Introduction

Some gospel principles are simple to understand—but require deep faith to live. Putting God first is one of those principles.

In this talk, Elder Jorge T. Becerra teaches that tithing is not just about money—it is about devotion, trust, and overcoming spiritual instability. His message invites us to examine our priorities and consider what it truly means to put God first in every part of our lives.

This lesson help is designed to guide a Relief Society discussion that invites honest reflection and meaningful connection. Each section follows the natural progression of the talk and includes powerful quotes, discussion questions, object lessons, and personal prompts to help sisters internalize and apply these truths.

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Section 1: The Danger of Being Double-Minded

Teach

The foundation of this talk begins with a warning: spiritual instability comes when we are divided in our devotion.

Quote

“What was this awful dilemma? … ‘A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.’

A double-minded person is one who is wavering, indecisive, or conflicted, someone who lacks commitment to a single purpose or belief.”

Discussion Questions

1. What does “double-minded” look like in real life?
2. Why does being divided create instability?
3. How can we recognize this in ourselves?
4. What areas of life are most vulnerable to this?
5. Why is commitment important in discipleship?
6. How does this affect our spiritual growth?
7. What does stability in the gospel look like?
8. How can we become more focused?
9. What experiences have taught you this?
10. How can we help others overcome this?

Object Lessons

1. A scale tipping back and forth
2. A forked path
3. A shaky foundation
4. A compass spinning
5. A divided rope

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time you felt spiritually divided
2. Describe how you gained clarity
3. Share how commitment changed you
4. Talk about choosing God more fully
5. Share a moment of decision
6. Describe how you found stability
7. Share how your priorities shifted
8. Talk about overcoming indecision
9. Share a lesson you learned
10. Describe what helps you stay focused

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Section 2: Putting God First Brings Clarity

Teach

The solution to spiritual conflict is simple—but powerful: put God first.

Quote

“One way to overcome double-mindedness is to learn to put God first in our lives. Jesus Christ taught, ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.’”

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to truly put God first?
2. Why is this harder than it sounds?
3. What competes for first place in our lives?
4. How does this bring clarity?
5. What changes when God is first?
6. How can we evaluate our priorities?
7. What habits help us do this?
8. How does this affect decision-making?
9. What blessings come from this?
10. How can we improve in this area?

Object Lessons

1. A priority list reordered
2. A first-place trophy
3. A spotlight on what matters
4. A calendar showing priorities
5. A foundation stone

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time you chose God first
2. Describe a shift in priorities
3. Share how this brought peace
4. Talk about a hard decision
5. Share what helped you focus
6. Describe how your life changed
7. Share how you’ve grown
8. Talk about daily choices
9. Share a meaningful experience
10. Describe what this means to you

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Section 3: From the Beginning, God Has Asked for First Things

Teach

Putting God first is not new—it has always been part of God’s pattern.

Quote

“From the beginning of time, God has taught His children to put Him first…

‘They should… offer the firstlings of their flocks… And Adam was obedient… I know not, save the Lord commanded me.’

… ‘This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten.’”

Discussion Questions

1. Why does God ask for first things?
2. What does Adam’s obedience teach us?
3. How is sacrifice connected to Christ?
4. Why is obedience sometimes without full understanding?
5. What does “firstlings” mean today?
6. How does this show trust?
7. What patterns do you see in scripture?
8. Why is timing important in obedience?
9. How does this strengthen faith?
10. How can we apply this principle?

Object Lessons

1. First portion set aside
2. A symbolic offering
3. A gift given first
4. A timeline showing priorities
5. A sacrificial object

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time you obeyed without knowing why
2. Describe how faith helped you act
3. Share a sacrifice you made
4. Talk about trusting God
5. Share how obedience blessed you
6. Describe a meaningful experience
7. Share how your faith grew
8. Talk about putting God first
9. Share how you’ve changed
10. Describe what obedience means to you

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Section 4: A Personal Story of Faith and Tithing

Teach

Elder Becerra shares a powerful personal experience about choosing faith over fear.

Quote

“I had fallen behind in my payment of tithes…

The only thing I had of value was a car… I concluded that I should at least make an effort to sell my car…

… He said, ‘OK, I will come back… with a check.’

… I deposited the check and paid my tithing.”

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in this story?
2. Why was this decision difficult?
3. What does this teach about faith?
4. How do we act when we feel uncertain?
5. What role does sacrifice play?
6. How do we recognize promptings?
7. What fears might we face?
8. How can we trust God more?
9. What would you have done?
10. How does this apply today?

Object Lessons

1. Letting go of something valuable
2. A leap of faith
3. A trust fall
4. A bridge step
5. A decision moment

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time you acted in faith
2. Describe a hard decision
3. Share how God provided
4. Talk about trusting God
5. Share a financial faith experience
6. Describe a prompting you followed
7. Share how your faith grew
8. Talk about sacrifice
9. Share what you learned
10. Describe how God helped you

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Section 5: God Provides in Unexpected Ways

Teach

When we put God first, He provides—often in ways we could not predict.

Quote

“I realized that I did not have a car…

… A friend called… ‘Would you be willing to take over my car payments?’ … It was a miracle!”

Discussion Questions

1. What does this teach about God’s timing?
2. Why are blessings sometimes unexpected?
3. How do miracles strengthen faith?
4. What role does trust play?
5. How can we recognize God’s hand?
6. Why might blessings not come immediately?
7. How does this build confidence?
8. What experiences have you had?
9. How can we remain patient?
10. How does this deepen faith?

Object Lessons

1. A surprise gift
2. A puzzle piece appearing
3. A door opening unexpectedly
4. A hidden provision
5. A supply appearing

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a time God provided
2. Describe an unexpected blessing
3. Share how your faith grew
4. Talk about trusting God
5. Share a miracle experience
6. Describe how God helped you
7. Share how you recognized His hand
8. Talk about patience
9. Share a meaningful moment
10. Describe how your trust increased

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Section 6: Testimonies Strengthen Faith

Teach

Faith is often strengthened through the testimonies of others.

Quote

“With a gaze of her certain witness, she said, ‘All we need to see is the very hand of Jehovah… to have any greater assurance that He is blessing us by our payment of tithing.’”

Discussion Questions

1. Why are testimonies powerful?
2. How do others’ experiences influence us?
3. What role does certainty play?
4. How can we strengthen our testimony?
5. Why is sharing important?
6. What has impacted your faith?
7. How do we recognize God’s hand?
8. How can we bear testimony more often?
9. What builds spiritual confidence?
10. How can we teach this to others?

Object Lessons

1. A light passed from one candle to another
2. A story being shared
3. A chain of influence
4. A witness stand
5. A growing flame

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share a testimony that impacted you
2. Describe how your faith grew
3. Share a moment of certainty
4. Talk about recognizing God
5. Share how others influenced you
6. Describe a powerful experience
7. Share how you gained a testimony
8. Talk about sharing your faith
9. Share what strengthens you
10. Describe your witness

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Section 7: Tithing Brings Spiritual Power and Light

Teach

Tithing is not just temporal—it brings spiritual capacity, light, and direction.

Quote

“I am certain that the payment of tithes and offerings will enhance our spiritual capacity as we put God first…

… ‘Spiritual illumination and perspective are poured out… as we honor the law of tithing.’”

Discussion Questions

1. What does “spiritual capacity” mean?
2. How does tithing bring light?
3. Why is obedience tied to revelation?
4. What blessings have you seen?
5. How does this affect perspective?
6. What role does faith play?
7. How can we increase spiritual sensitivity?
8. What does this teach about God?
9. How does this influence daily life?
10. How can we live this more fully?

Object Lessons

1. Light entering through a window
2. A lamp turning on
3. A fog clearing
4. A path illuminated
5. A room brightening

Personal Sharing Prompts

1. Share how tithing has blessed you
2. Describe spiritual growth
3. Share how you’ve felt guided
4. Talk about obedience
5. Share how your perspective changed
6. Describe a meaningful experience
7. Share how your faith increased
8. Talk about recognizing light
9. Share how God helped you
10. Describe your testimony

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Conclusion

Preparing a Relief Society lesson can sometimes feel overwhelming—but with the right structure and focus, it becomes an opportunity to create meaningful, Spirit-led experiences.

This lesson help gives you everything you need to guide thoughtful discussion, 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 Becerra’s message reminds us that putting God first is not just about obedience—it is about trust, transformation, and spiritual power.

And as you teach this principle, you help create a space where sisters can not only understand it—but begin to live it more fully.

Posted By: Lia · In: Relief Society