In this post, we’re gonna deep dive into the engaging questions, object lesson ideas, and personal sharing prompts that can be found throughout the October 2024 General Conference Talk, “O Youth of the Noble Birthright” by Brother Bradley R. Wilcox
In order to more easily digest all the information we could take from this talk, we’ll be separating it by sections, focusing on one point from the talk at a time.
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Today there isn’t time to answer all these questions, but there is another question I often hear from young people that I would like to address. From Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to Thomas, Idaho, the question is the same: “Why? Why must Latter-day Saints live so differently from others?”
I know it’s hard to be different—especially when you are young and want so badly for other people to like you. Everyone wants to fit in, and that desire is magnified to unhealthy proportions in today’s digital world filled with social media and cyberbullying.
So, with all that pressure, why do Latter-day Saints live so differently? There are many good answers: Because you are a child of God. Because you have been saved for the last days. Because you are a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Engaging Questions:
- Why do you think it is sometimes difficult to live differently from others, especially as a young person in today’s digital world? How have you navigated the pressures to fit in?
- How does knowing you are a child of God influence your choices and the way you live? How can this knowledge strengthen you when you feel pressured to conform to worldly standards?
- In what ways do social media and the digital world create unique challenges for Latter-day Saints? How do you balance being in the world but not of the world in this context?
- Brother Wilcox mentioned that one reason we live differently is because we have been saved for the last days. What does this mean to you? How does this perspective impact your daily life and decisions?
- What does being a disciple of Jesus Christ mean to you? How do you see this role shaping the way you live and interact with others?
- How do you explain the importance of living differently as a Latter-day Saint to someone who may not understand or share your beliefs?
- How have you seen blessings in your life from making choices that set you apart from worldly standards? Can you share an experience where living differently brought you peace or joy?
- How can we better support one another in standing strong against the pressures of the world, especially in our youth? What role does community and fellowship play in this effort?
- How do you stay confident and firm in your beliefs when it feels like the world is pulling you in a different direction? What practices help you remain steadfast in your faith?
- What advice would you give to a young person struggling with the desire to fit in, but also wanting to live as a faithful disciple of Christ?
- How can we use our differences as Latter-day Saints to positively influence others around us? What opportunities have you found to share your beliefs through your actions?
- Brother Wilcox touched on the unhealthy magnification of the desire to fit in, especially in today’s digital age. How can we find our identity in Christ rather than in the opinions of others?
- How does understanding your divine potential as a child of God help you face the challenges of being different in a world that often promotes opposing values?
- How can we reframe the idea of being “different” from others as something empowering and positive rather than something to fear or avoid?
- What role does personal prayer, scripture study, and seeking revelation play in helping you navigate the challenges of living differently as a Latter-day Saint?
Object Lessons:
Object Lessons:
- The Peculiar Puzzle Piece
- Materials: A large puzzle with one uniquely shaped piece or a puzzle piece that doesn’t quite fit in the same way as others.
- Activity: Show the puzzle and talk about how each piece has its own specific place. Highlight the unique piece and ask the participants where they think it might fit. Emphasize how that piece, while different from others, is crucial for completing the puzzle.
- Lesson: Just like the unique puzzle piece, Latter-day Saints have a specific and important role in God’s plan. Our differences—living the gospel, keeping standards, and standing apart—are essential and are part of what makes us valuable in the eyes of God.
- Colored Water and Oil
- Materials: A clear glass, water, food coloring, and oil.
- Activity: Pour water (representing the world) and food coloring into the glass. Then add oil (representing Latter-day Saint values) to the water. Shake the glass and let it sit for a moment. Watch as the oil separates from the water.
- Lesson: No matter how much the oil (symbolizing our spiritual standards) is mixed with the water (the world), it remains distinct. Being a disciple of Christ means that even when we are surrounded by worldly pressures, we remain different and true to our covenants, just like the oil doesn’t mix with the water.
- The Bright Balloon
- Materials: Two balloons, one filled with air and one filled with helium.
- Activity: Compare the two balloons—one that rises when let go and one that sinks. Talk about how the helium-filled balloon represents living a Christ-centered life, which allows us to rise above the world. The air-filled balloon represents living a life focused on worldly pursuits that eventually cause us to sink under pressure.
- Lesson: The gospel helps lift us above the pressures of the world, and choosing to live differently allows us to rise spiritually, just like the helium balloon.
Activities:
- “Why I Live Differently” Poster
- Activity: Provide art supplies and have the participants create posters that answer the question, “Why do I live differently?” Encourage them to include personal values, gospel principles, and reasons they choose to follow Christ. Allow them to display their posters and explain their thoughts to the group.
- Lesson: This helps young people reflect on their commitment to the gospel and articulate why it’s important for them to live in alignment with God’s plan, even when it may seem difficult.
- The Social Media Feed
- Activity: Divide the group into small teams and give them a “social media feed” template with various life choices or scenarios (e.g., a post about modesty, serving a mission, or Sabbath observance). Have each team write a positive, gospel-centered response to the post. Then, have a discussion about how to apply these gospel principles when interacting with others online or in person.
- Lesson: In a world where social media plays a huge role, it’s important for Latter-day Saints to remember that they can be a positive influence, even in a space where many people might be tempted to follow the crowd.
- “You’re a Child of God” Bracelet
- Activity: Provide beads and string for each participant to make a bracelet. As they add beads, they can share how each bead represents a different gospel principle they live by (e.g., prayer, temple attendance, honesty, etc.). Encourage them to wear the bracelet as a reminder that they are children of God and are meant to live according to His plan.
- Lesson: This activity emphasizes how each gospel principle is part of their identity as children of God and serves as a constant reminder to live differently in a positive way.
Personal Sharing Prompts:
Think of a time when you felt the Holy Spirit prompting you to let go of a habit or attitude that was keeping you from fully following God. How did you respond, and what changed in your life as a result?
Think of a time when you made a decision to put God first in a challenging situation. How did choosing to follow His will bring you peace or joy, even if the path wasn’t easy?
Think of a time when you felt yourself growing closer to God as you put off the “natural man” and embraced a more Christlike way of living. What small changes made the biggest difference in your spiritual progress?
Think of a time when you felt the desire for something negative or unhelpful begin to fade as you focused more on the Savior. How did this change bring greater joy into your life?
Think of a time when you experienced God’s grace taking away a burden or stain from your past. How did this experience help you feel a renewed sense of love and gratitude toward Him?
Think of a time when you consciously chose to let God prevail in your life, even when it meant sacrificing something you valued. How did this choice impact your relationship with Him?
Think of a time when you felt a sense of freedom and relief after letting go of a personal “weapon of rebellion.” What did burying that aspect of your life make possible for you?
Think of a time when you found joy in following God’s commandments, even when the world seemed to offer easier paths. How did this decision help you feel God’s love more deeply?
Think of a time when you had to let go of pride or stubbornness in order to reconcile with someone or with God. How did this act of humility change your perspective?
Think of a time when you felt the joy of “singing the song of redeeming love” after making a positive change in your life. How did this experience strengthen your testimony of the Savior’s atonement?
But those answers don’t always set you apart. Everyone is a child of God. Everyone on earth right now was sent here in the latter days. And yet not everyone lives the Word of Wisdom or law of chastity the way you strive to. There are many valiant disciples of Christ who are not members of this Church. But they do not serve missions and perform ordinances in houses of the Lord on behalf of ancestors like you do. There must be more to it—and there is.
Today I would like to focus on an additional reason that has been meaningful in my life. In 1988 a young Apostle named Russell M. Nelson gave an address at Brigham Young University called “Thanks for the Covenant.” In it, then-Elder Nelson explained that when we use our moral agency to make and keep covenants with God, we become heirs of the everlasting covenant God has made with our forebearers in every dispensation. Said another way, we become “children of the covenant.” That sets us apart. That gives us access to the same blessings our forefathers and foremothers received, including a birthright.
Birthright! You may have heard that word. We even sing hymns about it: “O youth of the noble birthright, carry on, carry on, carry on!” It’s a compelling word. But what does it mean?
In Old Testament times if a father passed away, his birthright son was responsible for the care of his mother and sisters. His brothers received their inheritance and left to make their way in the world, but the birthright son did not go anywhere. He would marry and have his own family, but he would stay until the end of his days to govern the affairs of his father’s estate. Because of this added responsibility, he was given an added measure of the inheritance. Was leading and caring for others too much to ask? Not when you consider the additional inheritance he was given.
Today we are not talking about your birth order in earthly families or Old Testament gender roles. We are talking about the inheritance you receive as a joint heir with Christ because of the covenant relationship you have chosen to enter with Him and your Father in Heaven. Is it too much for God to expect you to live differently than His other children so you can better lead and serve them? Not when you consider the blessings—both temporal and spiritual—that you have been given.
Does your birthright mean you are better than others? No, but it does mean you are expected to help others be better. Does your birthright mean you are chosen? Yes, but not chosen to rule over others; you are chosen to serve them. Is your birthright evidence of God’s love? Yes, but more important, it is evidence of His trust.
Engaging Questions:
- How does the idea of being a “child of the covenant” influence the way you live and make choices? What does it mean to you to be set apart because of the covenants you have made with God?
- What does the word “birthright” mean to you, and how does this spiritual inheritance affect your responsibility to others?
- How can understanding your birthright as a joint heir with Christ help you lead and serve others more effectively? What responsibilities come with this role?
- Brother Wilcox explained that our birthright doesn’t make us better than others but calls us to help others be better. How can we live up to this responsibility in our daily lives?
- How does knowing that God trusts you to live differently from His other children motivate you to honor your covenants? What specific blessings have you experienced because of your covenant relationship with God?
- In what ways does making and keeping covenants with God give you access to the same blessings your forebearers received? How does this connect you with them and strengthen your faith?
- How can you help others who may not understand the significance of covenants see the importance of entering into and keeping their own covenants with God?
- What specific sacrifices or challenges have you experienced because of your covenant responsibilities? How have the blessings and spiritual growth outweighed those challenges?
- Elder Russell M. Nelson spoke about the everlasting covenant. How do you see your role as a part of this covenant across all dispensations? How does that perspective shape your life?
- What does it mean to you that your birthright is evidence of God’s trust? How does that knowledge impact the way you view yourself and your potential?
- Brother Wilcox mentioned that having a birthright means we are chosen to serve, not to rule over others. How do you think this principle applies to your interactions with family, friends, and those you serve in the Church?
- How does knowing your spiritual birthright affect your view of life’s challenges and opportunities? Does it change how you approach personal struggles or decisions?
- How can we strengthen our commitment to live differently and honor our birthright despite the worldly pressures that often surround us? What practices help you stay focused on your divine purpose?
- How does the birthright of discipleship help you understand the significance of temple work, missionary service, and family history? How can these practices strengthen your relationship with Christ?
- What would you say to a fellow member of the Church who is struggling to understand or accept the responsibilities that come with their spiritual birthright? How can you help them see it as a privilege rather than a burden?
Object Lessons:
- The Double Portion Inheritance
- Materials: Two sets of “inheritance” (small candy, coins, or tokens), one with a double portion for the “birthright” child.
- Activity: Divide the group into small family groups. Assign one person in each group as the “birthright child.” Distribute an “inheritance” (candy, tokens) to each family, but give a double portion to the birthright child. Explain the extra responsibility the birthright child has to care for the family. Afterward, discuss how the extra inheritance represents not just privilege but responsibility, symbolizing the spiritual blessings and duties that come with being children of the covenant.
- Lesson: Just as in ancient times, being a “child of the covenant” brings greater blessings, but it also requires more responsibility. Latter-day Saints live differently because they are heirs of spiritual blessings that come with the responsibility to serve and lift others.
- The Lamp and the Oil
- Materials: A small oil lamp or candle and oil, along with a second lamp that doesn’t have oil.
- Activity: Light the lamp that has oil, but attempt to light the one without it. Compare the two. The oil represents the covenant blessings and spiritual power we receive through faithful obedience and covenants. Without keeping covenants, we lack the spiritual “oil” needed to keep our lamps burning.
- Lesson: As children of the covenant, we have access to greater spiritual blessings that fuel our lives and help us keep our lamps burning brightly. The covenant relationship sets us apart and gives us light to lead and serve others.
- The Birthright Banner
- Materials: A large banner or flag with the word “Birthright” written on it.
- Activity: Divide the participants into two groups. One group holds the “Birthright” banner and stands on a designated side. Discuss how those with the banner represent the covenant people who carry extra responsibility to help others. The other group represents those outside the covenant, needing help. Allow the birthright group to “invite” others into the covenant side as they discuss ways they can serve and uplift others.
- Lesson: The birthright isn’t about being better than others; it’s about being chosen to serve and invite others to experience the blessings of the covenant. The covenant people carry the responsibility to lift and care for others, just as the birthright child did in the Old Testament.
Activities:
- Covenant Connection Game
- Activity: Create cards with symbols or keywords related to covenants (e.g., temple, baptism, service, priesthood, family). Divide participants into pairs and have them connect two cards that represent how covenants bless their lives and increase their responsibilities. For example, pairing “baptism” with “service” could symbolize how covenants lead to serving others.
- Lesson: This activity helps participants recognize the blessings and responsibilities of being children of the covenant. It fosters discussion about how covenants connect us to God and His work.
- Covenant Blessings Tree
- Materials: A large drawing or cutout of a tree and leaves made from paper.
- Activity: Write on each leaf a blessing that comes from keeping covenants (e.g., peace, guidance, family unity, spiritual strength). Participants can add their own “leaves” to the tree with personal examples of how their covenant relationship has blessed them. Display the tree in a visible place.
- Lesson: The tree represents the growing, lasting blessings that come from being a child of the covenant. The activity emphasizes that living the gospel and keeping covenants brings ongoing, living blessings to our lives.
- Birthright Service Challenge
- Activity: Create a weeklong challenge for participants to perform acts of service as part of their role as children of the covenant. Encourage them to look for ways to uplift, help, and serve those around them. At the end of the week, have them share their experiences.
- Lesson: As “children of the covenant,” we are called to serve. This challenge helps participants live out the responsibility that comes with their spiritual birthright, reinforcing that it’s about helping others, not just receiving blessings for themselves.
Personal Sharing Prompts:
Think of a time when you felt the weight of your covenant responsibilities and how it shaped the choices you made. How did fulfilling those responsibilities bless your life and the lives of those around you?
Think of a time when you realized that your covenants with God gave you access to blessings you might not have otherwise experienced. How did those blessings strengthen your faith and testimony?
Think of a time when you were able to serve someone in a meaningful way because of your understanding of your covenant relationship with God. How did that experience help you feel more connected to your divine birthright?
Think of a time when you felt chosen to serve, rather than to stand apart, because of your covenants. How did fulfilling that role help you understand the purpose of your birthright?
Think of a time when you faced a challenge to live according to your covenants, especially when it set you apart from others. How did that experience increase your appreciation for your spiritual inheritance?
Think of a time when your commitment to live the gospel helped you bless your family or your community. How did understanding your role as a “child of the covenant” influence how you approached that service?
Think of a time when you felt God’s trust in you as a covenant-keeping disciple. How did knowing that He trusted you motivate you to make better decisions or lead in a Christlike way?
Think of a time when you felt your birthright gave you strength in moments of trial or uncertainty. How did remembering your divine inheritance give you confidence or peace?
Think of a time when you saw the difference your covenants made in your ability to lead others toward Christ. How did your covenants give you the capacity or inspiration to serve in ways that you otherwise might not have been able to?
Think of a time when you felt that your birthright was not just a privilege but also a responsibility to act. How did recognizing this responsibility change your perspective on leadership and service?
It is one thing to be loved and another thing entirely to be trusted. In the For the Strength of Youth guide, we read: “Your Father in Heaven trusts you. He has given you great blessings, including the fulness of the gospel and sacred ordinances and covenants that bind you to Him and bring His power into your life. With those blessings comes added responsibility. He knows you can make a difference in the world, and that requires, in many cases, being different from the world.”
Our mortal experience could be compared to a cruise ship on which God has sent all His children as they journey from one shore to another. The voyage is filled with opportunities to learn, grow, be happy, and progress, but it is also full of dangers. God loves all His children and is concerned about their welfare. He does not want to lose any of them, so He invites those who are willing to become members of His crew—that’s you. Because of your choice to make and keep covenants, He offers you His trust. He trusts you to be different, peculiar, and set apart because of the important work He trusts you to do.
Think of it! God trusts you—of all the people on the earth, the children of the covenant, His crew members—to help with His work of bringing all His children safely home to Him. No wonder President Brigham Young once said, “All the angels in heaven are looking at this little handful of people.”
When you look around on this cruise ship called earth, you might see other people sitting in lounge chairs drinking, gambling in casinos, wearing clothing that is too revealing, scrolling endlessly on cell phones, and wasting too much time playing electronic games. But instead of wondering, “Why can’t I do that?,” you can remember that you are not an ordinary passenger. You are a member of the crew. You have responsibilities that passengers do not have. As Sister Ardeth Kapp once said, “You can’t be a life[guard] if you look like all the other swimmers on the beach.”
And before you become discouraged by all the extra obligations, please remember that crew members receive something the other passengers do not: compensation. Elder Neil L. Andersen has said, “There is a compensatory spiritual power for the righteous,” including “greater assurance, greater confirmation, and greater confidence.” Like Abraham of old, you receive greater happiness and peace, greater righteousness, and greater knowledge. Your compensation is not merely a mansion in heaven and streets paved with gold. It would be easy for Heavenly Father to simply give you all that He has. His desire is to help you become all that He is. Thus, your commitments demand more of you because that is how God is making more of you.
Engaging Questions:
- How does knowing that God trusts you to help with His work influence the way you live your life and make decisions?
- What does it mean to you to be part of God’s crew rather than just a passenger on the “cruise ship” of life? How does this role shape your daily actions and responsibilities?
- How do you feel when you think about the trust God places in you to be different from the world? What experiences have helped you understand the importance of being “peculiar” or “set apart”?
- Brother Wilcox mentioned that with God’s trust comes added responsibility. What responsibilities do you feel you’ve been given because of the covenants you’ve made? How do these responsibilities help you grow?
- In what ways have you experienced the “compensatory spiritual power” Elder Neil L. Andersen spoke about? How has being different from the world brought you greater assurance, confidence, or peace?
- How do you respond to the pressures of wanting to fit in with others who live differently than you do? What helps you remember that you are not just an ordinary passenger but part of God’s crew?
- What blessings or compensations have you noticed in your life as you strive to live differently from the world? How have these blessings strengthened your faith in God’s promises?
- What can you do to better embrace your role as a member of God’s crew, especially when you face challenges or temptations that make it hard to stand out as different?
- Sister Ardeth Kapp said, “You can’t be a life[guard] if you look like all the other swimmers on the beach.” How does this metaphor apply to the way you see your role in helping others on their journey home to God?
- How does it feel to know that all the angels in heaven are looking at you, as Brigham Young said? How can this perspective help you stay committed to your covenants and responsibilities?
- What are some practical ways you can remind yourself of the responsibilities and trust God has placed in you, especially in moments of doubt or discouragement?
- Brother Wilcox compares our life’s journey to a cruise ship filled with distractions and dangers. How do you personally navigate these distractions while keeping your focus on the greater work God has called you to do?
- How does viewing your life through the lens of being trusted by God help you prioritize your time and activities? How does it help you avoid worldly distractions?
- What aspects of your spiritual journey help you feel that God is “making more of you” through the commitments you’ve made? How have you seen yourself grow as a result?
- How can you inspire others, especially your peers, to see their covenants not as burdens but as divine trust that elevates and empowers them?
Object Lessons:
- Crew vs. Passenger
- Materials: Two different types of hats or badges (one for “crew members” and one for “passengers”).
- Activity: Select a few participants to wear the “crew” hats and give them specific tasks (like handing out papers, helping others, or cleaning up). The “passengers” don’t have any tasks and are asked to sit comfortably in chairs. After a short while, discuss how the “crew” members felt compared to the “passengers.” Did the crew feel a sense of responsibility? Did they understand their role differently than the passengers?
- Lesson: Just as on a ship, the crew has responsibilities that passengers don’t. Likewise, as covenant members of God’s crew, we are trusted with responsibilities that help others come unto Christ. While the passengers may seem to have more freedom, the crew receives special compensation (blessings of peace, knowledge, and spiritual power).
- Lifeguard and Swimmer Analogy
- Materials: Two different colored shirts or armbands (one for lifeguards and one for swimmers).
- Activity: Have one participant act as the lifeguard, wearing the lifeguard shirt or armband, while others act as swimmers. Set up a situation where the lifeguard needs to “rescue” someone (could be symbolic, like helping someone struggling with a task or answering a question). Afterward, discuss how the lifeguard needed to be different from the swimmers to help others.
- Lesson: Just as lifeguards stand out from swimmers in their role to protect and save lives, we as covenant keepers must stand out in our behavior and choices to help others spiritually. Being trusted by God to help in His work means living differently so that we can serve others.
- Trust Jar
- Materials: A large jar, small stones or tokens, and a label that says “Trust.”
- Activity: Every time someone completes a responsibility or task (e.g., helping someone, making a good choice), they can add a stone to the “Trust Jar.” Over time, the jar fills up, representing the trust they’ve earned. At the end, discuss how trust is built through small, consistent actions and how God builds His trust in us as we live righteously.
- Lesson: Trust isn’t given all at once; it’s earned over time through small actions and choices. God trusts His covenant children because of their consistent obedience and faithfulness. As we live righteously, we build God’s trust in us to carry out His work.
Activities:
- Cruise Ship Role-Playing
- Activity: Create a scenario where participants are divided into two groups: passengers and crew members on a cruise ship. Give each group different tasks. The passengers are free to relax, but the crew must perform important tasks like ensuring safety, helping others, and guiding passengers. After the role-play, discuss how the crew members’ responsibilities made them feel and how their actions benefited the entire ship.
- Lesson: As covenant members, we are not just passengers in life; we are crew members trusted by God to help others. The work we do is important, and it requires living differently from those who are simply “passengers.”
- Trust Walk
- Materials: Blindfolds and a simple obstacle course.
- Activity: Pair up participants and blindfold one of them. The other person guides their blindfolded partner through the obstacle course using verbal instructions. Discuss how trust was essential to completing the course and how it feels to rely on someone else for guidance.
- Lesson: Just as the blindfolded person had to trust their guide, God trusts us to guide His children safely through the challenges of life. He equips us with the gospel, the Spirit, and covenants to help us do His work. Living righteously strengthens our ability to guide others.
- Crew Member Pledge
- Materials: A “Crew Member” certificate or pledge (a paper with a declaration of trust and responsibility).
- Activity: After discussing the analogy of being part of God’s crew, invite participants to sign a “Crew Member Pledge,” promising to live differently, keep their covenants, and fulfill their responsibilities as covenant children of God. After signing, they can share one way they plan to act differently as members of God’s crew.
- Lesson: Signing the pledge is a symbolic act of accepting God’s trust and responsibility. It reminds participants that they are part of something bigger than themselves and have a special role in His plan.
- Compensatory Power Role Play
- Activity: Create scenarios where participants face challenges (like peer pressure, feeling different, or making hard decisions) and ask them to think about how they can rely on the “compensatory spiritual power” that comes from living righteously. Role-play how they can stand firm in their values and receive strength through their covenants.
- Lesson: While living differently can be challenging, God blesses His covenant children with compensatory spiritual power that gives them strength, peace, and assurance. Participants learn that they are never alone in their efforts to live righteously.
Personal Sharing Prompts:
Think of a time when you realized that God trusted you with a specific task or responsibility. How did that trust influence your efforts, and how did you feel knowing God had confidence in you?
Think of a time when you chose to be different from the world because of your covenants. How did that decision impact your life and those around you, and what blessings did you see as a result?
Think of a time when your role as a disciple of Christ felt like being part of the “crew” rather than just a “passenger.” How did this change the way you approached challenges, temptations, or opportunities?
Think of a time when you felt compensated spiritually for your efforts to keep your covenants and follow the gospel. How did this compensation come in the form of peace, strength, or personal growth?
Think of a time when you had to stand out or make a difficult choice that set you apart from your peers. How did knowing that God trusted you help you stay true to your principles?
Think of a time when you helped someone else spiritually, like a “crew member” guiding a fellow “passenger.” How did fulfilling that responsibility strengthen your testimony and bring you joy?
Think of a time when you felt the weight of being a covenant-keeping disciple in a world that often opposes the gospel. How did you overcome feelings of discouragement or pressure, and what role did God’s trust play in your perseverance?
Think of a time when your choices or actions were influenced by the understanding that God sees more potential in you than you may see in yourself. How did this realization impact the way you lived your life?
Think of a time when you resisted the temptation to do what everyone else was doing because you remembered your greater purpose as a covenant child of God. How did you feel afterward, and what did you learn about yourself and your relationship with Heavenly Father?
Think of a time when you received spiritual strength or confirmation after making a difficult decision to follow the gospel. How did that experience help you understand the compensatory power that Elder Andersen mentioned?
It’s “a lot to ask of anyone, but you’re not just anyone”! You are youth of the noble birthright. Your covenant relationship with God and Jesus Christ is a relationship of love and trust in which you have access to a greater measure of Their grace—Their divine assistance, endowment of strength, and enabling power. That power is not just wishful thinking, a lucky charm, or self-fulfilling prophecy. It is real.
As you fulfill your birthright responsibilities, you are never alone. The Lord of the vineyard labors with you. You are working hand in hand with Jesus Christ. With each new covenant—and as your relationship with Him deepens—you hold each other tighter and tighter until you are firmly clasped together. In that sacred symbol of His grace, you will find both the desire and the strength to live exactly how the Savior lived—differently from the world. You’ve got this because Jesus Christ has got you!
Engaging Questions:
- What does it mean to you to be a “youth of the noble birthright”? How does this identity influence your daily choices and actions?
- Brother Wilcox emphasizes that your covenant relationship with God is built on love and trust. How have you experienced that love and trust in your life? Can you share a specific moment?
- How do you define “divine assistance”? What examples can you share of feeling that grace or enabling power in your own life?
- How does knowing that you are not alone in your responsibilities change the way you approach challenges or difficult situations?
- Brother Wilcox mentions working “hand in hand with Jesus Christ.” How can you cultivate a more personal relationship with the Savior to feel His presence in your life?
- In what ways do you think your covenant relationship with God empowers you to live differently from the world? What specific challenges have you faced in doing so?
- How do you interpret the idea of being “firmly clasped together” with Christ? What practices help strengthen that bond for you?
- Can you share an experience where you felt the Lord of the vineyard laboring alongside you in a particular task or responsibility?
- Brother Wilcox talks about the “sacred symbol of His grace.” How do you understand grace in the context of your daily life and spiritual journey?
- When faced with peer pressure to conform, how do you remind yourself of the strength that comes from your covenant relationship with God?
- What practices or habits have you found helpful in fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ as you strive to fulfill your birthright responsibilities?
- How does the knowledge that “you’ve got this because Jesus Christ has got you” impact your confidence and resolve in facing life’s challenges?
- Can you think of a time when you felt the enabling power of Christ help you overcome a significant obstacle? How did that experience shape your faith?
- What are some ways you can actively demonstrate your love for God and your commitment to your covenants in your daily life?
- How can you support your peers in recognizing their own noble birthright and encourage them to rely on divine assistance in their lives?
Object Lessons:
- The Strength of a Rope
- Materials: Three strands of rope or string, a weight (like a small bag of sand or books).
- Activity: Demonstrate how a single strand can be easily broken by pulling on it. Then braid the three strands together and try to pull it apart. Discuss how the braided rope is much stronger together than apart, just as our covenant relationship with Jesus Christ strengthens us.
- Lesson: Just as the braided rope represents strength in unity, our relationship with Christ gives us divine strength. We are not alone; He works alongside us, and together we can withstand challenges.
- The Water and the Cup
- Materials: A cup and a pitcher of water.
- Activity: Pour water into the cup until it overflows. Explain that the cup represents us, and the water symbolizes God’s grace and strength. When we are open to His grace, our cup overflows, allowing us to share that abundance with others.
- Lesson: The more we embrace our relationship with God, the more grace we receive. As we fulfill our birthright responsibilities, we can share that overflow with those around us.
- The Clasped Hands
- Materials: A volunteer or a partner.
- Activity: Have two participants clasp their hands together tightly. Ask them to try to separate their hands while still holding tightly. Then, discuss how holding onto Christ means we can face challenges together. No matter how hard they pull, they are stronger when united.
- Lesson: Our relationship with Jesus Christ is like clasped hands; the tighter we hold onto Him, the more strength and support we receive. As we deepen our relationship, we find the desire and strength to live righteously.
Activities:
- Covenant Relationship Role Play
- Activity: Divide participants into small groups and give them different scenarios where they face challenges (peer pressure, difficult decisions, or feelings of loneliness). Have them role-play how they would invite Christ into those situations and how they could rely on His strength and guidance.
- Lesson: This activity helps participants visualize the support they have through their covenant relationship with Jesus Christ. They learn that they can always reach out to Him for strength.
- Building a Team
- Materials: Various building blocks (like LEGO or Jenga).
- Activity: In groups, have participants build a structure that can support a certain weight (like a book). Discuss the importance of teamwork and how each member of the group plays a vital role in the success of the project. After building, have each group share how they worked together and what strategies they used.
- Lesson: Just as a strong structure requires teamwork, our covenant relationship with Christ strengthens us to support one another. We can fulfill our responsibilities together, leaning on Him for guidance and strength.
- Faith Walk
- Materials: Blindfolds and a safe obstacle course (set up chairs or cones).
- Activity: Have participants pair up and guide a blindfolded partner through an obstacle course using only verbal instructions. After the activity, switch roles. Discuss how it felt to trust their partner and how they experienced the support of someone else.
- Lesson: This activity illustrates how we must trust Jesus Christ to guide us through life’s challenges. He walks with us, and we can rely on Him to navigate obstacles, just as we relied on our partners in the exercise.
- Gratitude Tree
- Materials: A large poster board or tree outline, and sticky notes or paper leaves.
- Activity: Have participants write down ways they have felt Christ’s grace and strength in their lives on the sticky notes or leaves and attach them to the tree. Encourage them to reflect on their covenant relationship and how it has blessed them.
- Lesson: This activity helps participants visualize the grace and strength they receive from their relationship with Jesus. It emphasizes that recognizing these blessings encourages a deeper commitment to their birthright responsibilities.
Personal Sharing Prompts:
Think of a time when you felt the Lord’s grace in your life while fulfilling a responsibility tied to your birthright. How did this divine assistance help you navigate a challenge or opportunity?
Think of a time when you felt alone in your efforts to follow Christ. How did you come to realize that you were not truly alone, and what impact did that understanding have on your faith and actions?
Think of a time when you worked alongside someone in a way that mirrored how Christ works with us. How did this collaboration deepen your understanding of service and your relationship with that person?
Think of a time when you were faced with a decision that required you to live differently from the world. What motivated you to make that choice, and how did you feel afterward?
Think of a time when you felt the enabling power of the Atonement in a moment of weakness or struggle. How did this experience strengthen your testimony of Christ’s love and support?
Think of a time when you were inspired to help someone else realize their own divine potential. How did you witness their growth, and what did this teach you about your own birthright responsibilities?
Think of a time when you felt the Savior’s hand in your life during a trial. How did this influence your perspective on that challenge and your relationship with Him?
Think of a time when you felt the desire to change or improve yourself. How did your covenant relationship with God provide you with the strength to pursue that change?
Think of a time when you recognized the impact of your choices on others. How did this awareness motivate you to uphold your responsibilities as a child of the covenant?
Think of a time when you felt a special connection with Jesus Christ during prayer or scripture study. How did this experience reinforce your commitment to living a life in alignment with His teachings?
In 2 Nephi 2:6 we read, “Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.” Because He is full of truth, He sees you as you really are—flaws, weaknesses, regrets, and all. Because He is full of grace, He sees you as you really can be. He meets you where you are and helps you repent and improve, overcome and become.
“O youth of the noble birthright, carry on, carry on, carry on!” I testify that you are loved—and you are trusted—today, in 20 years, and forever. Don’t sell your birthright for a mess of pottage. Don’t trade everything for nothing. Don’t let the world change you when you were born to change the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Engaging Questions:
- In what ways have you felt the grace of Christ in your life? Can you share a specific moment where you felt His support or help?
- How do you interpret the idea that Christ meets you where you are? What does that look like in your daily life?
- Brother Wilcox mentions not to “sell your birthright for a mess of pottage.” What does that phrase mean to you in the context of your life choices?
- How do you balance the expectations of the world with your own values and beliefs? Can you share a time when you chose to stay true to yourself?
- What does it mean to you to be a “youth of the noble birthright”? How does this identity influence your goals and aspirations?
- How do you perceive your flaws and weaknesses in light of Christ’s grace? How has this understanding changed your self-view?
- Brother Wilcox emphasizes the importance of not letting the world change you. What specific influences do you think pose a threat to your values, and how can you combat them?
- In what ways do you feel empowered to “change the world”? What actions can you take to make a positive impact in your community?
- How do you think understanding your potential—seeing yourself as God sees you—affects your motivation and efforts in life?
- What practices help you cultivate a mindset focused on improvement and growth rather than on your regrets or weaknesses?
- Can you share a personal experience where you felt you were able to overcome a challenge with the help of Christ’s grace? What did you learn from that experience?
- How can you remind yourself daily of the trust that God has in you? What specific actions can you take to live up to that trust?
- How do you envision the future you? What steps are you taking today to become that person?
- Brother Wilcox encourages youth to “carry on.” What does this look like for you, especially during challenging times?
- How can you help your peers recognize their own potential and the love and trust God has for them?
Object Lessons:
- Mirror of Truth and Grace
- Materials: Two mirrors—one regular mirror and one with a funhouse distortion (or a piece of tinted plastic).
- Activity: Show the regular mirror first, emphasizing that it reflects the truth about ourselves, including our flaws and weaknesses. Then, show the distorted mirror, discussing how it can represent how the world often views us—skewed and untrue.
- Lesson: Explain that while the truth reveals our current state, Christ sees us clearly and also sees our potential. He helps us see beyond our flaws and guides us towards who we can become.
- The Seed of Potential
- Materials: A seed (like a sunflower seed), a small plant, and a fully grown sunflower.
- Activity: Display the seed, the small plant, and the full sunflower. Discuss how the seed holds the potential for the beautiful flower but needs care, soil, and the right environment to grow.
- Lesson: Just like the seed, we may start small and flawed, but with Christ’s grace and guidance, we can grow into something magnificent. We must not lose sight of our potential and the journey of growth.
- The Two Paths
- Materials: Two signs or markers—one labeled “Immediate Gratification” and the other “Eternal Goals.”
- Activity: Set up a path with two directions. Have participants discuss what each path might lead to, using real-life scenarios (e.g., giving in to peer pressure vs. making righteous choices).
- Lesson: Emphasize that while the path of immediate gratification may seem tempting, it often leads to regret. The path of eternal goals requires effort and sacrifice but ultimately leads to fulfillment and lasting happiness.
Activities:
- Birthright Comparison
- Materials: Two bowls—one with a small amount of dry beans or pottage and another with a variety of desirable items (candy, snacks, or small toys).
- Activity: Discuss the story of Esau trading his birthright for pottage and have participants vote on whether they would trade their birthright for the contents of the bowls. After the discussion, reveal that the birthright is far more valuable than momentary satisfaction.
- Lesson: Reinforce that our birthright as children of God is worth protecting and not trading for temporary pleasures.
- Grace and Truth Collage
- Materials: Magazines, scissors, glue, and poster boards.
- Activity: Have participants create collages that represent what grace and truth mean to them. They can use images, words, and phrases that inspire them about their potential and their relationship with Christ.
- Lesson: This creative activity encourages participants to reflect on how they see themselves through Christ’s eyes—embracing grace and recognizing their potential.
- Personal Reflection Journals
- Materials: Notebooks and pens.
- Activity: Distribute journals for participants to reflect on their own weaknesses and strengths. Encourage them to write about how they can apply Christ’s grace in their lives and steps they can take to improve.
- Lesson: This activity emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and personal growth, reminding them that they are not alone on this journey.
- Team Building: The Noble Birthright Relay
- Materials: Various obstacles or challenges (cones, hurdles, etc.) and blindfolds.
- Activity: Create a relay race where teams navigate obstacles, but some members are blindfolded. They must rely on their teammates to guide them.
- Lesson: Discuss how, like teammates helping each other, Christ helps guide us through life’s challenges. We must trust Him and each other as we work toward our individual and collective potential.
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt fully seen by Christ, with all your flaws and weaknesses acknowledged. How did that understanding affect your self-perception and your relationship with Him?
- Think of a time when you experienced grace in a personal struggle. How did this grace help you overcome a challenge or change your perspective on your circumstances?
- Think of a time when you had to make a difficult choice that could have compromised your values. What helped you stay true to your birthright, and what did you learn from that experience?
- Think of a time when you witnessed someone else experiencing redemption or transformation. How did this inspire you to see their potential, and what impact did it have on your own journey?
- Think of a time when you felt the pressure of the world trying to change you. How did you respond to that pressure, and what steps did you take to stay true to your identity as a child of God?
- Think of a time when you made a mistake but felt the Savior’s loving support as you repented. How did that experience strengthen your faith in His grace and truth?
- Think of a time when you were tempted to give up on a goal or dream. What motivated you to keep going, and how did you see that persistence pay off in the end?
- Think of a time when you took a stand for what was right, even when it was difficult. What gave you the courage to do so, and how did it affect your relationships with others?
- Think of a time when you felt inspired to help someone recognize their potential. What did you say or do, and what was their response?
- Think of a time when you reflected on your own journey of improvement and growth. How has your understanding of grace and redemption shaped your path, and what insights do you carry forward?
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