Relief Society Lesson: "There and Back Again" A Disciple's Adventure

If we weren't currently practicing social distancing, I would be teaching Relief Society this Sunday, March 22. The talk I would have taught from is "Your Great Adventure" by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, and I decided to write a regular blog post on his talk. I invite anyone who wants to - brother or sister, ward member or not - to answer any of the questions or share any related thoughts in the comments, so that we can still participate in spiritual discussion even though we cannot meet together in person.

Elder Uchtdorf begins his talk by using the story of The Hobbit as a parallel for a our decision to leave Heaven and come to earth. He said:

"Long, ago, even before we were born, in an age dimmed by time and clouded from memory, we too were invited to embark on an adventure. It was proposed by God, our Heavenly Father. Accepting this adventure would mean leaving the comfort and security of His immediate presence. It would mean coming to earth for a journey filled with unknown danger and trial."

 Elder Uchtdorf then reminded us of what we knew before we agreed to Heavenly Father's plan:

• It would not be easy.
• We would gain a physical body.
• We would feel joy and sorrow.
• We would learn truth.
• We would make mistakes.
• The sacrifice of Jesus Christ - which would us to be cleansed from our transgressions and one day be resurrected - was already planned and promised to us.
• God loves us.

Elder Uchtdorf said that there must have been some things we knew that scared us since many of our spirit brothers and sisters chose not to come to earth and receive a body. Those of us who are here obviously chose to come, we accepted this adventure. Based on the above bullet points, what do you think made this adventure appealing to our spirits? What makes it appealing to you right now?

Sometimes we get distracted and prefer a comfortable natural-man type of life over the growth and progress that living the gospel brings us. I would like to take a small tangent to remind us of the 3 Ds of the adversary from a previous lesson: deception, distraction, discouragement. The four ways to over come those are: love God, pray, read the book of Mormon, take the Sacrament. When the adversary tries to pull us from the path, we can use the truths of the restored gospel to get us back on. Elder Uchtdorf said:

"The restored gospel is, in a sense, a renewal of the call to adventure we accepted so long ago. The Savior invites us, each day, to set aside our comforts and securities and join Him on the journey of discipleship."

We can succeed in this adventure by doing three things:

1. Incline your heart to God
2. Reach out in love to others
3. Share your story 

Incline Your Heart to God

"You need to choose to incline your heart to God. Strive each day to find Him. Learn to love Him. And then let that love inspire you to learn, understand, and follow His teachings and learn to keep God's commandments."

"If you hesitate in this adventure because you doubt your ability, remember that discipleship is not about doing things perfectly; its about doing things intentionally. It is your choices that show what you truly are, far more than your abilities."

"All God asks is that you consciously keep striving."

What have your experiences been with trying for intentional discipleship? How has intentional discipleship helped you grow closer to God?



Reach Out in Love to Others

"The only way for you to progress in your gospel adventure is to help others progress as well. To help others is the path of discipleship."

"But this love cannot come with expectations of repayment. It cannot be the kind of service that expects recognition, adulation, or favor."

I personally see a connection between needing to help and serve others in order for progression and living as families; along with the teachings found in both the scriptures and preached over the pulpit to be one and be united. Also, the mindset that we don't expect anything in return for service is important so that we are serving for the right reasons. How can this mindset help us in how we serve and how we view service?


Share Your Story

"Take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and not be ashamed of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. We do not hide our faith. We do not bury it...we talk about our journey with others in normal and natural ways...You tell your stories and experiences as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

Elder Uchtdorf references Matthew 28:16-20, in which Jesus is speaking with his disciples for the last time, and this is what he tells them:

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:19-20)

 We are to testify of Christ, and share our experiences. What experiences have you had inviting someone to an activity or sharing your testimony? Or, have you been the one invited? What happened?

Elder Uchtdorf encouraged us not to wait for the "perfect moment," but to start being a disciple right away. His invitation is for everyone:

"To those of us already walking that path, take courage, exercise compassion, have confidence, and continue! 

To those who have left the path, please come back, join again with us, make us stronger.

And to those who have not yet begun, why delay?...Speak with the missionaries. Speak with your Latter-day Saint friends."

Elder Uchrdof ends with four promises of what we will discover if we accept the adventure of discipleship:

1. You will discover yourself.
2. You will discover meaning.
3. You will discover God.
4. You will discover the most adventurous and glorious journey of your life.

For personal reflection: When it comes to discipleship, what am I doing well? Where can I improve?

Once again, I invite you to answer the questions and/or share your thoughts in the comments.