This week's FHE lesson topic comes from the Come, Follow Me reading in Matthew 5 and Luke 6. Check out this week's Come, Follow Mestudy ideas on LDS Living for additional resources and suggestions.
Thought
"My brothers and sisters, our opportunities to shine surround us each day, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light in the lives of others, whether they be our own family members and friends, our co-workers, mere acquaintances, or total strangers. To each of you, I say that you are a son or daughter of our Heavenly Father. You have come from His presence to live on this earth for a season, to reflect the Savior’s love and teachings, and to bravely let your light shine for all to see. When that season on earth has ended, if you have done your part, yours will be the glorious blessing of returning to live with Him forever.”
(Thomas S. Monson, “Be an Example and a Light,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015)
Scripture
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Song
“Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam,” Children’s Songbook, no. 60
Lesson
If possible, slightly darken the room. Turn on a flashlight and place it upright in a central location. Briefly explain to the group that by using the mirror you can reflect the beam of light to each individual in the room. Give a quick demonstration or have a class member help direct the beam with a mirror to touch each member of the class. Explain that it may take time, thought, and effort to get around obstacles and figure which angle to use, but everyone can be reached with the light.
Liken this to missionary work. With Christ as our light source, we act as the mirror which reflects the love and truth he offers. We can reflect this to our Heavenly Father’s children. There may be some who appear unapproachable and impossible to reach. Yet they too can receive the gospel light. It may take time and effort as we search for ways to reach them, but with diligence and faith we can be successful.
(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Object Lessons Made Easy: Memorable Ideas for Gospel Teaching, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010])
Story
Read this excerpt from President Monson’s talk:
To illustrate that the light which comes from a pure and loving spirit is recognized by others, I share with you an experience of many years ago.
At that time, leaders of the Church met with officials in Jerusalem to work out a lease agreement for land on which the Church’s Jerusalem Center would be built. In order to obtain the permissions needed, the Church had to agree that no proselyting would be undertaken by our members who would occupy the center. After that agreement had been made, one of the Israeli officials, who was well acquainted with the Church and its members, remarked that he knew the Church would honor the no-proselyting agreement. “But,” he said, referring to the students who would attend there, “what are we going to do about the light that is in their eyes?” May that special light ever shine within us, that it might be recognized and appreciated by others.”
(Thomas S. Monson, “Be an Example and a Light,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015)