Sunday Lesson, Jan 15th

An Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the World

President Hinckley taught that the Restoration of the Gospel though Joseph Smith began the fulfilling of the prophesy in Daniel chapter 2 that describes the stone cut out of the mountain without hands that fills the whole earth. In 1830, the Church was organized with only six members and now it flourishes throughout the earth. President Hinckley prophesied, “This is only the beginning. This work will continue to grow and prosper and move across the earth.” We each have a part to play in the building of the kingdom of God on the earth. Though we may seem small and insignificant, each of us are part of the bigger picture; the fulfilling of Daniel’s prophesy.

One way we can be a light to the world is by standing up for what is right and to be strong, especially when the world’s standards are increasingly permissive. President Hinckley mentions sexual permissiveness, increasing abuse of drugs and alcohol, and the disregard for the Sabbath day. We discussed things we can do to be an ensign and light to the world in regard to these things. We discussed that teaching and exemplifying starts in the home. We must have open communication with our children. Teaching about these things clearly, as well as helping children understand the consequences of sin will help them to also be strong in the permissive world they live in. We also need to be involved in the schools and communities. It is our responsibility to not just blend into the background, but to stand up for what is right.

President Hinckley described how we can do this without being fearful or self-righteous. He said, “This is a season to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth, and the importance of our mission. It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow. It is a time to be found keeping the commandments. It is a season to reach out with kindness and love to those in distress and to those who are wandering in darkness and pain. It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous toward one another in all of our relationships. In other words, to become more Christlike.”

In conclusion, he called upon each one of us to be a leader in our communities by speaking up about these and other issues. As we help others uphold the values God has set forth, our civilizations will have greater peace and happiness. He reminded us that we do not do this alone; we have God’s help as we work to stand for the right.