Teaching: No Greater Call
Part A: Your Call To Teach
Chapter 7: Developing A Personal Plan For Studying The Gospel
Elder M. Russell Ballard said: "It is incumbent upon each of us to do everything we can to increase our spiritual knowledge and understanding by studying the scriptures and the words of the living prophets. When we read and study the revelations, the Spirit can confirm in our hearts the truth of what we are learning; in this way, the voice of the Lord speaks to each one of us" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1998, 40-41; or Ensign, May 1998, 32).
You should also consider including the following in your gospel study:
(1) the course material for Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society,
(2) assigned scripture passages for the Gospel Doctrine class in Sunday School, and (3) articles in Church magazines.
Consider using some or all of the following ideas to enhance your
study:
• Use the helps provided in the Latter-day Saint editions of the scriptures, such as the Topical Guide, the Bible Dictionary, the excerpts from the Joseph Smith Translation, and the maps (see "Teaching from the Scriptures," pages 54-59, for suggestions).
• As you read, ask yourself, "What gospel principle is taught in this passage? How can I apply this in my life?"
• Have a notebook or journal available so you can record your thoughts and feelings. Commit yourself in writing to apply what you learn. Frequently review the thoughts you have recorded.
• Before reading a chapter of scripture, review the chapter heading. This will give you some things to look for in the chapter.
• Mark and annotate your scriptures. In the margins write scripture references that clarify the passages you are studying.
• Memorize verses that are particularly meaningful to you.
• Substitute your name in a verse of scripture to personalize it.
• After studying, offer a prayer to express thanks for what you have learned.
• Share what you learn. As you do this, your thoughts will become clearer and your power of retention will increase.
Chapter 8: Living What You Teach
Personal example is one of the most powerful teaching tools we have. When we are truly converted, all our thoughts and motivations are guided by gospel principles. We testify of the truth through everything we do.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught that testimony includes righteous actions:
| "To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to
believe in Christ and his gospel with unshakable
conviction. It is to know of the verity and divinity of
the Lord's work on earth. "But this is not all. It is more than believing and knowing. We must be doers of the word and not hearers only. It is more than lip service; it is not simply confessing with the mouth the divine Sonship of the Savior. It is obedience and conformity and personal righteousness" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1974, 45-46; or Ensign, Nov. 1974, 35). |
As you set an example by living what you teach:
• Your words will become vibrant with the Spirit, carrying your testimony into the hearts of those you teach (see 2 Nephi 33:1). President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote, "No man or woman can teach by the Spirit what he or she does not practice" (Church History and Modern Revelation, 2 vols. [1953], 1:184).
• You will help others see that the words of Christ can be followed in everyday living.
• The peace and happiness you feel from living the gospel will be evident. It will show in your countenance, in your words, and in the power of your testimony.
• Those you teach will trust you and will more readily believe what you teach.
• Your own testimony will grow. "If any man will do [my Father's] will," taught the Savior, "he shall know of the doctrine" (John 7:17). You may feel that you lack understanding of a certain principle that you are preparing to teach. However, as you prayerfully study it, strive to live it, prepare to teach it, and then share it with others, your own testimony will be strengthened and deepened.
"Your commitment to teach the precious children of our Father in Heaven is not alone the long hours you spend in preparation for each class, nor the many hours of fasting and prayer that you may become a more effective teacher. It is the commitment to a life every hour of which is purposefully lived in compliance with the teachings and example of the Savior and of his servants. It is a commitment to constant striving to be evermore spiritual, evermore devoted, evermore deserving to be the conduit through which the Spirit of the Lord may touch the hearts of those you are trusted to bring to a greater understanding of his teachings" ("Four Fundamentals for Those Who Teach and Inspire Youth," in Old Testament Symposium Speeches, 1987, 1).