Meridian Magazine : : Print

Following the Leader
By C.S. Bezas

Most children are familiar with the song, "We're Following the Leader." It goes something like this:

We're following the leader,
the leader,
the leader,
We're following the leader
wherever he may go.

"Following the leader" is a simple concept. Children learn this quickly, especially in a school environment. They learn to "follow the leader" when going as a class to the playground, when going as a class to get a drink from the drinking fountain, when going as a class to the school library. As long as the leader is leading them in good directions, "following" is an efficient thing to do. There are no lost children and the children get to where they need to go.

Even as adults, we understand the principle of "following leaders." And when used wisely, we can be led to safety and wellbeing through the principle of appropriate "following." But how imperative to ensure the leader is a good one, a sound one, one called by God.

This week's lesson addresses this principle in a simple and easy way. So let's get busy having some FHE Fun!

FHE Fun

Opening Song. #110 "Follow the Prophet"

Opening Prayer. By invitation.

Devotional. As always, it's a great experience to hear the gospel from the mouths of our own children. By turning a few minutes each week over for spontaneous devotionals, family members have the opportunity to learn to explain, share and testify of their growing gospel knowledge. Whether your son or daughter found an exciting scripture during the previous week or whether your spouse had an exciting missionary moment at work, sharing and testifying will fortify each family member through the spiritual insights and strength that follow sharing those moments.

Activity. "Simon Says."
Explain that you need a volunteer, someone who is willing to be "Simon." Your kids most likely will know how to play. But if not, teach them that Simon is to be the leader, a good leader. Whatever Simon says to do (if it is prefaced with the phrase, "Simon says"), they are to follow the instructions. But if Simon doesn't say "Simon says" while giving directions, they are not to move. For the purpose of this activity, ask that everyone other than Simon keep their eyes closed. Allow them to play the game for a few minutes.

Application. Read the following scripture:

D&C 1:14 ? And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people.

Ask the family how "Simon's" voice in the game was similar to a prophet's voice. How was it different? Why does the Lord call prophets? Read the following scripture:

Amos 3:7 ? Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Here are a few additional possible questions to explore:

Why does the Lord call prophets?
Why is doing the Lord's counsel so important for safety?
Are there people in the world who seek to deceive by acting like a prophet?
How can we tell the difference between a fake prophet and a true one?
Why is humility required to follow the prophet and actually do what he asks?

To finish off FHE, visit this website as a family. Find one General Conference talk to study over the next week during family scripture study (you could simply read several paragraphs or so from the talk each night, finishing up by next week). Plan to revisit the talk during next week's FHE and to share individual thoughts how to apply it specifically within the family.

Share your thoughts and/or testimony regarding "following the leader" when the leader is the Lord's spokesman. If you have a prophet that has held particular significance for you, perhaps you could share the experience and what you learned from the Lord's mouthpiece. Be sure to invite each family member to study the prophets' words, so they too can gain a testimony of following the prophet through individual obedient choices.

Closing Song. #58, "Little Lambs So White and Fair"

Closing Prayer. By invitation.

Refreshments.

Summary

"Following the leader" is a simple concept. Children learn this quickly, especially in a school environment. Even as adults, we understand the principle of "following leaders." And when used appropriately, we can be led to safety and wellbeing through the principle of wise hearkening or "following." But again, how imperative to ensure our "leader" is a good one, a sound one, one called by God.

As taught in Amos 3:7, we understand prophets exist to communicate God's will to His children. As we hearken to them and live their counsels, not only will we gain a testimony of their words, but we will be led safely home. Can there be a thought more joyful than this? To have our family united throughout eternity — all because we were humble enough to "follow the (Lord's) leader."

C.S. Bezas' book is now in LDS bookstores and has been described as perfect for youth leaders and parents of teens. Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers: Helping Youth Find Their Spiritual Wings is also available by clicking here.