Lesson 9: Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God

One of the things I do to prepare to teach is to write the lesson outline on a sticky note; I include the purpose and conclusion as well. This practice has been especially helpful as it gives me a framework within which to prepare and points that are important to convey. As an instructor who often feels unequal to the task of standing in front of my peers, I take comfort in knowing that the lesson manual was prepared with purpose and prayer. It has been approved by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. My job is to make sure that the purpose of the lesson is communicated. Having the outline written defines in my mind the major points that need to be made. I've included a sample of what is on my sticky note this week.

Purpose: To encourage class members to become more dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ.
1. True disciples do right things for right reasons.
2. True disciples follow the Savior’s example of prayer.
3. True disciples treat others kindly and fairly.
4. True disciples serve God and do his will.
Conclusion: It is ever so important that we follow our Savior, Jesus Christ. I would encourage you to consider what you need to do to become better disciples of Christ.

Matthew 6-7
• What will be the reward for people who do good things to be seen by others? (See Matthew 6:2, 5, 16.) What things might we do to be seen by others instead of to please God? How can we purify our motives for serving and performing other good works?

• The teaching in Matthew 7:12 is often called the Golden Rule. What experiences have shown you the value of this principle? How does following the Golden Rule make us better disciples of Jesus Christ?

• Jesus promised that if we “seek … first the kingdom of God,” we will be given all other things that we need (Matthew 6:33). What experiences have helped you gain a testimony of this promise?

Suggestions for Family Discussion
1. Display a stone and a pile of sand. Ask family members which material they would use as a foundation for a house. Read Matthew 7:24–27, and discuss how building our lives on the Savior’s teachings is like building a house on a firm foundation of rock.

2. Display a map. Ask family members how a map could help them plan a trip. If your family has recently taken a trip or will take one soon, discuss how a map was used or will be used on the trip. Explain that in our journey toward eternal life, the scriptures and the teachings of the living prophets are like a map, helping us know how to return to our Heavenly Father.

Scripture Chain: Living as Disciples of Christ
Matthew 16:24–25
Matthew 7:21
John 8:31
John 13:35
2 Nephi 31:10–13
Moroni 7:48