Lesson 7: The Whisperings of the Spirit

This lesson strikes a real chord with me.  As I was reading through this chapter, I was struck by how prescient many of the quotes are.  Even though, they were spoken years ago (I know it's not that many years, but still the world is a vastly different place today), some of these quotes seem to be directly applicable to some of the troubles people, especially members of the church, are experiencing today.  This lesson may seem a little simple, but I'm okay with that (Alma 37:6-7)

Activity:

1. Gather a number of everyday objects, e.g. napkin, spoon, notepad, pencil (I wouldn't worry too much about having the "right" things), from around your house.
2. Choose and read the quotes that seem the most applicable to your class/quorum.
3. In class, read and discuss these passages as directed by the Spirit
4. Lay out on the table the objects you gathered from home.
5. Divide the class members into small groups and give each group one of the objects.
6. Ask them to discuss how that object is like the Holy Ghost's guidance.
7. Have the groups share with the rest of the class.

Using the Activity:

Some people won't like this lesson because it feels a little child-like.  After all, everyone has compared the Spirit to a flashlight as a kid.  I get that.  My response would be two-fold.  First, don't choose a flashlight.  How about an iron?  How is the Spirit like an iron?  I have no idea, but under the influence of the Spirit and using our more mature gospel insights, we could come up with a connection (probably).  It may not be earth-shatteringly insightful; on the other hand, it could be.  Second, bring the flashlight, but don't settle for the seven-year-old answer.  Push them to explain that connection in more depth.  Or ask the groups to come up with a connection and an illustration of that connection.  This, then, pushes the class members to apply these teachings to their own lives and/or to the scriptures.

The reason that this type of lesson shows up especially with younger kids is that when we are asked to think abstractly like this, the lessons sink deeper into our minds.  Then, when the Spirit bears testimony to our hearts of what we have said or has been said to us, we receive it in our hearts and our minds (D&C 8:2-3).  This type of testimony can withstand more buffeting (as Elder Bruce Hafen has taught).  Ultimately, that is what we hope happens in our classes-- conversion.