January Sharing Time - Jesus Christ is the Perfect Example For Me to Follow

It seems that we've been talking about examples a lot lately.  I remember asking and being asked whose example we should follow on more than one occasion.

That doesn't mean we can't open with that, but I do think we need to acknowledge that it's been asked a few times.  Perhaps like this,

"We've gotten to talk about the different people in our lives whose examples we look to a few times in the last month or two, so you guys should have it down now.  Who can tell me whose example they try and follow every day?"

After getting all the different answers (don't forget to wait, silence is HARD, but they will have such good answers if we wait), tell them we're going to focus on a few specific ways we can follow Jesus example.

You could take a minute here and talk about one part of the baptismal covenant, we are to take Jesus name upon us.  That means that we are acting in His name, for Him.  To be able to do that, we have to KNOW about Him and then FOLLOW Him.  Elder William R. Bradford of the Seventy said, "Do the things which you think and do entitle you to bear the name of Jesus Christ?"

Now, our primary isn't large AND I find the disruption of moving into and out of groups is rarely worth the time it takes, so we're not going to split up.  I think part of the appeal is letting the kids hear from someone new and different, so if you wanted, you could still ask a few others to lead the discussion about each scripture and picture.  It might even be fun to ask a few older children in primary (before Sunday so they have time to prepare) to be in charge of a picture.

As you talk about each picture and scripture, make sure and get at least a few ideas for SPECIFIC goals we can work on daily.  These next sections are just my thoughts, ideas to get your juices flowing.  A different direction might be better for your primary, or the children may surprise you and take things in a wonderfully unpredicted way.

John 13:14-15: In these scriptures we are told to do unto others as Jesus has done.  He is telling us to "Follow thou me."  To serve and love those around us as Jesus would, we can do one act of service or kindness everyday.

Matthew 5:1-2: When I first read this one, I was stumped.  What in the world were these two scriptures telling me?  If you keep going in the chapter, there's a lot of great stuff, but just the first two?!  Then, I talked with my husband and he had a great idea.

Mountain tops were like our temples today, holy places where we can talk with and grow closer to God.  Jesus went to the mountain to get closer to God and be better able to teach.  We can visit our temples, be worthy to attend the temple, put a picture of the temple in our rooms and work daily toward being able to make and keep sacred covenants (by doing those simple yet profound things we hear over and over: Read the scriptures, Pray, Listen to the Holy Ghost and ACT).

Luke 15:4: This scripture about lost sheep shows the importance of every single one of us.  It first brings to mind a phrase I've heard over and over again lately, "Hasten the Work."  We can help to hasten the work of the Lord by watching for those we can serve, love and invite to hear the good word of the gospel.  We were promised in the last general conference that if we pray for missionary experiences, we will have them.  Our fear with be replaced by faith and we will be able to do God's work! 

3 Nephi 17:1-10: This is a long one and I can foresee that some kids might struggle with listening to it all at once.  I was thinking I might read (have read) verses 1-4, stop and talk about it and then read 5-10.  It might help to have the children read along and have them take turns reading one verse at a time.  I also like to get them to summarize, in their own words, what's been read to make sure they really understand it.

Verses 1-4 talk about how we need to take time to think about the gospel principles we learn, to pray and discover their truthfulness for ourselves and to be prepared so we can better learn more.

Verses 5-10 are a great example of the mercy and love our Savior has for us.  He didn't just move on because he had a schedule to keep, he saw the need of the Nephites and was willing to stay with them a little longer.  We can pray and look for those who need His help, we can be His hands.

After going through all the scriptures and talking about different ways we can follow Jesus example, we'll sing the song, "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" (CS 78-79).  Then, I'll read it and have the kids raise their hands or stand up (haven't yet decided, it might depend on how rowdy it is) when they hear something they feel they can follow.

I  made this handout that I plan to give before we start reading scriptures.  As we read and discuss, they can take notes of things that strike them (with words or pictures).  The center section can either be filled out while talking about the song, "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" (CS 78-79) or with their chosen goal to work on for the week.

I'll end with the challenge to choose one way to consciously follow Jesus example throughout the next week.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, "Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places.  ...  Achieving [our] ultimate destiny in eternity is possible only if we follow our Savior."

Leah