).

• In what ways can each of us lengthen our stride as we seek to share the gospel in our daily lives?

President Kimball also said: "Our great need, and our great calling, is to bring to the people of this world the candle of understanding to light their way out of obscurity and darkness and into the joy, peace, and truths of the gospel. I believe we must not weary in our well-doing. I believe it is time again to ask ourselves the question, what can I do to help take the gospel to others and to the inhabitants of the world?" ("Are We Doing All We Can?" Ensign, Feb. 1983, 5).

President Hinckley requested that each priesthood leader accept the responsibility and set the example for finding and friendshipping investigators. He asked that this subject be discussed occasionally in sacrament meetings. He also asked that priesthood, Relief Society, Young Women, Primary, ward council, and stake council meetings be used to plan how to find and friendship investigators. (Ensign, May 1999, 107.)

4. Nurturing new converts is our continuing responsibility.

"Any investigator worthy of baptism becomes a convert worthy of saving" (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 1999, 109). Each year, hundreds of thousands of converts are brought into the Church. These new members need to be nurtured and strengthened by all of us.

• Why is it sometimes difficult for new converts to stay active in the Church?
  
  President Gordon B. Hinckley said: "It is not an easy thing to become a member of this Church. In most cases it involves setting aside old habits, leaving old friends and associations, and stepping into a new society which is different and somewhat demanding" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 66; or Ensign, May 1997, 47).
  
• What can new converts do to strengthen themselves? What can other members do to strengthen new converts? How have you seen members do this effectively?
  
• President Hinckley taught that "every convert needs three things:
  • "1. A friend in the Church to whom he can constantly turn, who will walk beside him, who will answer his questions, who will understand his problems.
  • "2. An assignment. Activity is the genius of this Church. It is the process by which we grow. Faith and love for the Lord are like the muscle of my arm. If I use them, they grow stronger. If I put them in a sling, they become weaker. Every convert deserves a responsibility. …
  • "3. Every convert must be 'nourished by the good word of God' (Moro. 6:4). It is imperative that he or she become affiliated with a priesthood quorum or the Relief Society, the Young Women, the Young Men, the Sunday School, or the Primary. He or she must be encouraged to come to sacrament meeting" (Ensign,May 1999, 108).