This week's FHE lesson topic comes from the Come, Follow Me reading of Ephesians. Check out this week's Come, Follow Me study ideas on LDS Livingfor additional resources and suggestions.
Thought
"A testimony provides proper perspective, motivation, and a solid foundation on which to build a life of purpose and personal growth. It is a constant source of confidence, a true and faithful companion during good times and bad. A testimony provides us with a reason for hope and gladness. It helps us cultivate a spirit of optimism and happiness and enables us to rejoice in the beauties of nature. A testimony motivates us to choose the right at all times and in all circumstances. It motivates us to draw nearer to God, allowing Him to draw nearer to us."
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf “The Power of a Personal Testimony” Ensign or Liahona, November 2006)
Scripture
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).
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Story
Read this story from Elder Renlund to help you better understand the power of a testimony.
"When I was a bishop, I sometimes took our four-year-old daughter, Ashley, along when I visited members in the ward. One day, I took Ashley with me to visit some less-active members of the ward. I knew that no one would be able to turn away this adorable little girl at my side. We arrived at one home and knocked on the door. As soon as I knocked, I remembered that this was the home of a man who had once angrily thrown one of my counselors off the front porch. The man opened the door, and he was so big that he filled the entire door frame. I felt afraid, but I explained that I was the new bishop and was simply visiting ward members. The man stood there glaring at me. Then Ashley blurted out, “Well, can we come in or what?” I was surprised when the man said, “I guess so. Come in.” When we were seated inside, the man told me he did not believe the Church was true, nor did he believe in Jesus Christ. He kept talking angrily while Ashley sat quietly playing with a toy. Finally she got off her chair, cupped her hand to my ear, and whispered loudly, “Daddy, tell him the truth.” So I did. I bore my testimony because of the courage of a four-year-old girl. The man’s attitude softened, and the Spirit came into his home. Children, be strong and courageous. Your faith and testimony will be a blessing to you and your family."
(From an interview with Elder Dale G. Renlund by Megan Withers Roxas "Tell Him the Truth Daddy" April 2011 Friend)
Lesson
The objective of this lesson is to illustrate that our testimony protects us. You will need a small piece of bark from a tree.
Display the bark. Briefly discuss the purpose of the bark on a tree. Point out that it protects the tree. If a tree loses too much bark, it can die from insects, exposure, and the loss of sap.
Explain that we have a similar protection in our spiritual lives. It is our testimony. A strong testimony can sustain us in times of turmoil. It can also keep us from giving in to temptations and doubt. Without a testimony we are more susceptible to the dangers of the world.
(Adapted from: Jennifer Jackson and Beth Lefgren, Objects Lessons Made Easy: Memorable Ideas for Gospel Teaching, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006])
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