Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:36–40).
President Ezra Taft Benson once observed: “When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities.”3
It Is Important to Put the Lord First in My Life.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18–20” The first two of the Ten Commandments the Lord gave the children of Israel were “Thou shalt have no other gods before me,” and “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” (Ex. 20:3–4.)
- Read together Exodus 20:1–7, and explain that anything we put before God in our lives can be like the “others gods” and “graven image[s]” mentioned in verses 3–4. Ask the children why Heavenly Father wants us to put Him first. (One possible answer might be: Because he loves us and wants us to be happy. He knows we will be happiest if we live the kind of life he wants us to live and return and live with him again.)
Ask the children if they can name some things that we might be tempted to put before God in our lives. (Answers may even be good things such as recreational activities. If something is taking a lot of our focus and time and is getting in the way of putting the Lord first, it might be considered idolatry. (The worship of idols is an excessive attachment or devotion to anything.)
- Ask the children how we can show Heavenly Father that He is more important than anything else in our lives.
For the Strength of Youth April 2022 “The Best Day”
For the Strength of Youth April 2023 “Follow Jesus Christ and Do What Matters Most”
- Think of a task that has an important first step, such as washing our hands before we eat or putting on socks before putting on shoes. What could happen if we didn’t do the important things first? How is this like putting Heavenly Father first in our lives? Share your testimony of how putting God first has blessed you, and invite the children to share their testimonies, too.
- New Era July 2020 “Making Good Use of Your Time” Object Lesson: Pour all the sand into the jar first, then add the larger rocks on top. When you add the sand first, there isn’t enough space for all the larger rocks—just like how when we prioritize other activities over the things Heavenly Father has commanded us to do, we may run out of time for the things that are most important.
- Sing a song about Heavenly Father, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). What do we learn from the song about why it is important to put Heavenly Father first in our lives?
Friend November 2022 “Conference Notes”
Sister Browning said that she needs glasses to help her see. Every morning, the first thing she does is reach for her glasses. She talked about how she needs Jesus Christ every day the same way she needs her glasses. The Savior promises to lead and guide us when we make time for Him.
This teaches me:
Elder Olsen talked about his nephew Nash. They were working together when Nash came up with a great idea to fix a problem. Elder Olsen asked Nash how he got so smart. Nash answered, “Jesus.” Jesus Christ is the answer to all of our problems.
This teaches me:
Jesus Christ is my King. (The Israelites Want a King)
Samuel’s sons take bribes and pervert judgment—The Israelites seek for a king to rule over them—Samuel rehearses the nature and evils of kingly rule—The Lord consents to give them a king.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18”
As you read 1 Samuel 8, notice how the Lord felt about the Israelites’ desire for a king other than Himself. What does it mean to choose the Lord to “reign over [you]”? (1 Samuel 8:7). You might also consider ways you are tempted to follow the unrighteous trends of the world instead of following the Lord. How can you show that you want Jesus Christ to be your Eternal King?
I Can Put the Lord First in My Life.
Aaron makes a golden calf, which Israel worships—Moses serves as a mediator between God and rebellious Israel—Moses breaks the tablets of stone—The Levites slay about 3,000 rebels—Moses pleads and intercedes for the people.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 24; 31–34” While Moses was on Mount Sinai speaking with the Lord, the children of Israel chose to worship a golden idol instead of Him. This story can remind the children you teach that we shouldn’t let other things become more important to us than the Lord.
- Younger Children: Briefly review the Ten Commandments with the children, emphasizing the first two (see Exodus 20:3–6). Use “Moses on Mount Sinai” (in Old Testament Stories) to share with them the story from Exodus 32:1–8, 19–24. If possible, let the children help you tell the story. Help the children see what the Israelites did wrong in this story (you may want to remind the children of the first two of the Ten Commandments). What should the Israelites have done instead?
- Older Children: Ask the children to share anything they know about the story of Aaron making a golden calf for the Israelites to worship. If they need help, refer them to Exodus 32:1–8, 19–24, or share with them “Moses on Mount Sinai” (in Old Testament Stories). Why was it wrong for the Israelites to worship an idol? (You might refer the children to the first two of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:3–6.)
- Younger Children: Show a picture of Jesus Christ, along with pictures of other things that children might spend time on, such as toys, games, and so on. Ask the children to find the picture that shows what should be most important to us. Share with the children how you are blessed for putting the Lord first in your life—even before other things that are good.
- Older Children: Help the children think of examples of things people may be tempted to worship instead of the Lord—things that draw our attention away from Him. Then ask them to share examples of things that help them focus on the Savior and worship Him.
“Lesson 21: The Ten Commandments,” Primary 6: Old Testament Which one of the Ten Commandments were the Israelites breaking in worshiping the golden calf? (Exodus 20:4–5.) What kind of “graven images” or idols do people in our modern world worship? (Point out that some people worship gods made of brass or wood, the way the Israelites worshiped the golden calf. But idol worship can also be more than that. An idol can be anything that becomes so important that it takes an inappropriate amount of our time and thought. It becomes a god to us. Today our false gods can take such forms as money, material possessions, physical appearance, recreation, or idolizing famous athletes, actors, or musicians.)
Read together Helaman 7:20–21, and ask the children what they think it means to forget God. Explain that the word forget can also mean “to neglect” or “ignore.” Display a picture of the Savior, and invite the children to draw things they might spend too much time doing that could cause them to forget the Lord. Put their drawings in front of the picture of Jesus. Ask the children to think of things they can do each day to remember Heavenly Father and Jesus. As they share their thoughts, take away the drawings one by one until the picture of the Savior is revealed. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 7–12: “Remember the Lord”)
Friend January 2017 “The Next Level” Max takes a week off from playing games and he learns new things, spends time with his family, serves, and feels the Spirit.
One message from the account in Exodus 32 is the importance of keeping the first two of the Ten Commandments—do not worship anyone or anything other than the Lord.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 24; 31–34”
To help your family discuss how the Israelites turned away from God, consider creating a path on the floor (or find one near your home). While walking on the path, family members could talk about temptations we face to turn aside “out of the way which [the Lord] commanded.” How can we remain on the path? If we have strayed, how can we return to it? How does the Savior help us?
After the Israelites were found worshipping an idol, Moses asked, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” How do we show we are on the Lord’s side?
Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Worship the Lord” Lesson ideas
If I am committed to the Savior’s gospel, I will receive great blessings in heaven. (Sr)
What does it mean to you to be “lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot”? Consider ways to help the children be the opposite of lukewarm—to be enthusiastic in their commitment to the Savior and His gospel.
Read together Revelation 3:5, 12, 21, and explain any words that the children might not know. What does it mean to “overcome”? Invite the children to draw one of the blessings promised in these verses and share it with the class.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 1–5”)
Overcome: Succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty). Such as defeating the sins and temptations of this world.
Read together Revelation 3:15–16. Ask the children to talk about things that are most useful or enjoyable when they are hot (such as soup) or cold (such as ice cream). How can being lukewarm about the Savior prevent us from the blessings promised in verses 5, 12, and 21?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 1–5”)
After reading these verses, your family could drink something lukewarm that tastes better hot or cold. What does it mean to be lukewarm spiritually? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 1-5”
On the board, write lukewarm, along with some synonyms, such as halfhearted, indifferent, or casual. Use these words to help the children understand why the Lord does not want us to be lukewarm. What words can we think of to describe the way He wants us to be? Share why you want to be fully committed to the Savior, and invite the children to share their thoughts as well.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 1–5”)
I can love the Lord with all my heart.
Moses had spent his life preparing the children of Israel to enter that promised land, and the book of Deuteronomy records his final instructions, reminders, exhortations, and pleadings with the Israelites.
(Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34”)
Moses proclaims, The Lord our God is one Lord, and, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God—The children of Israel are commanded to teach their children—Moses exhorts them to keep the commandments, testimonies, and statutes of the Lord that they may prosper.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34” Moses taught the children of Israel that they should love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and might. Think of ways you can help the children you teach increase their love for Heavenly Father and the Savior.
- Draw on the board a heart, an outline of a body, and a strong arm. Read Deuteronomy 6:5, and point to the pictures as you read the words “heart,” “soul,” and “might.” Invite the children to take turns pointing to the pictures as the class repeats the scripture passage with you.
- Sing a song that teaches about God’s love, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Help the children find words in the song that show that Heavenly Father loves us. Help them think of ways we can show Him we love Him too.
Ensign September “What Does it Mean to Love God with All Your Heart?” As we love someone else with all our hearts, we make them a priority in our lives. We give them our time, energy, talent, and resources.
Jesus Christ taught: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
To love God with all of our hearts, we use our time, energy, talents and resources to keep His commandments.
Book of Mormon Central “What Does It Mean to Love God with “All Thy Mind”?” In a world that is constantly competing for our attention, we are asked by God to choose Him by giving of our entire mind—our will, intelligence, talents, gratitude, trust, humility, and loyalty—to Him. God loves us perfectly, and our eternal welfare is at the top of His agenda.19 If we are His priority, why shouldn’t He also be ours?
Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Inspiring Words” Lesson ideas
Latter Day Kids “Love God with All Thine Heart” Lesson ideas
I can choose to serve Jesus Christ.
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.
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
- 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
For the Strength of Youth December 2022 “Make Time for Christ at Christmas” Neil L. Andersen “We make time for the Lord each and every day as we make prayer a part of each day. We nurture our spirits with the word of the Lord in the scriptures. We find more time for the holy temple. Let us prepare ourselves each day so the Lord can direct us in helping those who need our attention and our love. I bless you as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ that as you shape your daily habits to include the Lord, you will feel the Savior’s love and approval.”
I Can Stand for Righteousness.
I should focus more on the things of God than the things of the earth.
- Read Doctrine and Covenants 30:1 together, and ask the children to summarize, in their own words, the counsel the Lord gave David Whitmer. In what ways might we sometimes “fear man,” or worry what others might think, instead of doing what we know we should? Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 30–36”
Friend February 2017 “Conference Cards” Handout that says, ““The only opinion of us that matters is what our Heavenly Father thinks of us.”
- Ask the children to try to do two tasks at once, such as reciting an article of faith while writing down the names of all of the children in the class. Ask them why it was hard to focus on the first task. What are some “things of the earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 30:2) that can distract us from remembering Jesus Christ and His gospel? How can we keep our focus on Him rather than on less important things? Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 30–36”
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.
Two Stories of people who believed the gospel was worth more than the things of the world.
Parley and Thankful Pratt
Parley and Thankful Pratt responded to spiritual stirrings to leave their prosperous farm in Ohio with the intent to preach the gospel as they understood it from the Bible. As Parley told his brother, “The spirit of these things had wrought so powerfully on my mind of late that I could not rest.”3 When they reached eastern New York, Parley had a prompting to stay awhile in the area. Thankful, they decided, would continue on without him. “I have a work to do in this region of country,” Parley told her, “and what it is, or how long it will take to perform it, I know not; but I will come when it is performed.”4 It was there that Parley first heard of the Book of Mormon. “I felt a strange interest in the book,” he said.5 He requested a copy and read through the night. By morning, he knew the book was true, valuing it “more than all the riches of the world.”6 Within a few days Parley was baptized. He then returned to Thankful, who was also baptized. (For more information about Parley P. Pratt, see Doctrine and Covenants 32.) Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 30–36”
Sidney and Phebe Rigdon
For the Strength of Youth April 2021 “To Do the Will of God”
Sidney knew that joining the Church would be a major sacrifice for his family. He would obviously lose his job as a minister, along with his social status in the community. As he and Phebe discussed this possibility, Phebe declared, “I have counted the cost, and … it is my desire to do the will of God, come life or come death.”8 Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 30–36”
How are we doing as a family at focusing on the things of God rather than “the things of the earth”?
New Era July 2020 “Making Good Use of Your Time” Object Lesson: When you put the Lord first, there’s room for the rest.
Avoid Being Cumbered by Things that Aren’t of Eternal Value.
For the Strength of Youth July 2023 “When There’s Too Much to Do”
How can your family follow the Lord’s counsel to “seek not to be cumbered,” or burdened with many things to do? You could talk about the story of Mary and Martha (see Luke 10:38–42), and discuss how your family can keep from being cumbered by things that aren’t of eternal value. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 64–66”)
Ask the children to try to do two tasks at once, such as reciting an article of faith while writing down the names of all of the children in the class. Ask them why it was hard to focus on the first task. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 30–36”
How do we decide what our priorities are? (Ideas might include remembering what the purpose of earth life is, asking ourselves how our choice helps us toward gaining eternal life, and praying to have guidance in making our choices.)
The Lord wants me to remember Him.
Ensign August 2020 “Family Study Fun”
Read Helaman 8:19–25 together and talk about how Nephi wanted people to remember what the prophets taught.
- Set out items that represent the gospel (scriptures, pass-along card, Church magazine, CTR ring, etc.).
- Look at the items for one minute. Then invite someone to leave.
- Remove one item, then invite the person to return and try to remember what is missing.
- Play again until everyone has a turn.
Discussion: What can we do to remember important gospel lessons that bless our lives?
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 7–12: “Remember the Lord”
Read together Helaman 7:20–21, and ask the children what they think it means to forget God. Explain that the word forget can also mean “to neglect” or “ignore.” Display a picture of the Savior, and invite the children to draw things they might spend too much time doing that could cause them to forget the Lord. Put their drawings in front of the picture of Jesus. Ask the children to think of things they can do each day to remember Heavenly Father and Jesus. As they share their thoughts, take away the drawings one by one until the picture of the Savior is revealed.
Friend August 2020 “Family Night Fun”
- Sing “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11).
- Sometimes the Nephites forgot to “remember the Lord” and obey His commandments (see Helaman 12:5). How does remembering Jesus help you do what’s right?
- Now play a game about remembering! Put 10 objects in a pile. Have one person look at the pile and try to remember all the objects and then leave the room. Have several people take away one object from the pile. When the person comes back, they guess what’s missing.
Book of Mormon 2020 for Individuals and Family
Can you think of an object lesson you can use to help your family understand what “unsteadiness” means? For instance, you might invite a family member to try balancing something on his or her head. You could then invite family members to look in Helaman 12:1–6 for reasons people can be unsteady in following the Lord. How can we remain spiritually steady?
I Can Choose the Things that are Most Important.
I can seek eternal treasures instead of earthly treasures.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6-7”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6–7” How will you help the children you teach place greater value on eternal things than on worldly things?
Matthew 6:19–24. In these verses, the Savior used the word treasures to mean what we value greatly, and eye to symbolize our focus in life.
- Bring a “treasure” box filled with objects or pictures that represent things the world values—for example, money or toys. Read Matthew 6:19–21 together, and then ask the children to help you think of heavenly treasures that could replace the worldly items in the box.
Friend January 2017 “The Next Level” Max takes a week off from playing games and he learns new things, spends time with his family, serves, and feels the Spirit.
Friend October 2016 Which is laying up treasures in heaven.
- Invite the children to name or draw some things they could do to “lay up … treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20).
Old Testament Stories “Jacob and Esau”
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.
Eternal things are more valuable than money. (Sr)
Invite the children to talk about what they would buy if they had all the money in the world. Read 1 Timothy 6:7–12 with the children, and ask them to summarize what Paul taught Timothy about money. Then invite the children to read verses 11–12 again, searching for things Paul mentioned that are more valuable than money. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )
Lay out pictures of worldly things (such as money, toys, or entertainment) and eternal things (such as families or temples). Invite the children to sort the pictures into two piles—things that bring us closer to Christ and things that might distract us from Christ if we love them more than we love Him. Why is “the love of money … the root of all evil”? How does focusing on Jesus Christ make us happy? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon” )
Why do you think “the love of money is the root of all evil”? What are the dangers of focusing our lives on money or possessions? How can we be content with the blessings we have?Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon”
I Will Value Eternal Things Instead of Temporal Things.
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.
Additional Resources
Old Testament Coloring Book “Jacob and Esau”
- “Jacob” (October 1994 Friend)
A retelling of the story of Jacob and Esau. - “Jacob and Esau” (February 1990 Friend)
An illustrated retelling of the story of Jacob and Esau. - Lesson 13: Jacob and Esau,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 52–55 Purpose: To help the children recognize how our values influence our choices.
- “Jacob and Esau Matchup” (February 1990 Friend)
Draw a line from each symbol to the twin the item describes.
“Consider your ways.”
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14” There were many important things to do to rebuild Jerusalem. But after roughly 15 years had passed since the Israelites’ return, the Lord was displeased that the rebuilding of the temple had not been given higher priority (see Haggai 1:2–5; see also Ezra 4:24).
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14” It is important for all of us to be aware of our priorities and take time to “consider [our] ways.” How can you inspire the children to make time in their lives for the things of God?
- Invite the children to read Haggai 1:2–5 to find out why the Lord was not pleased with the Israelites. Ask the children to pick a phrase from verse 6 and draw a picture of it. Let the class guess what phrase each drawing represents. Talk about how spending time on things other than what the Lord wants is like eating but not being filled, dressing but not being warm, and so on. Why is it important to make time for the things that are important to the Lord?
- Write “Consider your ways” on the board (verse 7). Invite each child to make a list of things he or she might do in a typical day, including things the Lord has asked us to do. Ask the children to “consider [their] ways” by circling what the Lord might say are the most important things on their list. How can we make sure we give time each day for the things the Lord wants us to do?
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14”
As you read Haggai 1; 2:1–9, consider questions like these: What consequences did the Israelites face because they had not finished the temple? What blessings did the Lord promise them if they finished building His house? You might take this opportunity to “consider your ways”—to think about your priorities and how you could align them with the Lord’s.
These verses may prompt your family to “consider your ways.” Maybe family members could act out the phrases in verse 6. What does this verse teach about valuing the things of the world over the things of God? You might counsel together about your family’s priorities. Singing a song like “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79) could help your family evaluate what you are doing well and areas in which you can improve.
Latter Day Kids “Consider Your Ways” Lesson ideas
I can put God first in my life.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14” Learning about the Lord’s counsel to “consider your ways” is an opportunity for the children to make sure they are doing the important things God has asked us to do.
- Explain to the children that the Lord wanted the Israelites to build the temple, but they were doing other things instead. Read aloud Haggai 1:7, and explain that “consider your ways” means that the Lord wanted the Israelites to think about whether they were doing the most important things. Read verse 8 to the children, and invite them to pretend to “go up to the mountain,” “bring down wood,” and “build the house [of the Lord].” What important things does God want us to do?
- Put pictures face down on a table that represent some of the things that are important to God, such as the scriptures, prayer, and the temple. Allow the children to take turns choosing a picture and showing it to the class. Help them understand why it is important to ensure that we make time for each of the things in the pictures.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14” To introduce these verses, you could share the story of the Provo City Center Temple, which was rebuilt from a beloved tabernacle that had burned down (see the video “Provo City Center Temple Completed,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). As your family reads Haggai 2:1–9, you might ask family members to think of something in our lives that might be like the work of rebuilding the temple that had been destroyed. How does the Lord rebuild us after tragedy or adversity?