August 18th Lesson: "That We May Become One"

Thank you to Sister Mary Wignall for stepping in and giving this great lesson!  It is from the Lorenzo Snow book, chapter 16.

"The voice of the Almighty called us out from the midst of confusion...to form a union and a lovely brotherhood, in which we should love one another as we love ourselves."

When we are united in the gospel, the Lord shows the world His character through us.
Jesus prayed to his Father that those he had given him out of the world might be one as he and the Father were one, and says he, I pray that thou wilt give them the same love which thou hast for me, that I may be in them and thou in me, that all may be one.  There is something very important in this, and we have got ot practice ourselves until we become like the Father and the Son, one in all things.

If we have division in our midst; if we be divided either spiritually or temporally, we never can be the people that God designs us to become, nor can we ever become instruments in His hands.

Unity is essential in the Church and in our families.
Sister Wignall taught that there should be perfect union from the quorum of the Twelve, all the way to the Bishop and his counselors.  In addition, there needs to be unity in the family.  The father and mother of the home should make themselves just as perfect as a person can in life.  Couples should never criticize or speak disrespectfully of the other in front of the children. Nor should we ever speak disrespectfully of church leaders.

We become united as we help each other secure peace and happiness.
"Let your minds be expanded to comprehend and look after the interest of your friends that are around you, and where it is in your power to secure benefits to your friends, do so...and in so doing you will find that those things which you need will come into your hands quicker than if you labor entirely to secure them to yourselves...I know this is a good and important principle.

As we become united in the gospel, we increase in light and intelligence and prepare to dwell in God's presence.
"But if we continue in the extent of those covenants which we made when we received the Gospel, there is a corresponding increase of light and intelligence, and there is a powerful preparation for that which is to come.  And because of our faithfulness and our adherence to the covenants we have made, the foundation upon which we stand becomes like the pillars of heaven--immovable."