Obtaining the word

When I had a calling that required me to teach lessons on church, I was a little nervous for my first class.

I mean, I’m a teacher by profession, but something about sitting in a small room with a small group of youth for almost an hour seemed intimidating to me.

I looked online and found the best resources. I printed things out. I found good discussion questions.

I used all my knowledge of how to engage and educate.

And the lesson went well! I don’t remember the topic I taught about, but I totally remember that it was great! I was spiritually uplifted, the youth seemed engaged, and everything went smoothly.

The next week that I had to teach, I saw that my topic was “scripture study”, and I got so excited!

THIS was a topic I was passionate about.

I had prayed and studied for a long time about how to improve my scripture study.

I felt like I had so much life experience to share, and real, practical advice.

I wanted to search online for resources again, but I decided this time to just create something from what I knew.

I wrote down a basic outline, and my mind kept running.

When I taught that lesson, it was mostly just me talking. I shared stories and experiences and I asked questions to the youth.

And it was POWERFUL.

Not just a “good lesson” – it was transformative. I had sincere gratitude shown by many of the class members at the end of the lesson. And I still remember it to this day.

Do you wanna know one of the reasons I started Come Follow Me Study over 2 years ago?

Because when I searched for “Come, Follow Me” resources, I only found ways to teach your kids about the lessons, or how to teach a church lesson on the topic.

And I have gained such a strong testimony that we have to learn for ourselves first.

In fact, I think that’s the best way to teach – to share what we have learned from the heart. From real life experiences. From real struggles and testimonies and tests.

Authenticity.

This is not a knock at lesson-helps – I actually have tried and currently use many that I love. They totally have their place, and I am so grateful for those who use their talents in that area.

But… are we TOO concerned about how to teach a topic? How to give a good talk? How to keep our class engaged?

Or is our focus on how WE can gain a better understanding of a concept?

And I think that’s the point the Lord wanted to share with Hyrum Smith in Section 11.

The Lord knew Hyrum wanted to get out there and preach the word as a missionary.

But Hyrum needed to obtain it first. He needed to learn of the doctrine and keep the commandments all by himself before he could go out converting others.

Obtaining first is better than declaring first.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black