Lesson 1

Leaders and Our Divine Potential

“Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10).

Principle of Leadership

An understanding of our divine potential helps leaders guide others to Jesus Christ.

Lesson Concepts

1. We have divine potential because we are children of Heavenly Father.

2. Jesus Christ is our Savior.

3. Leaders should follow the Golden Rule.

Concept 1. We Have Divine Potential Because We Are Children of Heavenly Father.

Commentary

The Psalmist asked, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him?” (Psalm 8:4). Some people believe that man is simply a rational animal motivated by subconscious drives, socioeconomic forces, or innate aggression. Some people believe that man’s behavior is controlled by promised rewards or threatened punishments. Some people hold that our existence is meaningless.

By contrast, Latter-day Saints understand that all people are children of Heavenly Father and have the potential to become like Him (see Acts 17:29; Ephesians 4:6; Hebrews 12:9). The Savior’s admonition to become perfect as He is perfect is an evidence of our divine potential.

We believe that all people have great worth (see D&C 18:10, 15), that they are able to discern right from wrong (see 2 Nephi 2:5), that because of Jesus Christ’s Atonement they are free to choose between good and evil (see vv. 26–27), and that they are therefore accountable for their choices (see v. 10). We hold that God’s purpose in establishing the plan of salvation is that we might have joy (see v. 25).

Teaching Idea

Draw a vertical line down the middle of the board. On the left side write the heading Some Secular Views of Human Nature. On the right side write the heading Latter-day Saint Beliefs about Human Nature. Discuss the commentary above, and write summaries of secular views and revealed insights regarding our nature and potential under the appropriate headings. Call students’ attention to our understanding as Latter-day Saints that we are children of Heavenly Father with the potential to become like Him.

Discuss how our knowledge of who we are and what we may become helps us be better leaders. Encourage students to cultivate a deeper understanding of human nature and the plan of salvation. Tell students that doing so will increase their desire and ability to bring people to Jesus Christ.

Discuss how our understanding of our divine nature can influence the planning of Church and family programs.

Have students read Moses 1:27–39. Discuss questions such as:

• What do these verses tell us about who we are?

• What do these verses tell us about our potential?

• Do you think Moses was better able to lead his people after the vision described in these verses? Why?

• What truths do you see in these verses that can help you be a better leader?

Divide the class into small groups. Tell each group to imagine that they have been called to plan a stake youth conference. Have them outline the conference and plan activities that will help the youth know that they are children of Heavenly Father and have divine potential. Invite the groups to consider how the conference plans might differ if they were made by a secular institution for a similar group of young people. Give them time to finish, and then have them report their findings to the class.

Concept 2. Jesus Christ Is Our Savior.

Commentary

Our view of human nature is affected by our understanding of the nature and mission of Jesus Christ. The gospel teaches that Jesus is the Messiah, our Savior, and the Divine Son of God the Father.

Nephi was told by the angel: “These last records [the Book of Mormon] … shall establish the truth of the first [the Bible] … and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved” (1 Nephi 13:40).

The Savior knew from childhood that His mission was part of His Heavenly Father’s plan. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve explained, “He knew so much, so young” (Men and Women of Christ [1991], 115). The Apostle John recorded that Jesus “received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness” (see D&C 93:13). As Christ’s ministry unfolded, He spoke to others of His identity and mission. “I and my Father are one,” He told His disciples (John 10:30). To the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well He revealed that He was the long-awaited Messiah (see John 4:19–26, 42). Elder Bruce R. McConkie, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, summarized the Lord’s testimony of Himself at the pool of Bethesda: “He worked by the power of the Father; he would bring to pass the resurrection; he was to be honored along with the Father; he would judge all men; he would preach to the spirits in prison and open the graves of earth’s departed ones; he had life in himself, even as did the Father—all this and much, much more [see John 5]” (The Promised Messiah: The First Coming of Christ [1978], 154).

Amulek explained to the Zoramites: “For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish. …

“For it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither of any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice; but it must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice. …

“And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal” (Alma 34:9–10, 14).

Teaching Idea

Have students find scriptural passages that describe aspects of Jesus Christ’s divine personality or purpose. Invite some to read to the class a passage they found. Discuss what the scriptures and modern prophets teach about who Jesus Christ is and what He did for each of us through His atoning sacrifice.

Explain that the Atonement is the center of the plan of salvation. It makes possible our resurrection and return to our heavenly home. Discuss why it is important for family and Church leaders to understand Jesus Christ’s role in the plan.

Concept 3. Leaders Should Follow the Golden Rule.

Commentary

Leaders should treat people with kindness and respect. Each person is a child of Heavenly Father with divine potential for whom the Savior suffered and died. People are more likely to respond positively to leaders who show love and respect for them.

The Savior taught, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). This teaching has come to be known as the Golden Rule.

Alma taught, “The Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have” (Alma 29:8). It should not surprise us when peoples to whom the gospel has not been revealed understand many gospel truths.

Many religions have precepts similar to this teaching of the Savior. The accompanying table lists several.

Judaism	“What is hateful to you, do not to your fellowmen. That is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary” Talmud, Shabbat, 31a).
Buddhism	“Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful” (Udana-Varga, 5, 18).
Confucianism	“Surely it is the maxim of loving-kindness: Do not unto others that you would not have them do unto you” (Analects, 15, 23).
Islam	“No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself” (Sunnah).

Adapted from David Wallechinsky and Irving Wallace, The People’s Almanac (1975), 1314–15.

Teaching Idea

Ask if someone in class can recite the Golden Rule. If no one responds, have students read Matthew 7:12, and explain that this teaching of the Savior is often called the Golden Rule. Remind students that the Lord inspires righteous teachers in every nation (see Alma 29:8), and explain that a version of this rule exists in many religions. President Ezra Taft Benson taught that the Golden Rule is “the formula for successful relationships with others” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 447).

Discuss with the class characteristics of leaders who live the Golden Rule, and list their findings on the board. The following examples might be helpful:

Leaders who live the Golden Rule:

• See people and tasks in a larger context.

• Are optimistic about the people they serve and the tasks they undertake.

• Develop a greater ability and desire to serve others.

(See also the lists by Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone in the Teacher Resources section below.)

Read Luke 10:25–37 and discuss what this parable teaches about the Golden Rule. Consider questions such as:

• What might it cost a person to be a “good Samaritan”? Is the cost ever too high for leaders to pay? Explain.

• Should leaders live the Golden Rule even if they don’t expect others to treat them similarly? Why?

• How do you think our country would change if leaders and citizens lived the Golden Rule?

Teacher Resources

Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone

Of the Seventy

Excerpts from The Incomparable Christ: Our Master and Model (1995), 106–8, 110–11, 113–16, 119–20, 123–25, 128–32

[Captain Moroni ended his letter to Ammoron], “Now I close my epistle. I am Moroni; I am a leader” [Alma 54:14; italics added].

In my copy of the Book of Mormon I have written in the margin, “Never have truer words been spoken than when Moroni declared, ‘I am a leader.’” What a leader!

Many years later, Moroni was described in these words: “If all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.” (Alma 48:17.)

When Moroni was chief commander over the Nephite armies:

“He rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.

“And he fastened on his headplate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land.” (Alma 46:12–13.)

There was no question in Moroni’s mind that he was a leader. He knew his role, and he intended to fulfill it. He lined up in the right direction with his whole soul. He put his faith to work by action and by kneeling in prayer, and he wasn’t ashamed to do either publicly.

Moroni was an undaunted leader with an unconquerable spirit. His heart and soul were in a cause greater than himself; he felt not one particle of fear. Whenever I read about Captain Moroni, a fire burns in the very marrow of my bones. What would you give to fight side by side with a man such as this?

Men, women, and youth will always rally to a cause when they have a leader; however, it is difficult for God or any organization to use a reluctant leader. …

I am certain that Moroni did not really know how great he was. I doubt that he ever studied a leadership principle from a popular book or costly seminar. There simply came a great need, and Moroni, in his purity and confidence, stepped forward and allowed the Lord to use him.

In the Church, we are all leaders and followers. The Church is so organized that even the least among us leads during his or her life. This leadership might take the form of a few families to home teach, or it might be a stake, region, or even an area calling; it may be a class of Young Women, or it may be all the young women in the Church. …

President Harold B. Lee suggested that only as we make ourselves totally available can we become worthy disciples of Christ. Interestingly, lack of self-confidence or feelings of unworthiness do not conflict with this thought. Moses and Enoch both were “slow of speech” and wondered at the call. We may feel inadequate, but when there is a job to do, someone needs to step forward and do it.

The fourth section of the Doctrine and Covenants states, “If ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work.” (Verse 3.) …

All who make themselves available and have willing hearts will be called to lead. It is part of the gospel plan. …

A leader must be able to have a vision of the work. …

“Where there is no vision, the people perish,” but they also do not perform. (Proverbs 29:18.) They have no heart for the work and will inevitably impair rather than assist. Similarly, a leader with no vision will dramatically limit his effectiveness. …

If vision is so important, how do we gain it? Those who have vision have many things in common:

• They see the total work before them.

• They visualize what must happen in order to get the results they desire.

• They consider all of their resources, potentials, and capabilities collectively.

• They see in their mind what marvelous and magnificent things could happen when the total work force is mobilized unitedly.

• They then go to work to accomplish their goal.

• They have the ability to communicate their vision to those around them in a convincing way so that others are enlisted also.

• They see what they are doing as a cause, not a project.

• Religious leaders feel a “holy hand” assisting in the work. …

Imagine with me the magnitude of the cause in which we are engaged. We have been given the keys, the priesthood, and the program for the greatest cause in eternity. We alone of all God’s children have the keys of knowledge of salvation and exaltation. …

The cause is greater than men or prophets. It is the cause of the Savior. It is the cause of God the Eternal Father. By enlisting in His cause and faithfully enduring, we will be the recipients of all we are teaching and sharing. A verse we quote so often, sometimes without much thought, is “This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” (Moses 1:39.) Imagine a cause with eternal implications and consequences, a cause so great that all eternity hangs in the balance as we accept or reject it. We do not fully comprehend what a magnificent privilege it is to be fully enlisted. …

A quorum or class can have a cause—missionary work, welfare activities, activation of all quorum members, temple preparation, the bonds of brotherhood or sisterhood (unity), and dozens more. When we are involved in a united way, we achieve results we hardly dare dream.

The things we love most have the ability to become truly great causes. Families, religion, country, rights, freedoms, liberty, agency, and work—most of us prize these things dearly. …

The cause to which we throw ourselves must be real and of great worth; it cannot be fabricated. The Lord offers us many individual causes, such as baptism into the only true Church, temple sealings, eternal family relationships, missionary work, care of the needy, and our own sense of destiny, with the potential of exaltation. …

… The leader must be exemplary. …

Example is in all we do. In this the leader is constant. He cannot be one level of character on the battlefield and another level when he is alone. …

This is the Lord’s work. It must move forward. The Lord endows men and women with talents, and those talents and leadership abilities ought to be put to use where they can bring about the greatest results. …

Always the leaders will get the job done. They lift all around them. …

We ought to pray for spiritual leaders who will lift and motivate people, who will increase activity levels and performances. …

We will find that those who have the most profound impact on our lives are those who use their leadership roles to serve. Those who are selfish, arrogant, or prideful are loathe to serve but quick to seize power. They love control, domination, and obedience by compulsion. …

Servant leadership is based on a profound respect for the children of men. It requires leadership traits that do not demean, debase, or otherwise cause those we lead to feel inferior. Servant leadership lifts, blesses, and changes lives in a positive way. …

Servant-leaders exercise the following traits and practices in their roles. They:

• Understand the value of every human soul.

• Have an inborn or developed sense of caring for others.

• Are quick to volunteer to take pressure off someone else.

• Rush to the aid of someone who is going through an embarrassing or humiliating experience.

• Treat all people on a basis of equality.

• Do not feel that tasks they expect others to do are too demeaning for themselves.

• Are not offended by disruptions of people who are themselves going through emotional traumas or stress.

• Expect more from themselves than they do from anyone else.

• Are quick to compliment, give credit, and build up those who perform a given task.

• Judge people by their potential, not necessarily by one single negative experience.

• Do not take credit for someone else’s achievements and love to share credit for any of their own accomplishments.

• Get the facts before finding fault or criticizing another person.

• Help all people feel they had a real part in the success of a project.

• Detest practical jokes or statements that focus humiliation or attention on one soul.

• Always constructively criticize in private and compliment in public.

• Are absolutely honest in their work.

• Are equally fair with all under their direction.

• Are always willing to listen to both sides of a quarrel, discussion, or issue. They know it is a pretty thin pancake that has only one side. …

• Make themselves accessible to all, not just those with position or power.

True servant-leaders do not need a checklist of these character traits, for they live them daily. …

Servant-leaders also understand the uniqueness and individualism of each person. Years ago I remember hearing the Greek legend of Procrustes. The legend referred to a “Bed of Procrustes.” It was six feet long. Those who were not six feet tall were stretched to fit the bed. Those who were over six feet had the excess inches lopped off. Everyone was expected to fit the Procrustean Bed. That is fortunately not the way of the Lord or His kingdom. He has always called uncommon men and women with great integrity, ambition, discipline, and faith in Christ. Not all will fit in the same size bed, nor will all fit into the same callings.

Everyone will not—and should not—be the pinnacle leader at the ward, stake, or general Church level, but everyone can make his or her maximum contributions as a servant-leader in a particular calling and circumstance. And that is all the Savior expects of us—our very best, wherever we are.

Study Helps

• Who is Elder Featherstone’s example of an ideal leader? What qualities made him such a leader?

• In addition to willing hearts, what else must we have to become good leaders?

• What can we do to develop the characteristics that visionary leaders have in common?

• What causes can we be engaged in as we lead and serve in our families? our ward and stake organizations?

• Why is it important for a leader to be a good example?

• What characteristic of servant leaders do you feel is most important for you to develop next? How could you begin developing this characteristic? (Note: If you use this question in the classroom, have students consider their responses silently.)

• What does the “Procrustean bed” have to do with leadership?