Lesson 4, Student Choice 1

Philippians 1–4. Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life’s Challenges

·      People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week (see Philippians 2:1–8, 14–15).

This is certainly something that happens frequently, I think.  It is no surprise since the world is made up of people with many different personalities and experiences.  Paul’s counsel is to ‘do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God.’  This is important because it isn’t the way that we feel about things that matters, rather it is the way we choose to respond to difficult situations that matters.  Whether we really like each other or not, we who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ have a sacred duty to follow his example in treating others better than ourselves.

·      Many youth feel that their parents’ testimony is sufficient for them. Since they have good parents, they rely on them for all their spiritual strength (see Philippians 2:12–15 and institute student manual commentary for Philippians 2:12, “Work out Your Own Salvation with Fear and Trembling” [pp. 361–62]).

I believe that, for a time, it is perfectly okay for young people to rely on the testimony of their parents (or teachers, leaders, friends) until they are strong enough to rely on their own.  Even Elder Holland said in a recent general conference that it was okay to rely on his testimony until we have our own.  That said, it is important for each individual to become spiritually self-reliant.  Salvation is really an individual matter so it is up to the individual to come to know Christ and accept his Atonement.  I have to include this fantastic quote from this student manual, because President McKay explains it so eloquently: “To work out one’s salvation is not to sit idly by dreaming and yearning for God miraculously to thrust bounteous blessings into our laps. It is to perform daily, hourly, momentarily, if necessary, the immediate task or duty at hand, and to continue happily in such performance as the years come and go, leaving the fruits of such labors either for self or for others to be bestowed as a just and beneficent Father may determine.” (David O. McKay in CR, Apr. 1957, p. 7.)

·      An investigator is considering joining the Church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does (see Philippians 3:7–16; 4:13).

This is a tough place to be in.  I have no personal experience with this.  However, I believe, and Paul also taught, that when we give up everything to know Jesus Christ, our friends and family too if necessary, then He will make up the difference.  When we walk with the Savior, even if that path is sometimes a little lonely, we are never really alone.

·      How is this writing assignment an example of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3?

If we ever have a question about how to live the gospel, we can always find the answers we seek in the scriptures.  We may not always find the exact situation as lived by someone else, but through gospel study, through feasting on the words of Jesus Christ, we can receive the needed revelation to solve the problems that we may face.