Introduction

Some gospel truths are simple to say—but take a lifetime to live. Discipleship is one of them.

In this talk, Elder Eduardo F. Ortega teaches that becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ is not a single moment—it is a lifelong process made up of small, daily decisions. He emphasizes that faith is not inherited, testimony is not automatic, and spiritual growth requires personal effort and commitment.

This lesson help is designed to guide a Relief Society discussion that invites sisters to reflect deeply on their personal discipleship journey. Each section follows the progression of the talk and includes powerful quotes, thoughtful questions, object lessons, and personal prompts to help create meaningful, Spirit-led conversation.

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Section 1: Discipleship Is a Personal Decision

Teach

Discipleship does not come from circumstance or inheritance—it begins with a choice.

Quote

“Some may think that faith is inherited. True discipleship, however, always begins with a personal decision.

Our family heritage is a great blessing, but it is not a substitute for our diligent and intentional search for a personal testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Discussion Questions

1. Why can faith not be inherited?
2. What does it mean to make a personal decision to follow Christ?
3. How does this change our responsibility?
4. Why might it be easy to rely on family faith?
5. What does intentional discipleship look like?
6. How can we strengthen our personal commitment?
7. What experiences have helped you choose Christ?
8. How can we help others make that decision?
9. What does this teach about accountability?
10. How can we renew our decision daily?

Object Lessons

1. Choosing between two paths
2. A signature on a commitment
3. A personal key unlocking something
4. A planted seed representing choice
5. A step forward

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share when you chose to follow Christ
2. Describe your personal decision
3. Share how your faith became your own
4. Talk about a turning point
5. Share how your commitment grew
6. Describe what helped you decide
7. Share how your testimony developed
8. Talk about choosing Christ daily
9. Share a meaningful experience
10. Describe your journey

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Section 2: Heritage Is a Blessing—But Not Enough

Teach

Spiritual heritage can support us—but it cannot replace personal testimony.

Quote

“Our family legacy and traditions are very helpful, but in and of themselves they are not enough for us to build upon the rock of our Savior.

A personal testimony comes in response to our sincere and dedicated quest to want to know for ourselves.”

Discussion Questions

1. Why is heritage helpful but not sufficient?
2. What does it mean to build on the rock of Christ?
3. How do we move from borrowed faith to personal faith?
4. What does a sincere search look like?
5. Why is effort required?
6. What experiences strengthen testimony?
7. How can we teach this principle?
8. What role does agency play?
9. How does this apply in families?
10. How can we encourage others?

Object Lessons

1. A borrowed vs. owned object
2. A foundation being built
3. A personal vs. shared item
4. A rooted vs. unrooted plant
5. A house on sand vs. rock

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share how your testimony became personal
2. Describe moving beyond family faith
3. Share how you searched for truth
4. Talk about spiritual growth
5. Share how your understanding changed
6. Describe a meaningful experience
7. Share what helped you grow
8. Talk about building your foundation
9. Share your journey
10. Describe what this means to you

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Section 3: Testimony Comes Through Seeking and Acting

Teach

Testimony is not passive—it comes through seeking and acting on truth.

Quote

“A personal testimony comes in response to our sincere and dedicated quest… and then to act upon the impressions and the knowledge received.”

“It was not until I was… serving as a missionary… that I gained my own personal and undeniable testimony… while striving to ‘invite… others to come unto Christ.’”

Discussion Questions

1. Why is action required for testimony?
2. What does it mean to “experiment upon the word”?
3. How does serving others strengthen faith?
4. Why do experiences deepen testimony?
5. What prevents us from acting?
6. How can we apply what we learn?
7. What experiences have strengthened your faith?
8. How can we seek more intentionally?
9. What role does effort play?
10. How can we grow spiritually?

Object Lessons

1. A seed being planted and nurtured
2. A light turning on
3. A path being walked
4. A tool being used
5. A recipe followed

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time acting strengthened your faith
2. Describe gaining a testimony
3. Share how service impacted you
4. Talk about seeking truth
5. Share how your faith grew
6. Describe a meaningful moment
7. Share how you acted on impressions
8. Talk about learning through experience
9. Share what helped you grow
10. Describe your journey

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Section 4: Faithfulness Impacts Generations

Teach

One person’s decision to follow Christ can bless generations.

Quote

“My grandmother Mercedes… joined the Church… Her decision brought blessings not only to her but also to many of us.”

Discussion Questions

1. How can one decision impact generations?
2. What examples have you seen of this?
3. Why is courage important in discipleship?
4. How can we influence our families?
5. What legacy are we building?
6. How does faith ripple outward?
7. What sacrifices are involved?
8. How can we strengthen future generations?
9. What role does example play?
10. How can we live more intentionally?

Object Lessons

1. A ripple in water
2. A domino effect
3. A family tree
4. A seed growing into a tree
5. A chain reaction

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share someone who influenced your faith
2. Describe your spiritual heritage
3. Share how you’ve influenced others
4. Talk about family faith
5. Share how your choices matter
6. Describe a meaningful connection
7. Share how you’ve seen blessings
8. Talk about legacy
9. Share your experiences
10. Describe your influence

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Section 5: Discipleship Requires Enduring Effort

Teach

Following Christ is not a one-time event—it requires continued effort.

Quote

“There is a road ahead… to ‘press forward with a steadfastness in Christ’…

The invitation… to seek… to come to know… to do… and then to endure… is the same for all of us.”

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to “press forward”?
2. Why is endurance necessary?
3. How do we stay consistent?
4. What challenges arise?
5. How can we stay motivated?
6. What role does hope play?
7. How does this apply daily?
8. What helps us keep going?
9. What experiences have taught you this?
10. How can we strengthen commitment?

Object Lessons

1. A marathon
2. A steady climb
3. A long road
4. A staircase
5. A journey map

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time you kept going
2. Describe enduring faith
3. Share how you stayed committed
4. Talk about challenges
5. Share what helped you
6. Describe growth
7. Share how your faith deepened
8. Talk about perseverance
9. Share a meaningful moment
10. Describe your journey

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Section 6: Growth Happens Gradually Over Time

Teach

Spiritual growth is a process—not instant or immediate.

Quote

“Becoming a lifelong disciple… is a process, the sum of multiple small, daily… events.

We need to be patient… even with ourselves… building faith can be a lengthy process.”

Discussion Questions

1. Why is growth gradual?
2. How can we be patient with ourselves?
3. What small steps matter most?
4. How do we recognize progress?
5. Why do we expect quick results?
6. How does patience strengthen faith?
7. What helps us trust the process?
8. How can we avoid discouragement?
9. What experiences have taught you this?
10. How can we support others?

Object Lessons

1. A growing plant
2. A sunrise
3. A progress bar
4. A child learning
5. A building under construction

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share how you’ve grown gradually
2. Describe a slow change
3. Share how you’ve learned patience
4. Talk about trusting God
5. Share how you’ve seen progress
6. Describe growth
7. Share what helped you
8. Talk about overcoming discouragement
9. Share your journey
10. Describe what this means

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Section 7: Christ Is the Author and Finisher of Our Faith

Teach

Ultimately, Christ is both the beginning and the end of our discipleship.

Quote

“Relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who is the author and the finisher of [our] faith.”

“I testify of the healing, refining, and perfecting power of Jesus Christ… He is the author and the finisher of our faith.”

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean that Christ is the “author”?
2. What does it mean that He is the “finisher”?
3. How does this change our perspective?
4. Why must we rely on Him?
5. How does He refine us?
6. What does this teach about grace?
7. How can we trust Him more?
8. What experiences have strengthened this belief?
9. How does this bring hope?
10. How can we live this daily?

Object Lessons

1. A book with a beginning and end
2. A builder completing a project
3. A path with a guide
4. A sculpture being finished
5. A race with a guide

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share how Christ has helped you
2. Describe your reliance on Him
3. Share how your faith has grown
4. Talk about His influence
5. Share a meaningful experience
6. Describe how He refined you
7. Share how you trust Him
8. Talk about your journey
9. Share how your testimony grew
10. Describe what this means

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Conclusion

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

This lesson help gives you the tools to guide discussion with confidence, invite personal reflection, and help sisters connect doctrine to their lives. Instead of focusing on what to say next, you can focus on helping sisters feel, share, and grow.

Elder Ortega’s message reminds us that discipleship is not a single moment—it is a lifelong process of choosing Christ, seeking Him, and becoming more like Him.

And as you teach this lesson, you help create a space where that process can deepen for every sister in the room.

Posted By: Lia · In: Relief Society