EXERCISES FOR THE SOUL - Unselfishness

"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
- Matthew 16:26

I love this scripture. " Our Savior's the perfect example of unselfishness. If we are to follow his example, we must be concerned with the needs and feelings of others. We must be able to put our own wants and needs aside to show love and concern for others.' (FHE Resource book, p.222)

(Scripture Story) Review the story of the rich young man (See Matthew 19:16-22)
Ask: Why was the young man unable to do what the Savior asked him to do?
Define selfishness. (clinging to your own comfort, advantage or position at the expense of others). Theodore M. Burton has said that true love is the exact opposite of selfishness. (See Conference Report Apr. 1979 p. 100 or May Ensign, 1079, p. 72).

President Monson's story: When President Monson was a young boy, he received a train for Christmas. His mother had purchased a smaller wind-up train for Mark, a needy boy in the neighborhood. She allowed young Tom to keep an oil tanker out of the wind-up train set. But when he saw how happy Mark was with the wind-up train, he ran home, got the oil tanker, plus another car from his own train, and gave them to Mark. (See " Mark's Train," Friend, Oct.1977,p. 16.).

Write the following teachings on wordstrips or slips of paper. Have family members draw them out of a bowl and explain how they relate to unselfishness..

1. "Love one another." (John 13:34)
2. "Whosoever will lose his life for my sake, shall find it."(Matthew 16:25)
3. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God." (Matthew 6:33)
4. "Let every man esteem his brother as himself" (D&C 38:24).
5. "Love thy neighbor as thyself." (Matthew 22; ).
6. Any others of your choice.

ASK: Why has the Lord placed such emphasis on our learning to become unselfish? (Point out that selfishness comes naturally and easily, and it takes struggle and growth to rid ourselves of self-centeredness. But one of the purposeses of this life is to overcome our weaknesses and become Christlike.)

Assign: One or more members of the family to become reporters throughout the coming week. Ask them to observe others during the coming week and prepare a report on their acts of unselfishness.

Possible Songs: Jesuz Said Love Everyone, Sing With Me B-51 or Who's On The Lord's Side? Hymns 175

Person of the Week: Alayna Hill She practices doing math so much she is getting really good. She even does Sudoku puzzles which I can't evven do.