Lesson 32:

2 Nephi 12-15

2 Nephi 12:1-4

I want to be a better student.
I want to be a better athlete.
I want to be a better musician.

Where would you go for help if you had any of these desires?

I want to be a better disciple of the Lord.

Read 2 Nephi 12:1-3

What does the phrase: "Mountain of the Lord" refer to?

Build a mountain and a temple. What do these have in common?

As we worship in the temple, the Lord will teach us of His ways and help us walk in His paths.

Movie temples and meeting houses

Sister Elaine S. Dalton, former Young Women General President:

“Prepare now for the temple, the mountain of the Lord. Never allow the goal of the temple to be out of your sight. Walk into His presence in purity and virtue, and receive His blessings—even ‘all that he hath’ (Luke 12:44). Within His holy house you will be cleansed, taught, and endowed with power, and His ‘angels [will] have charge over [you]’ (D&C 109:22)” (Elaine S. Dalton, “Come Let Us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 122–23).

2 Nephi 12:5-22, 13-15

We cannot hide our sins from the Lord...

And we don't need to.

What does "countenance" refer to?

Spencer V. Jones of the Seventy:

“At times, consequences of sin may appear to be very subtle to the sinner. We may even convince ourselves … that no one will be able to detect our sins and that they are well concealed. But always to our Heavenly Father and often to spiritually sensitive leaders, parents, and friends, our sins are glaringly apparent.

“While attending a youth fireside with Elder Richard G. Scott, I noticed five youths scattered among the congregation whose countenances or body language almost screamed that something was spiritually amiss in their lives. After the meeting, when I mentioned the five youths to Elder Scott, he simply replied, ‘There were eight’” (Spencer V. Jones, “Overcoming the Stench of Sin,”Ensign or Liahona, May 2003, 88).

Trying to hide our sins from the Lord and spiritual leaders (parents, bishops, youth leaders) is like trying to hide our wounds from the Doctor and hospital staff.

Why would we want to do this?

How do you think the Lord and parents and leaders feel when you ask for help? (How do doctors and nurses feel when we ask for help?)

How does knowing there are people help us, help us make better decisions?

Storms

The Lord has established the home, Church congregations, and temples as places of spiritual protection and refuge.

2 Nephi 15

Rebellious attitudes that take us away from the Lord's protection

Call evil good, and good evil

Wise in their own eyes, prudent in their own sight

Rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink, that continue until night, and wine inflame them

Take Time to Be Holy

Music for Choirs, Submitted Music (2007-2011)

Take time to be Holy, speak oft with thy Lord.

Abide with Him always and feed on His word.

Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,

Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

How can we avoid these attitudes?

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on.

Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone;

By looking to Jesus like Him thou shalt be;

Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy guide

And run not before Him whatever betide.

In joy or in sorrow still follow they Lord,

And looking to Jesus trust in,

Trust in the Lord.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul.

Each thought and each motive beneath His control;

Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,

Thou soon shall be fitted for service above.