Lesson for November 15, 2015

Lesson for November 15, 2015 Today the lesson was given by Kristine Hansen about Teachings for Our Times on the talks “Keep the Commandments” by President Monson and Commandments by Sister Carol Stephens. We are going to discuss the theme of the talks. Sister Stephens told the story of taking care of her granddaughter who wouldn’t stay in the car seat. Sister Stephens had to think of a way to convince her to stay in the car seat. Had to explain the consequences of not wearing a seat belt and said she wanted her to be safe. The little girl said she understood that her grandmother told her to wear the seatbelt because she loved her and she stayed in her seat. God’s commandments show his love for us and our obedience shows our love for Him. We did something very basic and listed commandments, such as “Thou shalt not” and “Thou shalt”: Not kill; shalt love thy God with all thy might, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself; honor your mother and your father; keep the Sabbath; read the scriptures on a daily basis; have only one God/no other gods before God; not commit adultery or anything like it; thou shalt not steal or covet, thou shalt multiply and replenish the earth, keep the commandments, keep the Word of Wisdom, not use alcohol, tobacco, or other harmful substances, rear our children in righteousness; not take the Lord’s name in vain; pray for and forgive our enemies; pay tithing; go to the temple; consecrate time and means; not lie or bear false witness; not view degrading media; go to bed early. God makes these commandments so we can be better and be filled with light. D&C 88:27-29 say that those with celestial spirits will be raised to celestial glory. The kind of glory we desire depends a lot on the type of spirit we have developed. We can get better and develop good traits. Some people feel like they are restricted with all the commandments. To Kristine, she feels like she is freed from addictions, sin, and all the bad things that come with not keeping the commandments. Cristell Boyadjian said who you need to be is pure and clean. It is not the commandments that are important, it is who you need become. It is not about the Church it is about your happiness and who you want to become. Who we are includes what we believe and do and the circumstances we are in because of our choices. God understands that when we keep the commandments our lives will be happier and our decisions to accept or reject the commandments determine that happiness. When talking to others we should not say “Don’t do this or that,” we should say “You can do this or that.” We cannot be victims, but we must take responsibility for our choices and our reactions to our circumstances. Sister Stephens said we can trust Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and the prophet. We are surrounded by all kinds of loud voices, but we need to turn their volume down and listen for that still, small voice that testifies of truth and the comforting voice that will lead us to happiness. Sometimes the Lord will give just you a commandment. You need to have the Spirit with you so you can receive the inspiration that comes. President Monson said that great courage will be needed to keep the commandments. The commandments were God-given, so we cannot change them. If they were made by men, we could change them. We can repent and we can be better. We can start now, ask for forgiveness, and work to become better. Think of a commandment we need to keep better and we will be blessed with safety and peace.