Oct 20-26, Come Follow Me, Youth lesson helps, Young Men and Young Women's

This week's object lesson is focused on these scriptures:

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Ask two students to hold the ends of a string that is long enough to stretch across the room. If you have a ball of yarn, that is even better. Tape off the end of the yarn. Read Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–8, and explain that the string represents the years of eternity and that the small point is like our years on earth. What does it mean that our trials on earth are for “a small moment”?

Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–46

True power and influence are based on “the principles of righteousness.”

I would focus on this aspect from the manual and apply it to the lives of the youth.

What kinds of things are we seeing in our world today? Doesn't it feel like worldly power is so strong?

Worldly power forced the Saints out of Missouri and Joseph Smith into jail. But while Joseph was there, the Lord taught him about a different kind of power: His power, “the powers of heaven.”

I included this free script to help the youth (or you) gain a deeper understanding of Joseph Smith and, hopefully, find hope in Godly Power in their own lives.

(Even though I used historic events and scriptures, it was created by me. Therefore, go by your inspiration and spirit; if anything, you can use the creative insight to help you better teach this experience.)

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Reading about that power in Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–46 could help you learn how to receive that power—and how to use it to bless others. Maybe you could record what you learn in a table with columns labeled Powers of Heaven and Worldly Power. How are these two kinds of power different? What do these descriptions of the Lord’s power teach you about Him?

You might also ponder the word influence in verse 41. What are some situations in which you want to be an influence for good—perhaps in a family relationship, at school, at work, or in a Church assignment? What do you learn from verses 41–46 about how God influences His children? You might summarize what you learn by completing a sentence like this one: “To influence for good, I will .”

See also Jeffrey R. Holland, “Not as the World Giveth,” Liahona, May 2021, 35–38; David A. Bednar, “The Powers of Heaven,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 48–51; “The Powers of Heaven” (video), Gospel Library.

Pass out these large puzzle pieces. There are two sets of 6, a total of 12 pieces.

Everyone gets to be the teacher today. If you're short on time, suggest they choose one question to answer. Read the scripture and the quote, but chose their favorite question to answer.

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Be sure to give them a couple of minutes to prepare and think about their answers. If they need help, you will be there to help them. Which means it will be good for you to know the material.

When it's time for the students to share, you will split your board like this, recording all the "Worldly Power" and the "Godly Power" traits. Obviously, this is based on the scriptures they share, and they try to get everyone in the class to help you.

I probably won't look like this, but I am giving an outline of what you might find:

Also during this time, the youth can be building their two puzzles:

Notice how there are two number 1's?

It is that way with all 6 pieces, 12 total. Keep that in mind, if you have a small class, you might need to do the first puzzle first, then give them a second turn with the second puzzle. You can do that with a big class, too, and put them in groups.

Also, notice this piece:

When your board is completed, ask the youth how worldly power is compared to a candle, as Godly Power is compared to the sun. Hint: Our youth may not have much experience with candles, but they do have experience with flashlights on their cell phone. Tell them to consider how limited the light is compared to the sun.

One at a time, so as not to overwhelm. You don't need to record this if your youth are having a good discussion.

Come back full circle to this that was mentioned in the beginning:

Worldly power forced the Saints out of Missouri and Joseph Smith into jail. But while Joseph was there, the Lord taught him about a different kind of power: His power, “the powers of heaven.”

Why does Worldly Power seem so powerful? Can you have the strength to overcome Worldly power with God's help, like Joseph Smith? How do you feel knowing that you have this power in your life as you keep your covenants?

This is already included in the lesson bundle, but you can purchase it separately by clicking on the image below.