Introduction

Some gospel principles feel simple on the surface—but carry deeper meaning the more we sit with them. “Follow the prophet” is one of those principles.

In this talk, Elder Michael John U. Teh teaches that following the prophet is not just about obedience—it is about transformation, alignment with Christ, and trusting divine guidance even when it is difficult or uncomfortable.

This lesson help is designed to guide a Relief Society discussion that moves beyond surface-level understanding into meaningful reflection and application. Each section follows the flow of the talk, using powerful quotes, thoughtful questions, object lessons, and personal prompts to help sisters connect doctrine to their own lives.

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Section 1: Following the Prophet Is Following Christ

Teach

At its core, following the prophet is about following Jesus Christ.

Quote

“When we follow the teachings and examples of prophets, seers, and revelators, we are following our Savior, Jesus Christ.

… ‘Follow the prophet; he knows the way.’

… ‘Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice. It is a continuous commitment and way of life that should guide us at all times and in all places.’”

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean that following the prophet is following Christ?
2. Why is this principle sometimes misunderstood?
3. What does “continuous commitment” look like in daily life?
4. How can we make following Christ less occasional and more consistent?
5. What role do prophets play in our discipleship?
6. How has following prophetic counsel strengthened your faith?
7. What makes this principle feel simple but challenging?
8. How do we recognize the Savior in prophetic teachings?
9. What helps you trust prophetic guidance?
10. How can we teach this principle to others?

Object Lessons

1. A map leading to a destination
2. A guide walking ahead on a path
3. A compass pointing direction
4. Footprints to follow
5. A light guiding forward

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time following counsel blessed your life
2. Describe how you’ve come to trust prophets
3. Share a moment you felt guided
4. Talk about following Christ more consistently
5. Share how your testimony has grown
6. Describe a time you hesitated but followed
7. Share how obedience has helped you
8. Talk about learning to trust
9. Share how prophets have influenced you
10. Describe your relationship with this principle

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Section 2: The Invitation to Follow Requires Sacrifice

Teach

Following Christ and His prophets often requires giving up things we may value.

Quote

“To the rich young man, Jesus said, ‘Sell all that thou hast… and come, follow me.’ The young man did not know that the path… would lead him to ‘treasures in heaven.’”

Discussion Questions

1. Why is sacrifice part of discipleship?
2. What might “sell all that thou hast” look like today?
3. Why is it hard to let go of certain things?
4. How does God’s perspective differ from ours?
5. What blessings come from sacrifice?
6. How do we recognize what we need to give up?
7. What fears hold us back?
8. How can we trust the outcome?
9. What does this teach about priorities?
10. How can we strengthen our willingness?

Object Lessons

1. Letting go of an object to receive something better
2. A trade exchange
3. A backpack being lightened
4. A pruning branch
5. A seed being planted

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a sacrifice that blessed your life
2. Describe something hard you let go of
3. Share how God replaced something better
4. Talk about trusting God’s plan
5. Share how sacrifice strengthened you
6. Describe a moment of surrender
7. Share how your priorities shifted
8. Talk about overcoming fear
9. Share how faith helped you act
10. Describe a meaningful choice

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Section 3: Choosing Gospel Culture Over Worldly Traditions

Teach

Following the prophet sometimes means choosing gospel culture over deeply rooted traditions.

Quote

“As our family strived to fully embrace the gospel, my parents discovered that some of our well-loved traditions were not consistent with gospel culture…

It became apparent to them that they needed to make a choice.

… It was a long and difficult process… Although our family was still not perfect, we had come a long way.”

Discussion Questions

1. What is “gospel culture”?
2. Why can traditions be difficult to change?
3. How do we recognize when something isn’t aligned?
4. What does it mean to “make a choice”?
5. Why is this process often long and difficult?
6. How can we support others in this?
7. What blessings come from aligning with God?
8. How do we handle outside pressure?
9. What has helped you make hard changes?
10. How can we teach this in our homes?

Object Lessons

1. Weeding a garden
2. Sorting good vs. unnecessary items
3. Replacing old habits
4. A filter removing impurities
5. A path diverging

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a tradition you had to change
2. Describe a hard decision you made
3. Share how your family has grown
4. Talk about aligning with the gospel
5. Share how you handled pressure
6. Describe a long process of change
7. Share what helped you stay faithful
8. Talk about choosing God over comfort
9. Share how your perspective changed
10. Describe growth over time

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Section 4: The Gospel Requires Ongoing Change

Teach

Repentance and change are central—not occasional—to discipleship.

Quote

“The gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to change. ‘Repent’ is its most frequent message… giving up all of our practices… that are contrary to the commandments of God.

The purpose of the gospel is to transform common creatures into celestial citizens, and that requires change.”

Discussion Questions

1. Why is repentance central to the gospel?
2. What does it mean to become “celestial”?
3. Why is change often uncomfortable?
4. How does repentance bring joy?
5. What does ongoing change look like?
6. How do we avoid discouragement?
7. What role does Christ play?
8. How can we embrace change?
9. What has helped you grow spiritually?
10. How can we support each other?

Object Lessons

1. A caterpillar becoming a butterfly
2. A rough stone polished
3. A broken object repaired
4. A seed growing
5. A staircase upward

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time you changed through the gospel
2. Describe how repentance blessed you
3. Share a moment of growth
4. Talk about becoming better
5. Share how Christ helped you change
6. Describe a meaningful transformation
7. Share how you overcame resistance
8. Talk about trusting the process
9. Share what helped you grow
10. Describe your journey

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Section 5: Christ Strengthens Us to Endure Trials

Teach

Through the Atonement, Christ gives us strength—not just answers.

Quote

“Jesus Christ strengthened each of these individuals to endure their trials…

‘He therefore knows our struggles… and because of this, His Atonement empowers Him to succor us—to give us the strength to bear it all.’”

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean that Christ “succors” us?
2. How is strength different from removing trials?
3. Why is it comforting that Christ understands?
4. How have you felt strengthened?
5. What does endurance look like with Christ?
6. How does faith play a role?
7. What helps us trust Him more?
8. How can we help others in trials?
9. What does this teach about the Atonement?
10. How can we rely on Him more?

Object Lessons

1. Carrying weight with help
2. A support beam
3. A lifeline
4. A shelter in a storm
5. A hand lifting someone up

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time Christ strengthened you
2. Describe enduring a trial
3. Share how you felt supported
4. Talk about relying on Christ
5. Share how your faith grew
6. Describe a hard moment
7. Share how you found peace
8. Talk about spiritual strength
9. Share how others helped you
10. Describe what you learned

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Section 6: We Reflect Christ’s Light to Others

Teach

As we follow Christ, we become instruments to reflect His light.

Quote

“I learned that the sun’s rays were being reflected into our apartment…

I was reminded that when we strive to follow the Savior, He will use us to bless others. Through our example and service, they will feel the Savior’s love.”

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to reflect Christ’s light?
2. How can small actions bless others?
3. Why is reflection a powerful symbol?
4. How do we become better instruments?
5. What blocks light in our lives?
6. How can we increase our influence?
7. What experiences have shown this?
8. How does service connect to this?
9. What role does example play?
10. How can we live this daily?

Object Lessons

1. A mirror reflecting light
2. A flashlight shining outward
3. A window letting light in
4. A candle lighting others
5. A prism spreading light

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time you influenced someone
2. Describe reflecting Christ’s love
3. Share how someone impacted you
4. Talk about being an example
5. Share how you serve others
6. Describe a meaningful connection
7. Share how you’ve felt guided
8. Talk about shining your light
9. Share how Christ works through you
10. Describe a small act that mattered

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Section 7: Prophets See Beyond What We Can See

Teach

Prophets are not behind the times—they see ahead and guide us safely.

Quote

“They actually see into the future as watchmen on a tower…

‘A seer can know of things which are past… and also of things which are to come… things shall be made known… which otherwise could not be known.’”

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean that prophets are “watchmen”?
2. Why is this role important today?
3. How does this build trust?
4. Why might people misunderstand prophets?
5. How can we strengthen our confidence?
6. What experiences have confirmed this for you?
7. How do prophets help us prepare?
8. What does this teach about revelation?
9. How can we follow more fully?
10. What inspires you to trust them?

Object Lessons

1. A lookout tower
2. A guide seeing ahead
3. A warning sign
4. A map showing the future
5. A lighthouse

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time prophetic counsel helped you
2. Describe how you gained a testimony
3. Share how you’ve been guided
4. Talk about trusting leaders
5. Share how your faith grew
6. Describe following counsel
7. Share how you’ve been protected
8. Talk about spiritual impressions
9. Share what inspires you
10. Describe your testimony

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Conclusion

Preparing a Relief Society lesson can feel overwhelming—but with the right structure and focus, it becomes an opportunity to create something deeply meaningful.

This lesson help allows you to guide thoughtful, engaging discussion while inviting the Spirit to teach. Instead of focusing on what to say next, you can focus on helping sisters connect doctrine to their lives and feel the Savior’s influence.

Elder Teh’s message reminds us that following the prophet is ultimately about following Jesus Christ—and that as we do, we are changed, strengthened, and guided in ways we could never achieve on our own.

As you teach this lesson, you are helping create a space where sisters can not only understand that principle—but feel it and live it.

Posted By: Lia · In: Relief Society