Sermon on the Mount

You Are a Teacher in the Church of Jesus Christ

You have been called of God to teach His children in the Savior’s way. You were set apart to this calling by the authority of His holy priesthood. Even if you are not an experienced teacher, as you live worthily, pray daily, and study the scriptures, Heavenly Father will grant you the influence and power of the Holy Ghost (see 2 Nephi 33:1).

Those entrusted to your care are God’s children, and He knows what they need and how best to reach them. Through the Holy Ghost, you will be guided during your preparation and while you are teaching. He will reveal to you what you should say and what you should do.

The essential purpose of gospel learning is to change lives. Your goal as a teacher is to help those you teach do all they can to become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ—a goal that extends far beyond class time. Invite those you teach to participate actively in their own learning of the principles and doctrine of Jesus Christ and act on what they learn. Encourage them to make their individual and family study outside of class the primary focus of their gospel learning. As they act in faith by studying as individuals and families, they will invite the Spirit into their lives and be blessed more deeply than by anything a teacher might do.

Teach only the doctrine of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as found in the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets. Pure doctrine—eternal, unchanging truth taught by God and His servants—invites the Spirit and has the power to change lives.

The calling to teach is a sacred trust, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed at times. But remember that God called you, and He will never forsake you. This is the Lord’s work, and as you serve “with all your heart, might, mind and strength” (D&C 4:2), He will enlarge your capacities, gifts, and talents, and your service will bless the lives of those you teach.