This week's FHE lesson topic comes from the Come, Follow Me reading in 1 Corinthians 8-13. Check out this week's Come, Follow Me study ideas on LDS Living for additional resources and suggestions.
Thought
“Brothers and sisters, God has important work for each of us. Speaking to sisters but teaching truths that apply to all, President Spencer W. Kimball taught: “Before we came [to earth, we] were given certain assignments. … While we do not now remember the particulars, this does not alter the glorious reality of what we once agreed to.” What an ennobling truth! Our Heavenly Father has specific and significant things for you and me to accomplish (see Ephesians 2:10).
These divine assignments are not reserved for a privileged few but are for all of us—regardless of gender, age, race, nationality, income level, social status, or Church calling. Every one of us has a meaningful role to play in furthering God’s work (see Moses 1:39).”
(John C. Pingree“I Have a Work for Thee” Ensign or Liahona, November 2017)
Scripture
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal” (1 Corinthians 12:7).
Lesson
Display a prepared cake and a cake mix. Compare the cake mix to the gifts of the Spirit. Have a family member taste a bit of the cake mix and then a bit of the prepared cake. Ask them to explain which one tastes better and why. Explain that the cake mix cannot be enjoyed until it is mixed with other ingredients, baked, and served. Similarly, we must put forth effort to develop and use our individual gifts in order to bless the lives of others. Just as there are specific steps to bake a cake, there are also specific things we must do to expand our gifts and talents. Ask the family for examples of specific steps you could take. (Examples could include prayer, practice, and seeking opportunities to use the gifts.)
Serve the prepared cake and discuss the importance of dedicating our efforts to magnify our gifts and share them with others. Before giving a family member their piece of cake, have the other family members name one spiritual gift that person has. Emphasize that the gifts of the Spirit are given for the purpose of blessing Heavenly Father’s children.
(Adapted from: Jennifer Jackson and Beth Lefgren, Objects Lessons Made Easy: Memorable Ideas for Gospel Teaching, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006])
Story
Read these examples from Elder John C. Pingree’s general conference talk and consider how the Lord can use your spiritual gifts to bless others:
One young man produced illustrations to promote religious values. My favorite is a portrait of the Savior, a copy of which hangs in our home. This brother developed and used his artistic gifts. Working through him, Heavenly Father has inspired others to improve their discipleship. Sometimes we feel that we don’t have any particularly important gifts. One day, a discouraged sister pleaded, “Lord, what is my personal ministry?” He answered, “Notice others.” It was a spiritual gift! Since then, she has found joy in noticing those who are regularly forgotten, and God has worked through her to bless many. While some spiritual gifts may not be prominent by the world’s standards, they are essential to God and His work.
(John C. Pingree “I Have a Work for Thee” Ensign or Liahona, November 2017)
