Discussion Questions:
- How would you help someone who is struggling to follow the prophet?
- What does the Lord promise you if you follow the counsel of the prophets?
- What are some of the teachings from the most recent general conference that are meaningful to you? Why?
Excerpt from "Obedience to the Prophets" by Claudio R. M. Costa:
I would like to share with you some of the principles that President Benson taught:
“First: The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything” (1980 Devotional Speeches of the Year [1981], 26).
In our day the prophet of God has told us to keep the commandments, to love our fellowman, to serve, to take care of the rising generation, to rescue the inactive or less active—to do many things that we call prophetic priorities. We need to understand that these priorities are God’s priorities and the prophet is His voice in communicating them to all of the Church and the world.
We are counseled to “give heed unto all his words and commandments” (D&C 21:4). We also learn:
“For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.
“For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory” (D&C 21:5–6).
Second fundamental: “The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works” (“Fourteen Fundamentals,” 26).
The living prophet is receiving specific revelations for us. I can remember many times when I have been present to hear one of the servants of the Lord speak about a specific thing for a city or country. I remember at least three of the living prophets, seers, and revelators who have spoken about my country, Brazil. One of these servants said that Brazil would become a great economy in the world and be free of inflation. At the time, we had two-digit inflation every month. It was difficult for many people to believe what the prophet said, but I believed. Brazil has had about 5 percent inflation each year for many consecutive years now. Brazil has become eighth in the world economy, and the country is doing great!
Third fundamental: “The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet” (“Fourteen Fundamentals,” 27).
We learn a great lesson about this from the scriptures. In the times of Noah it was easier for the people to believe in the dead prophets, but it was difficult for them to believe in Noah. We know that because of their incredulity they did not survive the Flood (see Genesis 6–7).
Fourth fundamental: “The prophet will never lead the Church astray” (“Fourteen Fundamentals,” 27).
*To read the full talk, click here.