Lesson for November 20, 2016

Lesson for November 20, 2016 Our lesson today was given by Camille Maynard about “Teaching the Gospel.” Teaching is really about changing the hearts of people. Camille said she usually doesn’t post on social media about political or other things that people feel strongly about, but teaching the gospel is different because we have the testifying influence of the Spirit that can change people’s hearts. In this lesson it seems to be for teachers who teach the youth, but Camille wants us to apply it to ourselves. If you work with children and youth, think about what areas of your life you have influence with these people. Also, when have you been the learner and been influenced by others? Joyce Garner read from the manual about President Hunter. He was one of the last speakers in a conference session. He didn’t have enough time, so he told about when he was a young boy and he was able to see a big bird and a little bird. The big bird thumped its feet on the lawn and pulled out a big worm. Then the big bird got a bug from a tree. The big bird swallowed the bug and flew away to the squawks of the little bird. After a while the little bird tried what the big bird had done. That is what we must do to influence others. We can’t do the learning for them, but we can model things for them. Claudia Laycock said her mother had her children learn how to clean, but a neighbor kicked the kids out and cleaned herself. Claudia’s mother was teaching her children. So now, Claudia knows how to clean. Kristine Hansen remembers hearing President Hunter give this story and it has stuck with her because it is a great way to make a point like the Savior would. Kristine remembers President Hunter changed his speech in stake conference to meet a question by someone. President Hunter said he can visualize the choice spirits of the earth and wonders what the fruit will be from our teaching these choice spirits. Outside of church there are choice spirits and we must gain their confidence and gain their hearts so we can lead them to change and enjoy the gospel. A key point is the difference between changing a mind and changing a heart. The best way to influence someone’s heart is to get into their heart and then you can share what is meaningful to them. So, we need to find what is meaningful to them. There is a more loving way to do things without continually correcting people. President Hunter said how thoughtful, tender, and unselfish is the love our Savior demonstrates. There are ways to be more effective. We can help others feel more confidence in the scriptures. Use the scriptures in your teaching and help our young people have confidence in the truths of the scriptures, that God is interested in them, that you trust in the scriptures to hold the answers to most of life’s problems and be familiar with them so they have confidence in their knowledge. Certain scriptures have helped our sisters, such as seek and ye shall find. We can find comfort in the scriptures. Teach with the Spirit. We can find our own confidence by searching the scriptures and like the big bird, we can show others how. We are not always going to be there for people so they need to know how to learn things from the scriptures themselves. If we are not living righteously, if we are not living with the Spirit, we cannot teach. We need the Spirit in order to teach. Joseph Smith said that we should teach the gospel with the Spirit of the Holy Ghost. If we teach with honest and pure conviction. When strong emotion or free flowing tears is not always associated with the Spirit. Such sacred moments may or may not be accompanied by tears. It may be joy or silence. Let it come naturally and honestly so our students can tell when they are feeling the spirit. Always pray so you will have the spirit to teach. Have the students pray that they will have the Spirit and they may get a totally different message, but one they need. The Holy Ghost does the teaching. Sometimes we are only the facilitators. Encourage others seek to find God themselves. They need their own relationship with the Lord. Your students need to have an alliance to the Lord, not a teacher. We will not always be available to these students, so they need their own foundation in Christ and the gospel. When we do this, the Church will be strengthened for generations. We can show that we value our students’ insights. There is a power that comes from showing our own initiative and valuing our students’ initiatives. Like the big bird, it showed the little bird and then took off. We need to let them do it themselves, even if they fail. They will learn how to do it better with experience. Strive to reach individuals—which is a big focus of the Church with so many things, such as ordinances. The Savior did the same with the Nephites as he let each one come to him so they could have their own personal witness. Teaching by example—an example carries such a powerful influence. Being an instrument in the Lord’s hands to help change hearts. President Hunter said that when a teacher performs how the Lord would have them, there is a transformation of the human soul because someone has taught the principles of truth.