Study Guide: “A Higher Joy” by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf delivered a message titled ‘A Higher Joy’ during the Saturday evening session of the 194th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 2024. He emphasized that the peace bestowed by following the Savior surpasses worldly offerings, being superior, loftier, and more sacred.
Elder Uchtdorf underscored joy as the ultimate purpose of God’s plan for His children. While temporary happiness fades, divine joy persists eternally, enduring through heartache, sorrow, and solitude.
In outlining steps toward discovering this profound joy, Elder Uchtdorf urged individuals to draw nearer to God, actively seek joy, and share burdens with others. By adhering to these principles, one can experience the transcendent peace of God, lifting the spirit above earthly concerns.
Notable quotes from his discourse include the assertion that God offers a deeper, more sublime joy, one capable of enduring life’s trials and triumphs. This joy, being eternal like God Himself, contrasts with the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures. Additionally, Elder Uchtdorf emphasized the importance of actively seeking eternal joy, as it is often found through deliberate pursuit.
Summarized Points
Introduction to Higher Joy: Elder Uchtdorf introduces the concept of a higher joy that surpasses earthly happiness, derived from devotion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Aviation Metaphor: The joy of flying, as experienced by the Wright brothers, serves as a metaphor for the higher spiritual joy that comes from following Christ.
Universal Desire for Happiness: Everyone seeks happiness, but many fail to find it because they search in the wrong places.
Acknowledgement of Mental Health: Recognizes the reality of depression and mental health challenges, emphasizing that joy is not simply about trying to be happier.
Joy Through the Gospel: True, enduring joy comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ, which provides hope, peace, and a higher form of happiness.
Worldly vs. Godly Joy: Worldly pleasures are temporary, while godly joy is eternal and can withstand life’s hardships.
Path to Joy: The path to higher joy includes discipleship, following Christ’s teachings, keeping commandments, and honoring covenants.
God’s Invitation: God invites everyone to experience this higher joy, which is available to all who seek it through Jesus Christ.
Drawing Near to God: Like the woman who touched Jesus’ garment and was healed, we must overcome our fears and draw near to God to find healing and joy.
Sharing Joy: True joy is found in serving others and bringing joy to them, which multiplies our own joy.
Open-Ended Questions from this talk:
How does Elder Uchtdorf use the metaphor of aviation to explain the concept of higher joy?
What are some common places people look for happiness, and why might these be insufficient according to Elder Uchtdorf?
How does Elder Uchtdorf acknowledge and address mental health challenges in the context of finding joy?
In what ways does the gospel of Jesus Christ provide a higher form of joy than worldly pleasures?
How does Elder Uchtdorf differentiate between temporary worldly happiness and eternal godly joy?
What steps does Elder Uchtdorf suggest for those seeking to experience higher joy in their lives?
How can the story of the woman who touched Jesus’ garment inspire us to draw near to God in our own lives?
Why is serving others and bringing joy to them an essential part of experiencing higher joy according to Elder Uchtdorf?
How might understanding God’s eternal plan help individuals find deeper joy and peace amidst life’s trials?
Reflect on a time when you experienced joy through serving others. How did it compare to other forms of happiness you have experienced?
dyejo
Guest Author
