February 7 & February 8, 2008

Today there was no school - it was canceled on account of the snow and adverse conditions.
However, we did hold class yesterday.
Yesterday we started out doing a contrast and comparison on the chalkboard. We had half of the group write down ways that Saul was similar to David, and then continuing ways (or things that he did) in which he was different. The other half of the class did the same thing - similar and different.
As we discussed the findings - we saw that David and Saul had been called in almost the exact same way. The Lord had called them through the prophet - there was no aspiring etc. to the calling or position. As we began to look at the differences, the students suggested what the causes of the differences could have been. A big one was choices, and obedience. We also discussed appetites, willingness to listen to the Lord, jealousy, and pride. We were able to see how different the outcomes were for these two people who started out so closely.
We turned to several scriptures - going back to chapters 18, 19, 24 and saw what Saul was trying to do to David. Kill him - every single time. Then we looked at 24:4-6 and 26:23 to see what David's reaction was. We discussed David's decisions and WHY he said he wouldn't touch Saul. We talked about how many students in the class had ever received a calling or a church assignment. We talked about what it means to raise our hand and sustain someone. Then I asked the students if they had been able to do their calling or job perfectly - they all agreed that no - they hadn't. We were able to see that we are all imperfect. David recognized that Saul had been called by the Lord. He understood that Saul wasn't doing his job perfectly, but it was David's job to sustain and support his leader. What a great lesson if every member of the church could learn this lesson from David!
Brother Moore the area coordinator visited class yesterday. He led us through DC 88:118 - 124. As we looked at these verses, we underlined the specific responsibilities which students of the gospel have as they come to class. We discussed how sensitive the spirit is and how quickly it will leave - or not lend it's presence if we are not willing and inviting it to teach us. We also discussed the importance of sharing and teaching what the spirit teaches us to each other - this strengthens our testimonies. Finally we talked about the preparations which we make to learn as we come into the classroom. It was a great reminder for me of the importance of being 'ready to learn' as we pray for the spirit and for our teacher and those around us so that we can be taught, lifted up and edified through the Holy Ghost - the real teacher.