Sunday Lesson, Feb 19th

The Pioneer Heritage of Faith and Sacrifice

President Hinckley taught often about our pioneer heritage. He wanted members of the church to learn from the examples of faith and sacrifice in our church history. He taught that “pioneering continues to go on…You are pioneers in carrying forward the work of the Lord”. By learning about the lives and sacrifice of the pioneers, we can be motivated to also be pioneers in our own situations by accepting and living the Gospel.

The pioneers were willing to do the hard things they did; such as leaving behind their homes over and over to face the unknown, because of their faith. They desired to practice their religion without persecution. Their faith allowed them to continue on even in the most difficult circumstances. President Hinckley taught, “We need so very, very much a strong burning of that faith in the living God and in his living, resurrected Son, for this was the great, moving faith of our gospel forebears.”
The teacher then shared a pioneer quilt that had been made for her. The quilt was made to remember the pioneers and the attributes they had. Among these attributes were tears, perseverance, joy, courage, obedience, hope, grace, family, love, vision, and prophecy. We discussed each of these principles; why they were important for the pioneers and why each of us also need to cultivate these principles and be pioneers in our own situations.

Tears-remember we all have trials, we should turn to God at our hardest times.

Courage- to make a change for the better.

Obedience- faith without works is dead. Let us be obedient to God’s commandments so we can receive the blessings that come through the Spirit.

Grace-remember we can’t do it without God, he is always there for us.This gave them purpose in moving forward.

The pioneers sacrificed so much because of their faith in God. As we remember their example we can also do great things and be pioneers in our own circumstances through faith.