"I have learned that a key to becoming real in every aspect of our lives is our ability to teach in a way that does not restrict learning," declared Brother Matthew O. Richardson, second counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, in his Sunday afternoon conference address.
"The responsibility to teach effectively is not limited to those who have formal callings as teachers. Every family member, Church leader, and Church member (including youth and children) have a responsibility to teach," he said.
Brother Richardson explained that the Holy Ghost is the teacher and witness of all truth and all parents, leaders and teachers have the responsibility to teach "by the Spirit. They should not teach 'in front of the Spirit' or 'behind the Spirit,' but 'by the Spirit' so the Spirit can teach the truth unrestrained."
He quoted Moroni who told the saints to conduct their experiences "after the manner of the workings of the Spirit."
"To conduct ourselves 'after the manner' of the Holy Ghost means that we may need to change our way of teaching to emulate the way the Holy Ghost teaches," he explained. "As we align our manner with the Holy Ghost's manner, then the Holy Ghost can teach and testify without restraint."
He then invited members to consider two fundamental "workings of the Spirit" worthy of emulation. "First, the Holy Ghost teaches individuals in a very personal way. … Those who teach after the manner of the Spirit understand they teach people, not lessons."
Parents, leaders and teachers who mirror how the Spirit teaches, "pause to listen, carefully observe and then discern what to do next. When they do this, the Holy Ghost is in a position to teach both learners and teachers what they should do and say."
Second, the Holy Ghost teaches by inviting and inspiring people to act. Although the Spirit leads, guides and shows us what to do, it will not "do for us what we can do for ourselves," he said. "You see the Holy Ghost cannot learn for us, feel for us, or act for us because this would be contrary to the doctrine of agency. It can facilitate opportunities and invite us to learn, feel and act."
Brother Richardson said those who teach after the manner of Spirit don't ask, "What can I do for my children, class members or others?" they ask, "How do I invite and help those around me to learn for themselves?"
