We were incredibly prepared by the Prophet and Seer of our day to hold our church services in our homes during much of the pandemic. Thanks to “Come Follow Me” and the wonderful world of Zoom, we have been able to stay connected to one another during a time of fear and uncertainty. The world is in commotion, but we can have peace. President Nelson said, “Saints can be happy under every circumstance. We can feel joy even while having a bad day, a bad week, or even a bad year! My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” 1
By placing our focus on the Savior, our church at home can be incredibly uplifting. For those members of our church who live alone, you can make it just as incredible. Sabbath worship and gospel instruction can be an inspirational part of your life.
You may want to find a friend or two who wants to join you in your worship via phone or video call. This will help you remain connected to others during this unique time in history.
Spend time in the Come Follow Me manual, including watching or listening to additional resources. I have found beautiful insights as I have listened to several podcasts by those who have dedicated their lives to the study of the scriptures.
Relate the message of the CFM weekly study to your own life. How do the messages affect you in your daily life and the lives of your friends? You can talk about what you are doing well, what you would like to do better, and even set weekly goals together with a plan to follow up next time.
You may want to keep a journal of insights as you study. Take clear notes of the things that stand out to you, record your impressions and the things which the Spirit teaches you. By having discussions about how the gospel and its principles are nurturing you, your lessons can be a beautiful platform to foster inspiration and growth.
Using the Book of Mormon in your studies along with the Come Follow Me schedule will add a measure of power to your experience.
President Ezra Taft Benson remarked, “It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called ‘the words of life’ (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance”2
As we draw closer to our Savior through those words of life and keep our focus on Him, we will experience a beautiful transformation over time that will anchor us through the storms of life.
- Joy and Spiritual Survival, Elder Russell M. Nelson, October 2016 General Conference
- Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson[2014], 141