This week's FHE lesson topic comes from the Come, Follow Me reading in Matthew 6-7. Check out this week's Come, Follow Me study ideas on LDS Living for additional resources and suggestions.
Thought
“Our Heavenly Father sees our real potential. He knows things about us that we do not know ourselves. He prompts us during our lifetime to fulfill the measure of our creation, to live a good life, and to return to His presence. Why, then, do we devote so much of our time and energy to things that are so fleeting, so inconsequential, and so superficial? Do we refuse to see the folly in the pursuit of the trivial and transient? Would it not be wiser for us to “lay up for [ourselves] treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal”? How do we do this? By following the example of the Savior, by incorporating His teachings in our daily lives, by truly loving God and our fellowman.”
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Of Regrets and Resolutions,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012)
Scripture
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Song
“Dare to Do Right,” Children’s Songbook, no. 158
Lesson
Place a set of scriptures in a gift bag (or tie a bow around them) and hide them in a room. Tell your family you have a “hidden treasure” and ask them to find it. Ask the person who finds the “treasure” to read Mathew 6:19–21. Then ask:
According to Matthew 6:19–21, what are the two kinds of treasure the Savior speaks about? In which of these categories does scripture study belong? Why? What are some other examples of heavenly treasures? What are some examples of “treasures upon earth?” Why is it dangerous to mainly focus our efforts on gaining earthly treasures?
Read Matthew 6:22–23 and consider sharing some experiences where you have gained more “light” by having your eye single to heavenly treasures rather than to earthly treasures.
(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The New Testament, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006])
Story
Read this story from Elder Michael John U. Teh:
Last January my sweetheart, Grace, and I received an assignment to visit the members in the Philippines who were devastated by a major earthquake and a super typhoon. We rejoiced because the assignment was an answer to our prayers and a testament to the mercy and goodness of a loving Father in Heaven. It provided some closure to our longing to personally express to them our love and concern. Most of the members we met were still living in temporary shelters like tents, community centers, and Church meetinghouses. The homes we visited had either partial roofing or no roofing at all. The people did not have much to begin with, and what little they had was swept away. There was mud and debris everywhere. However, they were full of gratitude for the little help they received and were in good spirits despite their very difficult circumstances. When we asked them how they were coping, everyone responded with a resounding, “We’re OK.” Obviously, their faith in Jesus Christ gave them hope that everything would work out eventually. Home after home, tent after tent, Sister Teh and I were being taught by these faithful Saints. In times of calamity or tragedy, the Lord has a way of refocusing us and our priorities. All of a sudden, all the material things we worked so hard to acquire do not matter. All that matters is our family and our relationships with others. One good sister put it this way: “After the water receded and it was time to begin cleaning up, I looked around my home and thought, ‘Wow, I have accumulated a lot of garbage these many years.’” I suspect that this sister has gained a better perspective and henceforth will be very cautious in deciding which things are necessary and which ones she really can live without.”
(Michael John U. Teh, “Where Your Treasure Is,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014)
Lead image from Shutterstock
