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The Value of Control
By
C.S. Bezas
How still can you stand? Come try this fun FHE lesson to help your children learn the importance of physical and spiritual discipline. Time for some FHE Fun!
Opening Song: #304 Teach Me to Walk in the Light
Opening Prayer: By invitation.
Devotional: Devotionals are quick and sweet opportunities to share a few verses that held meaning during private scripture study from the previous week. Anyone who cares to share may do so during this spontaneous portion of FHE.
Activity: Ask for a volunteer to come forward. Invite them to stand on one leg for as long as they can. Time them. Now ask for another volunteer. This time, not only do they need to stand on one foot, but invite them also to stand as still as possible, for as long as possible. Time them.
Application:
Ask the family what kind of control is necessary to stand as still as possible. Why it is difficult sometimes to stand without moving, if on just one leg. What would help a person to be able to do so, in better and better fashion? Why?
How is building muscle strength similar to building a love for spiritual things? Is it hard to sit still and read the scriptures? What would make this become easier? How does seeking the things of God build endurance in spiritual matters? Why would this help a person during trials?
Share the following quote from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Ask your family to think about what this quote has to do with the activity they just experienced:
The scriptures teach us that once we have received the ordinances of baptism and confirmation, our task then is to “endure to the end” ( 2 Nephi 31:20 ).
When I was a young boy, “endure to the end” meant to me mainly that I had to try harder to stay awake until the end of our Church meetings. Later as a teenager I progressed only slightly in my understanding of this scriptural phrase. I linked it with youthful empathy to the efforts of our dear elderly members to hang in there until the end of their lives.
Enduring to the end, or remaining faithful to the laws and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout our life, is a fundamental requirement for salvation in the kingdom of God . This belief distinguishes Latter-day Saints from many other Christian denominations that teach that salvation is given to all who simply believe and confess that Jesus is the Christ. The Lord clearly declared, “If you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God” ( D&C 14:7 ) ( “Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?,” Liahona, Nov 2007, 18–21).
In closing, what has President Uchtdorf taught that are the rewards for enduring to the end, and why would it be worth it to train ourselves to do so?
Closing Song: #244 Come Along, Come Along
Closing Prayer: By invitation.
Refreshments: These easy milkshake recipes for kids are a treat to make. But they do require a bit of simple preparation to enjoy. Work together with your children preparing the ingredients. Chat about how preparing for its tasty reward is worth the effort it takes…just like enduring to the end will be worth the heavenly prize and the control it took to get there!
Struggling with your teens? C.S. Bezas' book is an essential help for parents and youth leaders. Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers teaches you how to create powerful change. Visit your local LDS bookstore or get your copy online here.
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