Today's lesson is taken from Elder Dallin H Oaks April 2015 Conference talk "The Parable of the Sower." It's really good. Go have a read.
This parable was for the Saints, or those who have already received the gospel. "It is up to each of us to set the priorities and to do the things that make our soil good and our harvest plentiful."
Today we asked the question: What do we do with the Savior’s teachings as we live our lives?
The parable speaks of stony ground with very little soil. Seeds may sprout here, but the moment the relentless heat of the sun or strong winds (adversity) come along, the seeds whither. Pride, stubbornness, hubris and other poor attitudes can create a stony heart. The gospel cannot flourish in a stony heart.
Then there is the ground taken up by thorns. Seeds may sprout and start to grow, but the thorns of worldliness and deceitfulness can choke out the gospel so it cannot bear fruit.
But the rich soil of a good ground nourished constantly by living the gospel, or as Christ explained, “the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience” (Luke 8:15).
Your Homework:
How nourished is your soil? Does the gospel of Jesus Christ flourish in it?
On a piece of paper, write down the ingredients of Good Ground.
| The Ingredients of Good Ground | |
| What I do Acknowledge what you are doing right | What I want to do? How can you improve? Everyone has room for improvement. |
| Read scriptures? prayers? | |
