Priorities
by Shauna Gibby

We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.

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Conference Talk:

For more information on this topic read “Good, Better, Best,” by Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov 2007, 104–8.

Thought:

We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.
(Dallin H. Oaks, “Good, Better, Best,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 104–8.)

Song:

“Choose the Right Way,” Children’s Songbook, p. 160.

Scripture:

Say unto this people: Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you. (Moses 6:33)

Lesson:

Show your family a picture of the Savior, some money, and an article of clothing. Ask your family to think about how they would rank these three items in importance. Have a family member read Matthew 6:24 and then discuss the following questions:

• What is mammon? (See footnote 24e.)
• How can worldly possessions get in the way of gaining a strong testimony?
• How might the Savior rank these three items in importance?

Explain to your family that riches can be used for good if we seek God first. Ask a family member to read Jacob 2:18–19 and Matthew 6:33 (include footnote 33a). Share your feelings regarding putting God first and how that priority has blessed your life.
(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The New Testament, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006], p. 14.)

Story:

It was a very hot summer day. Five-year-old Joshua was riding his bike in the park. He was hot and tired, so he stopped to rest. At the snack stand, Joshua saw some other boys buying ice cream cones. He wished he had an ice cream cone too. One of the boys saw Joshua and asked, “Do you want some ice cream?” Joshua nodded. “I’ll trade you my ice cream cone for your bike,” the boy offered. Joshua looked at his bike and then at the ice cream, trying to decide what to do. Just then, his older brother came looking for him. What do you think happened?

After the family has finished the story, explain that to trade the bike for the ice cream would not have been a fair trade. The bike was more valuable. Joshua was tempted to trade because he was hot and the ice cream looked so good. Satan tempts us in a similar way, He tries to tempt us to be disobedient to Heavenly Father’s commandments. If we choose to follow Satan’s temptations, we trade the blessings Heavenly Father has promised us. They are much more valuable than the momentary pleasures Satan tries to tempt us with.

Challenge the family to think of things that Satan tempts them to do. Compare them with the blessings Heavenly Father offers them. Ask them if it would be a good trade.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime: Book Two [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997].)

Activity:

Play “Slide Right”

All players, except one, are seated in a closed circle which contains one empty chair. One player is “it” and stands in the center. He tries to seat himself in the vacant chair that is continually being taken by the person next to it. “It” calls “slide right” or “slide left” and thus controls the direction the group moves. When he calls “slide right,” the person who finds the chair on his right empty, must slide into it. When “slide left” is called, each player is responsible for occupying the vacant chair on his left. When “it” gets a chair, the person who should have taken the chair becomes “it.”

Discuss how Satan is constantly trying to get into our lives.

(Alma Heaton, The LDS Game Book, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1968], p. 43.)

Refreshment

Peanut Butter Cookies They’ll disappear!

• 1 cup butter or margarine
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• Sugar
• Hershey’s® candy kisses (optional)

In a bowl, cream together butter or margarine, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and salt; add to creamed mixture and beat together. Roll dough into 11⁄2-inch balls and roll in sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. While still warm, place Hershey’s candy kiss on top, if desired. Makes 5 dozen cookies.

(Julie Badger Jensen, Essential Mormon Celebrations, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2005], p. 66.)

Deseret Book

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