AGES 8-11 FOLLOW THE PROPHET Cycle of History wheel. Share with the youth the Book of Mormon stories that tell when the people followed the prophet they became righteous and blessings and prosperity came. Then, if they do not stay humble and keep repenting and choosing the right, they get prideful. At this point, it is easy to become wicked which brings suffering and destruction. Then the cycle begins again.
For CHURCH & HOME Primary, Sunday School, scripture study, and COME FOLLOW ME
LESSON LIFESAVER Activity
Listen to the Prophet to Stay in the Light cycle of history wheel
ACTIVITY: Prepare this wheel to turn as you share the Cycle of History scripture stories of times when people listened to and followed the prophet and times when they did not.
This is often called “The Pride Cycle” as people turn from prosperity to pride. Then back to wickedness again because of pride. Humility (a soft heart) is the key to safety and happiness. See “The Cycle of Righteousness and Wickedness” HERE referencing the cycle in Book of Mormon history.
• See scriptures that follow.
• TO USE WHEEL (see instructions that follow).
1. Explain that throughout history when people have been righteous, Heavenly has blessed them with prosperity. Unfortunately, this prosperity can lead to pride and then to wickedness, and sometimes suffering or destruction.
2. The Jaredites became proud and rejected the prophets. Turn the wheel arrow to “Pride,” “Wickedness,” and “Suffering and Destruction.” If the Jaredites had humbled themselves and repented before they were destroyed, they could have returned to enjoying the blessings of righteous living. Turn the arrow to “Humility” and “Repent.”
3. Explain that this cycle often happens in our personal lives as well as in the history of nations. Go through the History Wheel again starting with “Humility” and talk about each action and where it leads.
TO MAKE Print, color, and cut out the Cycle of History Wheel parts A and B for each youth. Attach A on top of part B with a paper fastener (metal brad or a button brad*) place in the center.
*To make a button brad, sew two buttons together on opposite sides of the wheel, treading thread through the same hole to attach parts – this way the wheel will turn freely.
THOUGHT TREAT: Smile and Frown Cookie. Frost a smile on one side and a frown on the other with two eyes in the center. As you turn cookie around talk about the cycle of history how when the people were righteousness they were happy, and when they were wicked, they were sad and suffered destruction. Talk about how those who repented were not destroyed and became happy again (turn the cookie around again to the smile).
TESTIMONY: Testify that if we choose to listen to and follow Heavenly Father’s prophets we will be blessed and can overcome evil.
SCRIPTURE CHALLENGE CARD: Help children Search and Ponder this scripture card by filling in the blanks. PRINT this 5 x 7 scripture card from the pdf included with the above activity. You can punch the two holes on the left and tie a ribbon to attach cards or use two metal rings to connect cards.
Ether 13:13 “Great and marvelous were the prophecies of Ether; but they esteemed him as naught, and cast him out; and he hid himself in the cavity of a rock by day, and by night he went forth viewing the things which should come upon the people.”
. . . “PRIDE COMETH BEFORE THE FALL” . . .
“Let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls!”
The Nephites had a problem with pride and focusing on riches (see Jacob 2:13), and that problem wasn’t unique to them or their day. How does the adversary promote the love of riches today? After reading Jacob 2:12–21, describe in your own words how God wants you to view material wealth. A hymn like “Because I Have Been Given Much” (Hymns, no. 219) could provide additional insights. What do you feel inspired to do about what you’re learning?
I can avoid spiritual blindness by focusing on the Savior.
As Jacob worked to turn his people more completely to the Lord, he warned them not to be spiritually blind and not to despise the gospel’s “words of plainness” (see Jacob 4:13–14). According to Jacob 4:8–18, what can we do to avoid spiritual blindness?
See also Quentin L. Cook, “Looking beyond the Mark,” Ensign, Mar. 2003, 40–44.
SEE THE TALK Beware of Pride by President Ezra Taft Benson, Prophet (HERE)
LESSON IDEAS (for the above activity):
- Review and present the Lesson: The Jaredites Reject the Prophets (see details below).
• See the video for this subject (below).
• Present the lesson.
• Share the Cycle of History Wheel (shown above) as you present the Testimony and ideas (below).
YOUTH CAN TEACH
So, please let them teach as it helps them learn the gospel and grow their testimony as they share it.
Use this BRIGHT IDEAS LESSON Planner to plan lesson objectives, activities, and discussions (included with each activity).
PRIDE & ANGER
Pride and anger can lead to downfall.
In the book of Esther, we learn from the faithfulness of Esther and Mordecai, but we also learn from the pride and anger of Haman. As you read Esther 3; 5:9–14, note Haman’s feelings, words, and actions. What do they reveal about him and his motivations? What consequences did he face? (see Esther 7). Reading about Haman may prompt you to evaluate what motivates your feelings and actions. Are you inspired to make any changes? How can you turn to Heavenly Father for help?
See also Proverbs 16:32; Alma 5:28.
Explain that throughout history when people have been righteous, Heavenly Father has blessed them with prosperity. Unfortunately this prosperity can lead to pride and wickedness and sometimes complete destruction.
Explain that this is what happened to the Jaredites. At first they were a righteous people and were blessed and prospered. (Draw a large circle on the chalkboard, and have the children put up the wordstrips “Righteousness,” “Blessings,” and “Prosperity” in the proper places on the circle [see the following illustration].) Then the Jaredites became proud and rejected the prophets. The people became so wicked that they were entirely destroyed. (Have the children put up the wordstrips “Pride,” “Wickedness,” and “Suffering or destruction” in the proper places on the circle.) Explain that if the Jaredites had humbled themselves and repented before they were destroyed, they could have returned to enjoying the blessings of righteous living. (Have the children put up the wordstrips “Humility” and “Repentance” in the proper places on the circle.) Help the children understand that this cycle often happens in our personal lives as well as in the history of nations.
Cycle of History
Righteousness
Blessings
Prosperity
Pride
Wickedness
Suffering or destruction
Humility
Repentance
