Reading with an Eternal Perspective

Define

You might show the following statement by Elder Dale G. Renlund:

Maintaining an eternal perspective means we remember that life is more than the here and now, that life continues after death, and that our choices have eternal consequences. (Dale G. Renlund, “Maintaining an Eternal Perspective,” Ensign, Mar. 2014, 58)

Remembering who God is and that He has a plan for all His children helps us see His hand in the events and doctrine found in scripture. Reading and studying with an eternal perspective can help us reframe (or look at in a different way) passages that confuse us and can help us gain deeper personal insights into the Lord’s gospel.

Consider doing the following as you develop the skill of studying with an eternal perspective:

1. Seek the help of the Holy Ghost to see things as the Lord sees them.

2. Reframe passages and questions based on the Lord’s gospel and Heavenly Father’s plan and purpose for His children. You can reframe by asking questions such as these:

   • What do I already know about Heavenly Father, His plan, and how He interacts with His children?

   • What gospel teachings relate to or clarify this passage or event?

   • What eternal impact might this event or doctrine have?

   • How might God view this event or topic?

Model

Show students a picture of Noah or the ark. Suggest that sometimes, with our limited perspective, we read about events in the scriptures that seem harsh or unfair. Some Bible readers ask why God would destroy so many of His children in a flood.

Read or summarize Genesis 6:5–8. (For help understanding verse 6, see Moses 8:25.) Model for students how the actions suggested in the “Define” section can help you view the passage with an eternal perspective. For example, suggest that after praying to better understand this event, you might reframe the passage by considering questions such as these:

• What do I already know about Heavenly Father, His plan, and how He interacts with His children? (Possible answer: I know Heavenly Father loves His children and that everything He does is for the benefit of the world [see 2 Nephi 26:24]. He is also just and holds His children accountable for their wicked actions.)

• What gospel teachings relate to or clarify this event? (Possible answer: The law of justice relates to this event. Every imagination of the people’s hearts was wicked [see Genesis 6:5]. Children have a right to be born to parents who allow agency and teach truth [see “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org]. The doctrine of life after death could also help me understand this event [see 1 Peter 3:18–20; Doctrine and Covenants 138:28–34].)

• What eternal impact might this event or doctrine have? (Possible answer: Although many people’s mortal experience ended early, those born after the Flood would have a better chance to learn and obey God’s laws.)

• How might God view this event or topic? (Possible answer: He weeps [see Moses 7:28–34]. He also knows that a flood would be merciful to those waiting to be born on earth. And though their mortal lives were cut short, it would also be merciful to those who drowned because they could then be taught the truth in the spirit world.)

Another option to model the skill of reading with an eternal perspective is to show the video “Examining Questions with an Eternal Perspective” (2:56). This illustration of reframing also models the concept of examining our assumptions or existing beliefs.

Practice

Students could practice this skill using a passage from their current study, or they could use one of the passages below. Invite them to work together to invite the Spirit and ask questions to reframe the passage in ways that relate to Heavenly Father’s plan. Then discuss their experience.

Additional passages for practice:

• Genesis 3:9–19 (Adam and Eve fall and receive consequences for eating the forbidden fruit.)

• Matthew 12:46–50 (Jesus is told His family is waiting to talk with Him.)

• 1 Nephi 4:6–10 (The Spirit prompts Nephi to kill Laban.)

• Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–6 (Joseph suffers in Liberty Jail and asks the Lord why He doesn’t help.)

Invite and Follow Up

Encourage students to use the principles of reading with an eternal perspective during their personal study. Remember to follow up and allow time for students to share their experiences in class, and then repeat this skill as needed. You might look for an opportunity throughout the week to follow up with students about using these principles in their study.