Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
What is the “Heart of the Old Testament?” In Exodus 19:5-6 the Lord promises IF we will make a covenant with God and obey Him, THEN we will be a peculiar treasure, a kingdom of priests and priestesses, and 'an holy nation.' That is the heart of the Old Testament. God is working to draw us to Him and to refine us into a treasure. One way God does this is by giving us commandments (e.g., Exodus 20).
To Delegate Effectively: Lessons from Exodus 18
President Russel M. Nelson: “… the term peculiar as used in the scriptures is quite different. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term from which peculiar was translated is segullah, which means “valued property,” or “treasure.” In the New Testament, the Greek term from which peculiar was translated is peripoiesis, which means “possession,” or “an obtaining.”
Thus, we see that the scriptural term peculiar signifies “valued treasure,” “made” or “selected by God.” For us to be identified by servants of the Lord as his peculiar people is a compliment of the highest order.” (Ensign, May 1995, p.34-35)
President Russell M. Nelson: “Because the Father and the Son love us with infinite, perfect love and because They know we cannot see everything They see. They have given us laws that will guide and protect us. There is a strong connection between God’s love and His laws” (“The Love and Laws of God” [Brigham Young University devotional, Sept. 17, 2019], 2, speeches.byu.edu).
Cecil B DeMille: “If man will not be ruled by God, he will certainly be ruled by tyrants-and there is no tyranny more imperious or more devastating than man's own selfishness, without the law. We cannot break the Ten Commandments. We can only break ourselves against them – or else, by keeping them, rise through them to the fulness of freedom under God. God means us to be free. With divine daring. He gave us the power of choice.” (Commencement Address, BYU Speeches, 31 May 1951)
President Russell M. Nelson: “This commandment may be better known than obeyed. Sadly, many individuals don’t know where to find God, and exclude Him from their lives. No matter where we live or in what position we serve, all of us need to determine which way we face. God’s commandments serve as a standard against which priorities can be measured. Our respect for the first commandment fashions our feelings for all the others.” (Russell M. Nelson, “‘Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods’,” Ensign, May 1996, 14 )
President Russell M. Nelson: “Recently, President Gordon B. Hinckley declared: “Love of God is the root of all virtue, of all goodness, of all strength of character, of all fidelity to do right. Love the Lord your God, and love his Son, and be ever grateful for their love for us. Whenever other love fades, there will be that shining, transcendent, everlasting love of God for each of us and the love of his Son, who gave his life for us.” All can look to the Lord. All can place him first in their lives.” (“‘Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods’,” Ensign, May 1996, 14 )
President Spencer W. Kimball: “I use the word idolatry intentionally. As I study ancient scripture, I am more and more convinced that there is significance in the fact that the commandment “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” is the first of the Ten Commandments. But I am afraid that many of us have been surfeited with flocks and herds and acres and barns and wealth and have begun to worship them as false gods, and they have power over us. Do we have more of these good things than our faith can stand? Many people spend most of their time working in the service of a self-image that includes sufficient money, stocks, bonds, investment portfolios, property, credit cards, furnishings, automobiles, and the like to guarantee carnal security throughout, it is hoped, a long and happy life.” (“The False Gods We Worship,” Ensign, Jun 1976, 3 )
Ester Rasband: “When we read this commandment, we may think first of irreverent language. But if we take upon us His name without “real intent,” we surely take His name in vain. If we forget and do not endure in the covenant we made at baptism, we take His name in vain.” (“The Third Commandment,” Ensign, Apr 1999, 13)
President Gordon B. Hinckley: “We cannot indulge in swearing. We cannot be guilty of profanity; we cannot indulge in impure thoughts, words, and acts and have the Spirit of the Lord with us.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Converts and Young Men,” Ensign, May 1997, 47 )
Robert Millet
1. His children take his name in vain through profanity and vulgarity.
2. His children take his name in vain through the breaking of oaths and covenants.
3. His children take his name in vain through being flippant, sacrilegious, and irreverent. (Honoring His Holy Name, Ensign May 1994)
Church Leaders Call for Better Observance of Sabbath Day (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/church-leaders-call-for-better-observance-of-sabbath-day?lang=eng)
President Russell M. Nelson: “How do we hallow the Sabbath day? In my much younger years, I studied the work of others who had compiled lists of things to do and things not to do on the Sabbath. It wasn’t until later that I learned from the scriptures that my conduct and my attitude on the Sabbath constituted a sign between me and my Heavenly Father.12 With that understanding, I no longer needed lists of dos and don’ts. When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, “What sign do I want to give to God?” That question made my choices about the Sabbath day crystal clear.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2015/05/sunday-afternoon-session/the-sabbath-is-a-delight?lang=eng)
President Russell M. Nelson: “How can you ensure that your behavior on the Sabbath will lead to joy and rejoicing? In addition to your going to church, partaking of the sacrament, and being diligent in your specific call to serve, what other activities would help to make the Sabbath a delight for you? What sign will you give to the Lord to show your love for Him?” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2015/05/sunday-afternoon-session/the-sabbath-is-a-delight?lang=eng)
Elder M. Russell Ballard: “Our whole desire is that throughout the Church, we focus our Sabbath day worship on the Lord.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/church-leaders-call-for-better-observance-of-sabbath-day?lang=eng)
President Dallin H. Oaks: “To young people, honoring parents is appropriately understood to focus on obedience, respect, and emulation of righteous parents. Young people, if you honor your parents, you will love them, respect them, confide in them, be considerate of them, express appreciation for them, and demonstrate all of these things by following their counsel in righteousness and by obeying the commandments of God.” (, “‘Honour Thy Father and Thy Mother’,” Ensign, May 1991, 14 )
Arthur R. Bassett: Though comparatively few mortals are seriously tempted to kill, many of us are more deeply affected by violations of this law than we realize. Thou shalt not … kill, nor do anything like unto it” (D&C 59:6; emphasis added). Today’s news headlines and broadcasts are full of issues “like unto it”… We watch killing reenacted over and over—often in slow motion—in cinema and television. We can judge for ourselves what reactions the viewing of savagery on television or in the movies engenders in us.” (“‘Thou Shalt Not Kill’,” Ensign, Aug 1994, 27)
C. S. Lewis: [Screwtape to his young nephew Wormwood] “You will say that these are very small sins; and doubtless, like all young tempters, you are anxious to be able to report spectacular wickedness. But do remember, the only thing that matters is the extent to which you separate the man from the Enemy… Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one–the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts. (https://www.truechristianity.info/en/the_screwtape_letters.php)
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Clearly, unchastity and infidelity bring serious consequences such as the rippling, even haunting, effects of illegitimacy and fatherlessness, along with disease and the shredding of families. Therefore, the keeping of the seventh commandment is such a vital shield!” (“The Seventh Commandment: A Shield,” Ensign, Nov 2001, 78)
"Unfortunately, breaking the seventh commandment is made easier when clever sophists persuade some that whatsoever individuals do is really “no crime” But God does not have two sets of Ten Commandments, one indoor and another outdoor! Nor are there two approved roads to repentance. True, a weekend of regret may produce some “sorrowing of the damned,” but not the “mighty change” which only godly sorrow produces.
"Lust is no substitute for love. “Lust is not interested in its partners, but only in the gratification of its own craving.” (“The Seventh Commandment: A Shield,” Ensign, Nov 2001, 78)
Video: Chastity: What are the Limits? (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2011-05-0003-chastity-what-are-the-limits?lang=eng)
Richard D. Draper: “Terms like deceive, cheat, and bewitched by flattery all fit the methodology of the thief. The Bible emphasizes that stealing belongs to the set of sins that includes murder, adultery, and false swearing. Stealing is a sin against our Heavenly Father even when motivated by need and poverty. The act dishonors God If we are wise, we will love people and use things, as our Father intended. Immorality occurs when we love things and use people. The awful idea Satan taught Cain was how to turn human life into property, how to make a child of God less than chattel.” (“Thou Shalt Not Steal,” Ensign, Sep 1994, 25)
Robert J. Matthews: “But the violation of the ninth commandment is among the most common of sins. “Murder, adultery, and stealing, dealing respectively with life, virtue, and property, are generally considered more serious offenses before the law than the bearing of false witness. And yet, what the latter may lack in severity, it more than makes up for in prevalence” bearing false witness involves the destruction of character and reputation.
“Lying and misrepresentation in all of their forms are wrong, no matter how they may be rationalized, and those who silently let these evils pass unchallenged are also doing wrong.” (“‘Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness’,” Ensign, Oct 1994, 53)
The word 'covet' means in Hebrew, 'to desire, to take pleasure in.’ Elder Richard L. Evans explained the meaning of this commandment today: "The commandment against covetousness does not mean that we should not have a wholesome desire to improve ourselves or our situation. It does not mean that we should not have an honest ambition to have more of the better things of life. It does not mean that we may not admire what our neighbor has, and seek by our own industry to earn things of like worth. The earth holds plenty for all - and the urge to acquire for ourselves such good things as other men have is a productive quality of character provided that we acquire them by honest effort, by lawful means, and by keeping life well balanced. The danger comes when mere 'things' begin to matter too much." (LeGrand Richards, "The Tenth Commandment," The Ten Commandments Today, pp. 143-44)
President Gordon B. Hinckley: “What I have is not enough. I must have more.” I have observed that there are many in our present generation who with careful design set out on a course to get rich while still young, to drive fancy automobiles, to wear the best of clothing, to have an apartment in the city and a house in the country—all of these, and more. This is the total end for which they live, and for some the means by which they get there is unimportant in terms of ethics and morality. They covet that which others have, and selfishness and even greed are all a part of their process of acquisitiveness. It is when greed takes over, when we covet that which others have, that our affliction begins. And it can be a very sore and painful affliction.” (“‘Thou Shalt Not Covet’,” Ensign, Mar 1990, 2 )
President Gordon B. Hinckley: “What I have is not enough. I must have more.” I have observed that there are many in our present generation who with careful design set out on a course to get rich while still young, to drive fancy automobiles, to wear the best of clothing, to have an apartment in the city and a house in the country—all of these, and more. This is the total end for which they live, and for some the means by which they get there is unimportant in terms of ethics and morality. They covet that which others have, and selfishness and even greed are all a part of their process of acquisitiveness. It is when greed takes over, when we covet that which others have, that our affliction begins. And it can be a very sore and painful affliction.” (“‘Thou Shalt Not Covet’,” Ensign, Mar 1990, 2 )
President Thomas S. Monson: “Although the world has changed, the laws of God remain constant. They have not changed; they will not change. The Ten Commandments are just that—commandments. They are not suggestions. They are every bit as requisite today as they were when God gave them to the children of Israel.” (“Stand in Holy Places,” Liahona, Nov. 2011, 82, 83.)
Teaching Thoughts:
To Delegate Effectively: Lessons from Exodus 18
- KNOW WHAT TO DELEGATE. You should use your time and energy to focus on the most critical tasks .Jethro told Moses For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself. He advised Moses to concentrate his time on teaching the statutes and the laws of the Lord, which only Moses could do, and delegate the rest. (Exodus 18: 17, 20)
- PICK THE RIGHT PERSON TO DELEGATE TO. Jethro told Moses to select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth and delegate assignments to them. (Exodus 18: 21).
- TRUST THE PEOPLE YOU DELEGATE YOU TO DO THE JOB. Jethro told Moses of the men to whom he appointed: every small matter they themselves shall judge – the key words are “every” and “themselves.” (Exodus 18: 22).
- GIVE CLEAR OBJECTIVES AND A DEFINITE TASK COMPLETION DATE, BUT CEDE CONTROL OVER HOW THE JOB IS DONE. Jethro told Moses to show them the way in which they must walk but then let them judge the people at all times. (Exodus 18: 20, 22).
- ESTABLISH CLEAR CHECKPOINTS AND MILESTONES TO FOLLOW THE WORK. Jethro told Moses to have a structure for those he appointed to stay in touch with him: Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you (Exodus 18: 22).
- GIVE PUBLIC CREDIT WHEN THE JOB IS DONE. Jethro told Moses to give able men both appropriate responsibility and credit, as rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. (Exodus 18: 21).
- WHEN SOMEONE GIVE YOU ADVICE, LISTEN TO IT AND ACT ON IT. Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. (Exodus 18: 24 – 26)(http://www.cpnonpoint.com/six-steps-to-delegate-effectively-lessons-from-exodus-18/)
President Russel M. Nelson: “… the term peculiar as used in the scriptures is quite different. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term from which peculiar was translated is segullah, which means “valued property,” or “treasure.” In the New Testament, the Greek term from which peculiar was translated is peripoiesis, which means “possession,” or “an obtaining.”
Thus, we see that the scriptural term peculiar signifies “valued treasure,” “made” or “selected by God.” For us to be identified by servants of the Lord as his peculiar people is a compliment of the highest order.” (Ensign, May 1995, p.34-35)
President Russell M. Nelson: “Because the Father and the Son love us with infinite, perfect love and because They know we cannot see everything They see. They have given us laws that will guide and protect us. There is a strong connection between God’s love and His laws” (“The Love and Laws of God” [Brigham Young University devotional, Sept. 17, 2019], 2, speeches.byu.edu).
Cecil B DeMille: “If man will not be ruled by God, he will certainly be ruled by tyrants-and there is no tyranny more imperious or more devastating than man's own selfishness, without the law. We cannot break the Ten Commandments. We can only break ourselves against them – or else, by keeping them, rise through them to the fulness of freedom under God. God means us to be free. With divine daring. He gave us the power of choice.” (Commencement Address, BYU Speeches, 31 May 1951)
President Russell M. Nelson: “This commandment may be better known than obeyed. Sadly, many individuals don’t know where to find God, and exclude Him from their lives. No matter where we live or in what position we serve, all of us need to determine which way we face. God’s commandments serve as a standard against which priorities can be measured. Our respect for the first commandment fashions our feelings for all the others.” (Russell M. Nelson, “‘Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods’,” Ensign, May 1996, 14 )
President Russell M. Nelson: “Recently, President Gordon B. Hinckley declared: “Love of God is the root of all virtue, of all goodness, of all strength of character, of all fidelity to do right. Love the Lord your God, and love his Son, and be ever grateful for their love for us. Whenever other love fades, there will be that shining, transcendent, everlasting love of God for each of us and the love of his Son, who gave his life for us.” All can look to the Lord. All can place him first in their lives.” (“‘Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods’,” Ensign, May 1996, 14 )
President Spencer W. Kimball: “I use the word idolatry intentionally. As I study ancient scripture, I am more and more convinced that there is significance in the fact that the commandment “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” is the first of the Ten Commandments. But I am afraid that many of us have been surfeited with flocks and herds and acres and barns and wealth and have begun to worship them as false gods, and they have power over us. Do we have more of these good things than our faith can stand? Many people spend most of their time working in the service of a self-image that includes sufficient money, stocks, bonds, investment portfolios, property, credit cards, furnishings, automobiles, and the like to guarantee carnal security throughout, it is hoped, a long and happy life.” (“The False Gods We Worship,” Ensign, Jun 1976, 3 )
Ester Rasband: “When we read this commandment, we may think first of irreverent language. But if we take upon us His name without “real intent,” we surely take His name in vain. If we forget and do not endure in the covenant we made at baptism, we take His name in vain.” (“The Third Commandment,” Ensign, Apr 1999, 13)
President Gordon B. Hinckley: “We cannot indulge in swearing. We cannot be guilty of profanity; we cannot indulge in impure thoughts, words, and acts and have the Spirit of the Lord with us.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Converts and Young Men,” Ensign, May 1997, 47 )
Robert Millet
1. His children take his name in vain through profanity and vulgarity.
2. His children take his name in vain through the breaking of oaths and covenants.
3. His children take his name in vain through being flippant, sacrilegious, and irreverent. (Honoring His Holy Name, Ensign May 1994)
Church Leaders Call for Better Observance of Sabbath Day (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/church-leaders-call-for-better-observance-of-sabbath-day?lang=eng)
President Russell M. Nelson: “How do we hallow the Sabbath day? In my much younger years, I studied the work of others who had compiled lists of things to do and things not to do on the Sabbath. It wasn’t until later that I learned from the scriptures that my conduct and my attitude on the Sabbath constituted a sign between me and my Heavenly Father.12 With that understanding, I no longer needed lists of dos and don’ts. When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, “What sign do I want to give to God?” That question made my choices about the Sabbath day crystal clear.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2015/05/sunday-afternoon-session/the-sabbath-is-a-delight?lang=eng)
President Russell M. Nelson: “How can you ensure that your behavior on the Sabbath will lead to joy and rejoicing? In addition to your going to church, partaking of the sacrament, and being diligent in your specific call to serve, what other activities would help to make the Sabbath a delight for you? What sign will you give to the Lord to show your love for Him?” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2015/05/sunday-afternoon-session/the-sabbath-is-a-delight?lang=eng)
Elder M. Russell Ballard: “Our whole desire is that throughout the Church, we focus our Sabbath day worship on the Lord.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/church-leaders-call-for-better-observance-of-sabbath-day?lang=eng)
President Dallin H. Oaks: “To young people, honoring parents is appropriately understood to focus on obedience, respect, and emulation of righteous parents. Young people, if you honor your parents, you will love them, respect them, confide in them, be considerate of them, express appreciation for them, and demonstrate all of these things by following their counsel in righteousness and by obeying the commandments of God.” (, “‘Honour Thy Father and Thy Mother’,” Ensign, May 1991, 14 )
Arthur R. Bassett: Though comparatively few mortals are seriously tempted to kill, many of us are more deeply affected by violations of this law than we realize. Thou shalt not … kill, nor do anything like unto it” (D&C 59:6; emphasis added). Today’s news headlines and broadcasts are full of issues “like unto it”… We watch killing reenacted over and over—often in slow motion—in cinema and television. We can judge for ourselves what reactions the viewing of savagery on television or in the movies engenders in us.” (“‘Thou Shalt Not Kill’,” Ensign, Aug 1994, 27)
C. S. Lewis: [Screwtape to his young nephew Wormwood] “You will say that these are very small sins; and doubtless, like all young tempters, you are anxious to be able to report spectacular wickedness. But do remember, the only thing that matters is the extent to which you separate the man from the Enemy… Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one–the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts. (https://www.truechristianity.info/en/the_screwtape_letters.php)
Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Clearly, unchastity and infidelity bring serious consequences such as the rippling, even haunting, effects of illegitimacy and fatherlessness, along with disease and the shredding of families. Therefore, the keeping of the seventh commandment is such a vital shield!” (“The Seventh Commandment: A Shield,” Ensign, Nov 2001, 78)
"Unfortunately, breaking the seventh commandment is made easier when clever sophists persuade some that whatsoever individuals do is really “no crime” But God does not have two sets of Ten Commandments, one indoor and another outdoor! Nor are there two approved roads to repentance. True, a weekend of regret may produce some “sorrowing of the damned,” but not the “mighty change” which only godly sorrow produces.
"Lust is no substitute for love. “Lust is not interested in its partners, but only in the gratification of its own craving.” (“The Seventh Commandment: A Shield,” Ensign, Nov 2001, 78)
Video: Chastity: What are the Limits? (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2011-05-0003-chastity-what-are-the-limits?lang=eng)
Richard D. Draper: “Terms like deceive, cheat, and bewitched by flattery all fit the methodology of the thief. The Bible emphasizes that stealing belongs to the set of sins that includes murder, adultery, and false swearing. Stealing is a sin against our Heavenly Father even when motivated by need and poverty. The act dishonors God If we are wise, we will love people and use things, as our Father intended. Immorality occurs when we love things and use people. The awful idea Satan taught Cain was how to turn human life into property, how to make a child of God less than chattel.” (“Thou Shalt Not Steal,” Ensign, Sep 1994, 25)
Robert J. Matthews: “But the violation of the ninth commandment is among the most common of sins. “Murder, adultery, and stealing, dealing respectively with life, virtue, and property, are generally considered more serious offenses before the law than the bearing of false witness. And yet, what the latter may lack in severity, it more than makes up for in prevalence” bearing false witness involves the destruction of character and reputation.
“Lying and misrepresentation in all of their forms are wrong, no matter how they may be rationalized, and those who silently let these evils pass unchallenged are also doing wrong.” (“‘Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness’,” Ensign, Oct 1994, 53)
The word 'covet' means in Hebrew, 'to desire, to take pleasure in.’ Elder Richard L. Evans explained the meaning of this commandment today: "The commandment against covetousness does not mean that we should not have a wholesome desire to improve ourselves or our situation. It does not mean that we should not have an honest ambition to have more of the better things of life. It does not mean that we may not admire what our neighbor has, and seek by our own industry to earn things of like worth. The earth holds plenty for all - and the urge to acquire for ourselves such good things as other men have is a productive quality of character provided that we acquire them by honest effort, by lawful means, and by keeping life well balanced. The danger comes when mere 'things' begin to matter too much." (LeGrand Richards, "The Tenth Commandment," The Ten Commandments Today, pp. 143-44)
President Gordon B. Hinckley: “What I have is not enough. I must have more.” I have observed that there are many in our present generation who with careful design set out on a course to get rich while still young, to drive fancy automobiles, to wear the best of clothing, to have an apartment in the city and a house in the country—all of these, and more. This is the total end for which they live, and for some the means by which they get there is unimportant in terms of ethics and morality. They covet that which others have, and selfishness and even greed are all a part of their process of acquisitiveness. It is when greed takes over, when we covet that which others have, that our affliction begins. And it can be a very sore and painful affliction.” (“‘Thou Shalt Not Covet’,” Ensign, Mar 1990, 2 )
President Gordon B. Hinckley: “What I have is not enough. I must have more.” I have observed that there are many in our present generation who with careful design set out on a course to get rich while still young, to drive fancy automobiles, to wear the best of clothing, to have an apartment in the city and a house in the country—all of these, and more. This is the total end for which they live, and for some the means by which they get there is unimportant in terms of ethics and morality. They covet that which others have, and selfishness and even greed are all a part of their process of acquisitiveness. It is when greed takes over, when we covet that which others have, that our affliction begins. And it can be a very sore and painful affliction.” (“‘Thou Shalt Not Covet’,” Ensign, Mar 1990, 2 )
President Thomas S. Monson: “Although the world has changed, the laws of God remain constant. They have not changed; they will not change. The Ten Commandments are just that—commandments. They are not suggestions. They are every bit as requisite today as they were when God gave them to the children of Israel.” (“Stand in Holy Places,” Liahona, Nov. 2011, 82, 83.)
Teaching Thoughts:
- Delegation – how can that apply in our lives today? In our teaching? In our callings? In our homes?
- Why does God give us commandments?
- In pairs - prepare a short lesson on one of the 10 commandments. How are they relevant and applicable today?
- What the “Heart of the Old Testament?” Exodus 19:5-6 IF we will make a covenant with God, THEN we will be a peculiar treasure, a kingdom of priests and priestesses, and an holy nation.