Sunday Lesson: Nov 23rd

Our Sunday lesson was given by Jacquelyn Brady on the recent conference talk, Stay in the Boat and Hold On!, by Elder M. Russell Ballard. Elder Ballard relates an experience of a friend who went river rafting. The were to go through miles of white-water rapids that are very dangerous. As they were preparing for their journey, their guide reviewed 3 importants rules to ensure their safety: "Rule number one: stay in the boat! Rule number two: always wear a life jacket! Rule number three: always hold on with both hands!" He then said again, with even more emphasis, "Above all, remember rule number one: stay in the boat!"

President Brigham Young often refered to the gospel and 'The Old Ship Zion'. Presidnet Young said, "We are on the old ship Zion...{God} is at the helm and will stay there...He dictates, guides and directs. If the people will have implicit confidence in their God, never forsake their covenants nor their god, He will guide us right."

So how do we stay on the Old Ship Zion? Elder Ballard says this, "Here is how. We need to experience a continuing conversion by increasing our faith in Jesus Christ and our faithfulness to His gospel throughout our lives - not just once but regularly....The experienced river guides today can be likened to the Church's apostles and prophet and inspired local priesthood and auxiliary leaders. They help us arrive safely to our final destination."

We also cannot forget about rules two and three: always wear a life jacket, and hold on with both hands. "The words of the Lord are found in the scriptures and the teachings of the apostles and prophets. They provide us counsel and direction that, when followed, will act like a spiritual life jacket and will help us know how to hold on with both hands." Elder Ballard urges us to focus on studying, living, and loving the doctrine of Christ. He says, "we need to stay focused on these simple things, and avoid becoming distracted."

"President Brigham Young said that he worried about people losing their way when they were being blessed - when life was good: 'It is in calm weather, when the old ship of Zion is sailing with a gentle breeze, when all is quiet on deck, that some of the brethren want to go out in the whaling boats to have...a swim, and some get drowned, others drifted away, and others yet again get back to the ship. Let us stick to the old ship and she will carry us {safely} into the harbor; you need not be concerned'."

If we keep our focus on the Lord, we are promised a blessing beyond comparison. In 2 Nephi 31;20 it says, "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

Elder Ballard pleads with us, "Brothers and sisters, stay in the boat, use your life jackets, and hold on with both hands. Avoid distractions! And if any one of you have fallen out of the boat, we will seek you, find you, minister to you, and pull you safely back onto the Old Ship Zion, where God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are at the help and will guide us right."