I would have a
question that I know has come up in many of
our faculty discussions and in services. And that is on one
side, we know that we're instructed to adhere
to a specific block to stay grounded
in the scriptures. And our preparation often
follows that training. And I know there's a
conflict that many of us feel about getting
into the class and having the Spirit
lead in the direction that is other than the block
that you've prepared. I just wonder how
we handle that. Or maybe Elder Oaks, If
you have any advice for how to balance staying
grounded in the scriptures, but also following the
directives of the Spirit. President Packer has
often taught in my hearing that we first adopt,
then we adapt. And if we are
thoroughly grounded in the prescribed lesson
that we're to give, then we can follow the
Spirit to adapt it. But there's a temptation when
we speak about this flexibility to start off by adapting
rather than adopting. It's a balance. It's a continual challenge. But the approach of adopting
first and then adapting is a good way to
stay on sound ground. And if you find yourself
constantly working off in another direction, you need
to question whether you're really doing to
follow inspiration or to follow
personal preference.