Prepare 5-6 cups of water (1 with chlorine in it, 1 with salt, 1 with sugar, 1 from the tap, 1 from a purified water bottle)
Bring the class in the kitchen, explain the situation and then ask for a volunteer to see if they can find the pure water.
Talk about what the person did to test the water before they tried it.
How is this like trying to discern truth from error and the pure doctrine of Christ?
N. Eldon Tanner once said, "Freedom is based on truth, and no man is completely free as long as any part of his belief is based on error, for the chains of error bind his mind. This is why it is so important for us to learn all the truth we can from all the sources we can." (source)
Next, take the class down the hallway to the Woman at the Well painting.
Ask them if they know what this picture is.
Tell the story (John 4); the purpose of this is to state that Christ could give her living water - water that never ends; that keeps on providing forever.
13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
What is this synonymous with?
If you were given a pill that gave you the capacity to discern truth from error forever, would you take it? I think the answer is yes! This is essentially what Christ told the woman - that endless truth could be found by listening to his teachings. And what were his two greatest teachings?
1. Love God
2. Love neighbor
Some Absolute Truths vs Nots (Plus some Indifferents)
If you agree with the statement, thumps up; if not, thumbs down. If it doesn't matter, make a flat hand.
Having self-discipline is good.
Being courageous is good.
Black kittens are good.
Having lots of money is good.
Volcanoes are bad.
Lying is good.
Helping others is bad.
Love is good.
Money is good.
Integrity is good.
Being famous is good.
Humility is good.
Perfect health is good.
What matters in this life is accepting what God sends our way - be it disease, poverty, a flood, wealth, health, certain people (i.e. choosing to accept our fate and be in harmony with it) AND
Helping others with a focus on developing virtue within us and instilling it within others.
That is 'living water' - water that will bring you contentment and peace.
