The following is excerpted from the Church Newsroom. To read the full report, CLICK HERE.
In the spirit of a pilot’s pre-flight checklist, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf — himself a former airline captain — gave a five-item list to help members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teach more like the Savior of the world.
The Apostle’s remarks came in a worldwide broadcast for all teachers in the Church of Jesus Christ. In a faith fueled by the volunteerism of its members, the audience of teachers comprises almost everyone.
Elder Uchtdorf’s checklist is based on part 3 of a revised version of the guide, “Teaching in the Savior’s Way,” which will be published digitally on ChurchofJesusChrist.org and the Gospel Library app later in June.
1. Focus on Jesus Christ
To focus on the Savior in teaching is to hit the small center of a target, Elder Uchtdorf said. And what is that target? The example Jesus set of loving God and loving others.
“As teachers, we may speak with the tongues of angels; we may entertain, delight, amuse, astound,” Elder Uchtdorf said. “But if we have failed in keeping our focus on Jesus Christ, we have missed the mark and our teaching is only a shadow of what it ought to be. Always keep the focus on our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.”
2. Love Those You Teach
Teachers must see each student for the unique child of God that they are. And teachers must speak the universal language of love.
Quoting C.S. Lewis, Elder Uchtdorf said “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. … it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit — immortal… everlasting splendors.”
“When we treat others with this kind of respect,” Elder Uchtdorf added, “we reflect the example of Jesus Christ.”
To read the full report, CLICK HERE.
