October 28, 2017

This Way to Happiness

Lehi’s vision of the tree of life can help students better understand Jesus Christ’s Atonement and Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness.
Lehi's dream

Teach the Atonement with Lehi’s Vision

This month as you teach 2 Nephi 9, remind students that Lehi’s vision of the tree of life (see 1 Nephi 811) can help them understand that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. As represented in Lehi’s vision, we will find true happiness as we come to the Lord, live according to His will, and receive the full blessings of His infinite Atonement.

As you prepare to teach this principle to your students, consider reviewing and sharing recent counsel from our prophets and apostles.

  • President Thomas S. Monson testified: “Essential to the plan is our Savior, Jesus Christ. Without His atoning sacrifice, all would be lost. It is not enough, however, merely to believe in Him and His mission. We need to work and learn, search and pray, repent and improve. We need to know God’s laws and live them. We need to receive His saving ordinances. Only by so doing will we obtain true, eternal happiness” (“The Perfect Path to Happiness,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 80–81).

  • Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that enjoying the blessings of the plan of happiness “requires far more than acquiring knowledge. It is not even enough for us to be convinced of the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it” (“The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 103).

Invite Students to Share

Encourage students to share how they have found lasting peace and happiness by coming to the Lord, living His teachings, and receiving the blessings of forgiveness through His Atonement. Remind them that through following the example of Jesus Christ, they can learn to become more like Him. In your discussion, encourage students to identify specific choices they have made to come to the Lord and live His teachings in their own lives.

As you discuss these ideas, invite students to join you in using social media to continue this conversation with friends outside of class. As you and your students share thoughts on social media, consider answering the following questions:

  • How do Jesus Christ's teachings and atoning sacrifice lead me to happiness?

  • What is one thing I have done to follow Jesus Christ that has brought me happiness?

Invite students to include #LDSSeminary and #BookofMormonandMe in the posts. Shareable images can be found on the LDS Seminary Facebook page and are included below.

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