August 2021 Come Follow Me Ministering – Righteous Principles
The August 2021 Come Follow Me Ministering Printable ties together Elder David A. Bednar’s April 2021 General Conference talk “The Principles of My Gospel” and this August’s Come, Follow Me lesson on “A Principle with Promise.”
These ministering printables are a great way to help families incorporate the “Come, Follow Me” lessons into their own study. They are also perfect for Young Women’s, Relief Society, Sunday School, or Family Home Evening. I hope that these ministering printables will be a simple way to reach out to those we minister to.
Download August 2021 Come Follow Me Ministering Printable (4×6) (Four to a Sheet PDF)
These printables are designed to be easily printed as a 4×6. For just pennies, I get them printed at the local drug store.
After writing this month’s message, I had to add a toothbrush to the printable. Once you read the message you will see why. It is a fun reminder to focus on gospel principles rather than just going through the motions. A regular toothbrush felt boring, so I bought these fun, earth-friendly bamboo ones with natural charcoal bristles. Awhile back a friend introduced me to the wonders of activated charcoal toothpaste and it gets your teeth so clean. So I thought it would be fun to try these toothbrushes.
August 2021 Come Follow Me Ministering Printable
Understanding Principles of the Gospel Fosters Spiritual Maturity
My kids really struggle with getting ready for the day. I have to tell them exactly what to do every morning. But the more I nag, the less independent they become. And I don’t like nagging. I want to raise human beings who can get ready all by themselves. I am not going to call my kids in college to make sure they are brushing their teeth.
The Chore Chart Stage
Right now my kids are still at the chore chart stage. They check off all the things they have to do in the morning. But the list has some big flaws. Eventually, my kids stop paying attention and will absentmindedly check things off without really doing them. I have to follow up on every little thing to make sure it actually got done. Once one of my children even went through the motions of brushing their teeth without actually brushing their teeth. They wanted to trick me into thinking they had brushed their teeth. I have no idea why someone would take the time to pretend to do something rather than really doing it.
I have tweaked the chart system several times in an attempt to cultivate greater independence. Because my goal isn’t to teach my kids to follow a list. I want them to understand the principles behind the list. That way as adults they will be able to come up with a morning routine that works for them. Ultimately, I want them to understand why they do things and then do them because they want the benefits.
Teach Them to Govern Themselves
Our Heavenly Father has the same goals for us. He wants us to understand righteous principles so that we know how to apply those in our own lives and into eternity.
For example, in the early years of the restoration, the Lord needed to prepare His people to spread the gospel. So He commands them to gain a deeper understanding of the gospel.
“And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom. Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand.” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:77-78)
Interestingly, the Lord commands them to teach in order to be instructed. Teaching requires a much deeper understanding of the material. And you become an active participant in the process rather than a passive receiver. Also, as missionaries left to preach the gospel, they would be in areas with little to no contact with the main leadership of the church. There would be no one there to direct them or address problems. They needed to understand the doctrine and principles of the gospel so they could govern themselves.
Importance of Righteous Principles
In the recent April 2021 General Conference, David A. Bednar stresses the importance of learning righteous principles. He explains that “a gospel principle is a doctrinally based guideline for the righteous exercise of moral agency.” When we understand the doctrines and principles (or the why and the how), we are able to use our moral agency to make righteous choices. We don’t need to be told what to do for every little thing. Understanding principles allows for the full exercise of our agency and makes us true pupils of our Heavenly Father. It is the step up from a Mosaic-like chore chart with a list of what you should and should not do. Truly understanding the principles eliminates uncertainty and allows us to apply gospel truths to our different situations.
Elder Bednar promises that, “Learning, understanding, and living gospel principles strengthen our faith in the Savior, deepen our devotion to Him, and invite a multitude of blessings and spiritual gifts into our lives. Principles of righteousness also help us to look beyond our personal preferences and self-centered desires by providing the precious perspective of eternal truth as we navigate the different circumstances, challenges, decisions, and experiences of mortality.”
Importance of Studying the Gospel
At the end of his talk, Elder Bednar challenges us to study the conference talks along with our regular scripture study. In an interview before his talk, he shared that when he studies past General Conferences he marks out three columns on a sheet of paper with the headings of (1) doctrine or principle taught, (2) invitation to act, and (3) promised blessing. He is actively seeking out doctrines and principles and then seeking to understand how they will bless his life.
The Lord has so much to teach us, but it is our responsibility to do the work. As we study the scriptures and the words of the Lord’s authorized servants, are we looking for gospel principles and prayerfully seeking greater understanding? Or are we just going through the motions? Are we trying to find ways to make it look like we are brushing our teeth without actually brushing our teeth?
Note: Elder Bednar loves to teach about the differences between doctrine, principles, and applications and why it is important as we seek to understand the gospel. His book, “Increase in Learning,” is an excellent resource.
