Suggested Hymns:
"Give," Said the Little Stream (Children's Songbook 236)
Because I Have Been Given Much (Hymns 219)
Improve the Shining Moments (Hymns 226)

Read:
Mosiah 2:16-18
D&C 11:8
D&C 88:78-80

"There is incumbent upon every member of this Church the mandate of the Lord to equip ourselves to do something worthwhile in society. The Lord has made it very clear in the Doctrine and Covenants that we are to get an education by study and by faith of things under the earth, and on the earth, and above the earth, of the wars and the perplexities of the nations, of the times and the seasons of all things of the earth. (See D&C 88:79.) I want to urge our young people to be hungry for education. You will be doing the will of the Lord as you educate your minds and your hands for future work to make a contribution to the world of which you will be a part." (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 172.)

Discuss:
In what ways do family members help meet social needs? (Think about contributions family members make through their work, through volunteer activities, or through active citizenship.)

How does learning about current events and politics (see D&C 88:79) equip us to help build a better world?

Focus on each member of your family one by one. What talents or special knowledge does each possess? How might family members place their talents or knowledge at the service of society?

Activity:
Invite each family member to set a goal to do something during the coming school year that will equip them to make a greater contribution to society: perhaps further developing a talent, learning a new skill, studying a particular social issue, or keeping up with current events. Periodically throughout the year, review these goals in interviews with each family member.

Consider closing the devotional with a special priesthood blessing for each family member who is about to start, or return to, school.