Free Agency

God gave me the freedom to choose.

Opposition

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 1-2” To help your children understand what Lehi taught about opposites and making choices, you could play a game in which you say a word (such as light) and your children say its opposite (dark). Help them learn why opposites are part of God’s plan as you read together 2 Nephi 2:11, 16. Then you could share stories about a child who is tempted to make a wrong choice. Your children could share what the opposite of the wrong choice is and act it out.

Friend February 2024 Come, Follow Me Activities Lehi taught that having both good and bad times is part of God’s plan for us on earth (see 2 Nephi 2:11). Write down words with opposites (like “tall” and “short”) on pieces of paper and put them in a bowl. Take turns reading the papers. See who can guess the opposite of each word the fastest! For younger children: Having opposites in life is good. Turn a light on and off. Explain how the light helps us see and the dark helps us sleep. We need both to be happy.

Friend May 2019 “Last Friend Standing”  Some new friends of a girl want to hide their bowling shoes and not pay for the game. The girl prays for courage and then tells them that she won’t steal.  Even though she loses them as friends, she feels the Holy Ghost telling her that she did the right thing.

Primary 6: Old Testament “Lesson 4: The Fall of Adam and Eve” Ask the children to think of opposites—such as happy and sad, hot and cold, hard and soft, smooth and rough, heavy and light, high and low, or fast and slow—to illustrate the importance of opposition (see 2 Nephi 2:11, 15). Let the children describe their experiences with opposites. To help them get started, you might use the following examples: After someone has been sick, they can better appreciate feeling well. Or without darkness, you cannot recognize light, which is why you cannot see the stars during the day. To illustrate this second example, you might bring a flashlight and show how its light is barely noticeable in a well-lit room, but the light is much brighter when you darken the room.

Liahona February 2024 “Why Is Opposition Necessary in God’s Plan?” Opposition means that we will face challenges, but it also means that we can find some good in our trials. What good can you find in failure, loss, financial stress, or other challenges?

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 1-2” To learn about the difference between “liberty” and “captivity” (2 Nephi 2:27), your children could draw pictures of an animal in a cage and an animal in its natural environment. Which animal is free? Invite the children to point at the correct picture when you read the word “free” in 2 Nephi 2:27. Testify that Jesus Christ makes us free.

Clipart Library

Sing together a song like “Choose the Right” (Hymns, no. 239). What do we learn from the song about making choices?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020

• Hold up a picture of Adam and Eve (see Gospel Art Book, no. 4), and invite the children to share what they know about what happened to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Help the children find answers in 2 Nephi 2:22–27. Explain that because of Adam and Eve’s choice, we are blessed to come to earth and use our agency to make good choices and repent through Christ’s Atonement when we make wrong choices.
• Write the words of 2 Nephi 2:27 on the board. Help the children memorize the verse by repeating it and taking turns erasing words every time they repeat it. Help the children imagine what a life without choices would be like. Why are they grateful for agency?

“Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.”

Friend February 2011 “Article of Faith Two” Crossword puzzle and lesson ideas about Adam and Eve and free agency.

2 Nephi 2:25: “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

Friend February 2018 “Adam and Eve”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 1-5”

God’s premortal children could not become like him … unless they obtained … experience in an arena where both good and evil were present.… We wanted the chance to … confront good and evil and be strong enough to choose the good. (Jeffrey R. Holland, Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Message of the Book of Mormon [1997], 200, 204)

Heavenly Father has Given Me Power to Choose.

Moses 4:1–4

• • In the preexistence Satan had a plan to destroy the freedoms and agency of the people who came to earth. What did Satan hope to gain from implementing his plan? (Glory and power)

• • What would life be like without agency? To help the children imagine what it might be like to live under Lucifer’s plan, tell them that for the next few minutes they must do exactly what you say and nothing else (make sure they know they cannot talk). Have them stand and remain standing perfectly still for a few seconds. Then tell each child where to sit. (Do not sit friends near each other.) Tell the children they must sit erect, feet flat to the floor, looking straight ahead, not moving or speaking. Have them hold the position until you tell them otherwise. After about thirty seconds, let them stand again and sit where they want. (Walk in His Ways pg 62)

In Moses 4:3, we learn that Satan “sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him.” How will you help the children appreciate the ability to choose between right and wrong?

• Talk to the children about some choices you made today, and help them think about choices they made. Read to them from Moses 4:3: “The agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him.” Explain that this verse teaches us that God has given us the ability to make choices. Express your gratitude that you are able to choose the right, and testify that the children can also choose to do what is right.

Coloring Page: “Jesus created the earth as a place where I can learn to choose the right.” (Jan. 2012 Friend)

Friend January 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Good Choices Toss”

Story: In the Garden of Eden, Eve chose to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge. She offered the fruit to Adam. He also chose to eat the fruit. (See Moses 4:12.) After they ate the fruit, they learned the difference between right and wrong.

Song: “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160–61)

Activity: Sit in a circle and toss a ball around. When you catch the ball, tell about a good choice you made this week.

Why is agency so important to God’s plan that Satan would want to destroy it?

Friend January 2012 “Agency Is the Gift to Choose for Ourselves”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 58–59”

Help the children know that Heavenly Father wants us to make good choices that bring happiness to our lives and to others.

• Read phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 58:27–28 to help children understand that they can choose to do good. Put a happy face on one side of the room and a sad face on the other side. How do we feel when we choose to do good? Describe several situations along with a good or bad choice for each one. After describing each situation and choice, ask the children to stand by the happy face if the choice is good and by the sad face if it is bad.
• Show the children a container of many different colors of crayons. Show them a second container with only one crayon. Ask the children which of these containers they would want to use. Why? Explain that being able to choose is a blessing from Heavenly Father. Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us and want us to make good choices.
• Tell the children about a time when you made a good choice, and describe how you felt afterward. Invite the children to draw a picture of your story or a story of their own. Then let them share their pictures with the class and tell what they learned from the story.

Agency is the Power to Choose.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 58–59”

God has given us the power to choose, and with that power we can “bring to pass much righteousness” (verse 27). How can you help the children you teach see that even though there is wickedness in the world, “the power is in them” to “do good”? (verse 28).

• Show the children a piece of paper that has the word choice written on one side and the word consequence written on the other side. Explain that choices have consequences, or results that naturally follow actions. Invite a child to pick up the paper to show that when you pick up the paper, you get both the choice and the consequence of that choice. Ask a child to read Doctrine and Covenants 58:27–28. What choices can we make that will “bring to pass much righteousness” or good consequences? (verse 27). When have we made good choices that had consequences that blessed others?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 1-5” Make a booklet. We have free agency like Adam and Eve.

2017 Sharing Time Outline Tell the children that you are thinking of a word, and give them clues to help them guess the word. Ask them to raise their hands when they know the answer. Clues could include the following: We had this before we came to earth. It is a gift from our Heavenly Father. It is an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan for us. Satan wanted to take it from us. We use it when we make choices. It is a gift that lets us choose for ourselves. It starts with the letter A. After the children have guessed the answer, say together, “Agency is the gift to choose for ourselves.”

Show the children a long stick that has the word choice written on one end and the word consequences written on the other end. Explain that a consequence is what naturally happens because of a choice we make; for example, if we choose to practice playing a musical instrument, we will get better at it, and if we choose to touch fire, we will be burned. Pick up the stick and show the children that every time you pick up the stick, you get both the choice and the consequence of that choice. Ask an older child to read 2 Nephi 2:27. Invite the other children to listen for what the consequences are for making the right choice (liberty and eternal life) and what the consequences are for making the wrong choice (captivity and misery).
Invite two children to come to the front of the room, and let each child hold one end of the stick. Ask the child holding the “choice” end to give an example of a good choice (for example, speaking kindly to others). Ask the other child to share possible consequences of that choice (for example, making lasting friendships). Repeat with several other children.

2017 Sharing Time Outline Show the children a container of many different colors of crayons. Show them a second container with only one color. Ask the children: “If you were going to color a picture, which of these containers of crayons would you want to use? Why?” Explain that having a variety of choices is a blessing. Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us and They want us to make correct choices.

Choices Have Consequences

Our actions, both good and bad, have consequences. (Jr)

Galatians 6:7–9

Display a seed and a vegetable. Read Galatians 6:7–9 to the children. Ask the children to pretend to plant a seed when they hear the word soweth. Ask them to pretend to pick a vegetable from a plant when they hear the word reap. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Galatians”)

Friend September 2016 “A Lesson from Seeds” A customer complained to the seed company that he wanted pumpkins but Zuchini grew. The seed company explained that he ordered zuchini seeds ,and what you plant is what will grow.

Friend October 2015  This boy and his father planted pumpkin seeds and pumpkins grew.

Could use the below images for the children to pretend to get a pumpkin seed and plant it and then pick a pumpkin.

Latter Day Kids “The Law of the Harvest” Lesson idea

Show the children several kinds of vegetables, and help them find the seeds in each. Put the seeds in a container, and let the children take turns choosing one and telling what vegetable will grow if they plant it. Help them see that just as the seeds we plant determine the vegetable we get, the choices we make determine the consequences and blessings we ultimately receive. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Galatians”)

Gospel Grab Bag This activity is great to demonstrate consequences, but it does comes from a pay to use site. It cost 2.00.

Make a line on the floor with tape. Place a happy face and a sad face on opposite ends of the line. Invite a child to stand in the middle of the line, and help the other children think of choices that will lead to happiness or sadness. For each choice, ask the child in the middle to step toward the happy side or the sad side. Repeat the activity several times, and let other children take turns standing on the tape. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Galatians”)

Clipart Library

Our actions, both good and bad, have consequences. (Sr)

Galatians 6:7–9

Help the children understand that consequences of our behavior sometimes come immediately and other times may come “in due season” (verse 9). (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Galatians”)

Read together Galatians 6:7–9. Provide a list of actions (or seeds we “sow”) and consequences (or fruit we “reap”). Ask the children to match the actions to their consequences. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Galatians”)

The Red Crystal Sort the seeds into the packets of Corrupution or Everlasting Life

Invite the children to list some of the blessings they hope to receive from Heavenly Father. Help them think of the “seeds” they must sow in order to “reap” these blessings. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Galatians”)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Galatians” If your family has ever planted something together, you could use that experience to illustrate the principle “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (verse 7). Or you could ask family members about their favorite fruits or vegetables and talk about what it takes to grow a plant that produces that food. (See the picture at the end of this outline.) You could talk about the blessings your family hopes to receive and how to “reap” those blessings.

2 Nephi 9:20, 28–29, 42–43, 49

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 6-10” To encourage your children to “[delight] in righteousness” or joyfully obey the Lord (2 Nephi 9:49), perhaps you could share examples in which a child makes a good choice or a bad choice. Invite your children to stand up when the choice brings happiness and sit down when the choice brings sadness. When have we felt happy because we made a choice to follow Jesus Christ?

The Cozy Red Cottage CTR board Game-Divide the class into 2 teams.  Each team starts by rolling the dice and moving the correct number of circles.  If they land on one of the CTR spaces they get to roll again. Then pick a card.  Read the scenario on the card (I’ve included the ones from the lesson as well as many others).  Decide if its a good choice or a bad choice and if it would make you happy or sad.  Have them raise the correct puppet.  If its a wrong choice ask what should you do? 

Friend February 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read 2 Nephi 10:23 together and help your little ones say, “I can make good choices.” Flip through the Friend and help your children smile and give a thumbs up—or whatever gesture means “good job” in your culture—whenever you find a picture of someone making a good decision.

See Obedience and Commandments and Choice (Choosing the Right Helps Us Be Happy)

The Lord’s ways are higher than my ways.

Isaiah 55:7–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 50–57” When we understand that the Lord’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours, it becomes easier to trust in Him.

• Ask the children who they would go to if they were having a difficult problem, and why. Read with the children Isaiah 55:8–9, and ask them to listen for why we should seek the Lord’s guidance when we need help.
• Draw on the board the sky and the ground, and label them Heavens and Earth. Then invite the children to read Isaiah 55:9 to find out what the Lord compared to the heavens and the earth, and ask them to add these other labels to the drawings. What does it mean that the Lord’s ways and thoughts are “higher” than ours? Why is it important to know this?

Heavenly Father sees and knows all things. He can help us get to a higher place so we can see as well.

When we are up high we can see more. We can see which way to go to move away from difficult places and get to safe places.

• Discuss with the children some of the Lord’s ways that are higher than our ways. For example, what is His way of treating sinners? (see Mark 2:15–17). What is His way of leading others? (see Matthew 20:25–28). How are His ways different from the ways of others? Tell the children how you have learned to trust the Lord’s higher ways and thoughts.

Activity: Print the scriptures below (on colored paper.) Cut them out. Tape them onto the board or hand them out to children.

Read a situation below and then have the children tell what the world’s way is and write that on the ground that is drawn on the board. Have the children look at the scripture cards and have them find the Lord’s way for the situation. Discuss why the Lord’s way is higher and better. Have a child tape that scripture card on the board in the sky. Continue until all scripture cards are on the board.

1 Your friends have invited you to a movie. When you get there, you realize that it is not a good, wholesome one. Your friends decide to see it anyway. What choice will you make?

2 Someone wants you to try drugs, smoke, or drink alcoholic beverages, saying that using such things will make you feel good. Will you do it to see if he is right?

3 You break the cookie jar while getting some cookies. Your mother asks you what happened. Will you avoid the blame by telling her that you don’t know who broke it?

4 Some of your friends swear. Will you swear, too, so that you can be more acceptable to the group?

5 Your friends invite you to go to the circus on Sunday after your church meetings are over. What will you tell them?

6 You don’t know an answer on a test at school. You promised your parents that you would try to get a good grade. Will you look at your neighbor’s paper for the right answer?

7 You earn some money to buy a new toy. When you go to pay for it, it costs more than you thought. Will you add your tithing money to what you have saved so that you can buy the toy?

8 Someone tells you some gossip about a friend. Will you pass it on to your other friends?

9 You’re very tired and get into bed before remembering to pray. Will you skip praying for one night?

10 Your brother is being mean and teasing you, and you want to get even with him. What will you do?

11 Your mother asks you to do your chores. Your friends just called you to play a game of ball. Which will you do first?

12 You see a student put some money into his desk at school. Will you take it so that you can buy some candy on the way home?

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 24: Alma Counsels His Son Corianton”

1. Discuss with the children choices they can make in the following or similar areas. Use ideas that are potential problems for the children in your class. Ask them what kinds of choices Jesus would want them to make. Help them consider the consequences of the various choices they could make.
   • The language they use
   • Keeping the Sabbath day holy
   • The clothes they wear
   • Obeying their parents
   • The music they listen to
   • Stealing
   • The movies, videos, and television shows they watch
   • Telling the truth
   • The books and magazines they read
2. Have the children role-play situations involving choices and consequences, such as the following:
   • A friend tells a lie about someone.
   • A friend wants you to watch an inappropriate movie or video.
   • A friend tells you an inappropriate story.
   • A friend wants you to cheat in school.
   • A friend wants you to break the Word of Wisdom.
   • Someone offers you illegal drugs.

Our Choices can Affect Our Eternal Future

Old Testament Stories “Jacob and Esau”

Genesis 25:29–34

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 24–27” Because Esau was the oldest child in his family, he was supposed to get special responsibilities and privileges, called a birthright. One day when Esau was hungry, he traded his birthright to his brother, Jacob, for some food. This story can teach the children that we should choose lasting things over temporary satisfaction.

• Bring to class some objects that could help tell the story of Esau selling his birthright, such as a bowl and a picture of someone getting a priesthood blessing. Invite the children to use the objects as they tell you what they know about the story. “Jacob and Esau” (in Old Testament Stories) can help. Read together Genesis 25:34, and explain that whoever had the birthright would have special privileges and responsibilities to care for the rest of the family.

• Show the children two pictures: one of something of great spiritual worth (like a temple) and one of something that brings only temporary happiness (such as a game, toy, or treat). Ask them to choose which thing will better help us return to our Heavenly Father. Repeat with other pictures.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 24–27” As you discuss Esau selling his birthright, you might also talk about what matters most to your family, like your relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Perhaps family members could find objects or pictures that represent what they consider to be of eternal value. Let them explain why they chose those things.

Friend August 2018 “Soccer and Sundays” When we try to live the gospel and put the most important things first, we are blessed! Follow the path of scriptures to help the boy get to church.

• Sing a song about making good choices, such as “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160–61) with the children. Testify that we are blessed and happy when we choose the right.

Lesson 13: Jacob and Esau,” Primary 6: Old Testament Display the wordstrips you have prepared (or write Temporary and Eternal on the chalkboard). Discuss as a class what each word means. (Temporary: lasting only a short while, not permanent. Eternal: something that will last forever.) Show the objects, pictures, or wordstrips that represent things of temporary and eternal value. Have the children decide which wordstrip each item belongs under. Briefly discuss each item and why it gives either lasting satisfaction or temporary pleasure.

• If you had to choose between going on a picnic and being baptized, which would you choose? Which would give temporary pleasure? Which would make eternal happiness possible?

Explain that some choices we make have either immediate or eternal results. The choices we make show what our values are, or what is most important to us.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 24–27” Esau chose to trade something of great value, his birthright, for something of lesser value, some bread and a bowl of soup. As you read these verses, ponder how you can help the children prioritize things that are eternally important.

• Read together the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25:21–34. As you read, invite each child to choose something to draw from the story. Then invite them to use their pictures to tell the story in their own words. If they need help understanding what a birthright is, encourage them to read “Birthright” in the Bible Dictionary or Guide to the Scriptures (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the children to imagine that Esau asked for our advice about whether he should trade his birthright for the pottage; what would we say to him?
• Tell about a time when you had to sacrifice something good for something else of greater value. Or show the video “Continue in Patience” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How does your story or the story in the video relate to the choice Esau made in Genesis 25:29–34? Help the children think of blessings Heavenly Father wants to give them (such as a stronger testimony, temple blessings, or eternal life with Him). Encourage them to think of things they would be willing to sacrifice in order to receive these valuable blessings.

“Lesson 33: Genesis 25–27,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material Isaac received more than Abraham’s other children because of Isaac’s birthright. A son who held the birthright not only inherited his father’s lands and possessions, but he also took his father’s position as the spiritual leader of the family and received the “authority to preside” (see Bible Dictionary, “Birthright”). The birthright son was then responsible to provide for the family’s needs. The birthright was often passed from a father to his eldest son. However, righteousness was more important than being the firstborn son. The birthright Isaac received from Abraham also included all the blessings and responsibilities of the Abrahamic covenant. (Our choices affect our inheritance from our Heavenly Father.)

The Lord Wants Me to Use My Agency and His Spirit to Make Good Choices.

Doctrine and Covenants 60:5; 61:22; 62:5–8

• Ask the children to talk about a time when they had to make a decision. How did they decide what to do? Read together Doctrine and Covenants 62:5, 7–8 to learn about what the Lord said to the elders who were about to journey from Missouri to Kirtland, Ohio. What choices did they need to make about their journey? What has the Lord given us to help us make choices? Tell the children about how you have used the guidance of the Spirit and your own best judgment to make decisions.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 60–62”)

Friend May 2017 “Why Do We Need the Gift of the Holy Ghost”

• Divide the class into three groups, and ask each group to read one of the following verses, in which the Lord instructed some missionaries about how to fulfill their missions: Doctrine and Covenants 60:5; 61:22; 62:5. What do we notice about the Lord’s instruction in these verses? Why is it sometimes good for us to use our own judgment instead of waiting for specific instruction from God on every matter? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 60–62”)

Sometimes the Lord gives us specific direction, and other matters He leaves up to us to decide. Why doesn’t the Lord give commandments about every aspect of our lives? According to verse 8, how are we to make decisions? Why is it good for us to make some decisions without specific direction from God?(Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 60–62”)

Story below about rolypolys that didn’t do anything until they got instructions.

Friend June 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” What good choices have you made today? Together, make a CTR shield to remind you to choose the right. You could draw it on a poster or make the shape out of items in your home.

Walking in Holiness

Doctrine and Covenants 20:69

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 20–22: The Rise of the Church of Christ”

What does it mean to “[walk] in holiness before the Lord”? It might be fun for family members to draw or write on pieces of paper some things that could help them walk in holiness or things that could distract them from doing so. Then they could create a path using the papers and try to walk on the path, stepping only on the drawings that will bring them to Christ.

Always Remember Him

Judges CHAPTER 2

An angel rebukes Israel for not serving the Lord—As a pattern of future events, a new generation arises that forsakes the Lord and serves Baal and Ashtaroth—The Lord is angry with the children of Israel and ceases to preserve them—He raises up judges to guide and lead them—The Canaanites are left in the land to test Israel.

Judges 2:10.

After Joshua died, the next generation of Israelites “knew not the Lord.” Talk with your family about how they know the Lord and “the works which he [has] done” for them. How will you ensure that this knowledge will be preserved for future generations? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16”)

How do we come to know the Lord? Through scripture study, prayer, sacrament, living the commandments. etc.

Friend June 2019 “The Sacrament Reminds Us of Jesus Christ” Ways to prepare for the sacrament before hand, what to do during the sacrament, and remembering Jesus and following him after the sacrament.

New Era March 2008 “How Can I Come to Know Christ?”

Friend November 2017 “Family Night Fun” Ways you can look for blessings every day.

Let God Be the Most Powerful Influence in Our Lives

Friend August 2020 “Let God Prevail!” President Russel M. Nelson tells what it means to let God prevail in our lives.

Heavenly Father and Jesus Can Help Us Make Good Choices

Abraham 1:18; 2:8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2” Abraham wanted to be righteous even though members of his family were wicked. The Lord said to him, “I will lead thee by my hand” (Abraham 1:18). Just as God promised to help Abraham, He can lead the children you teach when they desire to choose the right.

• Use “Abraham and Sarah” (in Old Testament Stories) to help the children understand that people around Abraham were doing bad things, but Abraham wanted to do what was right and the Lord helped him.

Old Testament Stories ” Abraham and Sarah”

• Read to the children Abraham 1:18 and 2:8, and invite the children to listen for a part of the body that is mentioned in both verses. How would it feel to have Jesus Christ lead us by the hand or to have His hand protecting us? Testify that Jesus leads us by guiding us through His Spirit.
• How do Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ help us when we try to choose the right?

Gospel Media “He Will Lead Thee”

Friend January 2021 “The Party Problem” Luz felt uneasy about going to a graduation party. It didn’t sound like the kind of party where she’d be able to feel the Holy Ghost. She thought about it, made her choice not to go, and then asked Heavenly Father if that was the right choice. Afterwards she felt a wave of warmth and light and knew she had made the right choice. 

• Sing a song related to this principle, such as “Teach Me to Walk in the Light” (Children’s Songbook, 177).

• Show several pictures of the Savior (see Gospel Art Book,nos. 38, 39, 40, and 41), and help the children see things that He did with His hands. What can we do with our hands to help others?

Below song includes a story about a boy that didn’t have any friends and another boy learns in FHE and then befriends the lonely boy.

Heavenly Father will help me make righteous choices. (Jr)

1 Corinthians 10:13

Read 1 Corinthians 10:13 to the children, inviting them to shake their heads when they hear the words “tempted” or “temptation.” Explain what this verse means to you. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8–13” )

Gospel Home Study Packets “Resisting Temptations” Has some good temptation scenarios and an activity.

Tell some brief stories of people who are about to make a wrong choice. As the children listen, invite them to hold up their hands or a paper stop sign when the person in the story makes a wrong choice. What would be the right choice? Testify that Heavenly Father will help us choose the right. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8–13” )

Friend February 2019 “A Little Better Every Day” 

Show a picture of Jesus, and sing with the children a song about Him, such as “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79). Talk about how remembering Jesus helps you make good choices. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8–13” )

Show pictures of other things that help us make good choices, such as parents or scriptures. Ask the children what helps them make good choices. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8–13” )

“Choosing the Right through Study and Prayer” (June 1997 Friend)

The Red Crystal Includes story scenarios to go with the game.

“I Will Always Choose the Right” (October 2005 Liahona and Friend)
A message about what resources can help us choose the right.

Friend September 2024 “How Can I Improve?”

The light of Christ helps me judge between good and evil.

Moroni 7:12–20

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

How can Mormon’s counsel help us make good choices about how we spend our time and who we spend it with? You could invite family members to search your home and “lay hold upon” (Moroni 7:19), or hold on to, things that invite them “to do good, and to love God, and to serve him” (Moroni 7:13). Praise them for the good things they find.

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 42: Moroni and His Writings,” 

1. Use the following or similar examples of choices that apply to your class. Have the children use Moroni 7:16 to help them choose good from evil.
   • You are playing ball with your friends when a child who does not play well wants to join your team. Your friends tell you if this person plays on your team you will lose the game. You consider telling the child not to play with you. Ask yourself, “Does this choice invite me to do good and to believe in Jesus Christ?”
   • You are watching a movie that has an immoral scene that lasts only a few seconds. You feel embarrassed to leave the movie. Ask yourself, “Does watching this movie invite me to do good and to believe in Jesus Christ?”
   • You are in a store when the clerk makes a mistake and doesn’t charge you the right amount for the item you are buying. You know that the item costs more than what you were charged, but the clerk made the error. Ask yourself, “Does paying the wrong price invite me to do good and to believe in Jesus Christ?”
   • Your bishop has asked you to read the Book of Mormon every day. Sometimes scripture words are hard for you to understand. Ask yourself, “Does reading the scriptures every day help me to do good and persuade me to believe in Christ?”

Little Choices Make a Difference

Friend January 2022 “For Older Kids”

Friend June 2018 “Small Things Make a Big Difference” Little choices, good or bad, can make a big difference.

Friend May 2018 “Conference Notes” President Oaks used the example of a growing root cracking the sidewalk to teach that little choices can make a big difference over time.

Sister Aburto once saw a big group of butterflies. She learned that every year they fly thousands of miles from Mexico to Canada, and then back. They do this one tiny wing flap at a time. Like the butterflies, we are on a journey back to our heavenly home. One small good choice at a time can get us there.

“By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.”

Alma 37:6–7

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 36-38” Your children might enjoy finding small items that make big things happen. Items like a battery, car key, or even a toy that comforts them might be examples. You could then read Alma 37:6–7 together and think of some small or simple things that God wants us to do. What big things can happen when we obey these small or simple commandments?

Images from Clipart Library

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 36-38” Show a picture or two of small things that accumulate into big things, such as a blade of grass and a field, or a raindrop and a lake. Testify that even small, simple actions can make a big difference in our lives and in the lives of others. Encourage the children to talk about some simple, good things they do every day, or share your own examples. Invite the children to pick one simple, good thing they can do this week and to draw a picture of themselves doing it. Invite them to take their drawings home and share them with their families.

Small Things Make a Difference from The Friend

Friend July 2020 “My Family Night Fun”

Friend August 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

With Heavenly Father’s help, small things can make a big difference (see Alma 37:6–7). Help make your favorite recipe. What would happen to the recipe if you took out one of the ingredients? Talk about how small things can make a difference and how you can make a difference too.

For younger children: Look for small things that are helpful, like a small seed that turns into a plant or a light switch that turns on light. Talk about how small things can make a big difference, just like you!

• Your children could also try something like this: start filling a cup with water, one drop at a time. How does this relate to Alma 37:6–7? Then you could talk about how the Lord’s “small and simple things,” such as reading the scriptures daily, are like drops of water in a cup.

• Help your children think of ways that they bring about great things at home, school, or church. The song “‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Songbook, 236) also illustrates this principle.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 36-38”

Read Alma 37:6–7, and invite the children to crouch down every time you read the word “small.” Show them a few small things that can make big things happen or move big things, such as a battery or a car key. What big things happen or move because of these small things? Help the children think of some small or simple things God wants us to do. What big things can happen because of these small or simple commandments? Invite the children to pick one simple, good thing they can do this week and to draw a picture of themselves doing it. 

Friend July 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 37:6 together. Crouch down when you hear the word “small” and jump up and spread your arms wide when you hear the word “great.” You could use the scripture verse or repeat the phrase, “Small things can make a great difference!” Talk about how small things like reading the scriptures or praying can make a great difference.

Friend July 2020 “Small and Simple” Boy does small, kind acts to help others which help him grow too.

Ensign March 2018 “Family Home Evening: Discerning Right from Wrong” Object Lesson. Satan tries to make good, righteous, and joyful seem miserable and evil appear to be good. Wrap a rock as a gift and put a treat in a brown paper bag.  (See more at link)

Friend September 2020 “Bright Idea” Whether you feel like a hero or not, you are one! You are the hero of your own life’s story. (Battling against evil, helping others, etc)

Friend September 2016 “For Parents of Little Ones” Lesson ideas for little ones about making choices.
Friend February 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read 2 Nephi 10:23 together and help your little ones say, “I can make good choices.” Flip through the Friend and help your children smile and give a thumbs up—or whatever gesture means “good job” in your culture—whenever you find a picture of someone making a good decision.

Jesus is Happy When I Try to Do Good.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:15, 20

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124” In the revelation recorded in section 124, the Lord expressed His approval for Hyrum Smith and George Miller because they were striving to follow Him. How will you help the children recognize that the Lord is pleased when they try to do good?

• Help the children think of things they can do that are good. Show pictures to give them ideas (you can find some in the Gospel Art Book or Church magazines). Ask the children to point to these good things. Read Doctrine and Covenants 124:15 to the children, and ask them to listen for how the Lord felt when Hyrum Smith chose to do good. How does Jesus feel when we try to do good things?
• Give the children paper hearts, and ask them to draw pictures of themselves doing good things. Invite them to share what they drew with the class. How do we feel when we do something good? Testify that Jesus is happy when we try to do the right thing.
• Sing a song about doing things that Jesus wants us to do, such as “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” (Children’s Songbook, 60–61).

See examples of children doing good in Gospel Living: Children’s Experiences

Friend October 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Good Hearts”

• Sing “Have I Done Any Good?” (Hymns, no. 223).
• Jesus is happy when we try to do good (see Doctrine and Covenants 124:15–21).
• Cut out paper hearts and draw yourself doing a good thing on each one. Each day this week, pick a heart and do what the drawing shows.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:12–21

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124” In section 124, the Lord commended several Saints for their faithfulness. His words can help the children identify qualities they should develop.

• Choose some good qualities mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 124:12–21, and write them on the board around a picture of the Savior. Ask the children to search verses 12–21, looking for these words. Help them understand words that they might not be familiar with. According to these verses, how does the Lord feel about people who develop these qualities?
• Write the word integrity on the board. Invite the children to learn what the Lord said about integrity in Doctrine and Covenants 124:15, 20. To help the children understand what integrity is, read this statement: “Integrity means thinking and doing what is right at all times, no matter what the consequences” (For the Strength of Youth, 19). You could also share examples of a child demonstrating integrity from your own experience or from the Friend or Liahona magazines. Challenge the children to set a goal to act with more integrity this week.

Friend September 2015 “Choosing Integrity”

Liahona October 2021 “What does it mean to have integrity?”

I Am Blessed when I Choose the Right

Blessings Come From Obedience to God.

Doctrine and Covenants 130:20–21; 132:5, 21–23

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

• Share a simple comparison with the children that shows how important it is to follow instructions; for example, talk with them about the steps we must follow to prepare food or play a game or build something. What happens when we don’t follow the instructions? (Maybe you have a personal experience you can share.) Read Doctrine and Covenants 130:21, and compare these instructions to the commandments we must follow to receive blessings from Heavenly Father.
• Ask the children if they can think of a time when they obeyed one of God’s commandments. How did they feel? Sing together a song about obedience, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47), and identify blessings of obedience mentioned in the song. Discuss some of the things God has commanded us to do. How does God bless us when we keep those commandments?

• Sing a song about obedience, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47), and invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 130:20–21and 132:5. Help them find words and ideas in the verses that are similar to those in the song. How do we receive blessings from God? Ask the children to share how they have been blessed for obeying God’s laws.
• Read together Doctrine and Covenants 132:21–23, and invite the children to draw pictures to represent what they learn from these verses. Encourage them to be creative, and suggest that they include in their drawings the laws or commandments that help us stay on the narrow way to eternal life.

Friend March 1997 “My Choices Have Consequences” Turn the top disk to see a commandment from Heavenly Father. Read the scripture in the other window to find out what blessings are promised to those who keep that commandment. (Link page includes additional lesson ideas.)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

You could sing a song about gratitude, such as “Count Your Blessings” (Hymns, no. 241), and make a list of the blessings your family has received for obeying God’s laws. What blessings do we hope to receive? How can we receive those blessings?

Latter Day Kids “Obeying God’s Commandments Leads to Happiness” Lesson ideas

For additional teaching ideas see Commandments, Obedience and Resources for Teaching Children: Commandments, Obedience

Choose the Right

“Ponder the path of thy feet.”

Proverbs CHAPTER 4 Keep the commandments and live—With all your getting, get understanding—Go not in the way of evil men.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families Old Testament 2022

Proverbs 4 describes wisdom and righteousness as a “path” or a “way” (see also Proverbs 3:5–6). As you read this chapter, you might find passages that help you ponder “the path of thy feet” (verse 26) and how your steps are drawing you closer to the Lord. For example, what do verses 11–12 and 18–19 teach about the blessings of following the right path? What do verses 26 and 27 mean to you? See also 2 Nephi 31:18–21.

Liahona September 2022 “Seeking Spiritual Guidance: Come, Follow Me Family Fun”

1. Place a picture of the Savior on one side of a large open area or room.
2. Stand on the opposite side of the room. Take turns blindfolding each family member, spinning them in a circle, and then seeing if they can walk to the picture of Jesus Christ without any help.
3. Read Proverbs 4:26–27.

Discussion: What types of help have we been given in this life to keep us on a path that leads to Jesus Christ? For further discussion, read Proverbs 3:5–6. What actions do we need to take to trust the Lord with all our hearts?

Friend November 2022 “I Can Do What’s Right”

Our motives for doing righteous acts

Matthew 6:1–18

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 6:1–18”

Think about the following statement: Gustavo fixed his neighbor’s fence.

• What do you think about Gustavo?

Would your opinion change if Gustavo fixed the fence because he broke it in a fit of rage? What if he fixed it as part of a service project that his mom made him attend? What if he fixed it because he didn’t want his neighbor’s dog coming into his yard or because he was trying to impress his neighbor’s daughter? Or what if he simply wanted to be kind?

• Why are our motives important?

We read in Matthew 6 that the Savior continued His Sermon on the Mount and taught about motives for doing good works. To help you think about the reasons you do good works such as ministering, serving others, praying, and attending [church], do the following activity.

Create a three-column chart in your study journal. Fill out the top of the chart as follows:

What are three good works you have done in the past week? (List one per row.)	What were your reasons for doing them?	How did you feel after you did these good works?

Read Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18, looking for what the Savior taught about our motives for our righteous acts. The word alms refers to “acts of religious devotion” ( verse 1, footnote b), such as giving to the poor. The word hypocrites refers to those who are “pretenders” ( verse 2, footnote a).

• How would you summarize what the Savior taught?

It is important to understand that public prayer is not wrong simply because it is not done “in secret” ( Matthew 6:6). Prayer and other religious practices can be performed publicly if they are performed with sincerity, devotion, and a desire to glorify God. This is also true in regard to fasting. The phrases “sad countenance” and “they disfigure their faces” in Matthew 6:16 refer to individuals in Jesus’s time who made outward displays of their fasting to draw attention to themselves.

I can choose to serve Jesus Christ.

Joshua CHAPTER 24

Joshua recites how the Lord has blessed and led Israel—Joshua and all the people covenant to choose the Lord and serve Him only—Joshua and Eleazar die—The bones of Joseph, taken from Egypt, are buried in Shechem.

Joshua 24:15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” Among Joshua’s final words to the Israelites was a plea to “choose … this day whom ye will serve.” Ponder how this counsel could also bless the children you teach.

• Ask the children to talk about some of the choices they have made today. Read to the children from Joshua 24:15: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” How have the children chosen to serve the Lord today? What are some ways we can choose to serve Him every day?
• Sing a song about making good choices, such as “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160–61). How do we feel when we choose to serve Jesus Christ? Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves doing something to serve the Lord. Share a story from your life or from a Church magazine about choosing to serve the Lord.

Latter Day Kids “Choose You This Day” Lesson ideas

Joshua 24:15

• Invite the children to create a poster using some of the key words and phrases in Joshua 24:15. Let them share their posters and explain why they chose those words. How can we show God that we have chosen to serve Him?
• Invite the children to suggest situations in which they might have to decide to choose God over other things. Ask them to consider what they would do. Why is it important to “choose … this day” rather than waiting for the situation to arise? How will we be blessed when we make the right choice?

After reading this verse, family members could share experiences in which they chose to serve the Lord even though it was difficult. Why is it important to make the choice to serve Him “this day” instead of waiting to decide until a situation arises? How can we support members of our “house” as we strive to “serve the Lord”? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24”)

For additional teachings ideas see “Priorities“

Lesson 23: Joshua Leads Israel,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 101–5
To help the children choose to serve the Lord

Friend June 2019  Different ways to choose the right.

I can choose to follow Jesus Christ. (Younger Children)

1 Kings CHAPTER 18

Elijah is sent to meet Ahab—Obadiah saves a hundred prophets and meets Elijah—Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to call down fire from heaven—They fail—He calls down fire, slays the prophets of Baal, and opens the heavens for rain.

1 Kings 18:17–39

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Kings 17–19” Elijah urged the people of Israel to make a decision to follow Jesus Christ. Help the children see that they can make this same choice.

• Explain to the children that people in Elijah’s time weren’t sure if they wanted to follow the Lord. Share the story of how Elijah invited them to choose to follow the Lord, found in 1 Kings 18:17–39 (see also “Elijah and the Priests of Baal” in Old Testament Stories). Tell the children why you choose to follow Jesus Christ, and ask them why they choose to follow Him.
• Read to the children what Elijah said to the people: “If the Lord be God, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21). What does it mean to follow Jesus Christ? Help the children think of specific things they will do to follow Jesus Christ, and invite them to draw pictures of themselves doing those things.

Friend March 2018 “Family Night Fun” Each person makes a pair of sandals and then writes on their shoes one way they want to follow Jesus.

1 Kings 18:17–39

I can choose to follow Jesus Christ. (Older Children)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Kings 17–19” The Israelites were indecisive about following the Lord. Ponder how you can inspire the children to be committed in their discipleship.

• Assign each child to read several verses from 1 Kings 18:17–39 and draw a picture of what his or her verses describe. Help the children understand the verses if needed. Then let them use their pictures to tell the story. What does this story teach us about the Lord?

• Ask the children to talk about times when they had to decide between two different things. What helped them decide? Help them think of situations when they might need to decide whether or not to follow Jesus Christ. What truths from the story in 1 Kings 18:17–39 could help them decide?

For the Strength of Youth July 2022 “The Choice” Ben forgot to write a book report that was due the next day. He has to make a choice whether he will follow God or cheat and copy a book report from the internet.

Friend September 2018 “Elijah was a Prophet” Story and goal card.

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Am I Willing to Serve” Lesson ideas

“Lesson 34: Elijah and the False Prophets of Baal,” Primary 6: Old Testament To encourage the children to worship Heavenly Father diligently.

I Can Follow Jesus by Choosing the Right

Friend February 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus by Choosing the Right”

Friend February 2024 “I Can Follow Jesus by Making Good Choices”

Handouts

CTR

Friend September 2017 “Show and Tell” I love the CTR shield because it reminds me of a knight’s shield that protects them from a dragon. I know when I choose the right I’m protected from sin.

Libby R., age 8, Utah, USA

Peer Pressure

I should care more about pleasing God than pleasing others.

Doctrine and Covenants 3:5–10; 5:21–22

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 3–5: “My Work Shall Go Forth”

The above story and scriptures help us to “be inspired to remain faithful when others tempt [us] to be disobedient. Read together Doctrine and Covenants 3:5–8; 5:21–22, and look for the blessings that come when we remain true to God.”

Friend January 2021 “Come Follow Me“

Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 6: Joseph Smith Begins to Translate the Gold Plates” Write the following on the chalkboard: “When the Lord commands, do it.” Explain that Joseph Smith learned from his mistakes and challenges. Even though he faced despair when the 116 pages were lost, he learned the importance of obedience, repentance, and accepting the will of Heavenly Father. He learned to listen to the promptings of the Spirit and grew in his ability to use the Urim and Thummim. Later in life he was able to say, “I made this my rule: When the Lord commands, do it” (History of the Church, 2:170).

Ensign December 2017 “Dealing with Peer Pressure” Helping Kids Say No

Role-play different situations at home to give your child practice.

Let them know it’s OK to blame an escape on you. “Sorry, I have to be home. Gotta go!”

Brainstorm escape plans as a family. For example, come up with a code word your children could use in a phone call or text message to let you know they need help getting out of a situation. Talk through how the scenario might play out.

Reassure your children that, even when they make mistakes, you are always there to love and help them!

Scripture Support

Nephi’s example (1 Nephi 4:2): We often think of Nephi as the good example. But who set an example for Nephi to follow? Talk about role models who have helped you make good choices.

The Lord’s promise (D&C 6:33–37): Sometimes making the right choice is hard, and it can feel like everyone is against us. The Savior tells us that in these situations, we should still “do good” and know that He is with us.

Daniel said no (Daniel 1:8–16): Daniel and his friends refused the food the Lord had commanded them not to eat and chose better food instead. What are some different ways you can say no to outside pressures?

Friend April 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Fill in the the speaking bubbles with what you could say when someone tries to get you to do something that is not right. Try explaining why it’s important to you. Even if others don’t understand your reasons, ask them to be respectful.

Friend November 2017 “Peer Pressure Problems” Ideas on how to deal with peer pressure to avoid making wrong choices.

I can follow God’s will, even if others try to persuade me not to.

Numbers CHAPTER 22

Balak offers money, cattle, and great honors to Balaam to curse Israel—The Lord forbids Balaam to do so—An angel opposes Balaam on the way.

Numbers CHAPTER 23

The Lord commands Balaam to bless Israel—He does so, saying, Who can count the dust of Jacob? and, What hath God wrought!

Numbers CHAPTER 24

Balaam sees in vision and prophesies of the destiny of Israel—He prophesies of the Messiah: There will come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre will rise out of Israel.

Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures “Look and Live” Lesson ideas

Numbers 22–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Numbers 11–14; 20–24” Balak tried to persuade Balaam to curse the Israelites, but Balaam knew that this was against God’s will. Balaam’s example could help the children when they face pressure to disobey God.

• Summarize Numbers 22:1–18 for the children, emphasizing how Balaam refused to curse God’s people, even though Balak, the king of Moab, offered him honor and riches. Ask the children to search the following verses for phrases that they feel show Balaam’s determination to follow God: Numbers 22:18; 23:26; 24:13. Invite the children to pick one phrase they like and write it on a card to help them remember to obey the Lord.
• Talk with the children about situations when friends or others might try to persuade them to do something wrong, as Balak did to Balaam. How did Balaam’s commitment to the Lord help him resist pressure from Balak? Invite the children to practice responding to these situations using words like Balaam’s.

• “Treehouse” (August 2003 Friend)
  Jordan refuses when his friends try to get him to use a bad word as the password for their club.
• “The Strength to Choose” (April 2010 Friend) Chris’s friend tries to get him to smoke a cigarette.
• “Tag, You’re It” (August 2015 Friend and Liahona) Lauren decides to not follow Tami’s plan to be mean to Ally.
• “Garbage Can Graffiti” (September 2010 Friend) Joe makes a bad decision after he listens to his friend instead of the Holy Ghost.

“Lesson 32: Rehoboam,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 140–44 To encourage each child to be a positive influence on others and to withstand negative peer pressure

I can choose the right despite opposition.

Lesson 107: Ezra,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018)

When the 50,000 Jews returned to Jerusalem, they encountered a group of people living nearby called Samaritans. The Samaritans were the “people who lived in Samaria after the northern kingdom of Israel was captured by the Assyrians. The Samaritans were partly Israelite and partly Gentile. Their religion was a mixture of Jewish and pagan beliefs and practices” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Samaritans,” scriptures.lds.org).

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” The Lord’s work rarely goes unopposed, and this was certainly true of the efforts led by Zerubbabel and Nehemiah. In both cases, the “adversaries of Judah” (Ezra 4:1) were Samaritans—descendants of Israelites who had mixed with the Gentiles. Reading about their opposition to building the temple (see Ezra 4–6) might lead you to ponder the opposition [you may face as you stand for the right.]

. According to verses 1–2, what did the Samaritans want to do?

1. Stop the Jews from building the temple
2. Build a different kind of temple
3. Help the Jews build the temple

2. What did Zerubbabel and the other Jewish leaders tell the Samaritans?

1. The Jews would build the temple themselves.
2. The Jews would be happy to have the Samaritans’ help.
3. The Samaritans must wait until the next year to help them.

3. How did the Samaritans respond when Zerubbabel and the other Jewish leaders rejected their offer?

1. They went away and left the Jews alone.
2. They discouraged the Jews from building the temple and created opposition.
3. They gave the Jews supplies for the building of the temple.

As a result of the Samaritans’ opposition, the temple’s construction stopped for several years (see Ezra 4:1–24; Haggai 1:2–6).

Our spiritual progress may halt if we don’t choose the right or if we listen to the opposition and give in.

Friend February 2020 “Matt & Mandy” When some kids find a wallet, Matt and his friend stand for the right by telling a boy, who wants to keep the money, that they need to return the wallet to its owner.

Friend September 2017 “Matt and Mandy” Matt tells some boys he doesn’t want to hear a bad joke even though they call him chicken.

Ezra CHAPTER 5

Haggai and Zechariah prophesy—Zerubbabel renews the building of the temple—The Samaritans challenge the Jews’ right to continue their building work.

Lesson 107: Ezra,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018) We read in Ezra 5:1–2 that some of the Jews began to rebuild the temple again. When local Persian-appointed governors learned that the Jews had resumed building the temple, they questioned the Jews’ authority to do so and looked for ways to stop the construction.

Read Ezra 5:5, looking for why the local governors could not stop the Jews from rebuilding the temple.

What principle can we identify from the Jews’ experience of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem?

One principle we can identify from Ezra 5:5 is that God watches over and helps us as we seek to obey Him.

Friend July 2022 “Stand for What You Believe”David stood for what he believed. He wasn’t alone. God’s power was with him. He beat Goliath. God will help us even when we face Goliath-sized challenges.

Remember that previously (approximately 90 years earlier), the Persian king Cyrus had allowed many Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and establish a community there. The city, which at that time was without walls, was unsafe to live in. The people were in “great affliction” (verse 3), and the temple was in danger of being destroyed again.

Nehemiah 2:17–20; 6:1–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” When Nehemiah was repairing the walls surrounding Jerusalem, his enemies tried to get him to stop, but he remained faithful to his task. What are some important things the Lord wants the children to do, and how can you inspire them to be faithful to that work?

• Share with the children the story of Nehemiah (see Nehemiah 2:17–20; 6:1–9; Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 59–62). Tell the children what Nehemiah said when people made fun of him for wanting to fix Jerusalem’s walls: “The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build” (Nehemiah 2:20). Invite the children to stand up and pretend to help fix the walls of Jerusalem.
• Bring some blocks to class, and let the children use them to help you build a wall (or draw a wall on the board). Help the children think of some important things Heavenly Father might ask them to do, like learning how to read the scriptures. With each idea they share, invite them to add a block to the wall. Explain that when Nehemiah was doing his important work of fixing Jerusalem’s walls, people tried to stop him. Read Nehemiah 6:9, and invite the children to raise their hands when you read “strengthen my hands.” Tell the children about a time when you felt God strengthen your hands to do His work.

The Lord will strengthen me

Nehemiah 2; 4; 6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” The Lord has an important work for the children you teach. What can they learn from Nehemiah about persevering in that work even when they face opposition?

• Review with the children the story about Nehemiah repairing the walls surrounding Jerusalem, including the opposition he faced. Read together Nehemiah 2:19, and ask the children to share situations in which someone might laugh at us for doing the right thing. According to Nehemiah 2:20, how did Nehemiah respond? How can we respond when people make fun of us or criticize us for doing the right thing?

Friend November 2018 “Finders Keepers?” Mike finds some money on the school grounds and takes it to the office even though his friends think they should keep it and spend it.

• Read together Nehemiah 6:1–9. How did Nehemiah’s enemies repeatedly try to get him to stop working on the wall, and how did he respond? What work does God want us to do? (see, for example, Mosiah 18:8–10). How can we follow Nehemiah’s example in verse 9 when it’s difficult to do what God has asked us to do?

Describe how you can apply the phrase “I am doing a great work and cannot come down” (see Nehemiah 6:3) when you face opposition in doing God’s will. 

I can do what is right even when it’s hard.

Daniel 1; 3; 6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Daniel 1–6” The book of Daniel contains stories of people who chose to follow God’s commandments even when doing so was hard. How will you help the children learn from these examples?

• Find pictures of the stories in Daniel 1, 3, and 6 (see this week’s activity page, this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, or Gospel Art Book, nos. 23, 25, 26). Place the pictures facedown on the board or on the floor. Invite a child to turn over one of the pictures, and help him or her tell the story it represents. (For help, see “Daniel and His Friends,” “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego,” and “Daniel and the Lions’ Den” in Old Testament Stories.) After each story, discuss questions like these: What did the people do to follow the Lord? How did the Lord bless them? Share how you have been blessed for choosing to follow Jesus Christ. Ask the children to share their experiences.

• Invite the children to act out situations where they can show their faith in God by keeping His commandments. These could include being kind to a sibling, telling someone about the Savior, or praying each night.

Friend November 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Daniel and the Lion’s Den”

Story: The prophet Daniel prayed each day. Some jealous men tricked the king into making a bad law. Anyone who prayed to God would be thrown into a den of lions! Daniel prayed anyway. He was thrown into the lions’ den, but God sent an angel to protect him. (See Daniel 6.)

Song: “I Want to Live the Gospel” (Children’s Songbook, 148)

Activity: Cut out the finger puppets on page 17 and use them to tell the story of Daniel and the lions’ den. Why is it good to pray?

Friend October 2018 “The T-E-S-T”  One day, when Sharon’s father was reading to her the Bible story about Daniel in the lion’s den, he traced the word “test” on her forehead. He told her she would have tests like Daniel, but she should follow Heavenly Father’s commandments and not give into fear. (Also includes a lion activity of ways Heavenly Father helps us with challenges. )

Coloring page: “Daniel Chooses the Right” (September 2010 Friend)

The stories in Daniel 1, 3, and 6 can give the children you teach courage and faith to make good choices, even when they feel alone.

• Draw on the board several arrows all pointing in the same direction and then one arrow pointing in the opposite direction. How are Daniel and his friends like this one arrow? Invite the children to give examples from the stories in Daniel 1, 3, and 6 (see “Daniel and His Friends,” “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego,” and “Daniel and the Lions’ Den” in Old Testament Stories). Ask the children why they think it might have been hard for Daniel and his friends to make good choices. How did the Lord bless them for choosing the right?
• Help the children think of situations when they might be pressured to make a wrong choice. Invite them to share experiences when they were blessed for choosing the right even when it was hard. Sing together a song related to this topic, such as “Choose the Right” (Hymns, no. 239).

• “The Rule Review” (May 2014 Friend)
  Joseph keeps the family rules instead of giving in to peer pressure.
• “Luke the Leader” (July 2014 Friend)
  When Luke’s friends want him to say a bad word, he makes up silly words instead.
• “Matt and Mandy” (March 2011 Friend)
  Matt chooses the right even when his friend pressures him to do something bad.
• “The Bad Movie” (June 2013 Liahona and Friend)
  When her class chooses a movie, Evelyn decides to watch only things that would be pleasing to Heavenly Father.

Friend November 2018 “Daniel Bravely Followed God” Story and goal card. (I can stand up for what I believe)

Heavenly Father wants me to choose the right.

Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43, 47–48

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” Some of Jesus’s parables teach that at the last day, God will separate the wicked from the righteous. How can you use the parables to inspire the children to choose the right?

Let the children act out the parable of the wheat and the tares (see Matthew 13:24–30). Explain that the wheat represents people who make righteous choices, and the tares (harmful weeds) represent people who do not. One day, Heavenly Father will gather the righteous people to live with Him.

Latter Day Kids “The Parable of the Sower” Lesson ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 29: “Jesus Christ Will Gather His People”

Give the children some examples of right and wrong choices. Ask the children to say “wheat choice” when you describe a right choice and “tare choice” when you describe a wrong choice.

Fighting with siblings/ Sharing with siblings

Doing chores when asked/ Complaining about chores

Getting angry after losing a game/ Choosing to congratulate the winner

Choosing to tell the truth about breaking something/ Choosing to lie so you don’t get into trouble.

Choosing to make fun of someone/ Choosing to be kind

Friend February 2020

Bring pictures of stalks of wheat, and let the children draw on the pictures some ways they can be righteous.

I can choose the right even when those around me do not.

Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13”

Invite the children to draw different scenes from the parable of the wheat and the tares, found in Matthew 13:24–30, and share their drawings with the class. Ask them to label their drawings using the interpretation of the parable found in Matthew 13:36–43. You may need to explain that tares are harmful weeds.

Lesson 17: The Parables of the Sower and the Wheat and Tares,” Primary 7: New Testament 

Sower	Jesus Christ and his Apostles
Good seed (wheat)	Followers of Jesus
Field	World
Enemy	Satan
Tares (weeds)	Followers of Satan
Reapers	Angels
Harvest	Jesus’ second coming

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” The righteous must grow among the wicked until the end of the world. One way to analyze this parable is to draw a picture of it and label it with the interpretations in Matthew 13:36–43 and Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7. A tare is a “poisonous weed, which, until it comes into ear, is similar in appearance to wheat” (Bible Dictionary, “Tares”). What truths in this parable inspire you to remain faithful in spite of the wickedness in the world?

If possible, display a picture of wheat and tares. Explain that the wheat and tares will grow together until the harvest (the end of the world). This teaches us that we live with both good and evil around us, and we must be careful to choose the right.

 Ask the children to share how they can tell the difference between good and evil.

12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

Moroni 7 

When a choice needs to be made, ask yourself, “Does it persaudeth men to do evil (from the devil) or does it inviteth to do good (from God).”

Read the situations below and ask the children to tell you what kind of reactions and thoughts would be from God, and what kind of reactions and thoughts would be from Satan.

•  Your friends have invited you to a movie. When you get there, you realize that it is not a good, wholesome one. Your friends decide to see it anyway.
• Someone wants you to try drugs, smoke, or drink alcoholic beverages, saying that using such things will make you feel good.
• Some of your friends won’t include you if you don’t swear with them.
• Someone tells you some gossip about a friend and suggests you pass it on.

• You break the cookie jar while getting some cookies. Your mother asks you what happened.
• Your friends invite you to go to the circus on Sunday after your church meetings are over.
• You don’t know an answer on a test at school. You promised your parents that you would try to get a good grade.
• You’re very tired and get into bed before remembering to pray.
• Your brother is being mean and teasing you.

I can choose the right even when I feel alone.

Mormon 8:3 & Mormon 8:1–7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 7–9: “I Speak unto You as If Ye Were Present”

Read Mormon 8:1–7 with the children, and invite them to share how they would have felt if they had been Moroni. 

Moroni was the last righteous Nephite, but he stayed true to his testimony. Help the children learn from his example.

• Read Mormon 8:3, emphasizing that Moroni was all alone, but he still kept the commandments, including the commandment to finish the Book of Mormon. Share a time when you were faithful even when you felt alone.
• After discussing Moroni’s example, share some scenarios in which a child must decide whether or not to choose the right, even though no one is looking. Or invite the children to each write down a situation in which they have to make a choice between right or wrong when no one is watching. Put their ideas in a container, and let the children take turns picking a situation and sharing what they would do to be like Moroni.What would Moroni have done?

Sing with the children a song about choosing the right, such as “Stand for the Right” (Children’s Songbook, 159). Why is it important to choose the right all the time, even when you are alone?

Think Good Thoughts

Friend August 2019 “Friends by Mail” We took pictures from the Friend and made a poster collage that says “Think Good Things” to help us remember to think about good things around our home. We love the Friend! It helps us learn more about how to become like Jesus. Jack, Calvin, Maggie, and Clark B., ages 9, 3, 6, and 8, Arizona, USA

Ether 4:11–12

After reading these verses, family members could write down some everyday things that influence your family (such as movies, songs, games, or people) on slips of paper and place them in a bowl. Then they could take turns picking one and discussing whether it “persuadeth [them] to do good” (Ether 4:12). What changes does your family feel inspired to make?,Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief””

Both my actions and my heart must be pure.

Luke 11:37–42

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 11–12; Luke 11” The Savior taught that it is not enough to appear righteous to others. Our thoughts, feelings, and private actions must also be pure.

• To illustrate what these verses teach, show the children a cup or other container that is clean on the outside but dirty on the inside. Help them think about what “the outside of the cup” might represent. What does the “inward part” represent? Why is it important to clean both the outside and the inside?

Object Lesson

What we think about and put into our minds affects what actions come out.

Demonstrate this with an empty toilet paper roll or paper towel roll. Shove some dirt covered paper towels into the cardboard roll as the children tell what things might make our spirits dirty, things such as what we see and hear or thoughts that are filled with hate and anger, dishonesty, greed, pride and vanity (thinking we are better than others in appearance, abilities, intelligence, etc.) selfishness, disobedience, etc.

Ask what would happen if you continued to shove dirty paper towels into the roll. (They would come out the other end.) What happens when we fill our minds with things that are unclean? They come out and manifest themselves through unclean actions.

Show another toilet paper roll and fill it with clean paper towels. Ask the children what will come out the other end. Explain that the clean paper towels represents thinking good thoughts by filling our minds with good things like reading our scriptures, listening to talks and lessons at church, praying, watching and listening to good, uplifting media and music, etc. When we fill our lives with things that are good and uplifting, our thoughts and actions become clean. (You can also push the dirty paper towels out with clean ones to demonstrate that we can clean out unclean thoughts by replacing what we see, hear, and think with good things.)

• Read together some other scriptures that emphasize righteousness both in our hearts and our actions—for example, Psalm 24:3–5; Matthew 15:7–8; Moroni 7:6–9. Discuss why the Savior wants our hearts and private actions to be spiritually clean.

The things we do and think affect our happiness in this life and the life to come.

Lesson 38: Peace Among the Nephites

Print and cutout all the signs except for the top page.  Using tacky wax or removable double sided tape, attach all the small words to a piece of cardstock in random order. Tape the faces to the board or wall. Explain that after Jesus visited the Nephites they kept their spirits clean for many years and they lived in happiness. Show the cardstock to children. Have them take off the words they associate with happiness and put them under the smiley face. Explain that the scriptures tell that these are the things they experienced as a result of keeping their spirits clean. After a long period of time, wickedness started to creep in and the Nephites started experiencing terrible things as a result of the wickedness. Tape the rest of the words on the cardstock under the frowning face.

Explain that when we keep our minds and thoughts clean, we make good choices and we are happy. We can also return to live with Heavenly Father and again and enjoy the blessings of eternal life (the kind of life Heavenly Father has).

My Choices Can Affect Others

Friend July 2022 ” For Older Kids” Good choices and bad choices affect others around us. For example: Getting upset at someone ripples from that person to others.

Finders, Keepers?

Friend September 2024 “Lost and Found Pencils” A girl finds some nice colored pencils on the floor at school and takes them home. Her mom reminds her that someone is probably sad because they lost them. So the next day she takes them and puts them in the lost and found.