Primary 18 - The Founding Path of Righteous Living




Brothers and Sisters, 

we are so blessed to be able to be your teachers. This week has gone so fast. Hopefully you have had time to go over the reading and lesson this week. We are excited to see you in class on Sunday and review what we and hopefully you have learned this last week. As a brief review this week’s lesson focuses on the Savior being our Shepherd, growing spiritually and the importance of marriage between a man and a woman.

Jesus Christ is our Shepherd. What does that actually mean? What do Shepherds do for their flocks that sheep herders don't? What are they willing to sacrifice for their flocks that the hired hand doesn't? A Shepherd is someone that guides and protects sheep. They are willing to do anything to keep them safe even laying down their lives to protect their flocks. The hired hand does a job and looks out for his own skin. Christ did this for us as our shepherd. He sacrificed His life for us so we could return home to our Heavenly Father. With His life and death He created a path for us to follow. This path is built on faith, repentance, baptism and the Holy Ghost.

As we follow Jesus Christ our spiritual light can grow just like a plant or flower you put in the garden. What do plants need to grow? There are some basic things they need like a seed, good soil, care (weeding around them) water and sunlight. Our spirits are basically the same. We need to have faith in gospel principles (planting seeds), we need to surround ourselves with good people and good things (terminology, books, shows, music)(good soil). When we make mistakes we need to repent and strive to remove our sins (weeding the garden). Our spirits need a constant flow of spiritual experiences like pray, scripture reading, church, family home evening, etc.  (water and sunlight). As we grow and develop our spiritual light will grow larger and larger just like a plant growing larger and larger.

Another part of Heavenly Father's plans to help our growth and development centers around marriage and the family. Today and in the days of Joseph Smith, there seems to be a lot of confusion about marriage and the importance of family. Joseph prayed to the Lord for clarification and understanding.  In D&C 49 Joseph Smith received that clarification. The Lord taught him that marriage between a man and a woman is essential and key to His plan. Marriage in the temple allows us to receive the full blessings and promises from the Lord.

We have testimonies of Christ from apostles, prophets, teachers, family, and friends, His teachings, and His charity (love) for us. He is showing us and is teaching us the path to return to our Father in Heaven. If you have doubts or questions do as Joseph Smith did. Pray and open your heart and mind to the Holy Ghost, follow the prom pings of the Spirit. We testify you can receive answers to your prayers.

Our world is full of sheepherders. Be mindful and take caution. The Spirit of God will be and is your companion if you will listen.


Brothers Bingham and Keller


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