5 Highlights for “A Higher Joy” by Elder Uchtdorf

by | May 6, 2024

man in suit at podium

5 Quotes Plus Discussion-Promoting Questions

See also Teaching Helps

Elder Uchtdorf is good for our souls. His talks always point to greater well-being and closer to Christ.

You can find his full talk here. Unless you opt to spend a lot of time on a particular quote, try to pick around 2 questions per quote. Choose the questions that resonate the most with you and make a meaningful discussion for your group of personalities. These highlights and questions fit with Lesson Template 1 or Template 2. You can also check out several other General Conference Talks with 5 Highlights.

All blue quotes by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (unless otherwise noted).

Lesson Prep

At least a week ahead of time, I would assign 2 to 3 people to read a quote from the lesson and be ready to share their thoughts on that quote in class. Try to ask people who don’t speak up all the time. The discussion quality often increases when you give people time to think about the quotes and/or questions.

Please do not worry about covering every quote! Quality discussion makes a lasting impact; sometimes, your group needs to discuss one topic more than another.

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Quote #1 (dawn)

Elder Uchtdorf is thankfully candid and shares a real-life perspective.

Possible discussion questions: Is it okay to have trials, afflictions, and sad days? Who else do we know from the scriptures or early Church history who had trials, afflictions, and sad days? Let’s name some of them. Do trials and setbacks mean we’ve done something wrong or don’t have God’s favor? (no) Do we sometimes expect that life is supposed to go better than it does? Have you ever had a significant, tender mercy happen during a sore trial? What helps you to keep your faith and hope even during one of life’s darker storms?

Optional 2nd Quote:

Question: Why must there be opposition?

Answer: No growth or strength comes without opposition.

Quote #2 (joy)

Possible engagement tool: Tell your class that after Elder Uchtdorf acknowledged some of the happiness and joys the world gives, like flying in an airplane, he says the following.

Possible discussion questions: Why does Elder Uchtdorf describe God’s joy as higher and more profound than joy from other places? How have the Spirit and Christ’s teachings helped you endure heartbreak, sorrow, and loneliness? What kinds of worldly happiness come and go? What types of worldly or cultural statuses often bring more complications than joy? Why do we pursue worldly happiness? (Accept all reasonable answers – because it strongly appeals to our different appetites and lust but is a temporary fix.)

Quote #3 (looking)

Possible discussion questions: What happens when we are addicted to negative gossip and news? (Accept all reasonable answers – we will find plenty, which will bind our minds and decrease our confidence in ourselves.) Has anyone intentionally adopted a positive philosophy or mindset? How did that go? What happens when we focus on the positive and the good whenever possible? Is it possible to develop a positive sentiment and eliminate an overriding negative sentiment? What outlook does the Spirit have?

Quote #4 (another’s burdens)

Elder Uchtdorf often champions ministering and serving others. This quote is a perfect example of that focus.

  • Like praying for someone with all our heart.
  • Giving a sincere compliment.
  • Helping someone feel welcome, respected, valued, and loved.
  • Sharing a favorite scripture and what it means to us.
  • Or even just by listening.

Possible discussion questions: What small things has someone done that made a big difference in your day? How do you feel when you are in the service of someone else? What are some memories of learning to serve when you were younger? How can we incorporate joy into our ministering assignments? What are some of your favorite ways to be ministered to?

Quote #5 (invitation)

This invite comes straight from Elder Uchtdorf. Listen for what stands out to you today—which part touches your heart.

  • Spend time in a sincere, full-hearted effort to draw near to God.
  • Seek diligently for everyday moments of hope, peace, and joy.
  • Bring joy to others around you.

Possible discussion questions: What stands out for you from Elder Uchtdorf’s promise to those who seek joy and God? In what ways do you spend time to draw near to God? (Accept all reasonable answers and acknowledge/validate attempts to participate.) How do you bring hope, peace, and joy into your life—what works for you? What is one of your favorite ways to brighten someone else’s day?

Summary

Summarize class discussion highlights and/or share your testimony and feelings about Elder Uchtdorf’s talk. Thank your class for their excellent contributions and insights.

Final Comment

Teach with confidence, and if you would like some tips on how to feel more confident while teaching – try “9 Tips for More Class Participation.” May the Spirit bless and guide your efforts.

PDFs for Download – click the blue word links to view online.

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4 Comments

  1. Arnold Pampelon

    What a great website you have! It can really help our brothers and sisters have a guidelines on their lesson plan.

    Reply
  2. Gregory Rasmussen

    What a gift you give us with your lesson outlines. Thanks for sharing and caring.

    Reply
  3. April Pratt

    Hi when will the teachers master copy and the quote handout for Elder Uchtdorf’s talk be available?

    Reply
  4. julie nield

    Wondering when or if you plan on doing Elder Bednar’s conference talk?

    Reply

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