This is a General Conference Odyssey post for the Sunday afternoon session of the October 2008 General Conference. 

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are taught that the Holy Ghost is the true teacher. Because all of us will be called to a teaching position at some point, it behooves us to allow the Holy Ghost to teach through us. And what is He teaching us? To learn of Jesus Christ by turning to the scriptures, to read them, to ponder upon them. All with the goal of testifying of the Savior.

Priesthood, Relief Society, and Youth classes generally teach on the same General Conference address. That way, families can share what is taught in class. My husband and I will share our lessons on the way home from church and it always surprises me how differently these same talks are taught. For example, men will pull out the talk, read a paragraph, and ask some form of discussion question. Often, they’ll refer to scriptures and teach the doctrine of the topic of the talk. Women, on the other hand, will pull out a stack of papers with thoughts, opinions, and quotes. They’ll read the story at the beginning of the talk and then do most of the talking, wanting to get through their stack of papers.

Of course, this is a general statement, not meant to be negative. But, sometimes, I wish women were more doctrinal in their approach to teaching. 

Elder Oswald gives us three principles of teaching. 

First, know the names of those you teach.

That’s easy in a small classroom. 

Second, teach from the scriptures.

His example is Moroni, who mostly quoted scripture to young Joseph coming back four times to repeat those verses to him. Prophets have quoted from one another, according to written scripture, since the beginning of time. Jesus Christ even quoted Isaiah. We are expected to know our scriptures, ponder their meaning, and live our lives according to what the Holy Ghost reveals to our personal needs.

Third, encourage the pondering of gospel truths.

I believe pondering is the secret sauce of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is when the spirit speaks to us and opens up the scriptures, even leading us to additional scriptures. Pondering allows us time to make connections, see patterns, and be enlightened by the Holy Ghost who will reveal all things to us. 

I have experienced some beautiful moments as the scriptures have been opened to me through my pondering of them. I’m seeing things I’ve never noticed before and my understanding of the scriptures has deepened as I slather on the secret sauce we call the Holy Ghost. My joy is full as I fill up my Scripture Insight Journal with meaningful scriptures, life-changing understandings, and even personal temple revelations all focused on Christ. Teaching is beneficial for all when truths are shared through the Holy Ghost.