The Parable of the Gems

The following story is taken off the LDS Seminary and Institute website:

There was a young woman who dreamed she was walking along a quiet and secluded beach. She was searching for gems in the sand.

As the young women knelt down the tiny grains of sand glittered invitingly in the sunlight.

She began raking her finger slowly through the warm surface of the sand.

Before long she noticed a colorful Gem sparkling in the sand and picked it up.

Not wanting to lose it she carefully stuck it in her pocket for safekeeping.

Eagerly returning to her search she quickly discovered more gems resting just beneath the surface of the sand.

But the young woman wondered if they were gems hidden deeper in the sand.

Determined she began to dig.

With effort time and patience...

She was rewarded again and again with breathtaking jewels.

Each time she found a new gem, the young women held it under the sunlight and studied it carefully.

She turned each one over in her fingers exploring it's many shapes and facets

She thoughtfully and patiently examined the gems she had found

The young woman began to appreciate the unique qualities and characteristics of each one.

Feelings of attachment to her new found treasures began to grow within her.

 After searching for a while the young women gathered her gems together and held them up to the sunlight.

She was filled with awe as the light dance off the gems in a rainbow of colors.

As the young woman sat appreciating the beauty of the gems

She looked up and saw her father approaching

Smiling warmly he said, "I've been watching you dig in the sand. What did you find?"

The young woman eagerly displayed the handful of gems.

Her father then asked, "Now what will you do with your treasures?"

Scripture Mastery: Moses 7:18

To master this scripture:

1. Ensure that you have this verse marked in your scriptures.
2. Using your journal:

     LOCATE AND ANNOTATE

·                     Define any words you may not understand or may need to reveiw.

• ZION – The pure in heart. The Lord’s people, a specific place or both.

·                     Apply sticker icon and art image. Ponder the meaning behind these symbols and how they relate to this verse.

     UNDERSTAND

·                     Research and record supporting scriptures.

• 4 Nephi 1:15-16
• Doctrine and Covenants 97:21
• Doctrine and Covenants 115:5-6

·                     Read and ponder the post-it note quotes. (below)

·                     Check the Basic Doctrines that this scripture teaches.

·                     Ponder this verse. Ask yourself questions like:

• What does it mean to be of one heart and one mind?
• Why is caring for the poor and the needy a necessary part of building Zion?
• What blessings are promised to Zion? (See D&C 97:18-25)

·                     Answer the following question: 'After studying the context and the content of this passage, what do you feel the Lord intended you to learn from this scripture?' Record you answer on page 14 in your journal under Understand.

     APPLICATION

·                     Ask yourself how you can personalize this verse.

·                     Ponder and record questions that will help you apply the principles taught in this verse more fully into your life.

• What are some specific things I can do to build Zion?

·                     Answer the following question: 'How can you assist God in His work? How can you help others seek eternal life?' Record your answer on page 12 in your journal under Application.

3. Memorize the verse and reference

Post it Note Quotes:

Zion is established and flourishes BECAUSE of the God-inspired lives and labors of its citizens. Zion comes not as a gift but BECAUSE virtuous covenant people are drawn together and build it. (Keith B McMullin, Oct. 2002)

ZION IS

“Zion is people; Zion is the saints of God; Zion is those who have been baptized; Zion is those who have received the Holy Ghost; Zion is those who keep the commandments; Zion is the righteous”

 – Bruce R McConkie, April 1977

THOSE BORN AGAIN

Who will dwell in Zion?

“These Are They Who Have Overcome the World—“Who Have Truly Been Born Again!”

- David O. McKay, Cherished Experiences from the Writings of President David O. McKay, [1976], 60

A REFUGE

 “Zion is intended to be a place of refuge, a defense from the storm that is to come, from the wrath which shall be poured out upon the entire earth. God help us to be true and to live the gospel and do all in our power to promote righteousness in this great land.”

– President Ezra Taft Benson, Gen. Conf. April 1948

THE LORD CALLED HIS PEOPLE ZION

”Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens… If we would establish Zion … we must rise to this standard. It will be necessary to become unified in one heart and one mind; to become … a holy people; and to care for the poor and needy with such effectiveness that we eliminate poverty among us.“ – D Todd Christofferson, Ensign, Nov 2008

PEACE IN  ZION

 “We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object. … The time is soon coming, when no man will have any peace but in Zion and her stakes” - Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976]

BUILDING ZION

To build Zion—whether in a city, in our stakes, or in our homes—we must develop the qualities of a Zion people: pure hearts, unity, and unselfishness.

–Church History & Gospel Doctrine Teachers Manual, Lesson 46

Scripture Mastery: Moses 1:39

To master this scripture:
1. Ensure that you have this verse marked in your scriptures.
2. Using your journal

     LOCATE AND ANNOTATE

• Define any words you may not understand or may need to reveiw.
• Apply sticker icon and art image. Ponder the meaning behind these symbols and how they relate to this verse.

     UNDERSTAND

• Research and record supporting scriptures.
• Read and ponder the post-it note quotes.
• Check the Basic Doctrines that this scripture teaches.
• Answer the following question: 'After studying the context and the content of this passage, what do you feel the Lord intended you to learn from this scripture?' Record you answer on page 12 in your journal under Understand.

     APPLICATION

• Ask yourself how you can personalize this verse.
• Ponder and record questions that will help you apply the principles taught in this verse more fully into your life. 
• Answer the following question: 'How can you assist God in His work? How can you help others seek eternal life?' Record your answer on page 12 in your journal under Application.

3. Memorize the verse and reference.

Quotes that support this verse:

ALL HONEST WORK IS OF GOD

 “God Himself is glorified by His work of bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of His children. We naturally desire to participate with Him in His work, and in so doing, we ought to recognize that all honest work is the work of God.”

– D Todd Christoffersen, General Conference, October 2010

“We are living for eternity and not merely for the moment.”
– President Joseph F Smith,Gospel Doctrine, p. 277

THE UNSELFISHNESS OF GOD”Hence, we see the complete unselfishness of our Father in Heaven. His whole work and glory is to bring eternal life and happiness to his children. Should not our whole purpose in this life, therefore, be made up of righteous service one to another? If not, how  can we ever hope to be as he is?” – Marion G Romney, Ensign, Nov 1981

UNDERSTANDING THE PLAN“… the Father’s desire is to give everyone the opportunity to receive a fullness of joy. Latter-day revelations show that our Heavenly Father created a great plan of happiness for all His children, a very special plan so that we can return to live with Him… Understanding the plan will help people keep the commandments, make better decisions, and have the right motivation.” -Rafael E Pino, Ensign, May 2015