Get all six of these lessons in this series here.
Or, for an additional resource, use this Family Home Evening Outline for Developing Christlike Attributesfrom Elder Lynn G. Robbins.
Challenge: Set aside a specific amount of time every day this week to study your scriptures. Find a way to share something from your studies with a less-active or non-member friend.
Songs: “As I Search the Holy Scriptures” (Hymns, no. 277), “I Will Be Valiant” (CS, no. 162)
Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:5, D&C 4:6
Lesson: Read both scriptures. Why are these three values important in member missionary work?
Virtue: (Psalms 24: 3-4) Virtue “is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards.” (pg 118). How can having virtuous thoughts help you be a better member missionary? The mind is often compared to a stage, where only one thought at a time can be present. By filling your mind’s stage with wholesome thoughts, “you can successfully resist persistent urges to yield to temptation and indulge in sin” (pg 119). As you keep your thoughts virtuous, you will be able to listen to the Spirit’s promptings and will be a better example to those around you.
Knowledge: The Lord said, “It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance” (D&C 131:6). We need to seek knowledge and learn as much as we can. Not only do we need to gain a temporal education, but we need to focus time on our spiritual education. Take advantage of seminary and institute programs near the schools you attend. President Monson has said:
“If you are a single college student, I ask you to make participation in institute a priority. Married students and other young adults are also welcome and encouraged to attend. Think of it. Friends will be made, the Spirit will be felt, and faith will be strengthened. I promise you that as you participate in institute and study the scriptures diligently, your power to avoid temptation and to receive direction of the Holy Ghost in all you do will be increased. Divine favor will attend those who humbly seek it. That is a promise which I leave with you.” President Thomas S. Monson (April 21, 2009)
Seminary or institute is a wonderful way to be a member missionary by inviting a member friend that has not gone before or a friend that is not a member of the Church. We need to be diligent in our education as well. Good study habits will help you learn more and remember more as you leave on a mission or even as you come home and try to retain what you have learned.
Diligence: (D&C 75: 3-5) President Eyring reminds us of the Savior’s example of diligence: “His labors in mortality were finished, but He entered the spirit world determined to continue His glorious work to save souls. He organized the work of the faithful spirits to rescue those who could still be made partakers of the mercy made possible by His atoning sacrifice.” As we diligently choose to keep our thoughts virtuous and to learn as much as we can, our capacity to serve and reach out to others will increase.
Activity: Fill out the sections on Knowledge, Virtue, and Diligence in the “Attribute Activity” on page 126 of Preach My Gospel. Which items can you work on? Give family members the challenge listed at the beginning of the lesson.
Additional Resources:
Preach My Gospel Chapter 6: How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes?
Mormon Messages: A True Friend
April 2010 General Conference: Henry B. Eyring, “Act in All Diligence”
