Mackay and Andrew Dolphin’s Lesson
Luke 2:52
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Intro:
This scripture outlines four important fields for us to strive to strengthen:
mental
physical
spiritual
social.
Wisdom (Mental):
Every one of us has been blessed with the marvelous instrument that sits on top of our shoulders. How we use our heads is up to each of us to determine.
Quotes:
President Ezra Taft Benson:
We must imitate him in our mental growth as we search for truth. Let us never fear truth, but only its misuse. On the contrary, let us love truth above all else—for God himself is truth.
Scripture:
Proverbs 4:7
“wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding”
D&C 6:7
Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.
D&C 130:18-19
Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.
And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.
2 Nephi 9:29
“to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God”
Apply to Us:
School:
- Don’t Care about school work. We know that a C is a passing grade and will get us the same diploma as the A and B students when we graduate.
We don’t work as hard as we should.
Don’t Need College...Intellectual pride leads one to think he is self- sufficient in matters of mind and of spirit.
Temptations/ “Touching the Fire”:
Experimenting with things that have already been proven. YOLO, “Just try it once”, “Everyone is doing it.”
Conclude: President Ezra Taft Benson challenge:
“Advance unafraid! Meet the challenge of a modern world! ... Yes, be intelligent. Intelligence is wise...Continue to grow mentally—to grow in wisdom—to grow in truth. Desire it! Pray for it! Study it! Practice it!
Physical (Stature):
Jesus increased in stature, he was perfecting his physical body to house his eternal spirit. The physical body is something special to be cared for, watched over, and nourished.
Quotes:
President Ezra Taft Benson:
Your physical well-being is a priceless blessing to yourself. With good health, all other activities of life are greatly enhanced. A clean mind in a healthy body will enable you to render far more effective service to others. It will help you provide more vigorous leadership. It will give your every experience in life more zest and meaning. Good health is a noble and worthwhile attainment.
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are
Apply to Us:
Take care of your body.
Spiritual (Favor with God):
Quotes:
Ezra Taft Benson:
"We increase in favor with God as we do the will of God. Let us be faithful in the work he gives us, whatever it may be, and whatever our station in life. Let our desires be in harmony with God’s will as it is revealed to us—keeping his work in our hearts conquering selfish desires..."
“Favor with God gives necessary incentive and perspective to life. It gives man real purpose for living and achieving.”
Scripture:
Mark 8:36
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
Matt 6:33
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”
Mosiah 4:9
Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
Apply to Us:
Learn about Him!
Develop a Relationship with Him! (prayer)
Obedience to His Commandments!!
Conclusion: Ezra Taft Benson
“Be not ashamed to believe and proclaim that God lives; that Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer of the world; that the resurrection is a reality; he is the Father of our spirits; ... Blessed are you if you have a testimony of these things
Social (Favor with Man):
Quotes:
President Ezra Taft Benson:
"To serve others willingly and unselfishly should be one of our greatest virtues. It is not even a matter of choice. It is an obligation, a sacred command."
Scripture:
Matt 7:12 (Golden Rule)
“Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them”
Mosiah 6:16-17
I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.
And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
John 13:34
“A new commandment I give unto you,” he said, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another”
Apply to Us:
Friends/Quorum/Scout Camp
Jobs
Sports
Conclusion: L Tom Perry:
The challenge I issue to you today is to develop a heart big enough to show real compassion to all of your fellowmen.
