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BackgroundThis talk presents several different models that help us define and improve our relationship to God.
Question: In your experience, what are some of the ways that people describe a relationship with God?NOTE: Theology-wise, a Transactional view of the relationship between God and Humanity is only one way to try to define the relationship. It is not the only way to do so. Other views of the relationship between God and Humanity are presented in this this talk as well.Three Perceptions of Describing a Connection to God1. Transactional
2. Grace
3. Relational
TRANSACTIONAL QUOTE
“He [Jesus Christ] created the heavens, the earth, and all the beauty we enjoy. Through His loving Atonement, He provides a way for us to be redeemed from sin and death. As we show our gratitude to Him by diligently living His commandments, He immediately blesses us, leaving us always in His debt. He gives us much, much more than the value of what we can ever return to Him. So, what can we give to Him, who paid the incalculable price for our sins?
– Sister Becky Craven, Keep the Change, October 2020
GRACE QUOTE
“I testify that because of Jesus Christ, we can change. We can adjust our habits, alter our thoughts, and refine our character to become more like Him. And with His help, we can keep the change.”
– Sister Becky Craven, Keep the Change, October 2020
RELATIONAL QUOTE
“The Savior can help you heal and change while surrounded by those who love you…. I hope I am a little kinder, less judgmental, and more compassionate. I hope I am quicker to respond to the needs of others, and I hope I am just a little bit more patient.”
– Sister Becky Craven, Keep the Change, October 2020
Questions• Why does talking about different perceptions of God even matter?• Which perception of God feels most comfortable for me?
Shift to Literal ExhortationSister Craven’s title, Keep the Change is catchy and very symbolic.However, I think it is timely and prudent to take it literally as a request to reflect on the changes we made during this season in our lives. This includes the changing season (Spring starts officially 3/22), renewed efforts to reconnect safely as normal activities are resumed.
CURRENT EVENTS QUOTE
March 2021 Jean Bingham
“Dear sisters from around the globe, this is an unusual time for all of us. Many of you are managing to sustain a home with children—including schooling them at home—while still fulfilling your professional responsibilities. This last year has been even more difficult due to the constraints and impact of the pandemic. Some of you have lost loved ones, others have experienced greater anxiety or depression, and some are dealing with the financial effects—all issues that can tax our mental and physical health. My hat is off to you—or should I say, my head is bowed to you, for all you are accomplishing in these difficult challenges. As the Persian adage says, “This too shall pass.” Although we don’t know how long this situation will last, it is comforting to know that statement is true.
One silver lining in this last year has been having the time to step back and think about how we are spending our time and resources and rediscovering the passions that have brought us to where we are today.”
– President Jean Bingham, Lead, Lift, and Love—Wherever We Are in the World, March 2021
What change(s) have you made that you want to keep?How can you keep/improve on those changes?
Keeping Change FrameworkDESIRE TO RETAIN QUOTE
“After hearing the words spoken by King Benjamin, his people cried out, declaring that their hearts had changed, saying, “Because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, … we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.” The scriptures do not say that they immediately became perfect; rather, their desire to change compelled them to action. Their change of heart meant putting off the natural man or woman and yielding to the Spirit as they strove to become more like Jesus Christ.”
– Sister Becky Craven, Keep the Change, October 2020
FAITH & REPENTENCE QUOTE
“But most often, we strive to refine our character to align ourselves with the attributes of Jesus Christ. Our daily choices will either help or hinder our progress. Small but steady, deliberate changes will help us improve. Do not become discouraged. Change is a lifelong process. I am grateful that in our struggles to change, the Lord is patient with us.”
– Sister Becky Craven, Keep the Change, October 2020
REVISING EXPECTATIONS QUOTE
“We endure to the end by continuing to apply these principles throughout our lives and inviting the Lord to change us. Enduring to the end means changing to the end. I now understand that I am not starting over with each failed attempt, but that with each try, I am continuing my process of change.”
– Sister Becky Craven, Keep the Change, October 2020
LIFTING UP OTHERS QUOTE
“When we share our knowledge, help solve problems, and love God and those around us, we spread peace. We build unity. Before the Savior’s Atonement, He pled for unity: “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:21). He also pled for love: “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34–35). It is essential to act in unity and love in finding solutions to our challenges.”
– President Jean Bingham, Lead, Lift, and Love—Wherever We Are in the World, March 2021
CLOSING QUOTE
“It is my fervent hope that each of us will accept the challenge to recommit ourselves to strengthening our communities and societies. Peace is possible—hope is possible—when we lead, lift, and love wherever we are in the world!”
– President Jean Bingham, Lead, Lift, and Love—Wherever We Are in the World, March 2021
This lesson was more about hope and being thoughtful about what changes we want to keep as our communities balance opening up to re-knit together against group safety. It’s also a nod to the changing season – what do we want to keep as we transition from winter to spring (in North America)?
I really like that all the quotes used for the different types of frameworks to understand the relationship with God are from the same speaker and the same speech. I feel that is helps to overcome possible resistance if the audience perceived that you were saying that one speaker represented a particular framework and perhaps did not fully understand the other frameworks. I remember reading a variety of different schools of thought about the atonement – how it works and why it is necessary. It was interesting that LDS tend to use multiple of these schools of thought without committing or even really understanding any of them very well.
Wonderful messages throughout!
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