The Worth of a Soul

On 1 April 1999 President Gordon B. Hinckley and the Sunday School general presidency opened a time capsule sealed by the Deseret Sunday School Union superintendency in 1949. The box was filled with Sunday School photographs, teaching materials, and other items of historical value. After viewing the materials in the box, President Hinckley announced that a new time capsule would be sealed later this year, to be opened 50 years from now.

Sunday School itself is much like a time capsule, something of a treasure box. Into it we place our faithful service with the assurance that as we do so, others will take from it a better knowledge of the gospel and a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Among the great treasures that Sunday School can preserve are the testimonies of Church members. Those who come with fragile, new testimonies, those who are now reclaiming their testimonies after a period of time, and those who are building their existing testimonies should come away from Sunday School with increased spiritual strength, with greater faith in the Lord and in His Church, and with a determination to endure in faithful gospel service.

That is our opportunity as leaders and teachers in Sunday School. To share the gospel—and see our efforts bear fruit—is one of the most sublime experiences we can have. Testimonies are treasures. Let us care for them carefully by doing the following:

• Prepare lessons well, keeping individuals in mind who may be struggling with their testimonies.

• Bear our testimonies often, with power, as moved upon by the Holy Ghost.

• Involve each member in the class as opportunity presents itself.

Know that our Heavenly Father loves each of His children and values each so highly that He gave His Only Begotten Son so they could return to His presence. One of our joys is to participate in and build testimonies of the great plan of redemption.