The Gospel Study Page

The Tender Mercies of the Lord

2006-07-16T21:33:00.000-06:00

In the October 2004 General Conference. Two new members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were sustained. Elder Dieter Uchtdorf, and Elder David A. Bednar. The two new Apostles were asked to bear their testimonies in the Sunday morning session of that conference. Elder Uchtdorf spoke first, and then there was a congregational rest hymn. Elder Bednar was to speak after the song was over.

Later Elder Bednar testified of a small miracle that happened during that rest hymn. This is how he described his experience:

“Then we all stood together to sing the intermediate hymn that previously had been announced by President Gordon B. Hinckley. The intermediate hymn that morning was “Redeemer of Israel” (Hymns, no. 6).
Now, the music for the various conference sessions had been determined many weeks before—and obviously long before my new call to serve. If, however, I had been invited to suggest an intermediate hymn for that particular session of the conference—a hymn that would have been both edifying and spiritually soothing for me and for the congregation before my first address in this Conference Center—I would have selected my favorite hymn, “Redeemer of Israel.” Tears filled my eyes as I stood . . to sing that stirring hymn of the Restoration.
Near the conclusion of the singing, to my mind came this verse from the Book of Mormon:

“But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance” (1 Ne. 1:20).

My mind was drawn immediately to Nephi’s phrase “the tender mercies of the Lord,” and I knew in that very moment I was experiencing just such a tender mercy. A loving Savior was sending me a most personal and timely message of comfort and reassurance through a hymn selected weeks previously. Some may count this experience as simply a nice coincidence, but I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord’s timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them.” (David A. Bednar, “The Tender Mercies of the Lord,” Ensign, May 2005, 99)

Small Miracles
Small miracles, such as this happen all the time. They are very personal and individualized blessings that we receive from the Lord. They come in a very timely manner, and provide us just he help and support we need – just when we need it most. Such blessings might include: strength, protection, assurance, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts. All these are according to the tender mercies of the Lord. He knows us, he knows our challenges in life, and He knows what we need to get through them.

I Will Not Leave You Comfortless
Jesus instructed his Apostles that he would not leave them comfortless. He promised them that he would send them the Holy Ghost, but also that He would come to them as well.

We read in John 14:15-18
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Elder Bednar explains one way in which the Savior may come to us:

“Let me suggest that one of the ways whereby the Savior comes to each of us is through His abundant and tender mercies. For instance, as you and I face challenges and tests in our lives, the gift of faith and an appropriate sense of personal confidence that reaches beyond our own capacity are two examples of the tender mercies of the Lord. Repentance and forgiveness of sins and peace of conscience are examples of the tender mercies of the Lord. And the persistence and the fortitude that enable us to press forward with cheerfulness through physical limitations and spiritual difficulties are examples of the tender mercies of the Lord.”

I had never thought of this scripture in this way. Think of the times in your life when you have been supported and sustained by the Lord, in a very personal way. Think of the joy you have received as you have repented and been cleansed of your sins through the power of Jesus’ Atoning Sacrifice.

Like the people of Alma the Elder, when they were laden with many burdens. Their prayers ascended up to the Lord. Instead of removing the burdens from them, the Lord strengthened them so that their burdens became light.

We read in Mosiah 24:15

15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

Sometimes the answer to our prayers is not to make the challenge or trial go away, but to give us strength to endure what lies be for us.

The Iraq War Widow
Consider this example, of a wife and mother who recently lost her husband while he was serving with the military in Iraq. She was asked to speak in her stake conference. Elder Bednar recounts her testimony:

“In December of 2003. This stalwart sister recounted how, after being notified of her husband’s death, she received his Christmas card and message. In the midst of the abrupt reality of a dramatically altered life came to this good sister a timely and tender reminder that indeed families can be together forever. With permission I quote from that Christmas card:
“To the best family in the world! Have a great time together and remember the true meaning of Christmas! The Lord has made it possible for us to be together forever. So even when we are apart, we will still be together as a family.
“God bless and keep y’all safe and grant this Christmas to be our gift of love from us to Him above!!!
“All my love, Daddy and your loving husband!”
Clearly, the husband’s reference to being apart in his Christmas greeting referred to the separation caused by his military assignment. But to this sister, as a voice from the dust from a departed eternal companion and father, came a most needed spiritual reassurance and witness.”

Again, the Lord’s tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Faithfulness, obedience, and humility invite His tender mercies into our lives, and it is often the Lord’s timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important blessings.

Health Blessings
I have recently been a recipient of the tender mercies of the Lord. The last six months I have been faced with many health challenges. I was hospitalized for a week with a serious infection. I was on IV antibiotics at home for two months.

There were many who fasted and prayed on my behalf. My family and I fasted and prayed that my body might heal so that I would not be required to have surgery. Many people my ward, and in this stake have remembered me in their prayers. Some of my co-workers have prayed on my behalf. Even people whom I have never met, through the Internet, have prayed for me. I received priesthood blessings from my home teacher, and from the bishopric of my ward. I appreciate all the prayers and support that I have received. I want you to know that those prayers were answered. When I was in the hospital, the likelihood of having further surgery seemed like a foregone conclusion.

However, I recently underwent some medical tests, which indicated that surgery would not be needed after all. My family and I have rejoiced and thanked the Lord for our blessings.
I believe that this great blessing in my life is a direct result of the faith and prayers in my behalf. The Lord in his tender mercies, saw fit to bless and heal me, and has heard and answered our prayers.

The Lord Knows who you are – Yes YOU!

Elder Bednar relates a story of a priesthood leader who was prompted to memorize the names of all the youth in his stake ages 13 to 21. Using photos of the youth, he created flashcards that he used to learn the names and faces of every youth.

One night the priesthood leader had a dream about one of the young men whom he knew only from a picture. In the dream he saw the young man dressed in a white shirt and wearing a missionary name tag. With a companion seated at his side, the young man was teaching a family. The young man held the Book of Mormon in his hand, and he looked as if he were testifying of the truthfulness of the book. The priesthood leader then awoke from his dream.

Later at a priesthood gathering, the leader approached the young man he had seen in his dream and asked to talk with him for a few minutes. After a brief introduction, the leader called the young man by name and said: “I am not a dreamer. I have never had a dream about a single member of this stake, except for you. I am going to tell you about my dream, and then I would like you to help me understand what it means.”

The priesthood leader recounted the dream and asked the young man about its meaning. Choking with emotion, the young man simply replied, “It means God knows who I am.” The remainder of the conversation between this young man and his priesthood leader was most meaningful, and they agreed to meet and counsel together from time to time during the following months.

That young man received the Lord’s tender mercies through an inspired priesthood leader.

When we receive of these gifts and blessings, it is a witness and testimony to us that God really knows who we are, and what we stand in need of. It is a witness that he is personally involved in our lives, and wants to bless us so that we can succeed in returning home to him.

Again, the Lord’s tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. We should not underestimate the power and the involvement that the Lord has in each of our individual lives.

Other examples of the Tender Mercies of the Lord

Being members of the church, and enjoying the blessings of the restored gospel
The scriptures
The priesthood
Temples
Living Prophets

Although these gifts and blessings are available to us all, they can bless our lives in very individual ways as we take full advantage of what they have to offer.

How can we Receive the Tender Mercies of the Lord

Now that we have talked about some examples of what the tender mercies of the Lord might be, let’s discuss how we can place ourselves in a position to receive these wonderful gifts and blessings.

Lets return to 1 Nephi 1:20, which we read earlier:

“But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, (And why are they chosen?) . . because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance” (1 Ne. 1:20).

Those who are faithful and obedient are the chosen of the Lord. And the chosen are they who receive the tender mercies of the Lord.

In Doctrine and Covenants we read:

D&C 121:34-34
34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?
35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men . . “

Ultimately we determine, by our faith and actions, whether or not we will be chosen. It is up to us. The Lord stands ready to bless our lives in many ways, but we must come unto Him, on His terms, to receive those blessings.

Now think of the times in your own life when the Lord has visited you, and blessed you with his tender mercies in your hour of need.

Be sure to offer your thanks to the Lord, and express your gratitude for the gifts that you have already been given.

Live so that you may remain close to the Lord and be obedient that he may be able to bless you abundantly with his tender mercies.

Abide In me

2006-05-28T17:15:00.000-06:00

The following is the text of a talk I gave on May 21, 2006

Being One With Christ
(Doctrine and Covenants 50:43.)
43 And the Father and I are one. I am in the Father and the Father in me; and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you.

It is the Savior’s desire that we be one with him, as He is one with the Father. Being one with Christ brings safety to the soul.

How can we become one with Christ?

Obedience

- Obedience to His commandments is one of the ways we become one with Him.
- Our obedience shows our willingness to follow his will, rather than our own will.
- Christ is ever our great example. Many times during his ministry, he stated that he came not to do his own will, but the will of His Father.
- The ultimate example he set was when he suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane. He prayed:

(Mark 14:36.)
36 . . . Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

Later, in modern times, Christ would say:

(Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19.)
16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—
19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

The Spirit of God
As we are more obedient to the Lord’s commandments, we will be entitled to a greater portion of the Spirit of God.

With the Sprit of God, we are able to receive more enlightenment and understanding.

The Spirit will move upon us to help us know what part of our lives we need to improve upon next.

As we heed the impressions of the Spirit, we will repent, and the Spirit cleanses and sanctifies us. We become more holy, and more like the Savior.

Doing the Work of the Savior

As we become more obedient, and our lives more in harmony with the will of the Lord, we will find ourselves doing His work.

We will be a better examples and a shining influence to our family, friends and associates. We will become an influence for good.

As we do missionary and temple work, we bring the opportunity of accepting the gospel to many souls.

The work of the Savior is to draw all men unto Him, that they might be able to take advantage of his atoning sacrifice, and come join him in the Kingdom of our Father. As men come unto Christ, the work and glory of the Father is advanced: To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

As we do the work of the Savior, we will become more like him. We will find our hearts filled with charity and love, which is the pure love of Christ.

Partaking of the Sacrament

Each week, as we attend our meetings, we have the sacred opportunity to partake of the sacrament. Partaking of the sacrament is another way that we can become one with Christ.

As mortal beings, each of us is in constant need of repentance. We each make mistakes, and sins throughout the week. As we humbly partake of the sacrament, with repentant hearts, we can be cleansed of our sins and mistakes, and receive the promise of having his Spirit to be with us.

As we repent, and partake of the sacrament, we come unto Christ. We cast our burdens upon him as we repent of our sins.

I know of no better way to develop a personal relationship with the Savior, than through the process of repentance. As we realize how we are dependent upon him to be forgiven, and as we feel the healing of forgiveness come into our lives, we can feel of his love and of his power lift us up.

Members of the church who do not regularly attend church and partake of the sacrament miss out on the cleansing and healing power of the sacrament.

Sins and mistakes tend to accumulate in their lives. Without the cleansing power of the sacrament, it is easy to drift away from the things of the Spirit.

Without the presence of the Sprit in our lives, good and evil becomes less distinguishable. The philosophies of men become more persuasive, and it is easy to lose our way.

Learning Through the Things we Suffer

Part of the Savior’s education was learned in the things he suffered. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
“And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb. 5:8–9).

Each of us has trials and tribulations in our lives. They can come in many forms. It could be financial setbacks, a wayward child, or a loss of employment. We also might may have health challenges. These challenges are placed in our path that we may learn and grow from them, just as Christ did from the things which he suffered.

Orson F. Whitney, who said:

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God … and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven” (as quoted in “Tragedy or Destiny,” p. 6).

Our Dependence On the Savior

We are dependent upon the Savior for everything.

Sometimes in our pride and arrogance we think that we have done great works on our own.

However, without Christ, we are nothing.

No matter what our accomplishments, no matter what accolades we may receive, no matter how wealthy or famous we may become – without Christ, they are of no avail. Regardless of any earthly success we may achieve, it will all fade away when we leave this life.

If we have not come unto Christ, and covenanted with him, we will find that all our earthly accomplishments will be meaningless. And we will find that we will have missed out on those things that mean the most – those things which bring eternal happiness and joy.

In fact, we are dependent upon Christ each moment of our lives. King Benjamin put it this way:

(Mosiah 2:21.)
21 I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants.
Without the Savior:

- The world we live in would not exist.
- We would live, and die, but never would rise again from the grave. We would then be subject unto Satan’s power for eternity.
- We would not be have any way to be cleansed from our sins, and could never again return to the presence of our Heavenly Father.
- Eternal families would not be possible.
- The reason for our hope and joy would be lost.
- The Father’s plan of salvation would have been frustrated.

The True Vine

Jesus has been likened in the scriptures to the true vine. For us to grow and flourish in the gospel, we need to be attached to the true vine.

Elder Bernard P. Brockbank said:

"Jesus Christ is the vine and all who sincerely want to become godlike, prepared to live with their Heavenly Father in his kingdom, must receive their strength and power from the Savior. No man cometh unto the Father but by and through Jesus Christ.
The nonproducing branches on the vine, some lost in the darkness and sin of the world, some weak and sick from the blight of evil, some branches fluttering in the winds of worldly pleasure and disrespect for the power to produce godlike fruit through the divine vine, having disrespect for Jesus Christ and for the Father and for their commandments, will be pruned from the vine. They will be cut away from their source of divine nourishment and their chance to become godlike. Pruned away from their divine opportunity, as a child of God, to partake of the light and divine way of life, their chance to live with God was foolishly dissipated away. They failed to feed on the living bread of life.
All of God’s children are branches on the vine; all have the opportunity to partake of the life, example, and commandments of Jesus Christ and to become like him." (Bernard P. Brockbank, “God’s Way to Eternal Life,” Ensign, Jan. 1974, 116)

Abide for our Own Sake, and for our Posterity

Not only is it important to our own salvation to abide in Christ, it is also critical to those who follow. As we live the gospel, we create a legacy for our posterity to follow. Many of them will follow in our footsteps, and receive the full blessings of the gospel, with all of its saving covenants and ordinances.

On the other hand, if we fail to endure to the end, and set a poor example for our posterity, many of them will be deprived of the blessings that could otherwise have been theirs.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Said:

“He who picks up one end of the stick, picks up the other . . . When we join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we board the Good Ship Zion and sail with her wherever she goes until she comes into that millennial port. We stay in the boat, through squalls and stills, through storms and sunburn, because that is the only way to the promised land. This Church is the Lord’s vehicle for crucial doctrines, ordinances, covenants, and keys that are essential to exaltation, and one cannot be fully faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ without striving to be faithful in the Church, which is its earthly institutional manifestation.” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Abide in Me,” Ensign, May 2004, 30)

I hope and pray that we all will maintain our connection to the true vine, which is Jesus Christ, that we may endure to the end, and become one with Him.

More Purpose And Meaning In Life

2006-02-28T22:57:00.000-07:00

In a recent post, I mentioned in comments that my marriage had brought more purpose and meaning to my life. Téa asked in comments if I would elaborate more on what I meant by this.

Both my wife and I were older when we were married. Each of us were in our mid-thirties. It was a first marriage for both of us. We each had completed our education, and were working full-time. We were supporting ourselves, and were living in our own apartments at the time we met. Both of us had served missions for the church as well. I went to British Columbia, Canada, while she went to Detroit, Michigan.

Each of us had experienced spiritual challenges in our lives, and had eventually overcome those challenges. It seemed that we each needed to go through a refining process before we were ready to meet each other. It wasn't until we both had learned to more fully trust in the Lord, and submit ourselves to His will, that we were fully prepared to meet each other.

Being older, we also came to know what it meant to be a single person in a church and culture that emphasizes marriage and family. There were many times of discomfort, as friends and relatives would inquire as to why we hadn't married yet. My standard response became, "Because no one has asked me yet!" I think church leaders, at least on the General Authority level, are much more sensitive to this now than the way it was 20 years ago -- and that's a good thing.

I remember, as I was single, that I didn't quite feel whole. That there was a part of me that was missing. I had a longing emptiness inside that I couldn't fill on my own. As I met, fell in love with, and married my wife, I found the empty portion of my heart filled with my love for her , and her love for me. Finally I felt whole. I had always wanted to have someone I could love, and share my heart with, and shower my love upon, and finally she came into my life.

As we dated, I received may promptings of the Spirit. Many times I heard the still, small, voice tell me that this woman would be the love of my life. That she would love me, sustain me, bring me children and be an eternal companion to me.

Finally, at my grandfather's urging, we attended the temple together. I don't know if I have ever had a more powerful manifestation of the Spirit than on that day. We had completed our session in the temple, and were sitting together in the Celestial Room. I held her close to me, and at the same time, I was praying in my heart if this was the right person for me to marry. I received a powerful manifestation of the Spirit that seemed to come to me in waves. All of the promptings that I had received before were re-emphasized, accompanied with the fire of the Holy Ghost. From that moment on, I knew that this is the person I would marry. I later learned that my then wife-to-be was having a similar experience.

We practically floated out of the temple. We didn't want to go home right away. We didn't want the feelings we were experiencing to end. I remember walking around the temple, hand-in-hand, just looking at the flowers and landscaping, and continuing to drink in the feelings of the moment that we were experiencing together.

Four months later from that experience, we were married for time and all eternity. Our life together had begun. After our courtship and marriage, we discovered that there was more to Love than we had ever before considered. Suddenly a whole new dimension of love had opened up to us. Later, as children came, additional dimensions of love were revealed to us as well. I'm sure that as our lives progress (both on earth, and eternally), that we will learn of yet more hidden facets of love which will come into view.

Now there was more meaning in life. Now we had the power to obey some of the first commandments ever given to mankind. Now we could be fruitful, and multiply and replenish the earth. Now we could raise souls up unto the Lord. Now we could help build his kingdom, by building our new little family. Now we could experience the love of a parent, and gain insight as to how our Heavenly Father must feel about us. We would experience heartache and troubles along the way too. But so too, does our Heavenly Father grieve over his children. All these things bring us experience and wisdom, and help us to grow and become more like our Father in Heaven.

Before meeting and marrying one another, we most just tried to make it through each day. We tried to do good, and tried not to do any harm. But mostly, our lives were focused on ourselves.

After marriage, we now had purposes other than taking care of ourselves for which we were responsible. Now I had the responsibility to not only just support myself, but my wife and family as well. Doing a good job at work wasn't just to gain accolades, or advancement. Doing a good job at work was now consecrated work, with the purpose of fulfilling my sacred responsibility to provide for my family. So too for my wife. As the children came, they became her sacred responsibility to teach and nurture. Eventually she would leave the work force to be a full-time mother. Her time too, was consecrated for the building up of our family, and in turn, for the building up of the Kingdom of God. Each of our efforts at home, at work, and in our callings took on a deeper meaning.

Now we were partners with God, in bringing about His work and His Glory -- To bring to pass the Immortality and Eternal Life of man. By entering into the covenants of Eternal Marriage, bringing souls into this world, and raising them in righteousness -- we would be doing our part to assist Heavenly Father in His Work -- To bring to pass the Immortality, and Eternal Life of our family.

The Choices We Make

2006-01-24T22:40:00.000-07:00

Inter-Denominational Lesson
Copper Hills Youth Center
January 22, 2006

This is a lesson I gave at the Copper Hills Youth Center, which is a residential treatment center for troubled youths. This was a non-denominational church service for the residents there. As such, only scriptures from the Bible are to be used in the lesson. We are allowed to teach LDS doctrines from the bible, however. You can read about my thoughts concerning my vist to the treatment center here.

Here is the lesson plan I developed and used in the services:

Garden of Eden

How many of you remember the Bible story about the Garden of Eden?
Who was in the Garden of Eden? (Adam and Eve)
They lived in a state of innocence. There was no death, and there was no birth.

What commandments were given to Adam and Even in the Garden of Eden?

Read Scriptures
Genesis 1:27-28
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth,

Genesis 2:17
17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

They were given two commandments in the Garden:

Bring Children into the world
To not partake of the forbidden fruit (Tree of knowledge of good and evil) – If they were to partake of it, they would surly die.

Read Scripture
Genesis 3:4-5
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

What happened in the Garden of Eden?
Satan came to tempt them.
Satan told them that they would not surly die, but that they would become like God, knowing good and evil.
Eve partook of the fruit, and then gave it to Adam, who also partook of it.

What were the consequences of partaking of the forbidden fruit?

They became mortal, they would eventually die.
They were now able to have children – so that each of us could be born.
They now knew the difference between good and evil.
They learned that there would be consequences for their actions

The Promise of A Savior

After leaving the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were promised that one-day a Savior would be born. The Savior would counter-act the effects of the fall of man, when he was cast out of the Garden of Eden:

The Savior would take upon himself the pains and sins of the world.

Because of this, he knows what it feels like to have problems and afflictions in life. He has experienced them all personally.
Because of paying the price for all of our sins, we can be forgiven and cleansed of our sins, upon conditions of repentance.

The Savior would lay down his life for each of us, and take it up again, as a resurrected being.

Through his death and resurrection, the way has been opened for all those who have lived on earth, to one-day be resurrected too.

Through the Fall and the Atonement, God has:

Provided a way that we can come to earth and receive physical bodies.
Created an environment in which we can be agents unto ourselves, and make our own choices, whether to do good or evil.
Through the Atonement a way has been provided to obtain forgiveness of our sins and mistakes.
Provided victory over death through the resurrection of Christ.

Good Vs. Evil

With the fall of Adam and Eve both good and evil forces were introduced into the world. It’s like there are two armies, one good, and one evil.

Who is the head of the Good Army?
Who is the head of the Evil Army?
Who will eventually be the winner in this battle?
Jesus will win. It’s not really even a close fight. Christ and his forces will eventually overpower Satan and his army, and banish them forever!

We know who will win. The question is, whose side will we be on?

Making Choices

Each of us has two forces acting upon us. We have the Light of Jesus Christ, which leads us to do good things.

On the other hand, Satan and his followers will try to get us to choose evil.

Each of us has been given a gift from God to decide for ourselves what choices we will make.

We will always have our freedom to choose for ourselves what our actions will be.

He will never take that choice away from us.

What happens to us when we make a good choice?

We know we will choosing to follow Jesus, and be on his side.
We will feel good about ourselves
We know that what we are doing is pleasing to God
We will be happy

What happens when we choose to do evil?

Our conscience feels bad
We get in trouble
We will have to face the consequences of our bad decisions.
We will be miserable.

When we are trying to choose good from evil, we always need to remember that if we choose good, we will find happiness. If we choose evil, we will find misery.

The choice is always yours to make.

The Temptations of Christ

After Jesus was baptized in the river Jordan, he went into the wilderness to commune with God. He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights.

Near the end of his fast, Satan came tempting him:

Read Scripture
Matthew 4:2-4
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Imagine how hungry you would be if you hadn’t eaten for 40 days and nights!

What was Satan trying to get Jesus to do?

He is trying to get him to give in to his bodily appetites.
One way Satan tries to get to us appeal to the things that are pleasing to the body.
He wants us to use, or abuse our bodies in ways they were not intended to be used.
One of the main responsibilities we have in life is to learn how to control our bodies, so that we use them in the way that God intended.

What was Jesus’ response to the devil’s temptation?

He said that it was more important for him to keep God’s commandments, than it was to satisfy his hunger right at that moment.

Eventually he would end his fast, and eat. But it would be on his terms, not on Satan’s terms.

Read Scripture
Matthew 4:5-7
5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

How is Satan trying to tempt Jesus this time?

He is appealing to Jesus’ pride.
He wants Jesus to show off to others so he can prove how important he is.

Does Satan ever try to tempt us in this way?

Do you do things that you think will be impressive to others?
Do you do things because you think they are cool?
Show others how cool you are?
Do things to please others so they will accept you.

Who should we really worry about pleasing?

If we are pleasing to the Lord, does it really matter if we please others?
Eventually all our friends, and those that we were trying to impress will fade away, but the Lord will be there always and forever.
One day we will have to stand before God, to be judged of how we have lived our lives here on earth.
Satan’s big lie is to get you to forget about doing what is pleasing to God, and get you to do things that that might seem important right now, but will be of no worth when we stand to be judged of God.

Read Scripture
Matthew 4:8-10
8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

What is Satan trying to tempt Jesus with this time?

He promises power, fame, fortune.
He is trying to get Jesus to fall down and worship the false gods of this world – the riches, treasures of the world, like friends and others, will also fade away after this life is over. Worshiping a false god of any will prevent us from having the joy and happiness that we might have otherwise had.

Read Scripture
Mark 8:36
36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Summary

Remember that there are two forces in the world, good and evil.
It is always up to us to choose which side we will follow
There will always be consequences to our choices, whether good or evil.
We can gain strength by starting to do good things. Good things will become easier and easier, as we gain more experience in choosing to do good.
Remember that we will have to one-day stand before God to give an accounting of our lives.

We are not alone in this fight. God is always there for us. The Light of Christ shines forth throughout the earth. There is no place so far away, that God cannot reach you. He is always there to give you guidance, and lead you back to Him.

Helping Youth Prepare For Missionary Service

2006-01-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

Plant The Idea to Serve Very Early In Life
Preparing a son or daughter to go on a mission, is a lifelong processes. Waiting until a young man turns 18 and then suggesting that he go on a mission is way too late to begin. Going on a mission, and eternal marriage should be taught and looked forward to from early childhood.

Elder Marvin K. Gardner gives an example of this from his life:

As I look back now, I can see a lot of things dad and mother did—sometimes subtly and other times not so subtly—to help us get ready for our missions. They made missionary training a natural part of life.

That’s how they got their eight sons to help out with the washing, the ironing, the cleaning, and the cooking. (Our little sister came last.) It was all good experience, they kept telling us—experience for marriage, yes. But first, experience for the time we’d have to fend for ourselves on a mission.

That’s how they kept us from getting too serious with a girl too soon. During high school, it’s best to date lots of girls instead of just one, they said, to avoid the possibility of having to choose between marriage and a mission.

That’s how they got us to save our money instead of spending it all the minute we made it.

I’m not saying that dad and mother brought up the word mission every time they corrected us or tried to get us to do something; they didn’t have to. A mission was only one of the many things they were helping us prepare for. But they helped us see that preparation for a mission was good preparation for the rest of our lives. That’s why I never thought dad and mother had one-track minds stuck on missionary work. That’s why I don’t remember ever feeling pushed or coerced to serve a mission. We all expected to go on a mission just like we all expected to . . . get married in the temple. (Marvin K. Gardner, “What Parents Can Do … Before the Call Comes,” Ensign, Dec. 1979, 7)

It was much the same in my home, as I was growing up. When my two brothers and I turned 19, each of us expected to go on a mission, and were looking forward to it. Each of us made our own choice to go; we were not forced or pressured to leave. However, the idea of going on a mission just seemed to be natural part of life. And it was!

Obtaining a Knowledge and Testimony of the Gospel
With the recent changes to the missionary discussions, missionaries no longer memorize discussions. Instead, they study and learn gospel doctrines and principles in five basic lessons, and create individualized lesson plans for each investigator, or new convert. In order to teach effectively, each missionary needs to know the gospel himself.

Parents need to emphasize the importance of studying the gospel in their own homes, years before the mission call comes. Regular family scripture study and home evenings can go a long way toward helping children learn the gospel. Family scripture study also helps reinforce the scriptures as a prominent part of our daily lives. Attendance at Sunday meetings, seminary, and youth activities should also be encouraged by parents to help youth people learn the gospel for themselves.

Perhaps the single most effective tool for learning the gospel, and gaining a personal testimony is the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith once said that:

“. . .the Book of Mormon [is] the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding its precepts, than by any other book. (History of the Church 1:461.)

We all know the promise contained within the Book of Mormon itself, that if we will study it, ponder, and pray to know the truth, that the Holy Ghost will manifest the truthfulness of what is contained in the Book of Mormon to our hearts and minds. (See Moroni 10:3-5)

Recording For Future Playback
Our minds are wonderful things. All the studying we do, both before and during our missions is indelibly recorded in our brains. The power Heavenly Father has given our brains to absorb and retain information is one of the reasons that we must be careful about the kinds of words and images we view. Sometimes as mortals – especially when we get older – we have a hard time recalling all the information that has been stored in our minds.

However, the Holy Ghost has a key to unlock our minds. Through the power of the Holy Ghost, all that we have previously studied and learned can become available to us as we teach the gospel. One of the special functions of the Holy Ghost is to bring all these things to our remembrance. (See John 14:26)

If we have diligently studied and learned the gospel, the Spirit will bring the things we learned back to our remembrance, just in the moment they are needed in teaching situations. I know this was the case with me when I was on my mission. A scripture, or a concept would just pop into my head at the most opportune moments. I learned that this was Spirit prompting me to teach the things that the person I was teaching needed to hear – at that very moment.

On the other hand, if we have not sufficiently prepared ourselves, the Spirit will have less within us to work with, and we will not be as effective of a teacher as we might have otherwise have been.

Help Youth to Recognize the Spirit
Having a good working knowledge of the gospel is important. However, having a personal witness of the truthfulness of the restored gospel makes for a far more powerful and effective teacher.

Investigators can sense whether or not you really believe what you are teaching. When you teach with the spirit and with a personal testimony, you teach with power. Power that communicates spirit to spirit. Power that will cause hearts to soften and change. When you teach with the spirit, you will see miracles happen as people hear the voice of the Lord, through you, and make the necessary changes in their lives to come unto him and be baptized. There is no greater work.

As parents, one of the greatest things we can do is to help our children learn to recognize the presence of the Holy ghost. Take the time when you have your family scripture study, or home evenings to point out moments when the presence of the Spirit can be felt. In fact, helping children and youth learn to feel the promptings and impressions of the spirit may be even more important than the subject matter that you are teaching at the time. Because once a person learns how to receive light and knowledge from the Holy Spirit, the key to the knowledge of all things is then opened up to them.

Using “Preach My Gospel” in the Home
A little over a year ago, the updated missionary manual “Preach My Gospel” was introduced. This manual contains mission rules, missionary study materials, as well as the concepts of the gospel that they are to teach investigators and new members. Missionaries are to create individualized lesson plans for each investigator or new convert.

Unlike previous full-time missionary resources, Preach My Gospel is available to any leader or member of the church through the church distribution center.

Speaking of “Preach My Gospel”, Elder Richard G. Scott, in the April 2005 General Conference said:

[Preach My Gospel was] developed primarily for full-time missionary use. [However], this material has also proven to be most beneficial for parents who want to help children prepare for a mission. Young men and women as well as some couples are using the resource to get a head start before entering the missionary training centers. Some priesthood leaders have confirmed its worth in preparing Aaronic Priesthood brethren for missions. (Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Preach My Gospel,” Ensign, May 2005, 29)

You might be interested to know some of what is contained in Preach My Gospel. Here are a few of the chapter headings:

How do I study effectively and prepare to teach?

How do I recognize and understand the Spirit?

What is the role of the Book of Mormon?

How do I develop Christlike attributes?

How do I use time wisely?

How do I find people to teach?

How can I improve my teaching skills?

Family Home evenings could be based on Preach My Gospel, and each family member, as they are old enough, can take turns in teaching from its pages. This will help them become familiar with what missionaries do, and how they live, as well provide opportunities for every family member to prepare and teach lessons. Being able to stand up before a group, and make a presentation is an invaluable skill for missionaries.

Practical Living Skills
Practical living skills are also important for a young man, or young woman as they enter the mission field. Things like basic cooking skills, how to do laundry and household cleaning, and even a little bit of basic sewing – like how to sew on a button. Other practical skills like budgeting, time management, and goal setting are also great preparation for a mission. Many of these skills can be learned throughout their lives from daily chores and responsibilities around the house.

So kids -- when your parents ask you to do the dishes, or clean up your room, they are not only wanting you to do your chores, but they are also trying to help you prepare for your mission as well. While its true, parents could do these chores themselves, they are actually unselfishly trying to help you prepare for your mission, and for your life later on after you leave home!

These practical life-skills not only prepare youth for their missions, but for when they go off to college, and later when they get married and begin new homes and families of their own.

Physical and Mental Preparedness
Spiritual preparedness, and the ability to take care of oneself on your own are important ways to prepare for a mission. However, we also need to prepare ourselves physically and mentally as well.

One thing you will find, is that missionary work is hard, strenuous work – both physically and mentally! A missionary’s day begins early in the morning, at 6:30 am, and their whole day is filled with scheduled activities until 10:30 pm. It takes a lot of energy to be a missionary. Being in good physical condition is important to be being able to keep up with what is expected of you.

Likewise, good mental health is also important for effective missionary service. One problem many missionaries struggle with is homesickness. It is good for youth to occasionally spend some time away from home. This can come in the form of scout or young women’s camps. Spending a few days away from home with grandma and grandpa, or an aunt or uncle when school is not in session is another way to learn about being away from home. Time spent away from home, while going to college also his an excellent way to learn how to function on one’s own, while still being able to call mom or dad on a regular basis, or come home for the weekend if you are close enough to home.

When a young man or woman enters the mission field, it is time to leave the thoughts of home, school, and girlfriends behind. Time serving on a full-time mission is consecrated time. When we agree to missionary service, we are asked to serve with all our hearts, might, mind, and strength. If a part of us is still so wrapped up in life back home, we cannot fully focus on our missionary responsibilities, and we are not able to give the full measure of service that is required.

Teaching our children how to deal with discouragement is also another way in which parents can prepare their children for the mission field, and for life in general. Missionary work is filled with many ups and downs. There are many great and marvelous experiences to be had. However, we know that there is opposition in all things, and along with those highs, will be some low moments as well. We cannot expect every moment of our mission, or of our live to be one continuous high. Young people need to learn how to deal with discouragement, and how to continue pressing forward, with faith, even in the face of adversity.

Discouragement comes to all missionaries at one time or another. It is not the same thing as depression. Individuals who are prone to serious states of depression or mental illness, who have previously required counseling and medication should consult with their priesthood leaders prior to submitting an application for missionary service. The application must include an honest history. If medication has been prescribed, it should be continued while serving in the mission field. (See: S. Brent Scharman, “Preparing Your Future Missionary,” Ensign, Oct. 2004, 17)

The Example of Parents
A tradition of missionary work also plays a strong roll in preparing children for missionary service.

If one, or both of the parents has served a mission, parents should regularly share their missionary experiences with their children. When personal experiences are shared with our children, missionary work becomes that much more real to them. If you kept a missionary journal while on your mission, you might want share some of your journal entries, photographs or other memorabilia with your family as part of home evening lessons from time-to-time. Be sure to share your testimony along with your reminiscences. This will help create a legacy and tradition of missionary service in your family, which your children can look forward to carrying on themselves.

The example of how parents live their everyday is also powerful in preparing children for missions. As children see you keeping your covenants, attending your meetings, fulfilling your callings, and supporting priesthood leaders, they will know that you are putting the Lord first in your life. They will see that you have chosen to make the sacrifices necessary to follow the Lord. This example will be a great motivator for them when they too, must come to grips with the sacrifice that is being asked of them, and consecrate two years of their young lives on the altar of the Lord.

Be Involved in Member Missionary Work
All of the things we have talked about thus far, are important, excellent ways in which to prepare our youth to serve missions. All of these things are quite useful and necessary.

However, if I were to choose one single way, that you can best prepare a child for a mission, it would be to become missionaries now!

If you, as a family are actively seeking out missionary opportunities, and inviting your friends and neighbors to be taught the gospel in your own home, you will provide the opportunity for your children to see real missionaries in action!

Having the full-missionaries frequently in your home, as they teach a neighbor or friend brings a powerful spirit into your home. What better preparation for a mission is there than actually seeing the change of conversion come over a friend or loved-one as they accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. What a powerful influence it will be on your children as they see investigators enter the waters of baptism, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Let your own children study and pray, and gain their own testimonies of the gospel, right along with the investigators who are being taught in your home.

The spirit and the example of the full-time missionaries will also rub-off on your whole family as well. If your home is filled with the spirit of missionary work, your children will be also. They will have tasted of that sweet spirit the gospel brings, and have a desire to share it with others. And when the time comes, it will be their desire to serve a full-time mission, and declare the glad tidings of the gospel to all who will hear.

The Greatest Battle

2006-01-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

The following is a talk given at the Utah Boy's Ranch on January 1, 2006. The audience was mostly comprised of young men between the ages of 10-18. Most of them do not have a strong foundation in the Jesus Christ. It was my hope to help them gain a better perspective of who they are, and why they are here on earth.

The War In Heaven
Long ago, at the council in heaven, we each chose to follow the plan of our Heavenly Father. Satan and his followers were cast out of heaven, losing forever their ability to obtain physical bodies for themselves.

Because we chose to follow Jesus, we gained the privilege to come to earth and obtain mortal bodies. We were all excited to obtain these bodies and looked forward to the new experiences having a body would bring. We were charged with the responsibility to take possession of our bodies, and make it our servant. We are to respect our bodies, yet our spirit was intended to be the master over our bodies.

Satan, of course was not happy about any of this. He wanted to overthrow Heavenly Father, and to defeat Jesus. That is why the first battle of the war in Heaven was fought, which resulted in Satan being cast out. (Satan’s plan was foiled.)

Garden Of Eden
Having lost that battle, Satan next tried to defeat Heavenly Father’s plan in the Garden of Eden. He thought that by getting Adam and Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit, that he would foil Heavenly Father’s plan. What actually happened, however, was the Fall of Adam opened the door so that all of Heavenly Father’s spirit children who remained in Heaven, could come to earth to obtain physical bodies. (Satan’s plan didn’t work as he expected in the Garden of Eden.)

Lucifer Vs. Christ in Mortality
Later, Jesus was born, began his mortal ministry, and was tempted of the devil. He tried to appeal to Savior’s physical appetites, and to his pride. Jesus saw right through what Satan was trying to do, and sent the devil away. Later, Satan planted hate, fear and jealousy into the hearts of evil men. They had Jesus arrested on false charges, and had him crucified. Once again, Satan’s plan was foiled. The very purpose that Jesus came into the world was to lay down his life for all mankind, as a sacrifice for sin. By giving up his life, Jesus also was able to break the bands of death when he was resurrected. Through the death and resurrection of Christ, all mankind will be resurrected and live again. Through the atonement of the Savior, we may all be forgiven of our sins if we will repent. Satan’s plan didn’t work out too well that time either. – Are you sensing a pattern here?

Satan Vs. Joseph Smith
Later, in the spring of 1820, the 14-year old Joseph Smith went into a grove of trees to pray. Satan knew who Joseph was, and that he was to bring about the restoration of the gospel to the earth. The prophets have foretold that the gospel will go forth until it fills the entire earth. It will never again be taken from the earth, until the time when the Savior returns again in his Glory.

As Joseph knelt in the Sacred Grove, Satan tried to overpower him. Joseph felt that his life was in danger, yet he still pressed on in faith. Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared to the prophet Joseph, and dispelled away the power of Satan. Through Joseph Smith, the gospel was restored. Once again, Satan influenced evil men to conspire to take away the life of the Prophet. But by then Joseph Smith had completed his work, the gospel was restored, and the church is now in process of filling up the whole earth, as was prophesied.

The Final Battle
As we can see, and various critical moments in the plan of salvation, Satan was there to try to defeat the plan. At every one of these instances, Jesus has won the battle every time. I’ve got news for you – it will always be that way. At some point in time, a final battle will be fought, and Jesus, and those who stand with him will win the war once and for all. Satan will be bound forever, and cast into that outer darkness where he and his followers will spend the eternities.

The outcome of this battle between Jesus and Satan is not in question. Jesus will win. The real question then becomes, on whose side will we be at the last battle. Will we be with Jesus, or will we be with Satan.

All of Satan’s attempts to foil the plan of salvation have failed thus far. Eventually that final battle will take place between Jesus and Satan will take place. But in the meantime, what is the battle front now?

The Battle For The Souls of Men
Satan is not just waiting around for the big battle to happen. He is actively recruiting people to come and join his side. The battle’s front, right now is an individual battle for the hearts and souls of mankind. That means that he is actively trying to get you and me to come over to his side. How does he do this?

The primary way that Satan will try to tempt us is through the flesh. Each of us is made up two parts: our spirits, which come from God, and our bodies, which come from our earthly parents. When we received our bodies, we were commanded to make our spirits the masters of our bodies. When we give in to the lusts, appetites, and ambitions of the flesh, we are allowing our bodies to control our spirits.

Most of the help that we will receive from Heavenly Father will come through our spirits, from the Light of Christ, and from the Holy Ghost. Satan will try to tempt us through our bodies, or through the flesh.

A key way we can know how well we are doing in our spiritual progress is to ask ourselves who is winning, the spirit or the flesh?

Me Vs. It
Elder Melvin J. Ballard describes the relationship between our bodies and sprits this way:

I should like to speak of spirit and body as “me” and “it.” “Me” is the individual who dwells in this body, who lived before I had such a body, and who will live when I step out of the body. “It” is the house I live in, the tabernacle of flesh; and the great conflict is between “me” and “it.” (“Struggle for the Soul”, Melvin J. Ballard, New Era, March 1984, p 32 – Talk Originally given May 5, 1928 in the Salt Lake Tabernacle)

Examine Ourselves
So, how does the battle go for you my friends? Each of us needs to take the time to occasionally examine ourselves, and see how our battle to overcome the flesh is going. Each week, as we attend sacrament meeting, we have a special time set aside just for this very purpose – when the sacrament is blessed and passed to the congregation.

During this time of quiet, we can look at our own lives, and our own behaviors, and determine whether or not we have yielded ourselves to the tempter. If this is so, then we need to repent and make peace with those we may have offended. We need to re-new our covenant to serve God, and to keep his commandments, as we do when we partake of the sacrament. If we do this, we can be cleansed and purified of our sins.

Fasting
Once a month, we all have the opportunity to fast. This is a time when we have the opportunity to show our body just who is boss! Who will win? – The flesh, or the spirit. It seems like that as soon as we decide to fast, that our body begins to cry out in protest. It starts to whine and fuss with things like:

1 “My head will ache, my knees will quake, I shall feel faint; I cannot fast so long; I must eat a little.” Are you yielding? If so, we know who is winning that battle, and who is gaining the mastery.

2 On the other hand, your spirit can say such things as: “You can do without these two meals; it will not hurt you. And though my head may ache and my body may feel faint, I will not die; I am bigger than you are, and once a month I will show you that I am master.”

What strength that will give you to resist tomorrow when some other craving arrives! It may be for liquor, tobacco, or some other craving of the flesh because you have already defeated the flesh as you fasted. Likewise, you can defeat the flesh in these other desires.

One of the blessings of fasting is that we will be given power to overcome the bondage of sin. (See Isaiah 58:6-11) Fasting is a powerful way to obtain mastery over the flesh.

The Light of Christ
Remember that you are not alone in this fight. Satan and his followers may be trying to tempt you to do wrong, but remember, that God is also sending forth his influence to help you overcome Satan. He does sending forth the Light of Christ, which is shed forth upon every person that comes into the world.

Sometimes the Light of Christ is called a moral sense, or our conscience, The Light of Christ will always direct us to make good choices, and to avoid evil, unless we subdue it, or silence it.

We are taught in that in order to be tested, there must be an opposition in the choices that we make. On the one hand we have the Light of Christ, which inspires us to do good; and on the other hand we have Satan and his followers, which tempt us to do evil. These two forces are set in opposition to one another. We are in the middle, between these to forces tugging at us in opposite directions. We have been given our moral agency are free to choose for ourselves which course we will follow.

The choice is always ours. The gift of agency, besides the gift of life itself, is one of the greatest gifts God has given his children. The Light of Christ is always there, calling and beckoning to us, we are free to respond to it by our own choice – it is never forced upon us. The greatest conflict that any of us will have is this inner conflict that each of us must battle.

Open Your Eyes
If you were to close your eyes on a bright, sun-shiny day, you would not see the light. The sun, however, continues to shine, anyway. The only reason you cannot see it is that you have closed your eyes; and by so doing, you have shut down your ability to perceive it.

The same is true with the Light of Christ. It continues to shine on forever, whether we have our eyes open – or not.

In fact, we couldn’t hide from the Light of Christ – even if we wanted to! We can, however choose to ignore what we see, or cloud our spiritual eyes and minds so much with disobedience and wickedness that we can no longer perceive the light.

The Light is Always On
Perhaps you know someone who has fallen into this condition of spiritual blindness. Perhaps it may even happened to you or me. It happens, even to the best of us, if we are not careful. We can lose the light we once had, and can fall into sin and transgression.

What if that has happened to you, or to someone you know. Be assured that the Light is still there. There is no depth so low, no darkness so deep, nor any place so far away that cannot be penetrated by the Light of Christ. God will never abandon us, no matter how far we may have fallen. The light, and life of his love is ever there. His arms are stretched out still. There is none that he will turn away, if we will but come unto him.

Come Unto Christ
Even in our darkest hour, when we may feel so unworthy, and so unwanted – know that our Savior, and his light are still there for you. It is Satan, and not Christ that tells you that you are worthless, unwanted, and unredeemable. Do not listen to him. Believe in Christ, that he is, and that he can save you. Follow the promptings of the light of Christ, and of the Holy Ghost.

Know that his power is great. For he is mighty to save. He has taken upon him the sins and pains of the whole world. He has suffered these things for all . . . that they might not suffer. He has broken the terrible bonds of death – that we may all live once more. He has triumphed over all things. And though each of us are weak and lowly, because of his love for us, he desires to draw all men unto him, that he may lift them up, and return them to the presence of the Father.

He as felt the pain and suffering of each one of us. He knows what your problems are, and what they feel like. And because he knows how it feels, he also knows how to heal us. He wants so very much to bring you unto Him.

The Lord knowing your pain, and knowing how you suffer, still leaves it up to you. The choice is always yours – and he will never take that choice away from you. He can bless and heal your life, but you have to be willing to come unto him, to believe in him, to repent, and to follow him by keeping his commandments.

If you do this, you will be healed. You will have won your own battle between the flesh and the spirit. You will be joined with the Savior on the winning side of the great and last war between good and evil. And most of all, you will have Eternal Life, in the presence of our Father In Heaven, where you will receive a fullness of joy for ever and ever.

One Step At A Time
Now, what can we do in our battle today. How can we take a step in the right direction today? I would encourage you to think of two changes to make in your life.

1. Choose one thing that you are doing wrong now, and stop doing it.
2. Choose one thing that you are not doing right now, that you should be doing.

Ask the Lord, in your prayers to help you know what these two things should be. Make a decision, and write it down. Commit to yourself, and to the Lord that you will make these changes. Work on them, stay with it. If you slip up, don’t be discouraged. Just renew your resolve to change, and keep at it. Eventually these changes will become second nature to you. Then you can select what you should work on next.

If you take it one step at a time, real progress can be made. At the end of this year, you will be able t point to some of the changes you have made, and see that you have made real progress.

Know that the Lord is pleased when we desire to repent, and change, and follow his will. He will bless you in your righteous efforts, and will help you to achieve your goals. You are precious to Him, and he wants for you to return to his presence, and live with him one day.

The Light Of Christ

2005-12-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

During the Christmas season, we commemorate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is interesting that one of the symbols we use in our celebration are Christmas Lights. Each of these tiny lights, can help us to remember Jesus, who is the Light of the World.

The Light of Christ is defined in the scriptures as:

- “the Spirit [which] giveth light to every man that cometh into the world” (D&C 84:46)
- “the light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed” (D&C 88:13; see also John 1:4–9; D&C 84:45–47;
D&C 88:6; D&C 93:9).

In the scriptures, the Light of Christ is also referred to in the following ways:

- “the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (D&C 84:45)
- “the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18; see also Mosiah 25:24)
- “the Spirit of truth” (D&C 93:26)
- “the light of truth” (D&C 88:6)
- “the Spirit of God” (D&C 46:17)
- and “the Holy Spirit” (D&C 45:57)

Some of these terms are also used to refer to the Holy Ghost.

A Gift to All Mankind

Speaking of the Light of Christ, we read:

46 And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.
47 And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father. (D&C 84:46-47)

There is a lot of meaning is packed into these two verses:

1. The Light of Christ is given to every person that comes into the world.
It does not matter what their race, religion, wealth, or social class may be. It doesn’t matter if they live in a free country, or a country dominated by avowed atheist dictators. It eveb doesn’t matter what they believe. The light of Christ is given to all of God’s Children, everywhere on earth. This gift has been given to all mankind from the time of the Garden of Eden, down to our present time, and will continue as long as the earth shall stand. There has never been a time on the face of the earth, when the light of Christ was not present. The Light of Christ still remained present, even during the deepest, darkest times of apostasy, when the fullness of the Gospel was not found on the earth. God has never abandoned his Children on this earth, at any time. His light has ever shone forth.

The Light of Christ existed before we were born, and it will be with us for every moment of our lives, and it will continue after we have died. It is ever there.

2. Those who hearken (which means to listen, and to obey) to the light of Christ will be enlightened.
Inspiration and enlightenment comes to all those who will listen to the light of Christ. This enlightenment can come in many forms. It can come to the inventor, the scientist, the painter, the sculptor, the composer, the performer, the architect, and the author. The result of this enlightenment can produce great, and even inspired things for the blessing and good of all mankind.

Think of the advancements in science, medicine, communications, technology, and transportation that have come about in the last 100 years. Think of the great writers, composers, and artists who have been inspired by the Light of Christ to lift and inspire mankind to the glory of God. Think of the religious reformers who prepared the way for the restoration of the gospel. All of these have been inspired by the Light of Christ.

3. Those who continue to hearken to the Light of Christ, will be led back to our Heavenly Father.
As a person continues to listen and obey the Light of Christ, they will eventually be led back to the presence of the Father.

Think of 14-year-old Joseph Smith, who hearkened to the voice of the Spirit as he became interested in religion, and desired to know the will of God concerning which church to join. Remember as he was studying the scriptures how he was not only influence by the Light of Christ, but by his obedience to the light which he had already received, he was then moved upon by the power of the Holy Ghost – which in turn led him to the Sacred Grove where he would receive his miraculous First Vision. There he would behold the presence of God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ, and was given the answers to his questions, and was further instructed by them.

The Light of Christ, is also known as the Spirit of Truth. Those who seek after that spirit, and cling to the truths that they learn, will eventually be led back to the presence of our Heavenly Father.

President Joseph F. Smith said it this way:

The Spirit of Christ “strives with … men, and will continue to strive with them [if they will resist the enticings of Satan], until it brings them to a knowledge of the truth and the possession of the greater light and testimony of the Holy Ghost.” (Gospel Doctrine, Deseret Book Co., 1973, pp. 67–68.)

Truth Vs. Error

The Light of Christ is not only given to us for enlightenment, and to draw us toward the Savior; but also is given to us to discern right from wrong.

Sometimes this manifestation of the Light of Christ is called a moral sense, or our conscience, The Light of Christ will always direct us to make good choices, and to avoid evil, unless we subdue it, or silence it.

Each person enters mortality to obtain a physical body, and to be tested. We are taught in that in order to be tested, there must be an opposition in the choices that we make. On the one hand we have the Light of Christ, which inspires us to do good; and on the other hand we have Satan and his followers, which tempt us to do evil. These two forces are set in opposition to one another. We are in the middle, between these to forces tugging at us in opposite directions. We have been given our moral agency are free to choose for ourselves which course we will follow.

Nephi said:

“Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; . . . And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil” (2 Nephi 2:27)

The choice is always ours. Agency, besides the gift of life itself, is one of the greatest gifts God has given his children. The Light of Christ is always there, calling and beckoning to us, we are free to respond to it by our own choice – never is it a compulsory force upon us.

Moroni describes how the Light of Christ helps us to judge good from evil:

16 “For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; . . . “ wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.
17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; . . .” (Moroni 7:16-17)

Moroni reaffirms the truth that the Spirit, or Light of Christ is given to every man, without exception. What is the way we are to judge good from evil? Moroni teaches that those things which lead us to do good, and to believe in Christ are good, and those which would lead us away from doing good, or believing in Christ are of the devil, and should be avoided.

Each of us has this ability to distinguish good from evil, if we will listen to the Light of Christ.

No Excuses

After establishing the power of the Light of Christ – which shows us the way to truth and righteousness, and then giving man his moral agency to choose good or evil for himself – man then becomes an agent unto himself. Fully free, and fully accountable for his actions while in mortality.

31 Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light.
32 And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light is under condemnation. (D&C 93:31-32)

Those who choose not to receive and hearken to the Light of Christ will be under condemnation. When the time of judgment comes, men will have no excuse that they did not know right from wrong. They will be held accountable because the Light of Christ had shown them what was right, but they still chose to do evil, -- choosing to sin against the Light.

Teaching By the Light Of Christ

Knowing that each of us receives the Light of Christ provides an opportunity for us as teachers. All of us are teachers, in one respect or another. Missionaries teach. Parents teach. Some of us are called upon to teach classes or to speak in church. All of us teach by our examples too, as we interact each day with those who are around us.

When we teach the truths of the gospel, the light of Christ is there to witness to the truth of what we are saying. When others see us living in harmony with truth, the Light of Christ resonates within them. Our teachings will have a familiar ‘ring’ to those who are listening to the Light. That light will lead them to further search for truth, and eventually will be led to the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Losing The Light

If you were to close your eyes on a bright, sun-shiny day, you would not see the light. The sun, however, 1 continues to shine, as always. The only reason you cannot see it is that you have closed your eyes; and by so doing, you have shut down your ability to perceive it.

The same is true with the Light of Christ. It continues to shine on forever. In fact, the Lord has said that:

12 [The Light of Christ] . . . proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—. (D&C 88:12)

We couldn’t hide from the Light of Christ – even if we wanted to! We can, however choose to ignore what we see, or cloud our spiritual eyes and minds so much with disobedience and wickedness that we can no longer perceive the light.

A Spark In The Dark

Perhaps you know someone who has fallen into this condition of spiritual blindness. Perhaps it may even happened to you or me. It happens, even to the best of us, if we are not careful. We can lose the light we once had, and can fall into sin and transgression.

What if that has happened to you, or to someone you know. Be assured that the Light is still there. There is no depth so low, no darkness so deep that cannot be penetrated by the Light of Christ. God will never abandon us, no matter how far we may have fallen. The light, and life of his love is ever there. His arms are stretched out still. There is none that he will turn away, if we will but come unto him.

Those whose minds have become sufficiently darkened may find it hard to believe in Christ, and that he is trying to reach each one of us.

In a recent Ensign article, Elder Boyd K Packer gives the following example:

“Man himself, with all his limitations, can convey messages through fiber-optic cables. A single tiny fiber of glass, smaller than a human hair, can carry 40,000 messages at the same time. These can then be decoded and turned into sight and sound and color, even motion. Man can do that.

A laser beam, where there is no wire or fiber at all, can carry 100 billion bits of information in a second.

If man can do that, why should we marvel at the promise that the Light of Christ is in all of us and that the Holy Ghost can visit any of us?
It should not be difficult, therefore, to understand how revelation from God to His children on earth can come to all mankind through both the Spirit of Christ and the Holy Ghost.” (Boyd K. Packer, “The Light of Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 2005, 8)

Even in our darkest hour, when we may feel so unworthy, and so unwanted – know that our Savior, and his light are still there for you. It is Satan, and not Christ that tells you that you are worthless, unwanted, and unredeemable. Do not listen to him. Believe in Christ, that he is, and that he can save you.

Know that his power is great. For he is mighty to save. He has taken upon him the sins and pains of the whole world. He has suffered these things for all -- that they might not suffer. He has broken the terrible bonds of death – that we may all live once more. He has triumphed over all things. And though each of us are weak and lowly, because of his love for us, he desires to draw all men unto him, that he may lift them up, and return them to the presence of the Father. And for this, all he asks is that we follow Him, and keep his commandments.

Conclusion

During this season of gift giving, let us remember the that the greatest Christmas gift ever given was when the Father sent his Only Begotten Son to be our Savior and Redeemer. In return, the greatest gift that we can ever give is to love and serve God, and our fellow-men – the two great commandments.

Healing During The Holidays

2005-12-01T16:51:00.000-07:00

(Note: This was a talk that I originally gave in December of 2003)

When we received our December (2003) Ensign, our daughter, Amy, was exited to see the new “Joy to the World” video which came with the magazine. However, instead of pronouncing the title “Joy to the World”, she said instead, “Joy of the World”. This caused me to think for a moment, The Savior’s coming truly was a moment of joy to the world. However, for those who love and serve the Savior, He can truly become the Joy of the world as well.

This being the case, how do we answer the following question: Is the Savior the Joy of my world? For the next few minutes, I would like you to ponder that question in your own hearts.

At Christmas time, we celebrate the coming of the Savior into the world. The Prophet Alma describes the mortal mission of the savior in:

(Alma 7:10-13.)

10 And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

This scripture gives us a wonderful description of the purposes for which the Savior came into the world. He came and suffered all things that we might be called upon to suffer in this world: He suffered every pain, every sickness, every temptation. He took upon himself our sins. He suffered persecution and abuse, even to death. He overcame the grave, and was resurrected. He provided the way that we can be saved from our sufferings, both physically and spiritually, and one-day overcome the world, just as he has. And because he has suffered all these things himself, he also knows the pains and sufferings that we experience, AND, most importantly, he knows how to heal us.

Knowing this, we can be sure that the Savior has provided the cure for any heartache, disappointment, anguish, despair or torment that we may feel. He came into the world with “healing in his wings”, to bind up our wounds, and to make us whole again.

The Cause of Heartache and Disappointment

In each of our lives, we suffer from the wounds, heartaches and disappointments that are a part of mortal life.

Some of these wounds are those which we have brought upon ourselves through our own sins or poor decision making. The burden of sin inflicts the deepest wounds, and ladens us with the heaviest burdens we can carry in mortal life.

Some of our heartaches disappointments come simply as a result of what I call, “Random Acts of Mortality”. These are things of which we are called upon to endure through no fault of our own. These might include accidents, illnesses of both body and mind, or simply just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The agency of others sometimes causes us great pain and suffering. When others use their agency to inflict harm on us, we can suffer great loss.

Sometimes it may be one of our children or other loved ones, who use their agency to pursue forbidden paths outside the laws of the gospel. Our love for them causes us to have great anguish when they choose to be disobedient.

Some may feel a lack of purpose and meaning in their lives. Life seems to be hollow and empty, because they have chosen to fill their lives with that which cannot feed their souls, and bring joy to their hearts. They are seeking for happiness in all the wrong places. As Alma taught, “Wickedness never was Happiness”.

President James E. Faust once said: “One reason for the spiritual sickness of our society is that so many do not know or care about what is morally right and wrong. So many things are justified on the basis of expediency and the acquiring of money and goods. . . Those who persist in following after the evil things of the world cannot know the “peace of God, which passeth all understanding.”

President Faust Continued: Someway, somehow, we must find the healing influence that brings solace to the soul. Where is this balm? Where is the compensating relief so desperately needed to help us survive in the world’s pressures? . . . comfort in large measure can come through increased communion with the Spirit of God. This can bring spiritual healing.”
(Elder James E. Faust, April 1992 General Conference, “Spiritual Healing”.)

What are some ways in which we can receive the healing influence of the Savior in our lives? Each of us carries burdens, each of us bears the wounds and bruises of mortality. Each of us needs the healing balm that the Savior can provide. Hear are several ways in which we can apply the healing balm of the Savior to our lives:

1. Priesthood Blessings. Priesthood blessings can be a source of Spiritual Healing. Both blessings of comfort and counsel, as well as administering to the sick following an anointing with consecrated oil. Christ is the great Physician, . . while the Comforter is the agency of healing.”

2. Temple Worship. Temple Worship can be a source of the healing influence of the Lord. Temples provide a place where we may go to lay aside many of the cares and worries of the world. Temples are places where we can find a peaceful sanctuary from the world, and where the Lord can heal our broken hearts and bind up our wounds.

3. Scripture Study. Studying the scriptures regularly allows the words of the Lord to directly enter our hearts and minds. These words have great power, if we will feast upon them and take them into our souls.
As we let the power of the scriptures have a greater influence on our lives, we will begin to crowd out those things that cause us heartache and disappointment. We will be motivated to repent and make changes in our lives which will bring us closer to the Lord, and increase our portion of joy in the world.

4. Invite the Spirit. Avoid those things which may cause the Spirit of the Lord to depart from us. The Word of Wisdom is perhaps more important for our Spiritual Health, than it is for our physical well being. While we know of the harmful effects of the substances proscribed by the word of wisdom, these same substances also harm our spirits, and interfere with the delicate communications from the Holy Ghost.
Physical well being is important, but the ability to receive the peace and comfort of the Holy Ghost is perhaps even more important.

I might also add that anything that causes the Spirit of the Lord to withdraw from us is harmful to our spirits, just as breaking the word of wisdom harms our bodies. We cannot be healed by the Savior without the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost.

5. Prayer. Honest, sincere prayer is one of the best ways to draw closer to the Lord, and invite His healing power. Prayer is the “soul’s sincere desire”. When we call upon our Heavenly Father, in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and when our words are uttered by the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can become one with the Lord. We can know His mind and will for us. We can feel His love, and know that not only is he aware of us, but that he truly wants us to return into his presence. We can feel the healing balm of the Savior being applied to our wounds.

6. The Sacrament. Each week, as we attend sacrament meeting, we have the opportunity to worship the Lord, and to partake of the sacrament. As we repent, and come unto Christ, in meekness and lowliness of heart, we can feel the burdens of sin being lifted from our souls as we partake of the sacrament. As we are cleansed from or sins by the Savior, through this holy ordinance, we become more worthy vessels, and qualify to have a greater portion of the Spirit of the Lord with us. Through this process, we can be freed from the heaviest burden we can bear in this world, which is the burden of sin.

The spirit can also provide comfort to us for our pains and sorrows. Through the Spirit, we can gain insight and perspective regarding the trials and tribulations that we may be called upon to bear. We can come to understand more of God’s plan for us in our lives.

Some trials and tribulations may not go away anytime soon. In the case of illness or handicaps, they may last for the duration of our mortal lives. Sometimes we may not know why we are called upon to bear these challenges. But through the Spirit, we can be strengthened and enlarged to carry weight of those burdens, that they may become light unto us, until the purposes of the Lord have been fulfilled.

7. The fallacy of Inactivity. The opportunity of partaking of the sacrament, and receiving the associated blessings of the Spirit can only be ours if we attend our meetings. Too many of our members miss out on the spiritual renewal that is available to those who come and partake of the sacrament through attending sacrament meeting. Without regularly undergoing the repentance process and partaking of the sacrament, the burdens of sin become increasingly more heavy to bear. Our spiritual vision and perspective become clouded. We may become disaffected, or even blame God for our problems and disappointments. The Spirit of the Lord becomes less and less a part of our lives, until it can become only a distant memory.

When a person reaches this point, they are particularly vulnerable to succumbing to the philosophies and wisdom of the world, and the subtle whisperings of the adversary. If the Spirit of the Lord were more present in their lives, these philosophies and temptations could not stand the light of truth. However, without that light, they become murky shades of gray, and the truth is not so readily apparent. Those who think they can stay at home or participat in recreational activities on Sunday, instead of attending their meetings and partaking of the sacrament are missing out on great blessings, and are placing themselves in spiritual danger.

8. Giving Unselfish Service. When we provide unselfish service to others, we also can unlock blessings for ourselves.

After completing high school, I attended BYU for one year prior to leaving for my mission. During that freshman year, I felt very overwhelmed by the experience. I was keeping the commandments, and doing well at school, yet I still felt something lacking -- a kind of hollowness and emptiness inside. I remember attending a fireside in the Marriott Center, where a General Authority Spoke. I don’t remember now who the speaker was, but he challenged us that if we would give service to others, that we would find great solace to our souls as we forgot ourselves in the service of others.

My roommate and I decided to take him up on the challenge. We decided that we wanted our service to be in secret. So we invented a fictitious character named ”Bryan Bateman”. We came up with the name by using our two middle names: My middle name is Bryan, and Batman was my friend’s middle name. We then began to look about us in the dormitory in which we lived, and found that there were many, like ourselves who were also struggling. We would then write them letters of encouragement, signed by “Bryan Bateman”, and offer them small gifts and tokens of our appreciation. We also made it a point to spend time with and befriend these individuals under our real identities as well.

As we did this, we noticed that those to whom were the focus of our attention were improving. However, we also noticed that as we looked outside of ourselves, and forgot about our own problems and worries, and started to feel after the needs and concerns of our neighbors, that our own problems and worries seemed to be diminished, and we were healed. Many of the heartaches and disappointments that we had experienced had seemed to melt away.

It was at this time in my life that I discovered the 5th verse of the Hymn, “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief”. It Hymn Number 29 in our hymnbooks, and reads as follows:

Stript, wounded, beaten nigh to death,
I found him by the highway side.
I roused his pulse, brought back his breath,
Revived his spirit, and supplied
Wine, oil, refreshment--he was healed.
I had myself a wound concealed,
But from that hour forgot the smart,
And peace bound up my broken heart.

As I read this verse, I received a manifestation of the Holy Ghost that this was what happened to me. It is a lesson that I have never forgotten.

Many years later, I would learn from one of those friends in college, that the efforts my roommate and I came at a most opportune time. This young man was severely depressed, and unbeknownst to us he was seriously thinking about taking his own life. One of the things, we later learned, that helped him through that time, in his most desperate hour, was one of our letters of encouragement. The love, concern and encouragement expressed in the letter were enough to help him through one of his darkest hours. Now he is a school teacher, and the father of eight children, and makes many contributions in his own ward and stake.

It was the Savior who taught, “He who seeketh to save his life shall lose it; and he who loseth his life for my sake shall find it. (JST Matthew 10:34.) I found this to be true, as my roommate and I forget ourselves, and began to server others, we seemed to lose our own problems. The wounds and heartaches of our souls were healed.

I still find this to be true today. I know that my family and I are blessed as we serve others. This can come in a myriad of different ways: It could be serving as a home or visiting teacher. It may be as we fulfill and magnify our callings in the church. It can come in the form of fulfilling welfare assignments, cleaning the church building, or simply reaching out to our neighbors, and lifting up the hands that hang down, and strengthening the feeble knees. In a way, the payment of our tithes and offerings is also a form of unselfish service, because of the effort required to earn the money that is donated. In other words, one-tenth of our labor in our employment is dedicated to the building up of the Lord’s kingdom on earth as we pay our tithing. Service may also include our efforts within the walls of our own home, as we unselfishly look to the needs of our family members. No matter what form it may take, our service to others must be with an eye single to the glory of God, not for our own glory or worrying about who gets the credit, or recognition. And when we do so, the Lord blesses our own lives in many ways – not the least of which is to help us solve our own problems and troubles.

I have a little saying that I say to myself: “I know that if I will take care of His business (meaning the Lord’s business), that he will help me take care of my business.”

Remember the call of the Savior to each one of us when he said:

(3 Nephi 9:13-14.)
13. “ . . . will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?
14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.

So if you feel weighed down by the pressures and anxieties of life. If your heart is not right with the Lord. If the burdens you carry seem hard to bear – Come unto the Lord. For he has said, “Come unto me all ye that labor, and I will give you rest.” Draw near to the Lord, for he will draw near unto you. He will send you His Spirit, and you will be strengthened and comforted. Forget yourself in the service of others, and you will find your life – even a new life. A life filled with light and love, purpose and meaning, and hope and joy.

May you, with the angels, sing “Joy to the World”. And may you also know that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is also the Joy of the World.

Gratitude -- More Than a Platitude

2005-11-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

This week we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. It is a time for family gatherings and for feasting. Traditionally, a cornucopia, or horn of plenty, filled with the bounty of the harvest has been used as a symbol for our Thanksgiving celebration -- symbolic of the many bounteous blessings we have received from our Father in Heaven.

For many, Thanksgiving, our other sacred holidays (Christmas and Easter) has lost its spiritual meaning. Now it is referred to as "Turkey Day". Football games often receive more devotion than does God. The poor newspaper carrier has to deliver the largest, heaviest newspaper of the year on Thanksgiving day, in order to prepare consumers for the special sales taking place on the following day. Others like Martha of old, are so busy cooking, and making preparations, and getting everything set just so, that they can hardly wait for Thanksgiving to be over with. Lost in the shuffle is the better part of Thanksgiving -- remembering our Lord, and the many blessings He has bestowed upon us.

Is there anything wrong with turkey, or football, or shopping malls? No, not by themselves. However, if they distract us from truly taking stock of our blessings, and expressing our gratitude to God, then we lose out on the true purpose and meaning of the holiday. In fact, we miss out on some choice blessings, if we do not have grateful hearts.

Giving thanks is not merely a courtesy, it's a commandment. In the scriptures we read:

(D&C 59:7)
Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things

(D&C 59:21)
And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.

(Alma 34:38)
38 . . . that ye [should] live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.

Why Are We Commanded to be Grateful?

Why does God want us to be grateful unto him? Does he want our praises and thanks for His benefit -- or is there another reason?

Is it because he expects our thanks after all that He's done for us? After all, we owe him, don't we? I would suppose that might be part of the reason as well.

Would not common courtesy and graciousness require us to express our thanks for that which we have received? Surly it would!

However, there is yet another reason for us to be grateful. We know that whenever Heavenly Father gives us a commandment, that he, in turn, attaches certain blessings to that commandment. (See D&C 130:20-21)

Heavenly Father does not just want to hear us say "Thank-You". In his wisdom, He knows that if we will carry a spirit of gratitude in our hearts, that he can bless us in ways that otherwise would not be available to us.

Now, let's see if we have this straight: Heavenly Father wants to give us yet more blessings for thanking him for the blessings we already have!

What blessings do we receive by having a grateful heart?

First, in order to carry a spirit of gratitude in our hearts, we are required to be humble. If we are not humble, we don't acknowledge that the blessings we already possess are from the Lord.

Ingratitude is a form of Pride.

Over time, if we fail to thank the Lord for his blessings, we start to believe that those things which we have are by our own doing alone, rather than received through the grace of God.

President James E. Faust commented on this tendency:

"It seems as though there is a tug-of-war between opposing character traits that leaves no voids in our souls. As gratitude is absent or disappears, rebellion often enters and fills the vacuum. . . . Rebellion against moral cleanliness, beauty, decency, honesty, reverence, and respect for parental authority. A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being." (James E. Faust, Liahona, Dec. 1996, 3)

If we have grateful hearts, we are blessed with a shield against pride, which can blind our minds and harden our hearts against God.

An Ungrateful Nation

The following statement comments on the State of American Society as a whole. See if you can guess who the author was, and when it was written.

"We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in number, wealth, and power as no other Nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God who made us.

"It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended power, to confess our . . . sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness." (John Wesley Hill, Abraham Lincoln, Man of God, 4th ed., New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, p. 391.)

This quote comes from Abraham Lincoln, in 1863! If you didn't know better, you might think that it was something written by a church leader, or heard in a recent General Conference!

As a society, have we become too proud to pray?

The same pitfalls of ingratitude and pride that can befall individual, can also befall a society. Likewise, the same blessings that an individual can enjoy by being humble and grateful, can also benefit a whole society as well.

Taken to its extreme, ingratitude can result in a denial of God altogether.
In the Book of Mormon, we have the example of Korihor, who stated:

(Alma 30:17-18.)
17 . . . [That] every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his [own] strength; and whatsoever a man did was no crime.

18. . . [and] that when a man was dead, that was the end thereof.

Korihor not only denies that we are blessed of God, he denies God altogether. He argued that everything we have comes from our own cunning and labor. He also denies that there is a life after death, wherein we will be held accountable for our actions here on earth. Logically, if this were to be true, it would follow that you may as well do anything you can get away with, because there is no accountability for our actions. A very selfish, and self-centered philosphy.

Keeping Score

A lack of gratitude can lead to a condition I refer to as: "Keeping Score". This is where we keep track of how good someone else has it, and how lousy things are for us.

Keeping score always has at least two elements:

A comparison between us and someone else, and
A feeling that we are not being treated fairly.

Let me illustrate with an example that often happens in our home:

In our house each evening before dinner, one child sets the table, empties the dishwasher, and puts the clean dishes away. After dinner, the other child clears off the table, loads (and hopefully actually starts ) the dishwasher, and wipes down the table, sink, and countertops.

Each week they exchange kitchen jobs.

This system might seem straightforward, but it doesn't always work out that way. Life always seems to interrupt our schedules. Should a disruption to the normal schedule take place, one child might be asked to fill-in for the sibling who is unavailable to do their regular task when scheduled.

On Tuesday nights Bryan attends the Young Men's program here at the church. If he happens to be on clean-up duty in the kitchen, there is usually not enough time for him after dinner to do his job and make it to scouts on-time.

On Thursdays, both children have piano lessons, with Amy having the later session. If she has table-setting duty, she might not have time to complete her chores in time before dinner.

Disruptions to the schedule can provide opportunities for service. Amy could help out Bryan cleaning up the kitchen on Tuesday nights. Bryan could help out Amy by setting the table on Thursday nights.

However, sometimes these opportunities for service are not always met with a smile. The suggestion that one child might help out a sibling by doing the other's chore sometimes met with resistance. Often times we will hear something like: "It's not my turn!", or "It's his or her job" , and, "I did it last time!" as if there were a scoreboard keeping track of whose turn it is.

Sometimes a comparison of jobs will be made. Who's job is the hardest? And how often does one sibling have to fill in for the other. And this so unfair!

When all is said and done, the task is usually done, but not always with a smile.

The same situation happens to adults as well. Think of the workplace. Some tasks are more desirable than others. How many times do we roll our own eyes when asked to do an unpleasant task. How often to we complain, or hear complaints about how so-and-so always gets out of having to do the unpleasant tasks that we seem to always get stuck with. Do we hear or make complaints of how unfairly we are being treated? Are we keeping score too?

Each of us, whether as children or adults would be less prone to keeping score, if we were more humble, and more gracious.

The Savior's Example

Let's look to the life of the Savior. Did he keep score? After a long, tiring day, when the little children were brought before him to be blessed, did he tell them go away? No! He invited them to come unto him. He took them on his knee and be blessed them. His disciples had figured that he had already done enough for one day, but the Savior's response was to turn no one away. (See Mark 10:13-16)

When we call upon the Lord for his blessings, will he turn us away? Will he hang up a "closed" sign and tell us to come back some other time? No! He invites always to come unto him, at any time, and at any place.

When Jesus knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane, and as he Hung on the Cross, was he keeping score? Did he complain about how hard his task was, compared to what was required of the rest of Heavenly Father's children? No! He bent His will to that of the Father.

Then he took upon himself the sins of the world. Again, was he keeping score? No! For his was an infinite and eternal sacrifice, for which it was impossible to score.

Even though we can't comprehend what he went through, we know that he did accomplish the work of the Atonement. And we know that he did it for us, because he loved his Father enough to do his father's will, and because he loved us enough that he was willing to bear all of our sins and burdens as well.

If He could do all of that for us without complaint, without keeping score, how is it that we have such a hard time loving and serving one another ungrudgingly. When you think of what the Savior has done for us, it makes our whining and complaining and score keeping seem very small, indeed.

To Whom Do We Owe Our Gratitude?

As we begin to understand the power of gratitude in our lives, and the shield of protection that a grateful heart can bring to us, it would be wise to consider to whom we owe a debt of gratitude.

Some of those would include:

Our Parents and Family. -- The ones who have borne and raised us in this world.
Our Teachers, leaders, and those who have been good examples and an influence for good in our lives.
Our ancestors, as well those from whom we have inherited a legacy of the gospel -- Including the prophet Joseph Smith, and his successors. This is true whether we are a first generation member of the church, or if we have many generations of our family in the church.
The Founders of our Nation, and the soldiers who have protected and defended the freedoms we enjoy.
Of course we owe a debt of gratitude to our Heavenly Father, for his wondrous plan of salvation, and his willingness to share all that he has with us, including his only begotten son, Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, without whom the plan of the Father could never come have come to pass.

How Do We Show Our Gratitude and Appreciation?

The first way we can express our gratitude is by expressing it verbally. Express thanks to our parents, our families, and those who have taught us, or have been an influence for good in our lives. President Thomas S. Monson encourages us to "Think To Thank." Be sure to take a moment to express our thanks and appreciation to others. Drop someone a thank-you note. Let them know you are thankful for the impact they have had on your life.

Take this approach, even with casual acquaintances or other associates. You never know when your moment of thoughtfulness may be an answer to someone's prayer. Your acknowledgement of them may be just the thing that helps them get through a difficult moment in their lives.

How can we thank those who are no longer living among us: our ancestors, the forefathers of our nation, and the prophets and apostles in this and previous dispensations to whom we owe so much. We can't just call them up on the phone, or drop a note in the mail. Not even email or instant messaging can reach them! How can we show our love and gratitude for their sacrifices on our behalf?

I would propose that if we honor the legacy that they have left for us, by living honorable lives, that they would feel that their sacrifice was worthwhile.

With Heavenly Father and Jesus, we do have a way of communicating with them, through the power of prayer. We can take time on our knees, in earnest prayer to express our gratitude for the many blessings we have received. However, there is more that we can do beyond honoring them with our words.

We can honor them best, by honoring the covenants we have made. We honor them, and show gratitude by the way we live our lives. When we obey our Heavenly Father's commandments, we show our love for him. It was Jesus who said: "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (See John 14:15).

Even though we may express thanks to the Lord in words, if we do not strive to keep His commandments, we are, in effect, being ungrateful. In essence, if we do not honor Our Heavenly Father by keeping the covenants we have made with Him, then we are rejecting the gift of the atonement that was wrought by His Son.

Passing Along Our Gifts

Perhaps the best way we can show our gratitude for what the Lord has done for us, is for us, in-turn, to give the heavenly gifts we have received to others.

We can give our children the gift of a good home, filled with love, warmth and the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can see that they receive the blessings of the Priesthood, and the eternal blessings of the temple.

We can also reach out to those around us who may not as yet received the great gifts that are ours. We can reach out to those who may have lost their way, whether they be members of the church, or those who have yet to learn the message of the restored gospel.

How pleased and honored our Lord would be if we were to assist Him in His work of bringing souls unto Christ.

Conclusion

As we enter this holiday season, may we do so with grateful hearts, recognizing our dependence upon the Lord for all that we have, all that we are, and all that we ever hope to become.

As the gift-giving season approaches, may we remember that the greatest gift ever given was that of our Father In Heaven sending us his Only Begotten Son to be the Savior of the World. May we also reach out to our families and fellow-man, and give them the gifts of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which will last well beyond Christmas morning, but will last for a lifetime, and endure throughout all eternity.

Are They There Yet?

2005-11-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

Most of us with children, have had a child ask (usually repeatedly), are we there yet?

One of the great responsibilities we have as parents is to prepare our children for the journey of life. At some point in time, each child will reach a point when they will no longer be in our immediate care. This may come when they are about to leave home for college, a mission, or to embark on a new path. For some, it may also be when they are called home to their Heavenly Father's care. In any case, as parents, we may well ask ourselves the question: "Are They There Yet?" Meaning, have we prepared them sufficiently for their journey through life, when we will not be able to shepherd their every move. How will they act, now that they are alone.

Early Teachings and Examples

As parents, we have a responsibility to teach our children to pray. One of the most powerful lessons about prayer we can give our children is the example we set as we pray. Let them see us offering our prayers every day and night. Let them see us offering fervent prayer, as we pass through the trials of life. Let them hear us petitioning the Lord on their behalf. Let them know that they are important enough for us to call upon the powers of heaven for blessings upon their heads. Then let them hear us bear sincere testimony that God has heard and answered our prayers. Then when the day comes when they will pass through their own trials –they will be prepared.

In later years, as the child grows up and is away from home and family, prayer – both those we offer in their behalf, and hopefully the prayers they offer on their own, – can provide a shield of progection to them. Also our teachings, both lessons taught, as well as lessons learned by our examples will help server them as well.

Elder Henry B Eyring relates an experience he had with his father when he left home:

“Parting can be hard, particularly when the parent and the child know that they may not see each other for a long time. I had that experience with my father. We parted on a street corner in New York City. He had come there for his work. I was there on my way to another place. We both knew that I probably would never return to live with my parents under the same roof again.

It was a sunny day, around noontime, the streets crowded with cars and pedestrians. On that particular corner there was a traffic light which stopped the cars and the people in all directions for a few minutes. The light changed to red; the cars stopped. The crowd of pedestrians hurried off the curbs, moving every way, including diagonally, across the intersection.

The time had come for parting, and I started across the street. I stopped almost in the center, with people rushing by me. I turned to look back. Instead of moving off in the crowd, my father was still standing on the corner looking at me. To me he seemed lonely and perhaps a little sad. I wanted to go back to him, but I realized the light would change and so I turned and hurried on.

Years later I talked to him about that moment. He told me that I had misread his face. He said he was not sad; he was concerned. He had seen me look back, as if I were a little boy, uncertain and looking for assurance. He told me in those later years that the thought in his mind had been: Will he be all right? Have I taught him enough? Is he prepared for whatever may lie ahead?” (Henry B. Eyring, “Write Upon My Heart”, Ensign, Nov. 2000, p85)

Have We Done Enough?

Throughout our lives, and as our children grow up, there are times when we too, may wonder if we have taught them enough. Are they sufficiently prepared for the challenges and realities of life? Do they know in whom they can trust? We, as parents cannot be with them at every moment of their lives to give direction and counsel.

I remember taking my eldest son to his first day of kindergarten. It was the first such parting for our family. He was so young. He was a little small for his age. We worried about how well he would be treated and accepted by others. Would he be easily led astray by others? Would he choose the right?

Later, he would go on his first scout camp. Would he be wise in his decisions and choices? At this age, out in the wilderness, he faced choices that could mean life or death! Will he obey the rules, and stay with the group? How will he behave?

Later, he’ll go on his first date. Will he remember the Lord’s standards for proper conduct with the opposite sex? Will he be true to the moral values he has been taught, both at home, and at church?

When the time comes, will he choose to go on a mission. Will he serve faithfully?

When he comes home, will he remain true and faithful in the gospel. Will he seek out a young woman with whom he can be worthily married in the temple?

Will he, in turn, be a wise parent, and set the proper example to his own children?

These are questions we all have as parents. At each of these times, like Elder Eyring’s father, we may wonder if we have taught them enough, and if we have prepared them enough for the challenges they will face in life.

Enos

In the Book of Mormon, we find examples of parents who taught their children well, and whose teaching and examples of prayer would bless the lives of their children.

One day Enos went into the forest to go hunting. As he found himself alone in the wilderness, he began to ponder in his heart and mind the things that had been taught to him by his father, Jacob:

Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart.

And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.

And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed. (Enos 1:3-5)

We don’t know how old Enos was at this time. We don’t know if is father, Jacob, was still living at this time.

What we do know, is that the teachings of his father were deeply imprinted upon him. We do know that when the time was right, that the words of his father caused him to ponder and think, and seek out the Lord in prayer. He wanted to make sure his life was right with God.

Alma

Another instance where the teachings of parents played an important role in the life of their child was that of Alma the Younger:

In this situation,Alma the younger was,perhaps, in his greatest hour of need. He was suffering in mind, body and spirit as he was harrowed up by the memory of his sins. In his mercy, what did the Lord do for Alma? He sent the Holy Ghost to him, and in his hour of need, recalled to the mind of Alma the words that he had been taught by his father, perhaps long before, and possibly long since forgotten. The words that he came to Alma’s mind were the very words that he needed to hear in his moment of despair. They were the words that testify of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

You never know when your own teachings will be brought to remembrance in the minds of your children. Like, Alma, it might be in a moment of extreme need. It might be in a moment when their eternal destiny might hinge on a single decision. The words of truth and testimony that you teach your children, may be just the thing that pulls them through, during the fiery trials of their lives. The Holy Ghost will help to bring these teachings to their rememberance. (See John 14:26)

Don’t let the opportunities to teach your children pass you by. Take advantage of Family home evenings, and family scripture study to teach them the gospel. Even more importantly, teach them by example. Your children will remember your actions more readily than they will remember your words. Additionally, your example speaks volumes about what is truly most important to you.

Leave your children a legacy of honor, and of truth, and of testimony. It can be a legacy that will not only bless the lives of your children, but can also span the generations to come.

The culmination of all our efforts as a Parents in the home could be summed up by the invitation: "Come Follow Me, as I follow Christ."

Writings Upon The Heart

When preparing to attend a Priesthood meeting, President George Q. Cannon once said:

“I should enter that assembly with my mind entirely free from all influence that would prevent the operation of the Spirit of God upon me. I should go in a prayerful spirit, asking God to write upon my heart His will; not with my own will already prepared, and determined to carry out my will … , regardless of everyone else’s views. If I were to go, and all the rest were to go, with this spirit, then the Spirit of God would be felt in our midst, and that which we would decide upon would be the mind and will of God, because God would reveal it to us. We would see light in the direction where we should go, and we would behold darkness in the direction we should not go” (Deseret Semi-Weekly News, 30 Sept. 1890, 2; emphasis added).

Notice here that President Cannon entered the meeting with a prayer in his heart. He came with an open mind and an open heart – willing to receive God’s will, and willing to relinquish his own. He wanted the Lord to not only convey his will to him, but to write his will upon his heart .

We might want to use this same approach as we listen to, general conference, or as we later re-read the conference talks.

We might want to use this approach as we enter our council meetings, whether they we ward or stake councils, presidency meetings, or even family councils.

This would be a good approach to take as we prepare ourselves to attend the temple, and as we prepare ourselves to partake of the sacrament.

This is the approach that we should take as we approach the Lord in prayer, especially when we are seeking guidance and counsel regarding the direction our lives should take.

Let his will be written upon our hearts. Let it have the power to change us for the better, that we can progress toward our eternal goals.

Having Our Own Personal Liahona

When Lehi was traveling through the wilderness, the Lord Provided the Liahona for he and his family. This Liahona had spindles on it, that pointed them in the direction that they should go on their journey toward the promised land. The ball also contained instructions from the Lord, and taught them about his ways, which if followed would give them guidance and direction along their way. This is how Nephi describes it:

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them.

And there was also [that which was] written upon [the ball] . . ., which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. (1 Nephi 16:28-29)

As we approach the Lord in humility and faith he will guide our lives in a similar manner. Only for us, instead of the writing being upon a ball, the writing is upon our hearts. He will give us direction in the way in which we should travel. Guiding us in the more fertile, bounteous paths of living the gospel, and away from the barren deserts of despair and sin.

From time to time, the writing upon our hearts may be updated as well. At each phase of our life, there are things the Lord would have us do and learn. As we give proper faith and heed to what He would have us do, the Lord will give us further light and knowledge, and further ways in which we can make that next step to become more like Him. Eventually, we will be led to the promised land, which is to have Eternal Life, with our Father In Heaven.

Choose You this Day

Each of us must arrive at a time in our lives, when we are willing to give our own will over to the will of the Father. Each of us must be converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ – regardless of whether you may have just joined the church, or if you come from a long line of many generations in the church.

To those who have been raised in the church, it is sometimes easy to accept the gospel as a way of life, or as a cultural experience rather than a spiritual experience. We go to church because our family does. We might go on a mission, or marry in the temple – which are worthy pursuits – but, perhaps, only because it is expected of us.

However, for each of us, there comes a time in our lives when we have to choose – really choose – how we will live our lives, and what kind of a man or woman we will really be.

Unless we have had our hearts changed, so that they are written with the will of God, rather than our own will, it will be difficult, if not impossible to withstand all the trials and temptations of this life.

Each of us must have our own “Joshua” moment: “Choose you this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my house – we will serve the Lord.” (See Joshua 24:15)

My Joshua Moment

My Joshua moment came when I was 30 years old. I realized that I had been drifting along, and was beginning to go off the straight and narrow path. I decided to re-read the Book of Mormon once again, but this time, just as one who is investigating the church would read it. As I read, many insights came to me. The power of the Holy Ghost issued a gentle call to repentance as well.

I began to make changes in my life, but was still a little unsure of myself, and my standing before God.

Then one day, a priesthood leader asked me to fill an assignment. The time of decision was at hand. It seemed like, for a moment, that time had stopped.

I began to wonder if I was up to the challenge. Was I worthy? Could I do it? Was I ready? Before my doubts and fears could overtake me, I felt a wondrous flood of light, and a feeling of peace and confidence flood over me. I felt the presence of the Holy Ghost with great strength and power.

It was like the Spirit of the Lord was my best cheerleader, urging me on to take the next step of faith. I felt him saying: "Yes! You can do it! Commit to yourself, and to God that from this day forward, you will leave your old self behind, and walk with Him in a newness of life."

For the first time in a long time, I had real hope, and a confidence that I could do it.

All of these thoughts and feelings transpired in a single moment, maybe 1 or 2 seconds long in real-time, as my priesthood leader awaited my answer. At that moment, I made my choice. My Joshua Moment had come. I chose that as for me, I would serve the Lord.

I accepted that assignment from my priesthood leader, and fulfilled it. He may never know what great impact he had on me, just by asking me to fulfill an assignment. From that moment on, my heart was changed. The results of that Joshua moment, will have eternal consequences.

I chose to have the Lord’s will written upon my heart. I wanted to do His will, instead of my own selfish will. And with that willingness and commitment, comes great power. The power to change. The ability to overcome weaknesses, through the power our Savior, Jesus Christ. Through Him, I found the power to become a new and better person. The power to pass through the trials and temptations of mortal life. Each of us needs to have this power in our hearts and lives, if we are to overcome the world.

Conclusion

Originally I posed the question, "Are They There yet", or are they prepared to take on this world. We can help prepare them by teaching them to pray, reading the scriptures, and by living gospel standards. We can reinforce those teachings by our own examples. We can teach them about the importance of receiving the Holy Ghost, and developing a personal Liahona within our own hearts.

All of these things will help prepare them for their own "Joshua Moment". Of course ultimately, the choice will always be their own. Agency is the Prime Directive of the Plan Of Salvation. It is for us to "light the path, and show them the way" toward the Savior. They must have their own relationship with the Savior, and if they have that, they have all they need to overcome the world. And then, they will be there, at last.

Change is Constant -- Yet Good

2005-09-16T01:55:00.000-06:00

I have been serving in my current church calling for two years now. It has been my privilege, as part of that calling to work with the missionaries, and ward mission leaders in our stake. I have met some very fine people during the last 24 months. Some wonderful missionaries, and some very dedicated ward mission leaders. Now, while still remaining in my calling, I have been given new areas of responsibility.

During the past two years, I have seen many people come into the church, and come unto Christ. There is a fine spirit in missionary work, the Spirit of the Lord. I will miss rubbing shoulders with these fine people, and feeling that missionary Spirit. Oh, I know I can still be a member missionary, but its just not the same.

In my home ward, we have a very fine ward mission leader, perhaps the best in the Stake. I intend to keep involved with him, and doing what I can to further the work here.

I just sent out an email to the ward mission leaders, explaining the change in assignments. I would like to quote a little from that letter:

It is with mixed emotions that I must inform you that I no long will be assigned to missionary work in the stake. Assignments, like callings, come and go. I told the Lord when I accepted my calling that I would serve him in any way that He wished. I still stand by that. I will look forward to my new assignment, and will do my best to fulfill it. My only regret is that I won't get to rub shoulders so much with you fine brethren, or with the missionaries as much as I have in the past. What a privilege its been! . . .

. . . It's been my great priviledge to be involved in missionary work for the past two years. Looking back, two years seems like a fitting time period to be working with the missionaries. It has been a real pleasure to work with each of you, and the many ward mission leaders I have associated with during the past 24 months.

Thanks for your efforts in bringing the gospel to our Heavenly Father's children, and in helping the members of your wards join you in that effort. In some ways, this reassignment is a little like being released from my own mission some twenty-(mumble, mumble) years ago.

Carry on brethren, in this fine and noble work. There is no greater work (outside the walls of your own home, that is.)

As for me, I will be learning my new assignments. Just when we get comfortable in what we are doing, the Lord always figures out a way to make us stretch and grow some more. Being comfortable is not really a part of the plan, now is it? Perhaps this is one way that the Lord chooses to help us keep humble, and to learn to depend on him, and not upon the arm of flesh, or our own strengths. . .

And so it goes. I take a deep breath. I make some phone calls to explain this, and other changes to my assignments. I wish people well, and express my thanks for their association.

I have new associations to make, and I look forward to those. The work goes on. I will have to rely on the Lord to learn my new responsibilities. Nevertheless, I trust that He will be there for me, and I will be able to accomplish the things required at my hand -- no matter how daunting they may seem right now. And with His help, I will be able to do my part to serve and glorify Him in new ways, and to help build His Kingdom here on earth.

Choirs

2005-08-30T22:27:00.000-06:00

I recently read Woody's account of participating in the Choir at the dedication of the Newport Beach California Temple this past weekend. It sounds like it was a marvelous experience. Some of the most spiritual experiences I have had in my life, were when I have participated in choirs, on sacred occasions.

My first experience with choirs came in high school. My friends persuaded me to join the Jr. Class choir. My previous musical experience had been 5 years of accordion lessons (ages 7-12) and 3 years of piano lessons after that. (I also had the calling of priesthood meeting accompanist from ages 14-17 -- which would serve me well later on my mission.) Up until then, I hadn't done much singing. I joined the choir, and really enjoyed it. Later I would sing in the Sr. Class choir as well.

Now this was back in the days when you could actually sing religious music in the public schools. We sang great classical sacred music: Bach, Handel, Beethoven, Palestrina, and Faure. Much of this music was in Latin. We also sang religious music of more modern composers such as Natalie Sleeth and Randall Thompson. Singing the sacred music, was almost like having a second seminary class each day. It brought the Spirit of the Lord into our hearts. It was very uplifting.

It's too bad that today, even non-denominational Christian and classical music is under fire in the public schools. Christmas music that actually speaks of Christ is all but gone in the putlic schools. (See my post from last year's elementary school Christmas Program. )

Later I sang in a couple of different Choirs at BYU (University Chorale, and Male Chorus). After my mission, in the early 80's, I had the privilege of singing with the Mormon Youth Chorus. Perhaps my most memorable experience with Mormon Youth was when we got to sing in the April 1980 general conference in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. It was the sesquecentennial (150^th) anniversary of the organization of the church. President Spencer W. Kimball spoke, via satellite from the Peter Whitmer cabin, in Fayette, New York.

I had the opportunity to sing in several sessions of General Conference as a member of the Mormon Youth Chorus. Priesthood Sessions were especially fun, because they would invite the men's section of the Tabernacle Choir, and of the Mormon Youth Chorus to join together. It was fun (and even awe inspiring) to rub shoulders with the Tabernacle Choir members, and to be directed by Jerrold Ottley.

Since my Mormon Youth days, I have sung in various ward and stake choirs. Occasionally I will sing in a quartet or other small group for a musical number in Sacrament meeting (usually at Christmas time.) Nowadays, my church calling includes responsibility to oversee the music programs in the wards and in the Stake. Which introduces my latest experience with church choirs.

A little over a year ago (July 1, 2004) I was called in by the Stake President. He informed me of a new assignment that our stake had been given. It was to organize and oversee a choir of 360 primary children (11-year-olds) to sing in the upcoming General Conference to be held on October 2, 2004. I was to be called as the "Choir Manager". As choir manager, I was to coordinate and organize this choir from among 7 different stakes. I was to organize rehearsals, transportation, security arrangements, and establish the ground rules of the choir. I would work directly with coordinators from the General Church Music committee. I had no idea how much background and organizing work went into putting something together on this scale was.

This turned out to be a massive undertaking. A year ago today, we were halfway through the 8 rehearsals. I was working through issues with the choir director, and with the various stake leaders. E-mail turned out to be a real blessing, as it afforded me a way to communicate with a lot of people very quickly.

The Primary Choir turned out to be a most memorable experience. At the conclusion of our experience, I wrote a big thank you note to all of the ward and stake primary leaders who had been so crucial in making it all work out. In the end, the choir sang well. We received a lot of nice compliments. And we were able to feel like it had been a job well done. You can read the thank-you letter which also contains my thoughts and impressions of the overall Primary Choir experience here.

Music has always been a large part of my worship experience. It is one of the things that helps me to get in tune with the Spirit of the Lord faster than most anything else. Even to this day, if I have had a particularly trying day I will come home and play on the piano, or quietly sing some of the hymns. Sacred music can be a balm to the battered soul. I know it has been for mine.

Prayer

2005-08-21T23:29:00.000-06:00

My assignment here today is to speak on the topic of prayer. Prayer is our personal connection to God, Our Heavenly Father, and to His Son, Jesus Christ. The right to approach our heavenly father in prayer, is something that no one can take away from us. President James E Faust said it this way:

No earthly authority can separate us from direct access to our Creator. There can never be a mechanical or electronic failure when we pray. There is no limit on the number of times or how long we can pray each day. There is no quota of how many needs we wish to pray for in each prayer. We do not need to go through secretaries or make an appointment to reach the throne of grace. He is reachable at any time and any place. (James E. Faust, “The Lifeline of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2002, 59)

Implications of Prayer(1)

When we pray, we are acknowledging certain things before the God:

1. Acknowledgement. When we pray, it is an acknowledgement that we believe in, or that we want to believe in, the existence of God. When we pray to God, in the name of his son, Jesus Christ, we also acknowledge him as our Savior and Redeemer – our Mediator or intercessor with the Father. When we pray, it also is an expression of our faith in God as well.

2. Confession. When we pray, our prayers can be a confession of our sins and transgressions before the Lord, and our request for his forgiveness. We know that we, as mortals are not perfect. We often make mistakes. Our confession of our sins and weaknesses to the Lord is one of the first steps toward overcoming those weaknesses, with the Lord’s help.

3. Humility. When we pray, we humble ourselves before God, and recognize that our need for help beyond our own ability. None of us has the power to save ourselves. We must rely on the merits of our Savior, Jesus Christ for that. As we approach the Lord in prayer, and confess our sins, we can express our desire to be better, and to do better in our lives. We can call upon the powers of heaven to help us overcome the sins that so easily beset us. The Lord gives us weaknesses, that we may be humble. But through His help, he has provided a way in which those weaknesses can be made into strengths.

4. Thanksgiving. Prayer gives us an opportunity to give our sincere thanks and appreciation to our Creator. It is important that we frequently say: “We thank Thee … , “ “We acknowledge before Thee … ,” “We are grateful unto Thee …” In the D&C 59:21, the Lord Said:

21 And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.

Giving thanks is not just good manners, it is a commandment! Having gratitude, and acknowledging that gratitude to the Lord not only will spare us from having the wrath of God kindled toward us, but it will help us to be more humble, and to have a greater sense of well-being as well. When we approach our lives, and our circumstances with a sense of gratitude, we focus our attentions less on what we don’t have. Instead of wishing for or demanding more that what we have, we can find true joy in the blessings that we do have.

If we continually acknowledge the blessings that the Lord has given us, we will not forget the Love that he has for us. Our lives will be that much more pleasant and uplifting with grateful hearts.

Those who are ungrateful, almost always are more focused upon themselves, rather than others. This self-absorption leads to selfishness, and may cause us to feel that we have been cheated somehow, and are not getting our fair share. Ingratitude can cause a dark cloud of suspicion and resentment to come upon us, which can harden our hearts, and drive a wedge between us and the Lord.

5. Asking for Blessings. As we pray, we have the opportunity to ask for specific blessings. These may be blessings we may need in our own lives, or blessings on behalf of others. The Lord already knows what blessings we stand in need of. However, he wants us to come unto to him, in humility, and ask for those things which are needed in our lives, and in the lives of others as we become aware of their needs. In all cases, when we are asking for specific blessings, we need follow the example of the Savior, when after expressing his desires and wishes, he said: “Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.”

We need to acknowledge that the wisdom and understanding of God is far greater than our own. We may not always get what we ask for. We may not get it when we want it. We may not get it in the way we might have envisioned. However, we know that the Lord does hear and answer prayers. We need to trust in him, that he will bless us with the righteous desires of our hearts, according to our needs, and in accordance with his divine will. We need to trust that that those things which are His will, will be the best for us in the long run. And the day will come, whether in this life, or the next, when the wisdom of his ways will be revealed to us, and we will know that we have been dealt with in a just and loving manner.

When Should We Pray

In effect, we should always be praying in one way or another. We have been commanded to pray morning, noon, and night. In public and in secret. Alone, and with our families and our spouse. And when we are not formally praying, we should have a prayer in our hearts continually.

In the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin Said:

13 For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart? (Mosiah 5:13)

If we have a prayer in our hearts, we will not be far from our Lord. The thoughts and intents of our hearts will be near to him.

Continually having a prayer in our hearts doesn’t necessarily mean continuously offering a formal prayer. The Hymn, “Prayer is the Soul’s sincere desire sheds some light on other ways in which we communicate with the Lord, and thus are a form of prayer as well:

Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire,
Uttered or unexpressed,
The motion of a hidden fire
That trembles in the breast.

Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye,
When none but God is near.

Oh, thou by whom we come to God,
The Life, the Truth, the Way!
The path of prayer thyself hast trod;
Lord, teach us how to pray.
(LDS Hymns, no. 145.)

Music itself can be a form of a prayer. Speaking to Emma Smith, the Lord Said: “My soul delighteth in the song of the heart, yea the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me.” (D&C 25.12)

Singing or humming a hymn, is a way to maintain a prayer in our heart. Sometimes after a tough day, I like to sit down to the piano, and play some of the hymns, even though I am not necessarily singing the words, the music itself can be inspirational, and to me, is a form of prayer as well.

Memorizing scriptures, or the words to a hymn also can be a form of a prayer. When we memorize a scripture, the words of the Lord will flow more readily into our hearts and mind. When we do this, we are treasuring up the words of eternal life. The Lord will in turn bless us with greater insights and understanding as a result. This too, is a form of prayer as well.

When done properly, all three members of the Godhead should be involved in our prayers. First we are praying to God the Father. We pray in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ. If we are in tune, the Holy Ghost will prompt us with those things for which we should pray. When we listen to the voice of the spirit, the Lord does, indeed, teach us how to pray. When we pray, according to the promptings of the spirit, our prayers become more than just one-way pleadings with the Lord, they become real two-way communication.

In D&C 88:63 the Lord Said: “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you;”

As we draw out our souls in prayer to the Lord, he will reach out to us. Prayer is like the key that unlocks the to the door to let Christ into our lives. The Savior said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Rev. 3:20) He will draw near to us, and fill our hearts with his love, and mercy and kindness. He can heal our hearts, and make us whole.

What Happens if We Don’t Pray

Failure to pray, effectively places a wall between us and the Lord, of our own making. He is still there to hear and answer our prayers, but how can he answer a prayer that is not offered?

President Heber J Grant gave this counsel:

“The minute a man stops supplicating God for his spirit and direction, just so soon he starts out to become a stranger to him and his works. When men stop praying for God’s spirit, they place confidence in their own unaided reason, and they gradually lose the spirit of God, just the same as near and dear friends, by never writing to or visiting with each other, will become strangers.” (Improvement Era, Aug. 1944, p. 481.)

Failure to pray is an act of pride. It in essence tells the Lord that we don’t need him, that we can get along just fine on our own. When we don’t pray, we are saying that we know better than the Lord, and that our wisdom is sufficient. When we fail to pray, we are well on the path to become the kind of person that is described in the Hymn, I stand all amazed:

“ . . .a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,
Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify. . .“
(LDS Hymns, No. 193)

If we are not praying as we should, the Spirit of the Lord will eventually withdraw from us, and we will be left on our own, and in great danger of losing our way. The Brother of Jared learned this lesion the hard way:

(Ether 2: 14-15)
14 And it came to pass at the end of four years that the Lord came again unto the brother of Jared, and stood in a cloud and talked with him. And for the space of three hours did the Lord talk with the brother of Jared, and chastened him because he remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord.

15 And the brother of Jared repented of the evil which he had done, and did call upon the name of the Lord for his brethren who were with him. And the Lord said unto him: I will forgive thee and thy brethren of their sins; but thou shalt not sin any more, for ye shall remember that my Spirit will not always strive with man; wherefore, if ye will sin until ye are fully ripe ye shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.

Here the Lord tells us directly that not praying will eventually result in a Loss of the Spirit of the Lord. Eventually that loss of the spirit can result in us being cut off from the presence of the Lord!

How does that happen? It happens because we start trusting in our own strength and wisdom, instead of relying upon the Lord to show us the way. As the Spirit of the Lord withdraws from us, we become more vulnerable to the temptations of the devil, and to the philosophies of men. What once may have stood out as black and white, can become shades of grey. The light that we once enjoyed, is darkened and taken away from us. What once may have been a strong testimony, can diminish, and be lost. The light that we have with in us, and the testimonies that give us strength, need the constant nourishment of the Spirit of the Lord. Without that Spirit, they will eventually wither away.

Who is it that wants is not to pray? Satan knows how important prayer is, and he doesn’t like it one bit!

“. . .For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray.” (2 Nephi 32:8)

What if we just don’t feel like praying? If we find ourselves in that situation – the first thing to remember is just WHO it is that wants you to feel this way. We may have many feelings or emotions that cause us to not want to pray – and none of them are good.

We might feel unworthy. But if that is the case, only by appealing to the Lord in prayer, and asking that the atoning sacrifice of the Lord may be applied on our behalf will lead to our forgiveness.

We might feel angry at the Lord. We might have such thoughts as: “Why did this happen to me!” Through prayer, we can learn from the wisdom of the Lord, and increase in our own wisdom to understand his ways. Being angry and shaking our fist at the Lord in defiance will never lead to an increase of your own wisdom and understanding. The healing balm of the Lord is waiting for you. But you must first humble yourself, and ask for his love to fill your heart, and then you will find peace.

We might just be plain too lazy to pray. Of these, the prophet Nephi warned:

And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell. (2 Nephi 28:21)

Regardless of the reason that we may not feel like praying, we should always know that it is Satan’s desire that we not approach the Lord in prayer.

Remember the commandment of the Savior to the Nephites:

Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. (3 Nephi 18:18)

If ever we don’t feel like praying, the that should be a clue to us to drop to our knees as soon as possible, and pray until we do feel like praying. By praying, and trying to root the evil spirit out of our hearts, we demonstrate that we trust in the Lord, more than we trust in the evil whisperings of the devil.

Prayer and The Sacrament

Prayer, regular, sincere, and humble prayer, is one of the keys to obtaining the Spirit of God in our lives, and to keep that Spirit with us.

There are other prayers that can bring the presence of the Holy Ghost into our lives as well. The two sacrament prayers were offered just a few minutes ago, in which we all took part as we said: “Amen:, each ended with the phrase: “that they may always have His Spirit to be with them”.

As we worthily partake of the sacrament, and renew our covenants, with repentant hearts, we have the promise of the Lord that we will have his Spirit to be with us. As we combine this with our regular, daily prayers, we can have the blessings of the Spirit of the Lord to be with us, as a constant companion. That is why regular church attendance is so important, so we can have the blessing of the sacrament to invite the Holy Ghost I into our hearts and minds.

This then is our protection from being deceived. Right and wrong will be more easily discernable. We will receive direction on those areas of our lives we need to improve upon. We will no longer wander and stumble in paths of darkness and sin. The course of the straight and narrow path be comes lighted before us, and we will see the way that we must go to return to our Father in Heaven.

Something Worth Saving

2005-07-31T23:14:00.000-06:00

This talk was given to a congreagation at the Utah Boys Ranch, on July 31, 2005.

The Story of Rosemarie Deppe

As a young girl, Rosemarie spent her summers with my grandma, and she spent much of her time in her garden. She didn’t have a nice, small garden in the corner of her yard like other grandmas. Oh No!! She had what she called a “work-hard-and-eat-well” garden. We would get up early in the morning before it got too and spend hours weeding, watering, and eventually picking the vegetables from the garden. The only thing that kept me going was that once in a while, a fresh breeze would come along to help cool us off.

My grandma didn’t say very much, but she worked a lot. I followed her around the garden, but my mind was usually thinking of something else. I thought to myself: “Gardening is for grandmas!” But my grandma would smile at me, and that smile told me she was pleased as she looked over our work. She made me promise that I would follow the counsel of the prophet (President Spencer W. Kimball) and plant my own garden someday.

Sowing Seeds of Obedience

Eventually Rosemarie grew up, and had a family of her own. She decided that it was time to plant a garden—not because she was too excited about it, but because she had a at least out of a desire to obey the prophet and to keep the promise she had made to her Grandma. She daid: “As soon as I dug up a small area of ground, I realized that I hadn’t paid very close attention to what grandma was doing in the garden when I was younger. What had come so easily for Grandma now seemed impossible for me. Did I pick a good location? How should I arrange the rows? How close should I plant the seeds?”

Continuing her story Rosemarie said: “I tried to dismiss the need to plant a garden. “What’s the big deal, anyway? I can just buy this food from the store and save myself all of this work.” But I had made a promise, and I wanted to keep it. I called Grandma for reminders and tips about gardening. I began to remember again our summer days together in the garden. At first, nothing happened—all that work and nothing. But finally, after several weeks, a few plants struggled through the ground and began to grow.”

Weeding Out Distraction

After planting the garden, Rosemarie got distracted by the challenges in her life, that she forgot her garden. The kids got sick. Life got busy. The dog ate some of the young plants. Other things seemed more important, and she didn’t think much about her garden until grandma came to visit.

Rosemarie said: “I cringed when grandma asked to see the garden. The walk out to the garden seemed long and terrible. When we went outside, I was completely embarrassed by what we both saw. The plants had withered down to nothing, and the weeds were choking out the vegetables. Grandma’s looked around, and didn’t say very much. After looking things over, grandma turned to me, with disappointment in her voice and said: ‘You have neglected your garden.’ “

“I had neglected my garden—and my promise to her. I had not cared about my garden until she was there. I knew I had disappointed her. I thought of a thousand excuses, but none of them mattered. “It’s hopeless, Grandma. I’m hopeless!”

Cultivating Hope

She looked at my garden intently. She looked at me and then looked back at my garden. “No, it’s not hopeless,” she said with a comforting smile. “I think there is something in here worth saving.” Her eyes settled on a scrawny, pathetic-looking green bean bush. I don’t even like green beans very much, but that was the plant she thought would survive.

I would have given up, but Grandma doesn’t give up on anything or anyone. She knelt down beside the little plant and began to clear away the weeds. She instructed me about what I needed to do. This time I listened carefully. Grandma believed that this green bean bush had value. It was important that it lived. I began to care about it too. I did not want to disappoint her again.

It took days to bring that little plant back to life and weeks of nurturing and care to keep it going. I’ll never forget the day I picked three green beans from that bush—I was thrilled!

Learning about Gardening—and God

Many years later, after having many gardens, Rosemarie came to understand what grandma meant when she said: “You will understand more about God if you tend your garden.”

Rosemarie wondered what she meant by that. But then she remembered back to a time in college when her life had come to look like my neglected garden. Her spiritual life was withering. Her gospel roots were not very deep. She said: “In the garden of my life, weeds were growing everywhere because I had neglected scripture study and prayer and had let other things become more important. I went to church, but I didn’t really listen. I made some mistakes, and I knew I needed help.”

The walk to the bishop’s office—like the walk to the garden with my grandma—seemed long and terrible. I was embarrassed by what my life had become. I felt I was hopeless.

My bishop listened. He looked at me intently. Finally, with a comforting smile, he said, in effect, “No, it’s not hopeless. I see something in you that is worth saving.”

I began to understand that the power of the Atonement could restore my withered life. I came to know that Heavenly Father doesn’t give up on anybody, and I determined to try my best to not disappoint Him.

Just like the revitalizing breeze I had felt in my grandmother’s garden, the repentance process restored me. Through the blessings of the Atonement, my withered hopes slowly came back to life. It was a blessing—a blessing just for me.

I now realize that I am responsible for my garden—the garden of my life. It takes daily effort to grow closer to the Lord, just as it takes daily effort to keep a garden. Repentance repairs our mistakes, and the Atonement allows us to keep trying. I have learned that the fruits of the Spirit cannot be purchased from a store; we have to grow them ourselves by following Him.

I have never forgotten how pleased I was to see those three green beans on that scraggly bush long ago. But more important than saving the plant, I came to understand that the Lord sees someone worth saving in me.

What can we learn from Rosemarie’s Story

In Rosemarie’s story, we see that it takes a conscious effort on our part, if we are to keep our spirits in tune with our heavenly father. He has much that he wants to bless us with. We can have the blessing of the Holy Ghost to dwell with us, to help us overcome our weaknesses, and to more clearly see right from wrong.

If we don’t try to weed out the distractions, and things in our lives that can choke out the presence of the Holy Ghost in our lives, our spirits may become like the tiny bean plant in Rosemarie’s garden, struggling to survive and to bear fruit, but severely hampered by neglect, which allowed the weeds to grow all around it, and to steal the sunshine, water, and nutrients in the soil. By clearing away the weeds in our lives, we can open the way toward greater spiritual growth, and strength. We will be better able to grow and enlarge, and reach the potential that is within each one of us as Children of God.

(You Can read Rosemary's own Account Here.)

The Seeds of Death Valley

Have you ever heard of a place called Death Valley?

· Death Valley Normally receives 1-2 inches of rainfall per hear. (Salt Lake City averages between 18-20 inches per year, by contrast.)

· Some years Death Valley can go an entire year without any rainfall at all!

· This winter, there have been 6 inches of rainfall in the last 4 months. What do you think has happened as a result?

· (Show pictures of wildflowers)

· Rainfall like this occurs only about once in every 100 years in Death Valley

· Embedded In the dry and parched desert soil of Death Valley, there are millions of tiny seeds, just waiting to spring forth into life, when the conditions are right. This year the conditions were right, and you can see the results.

Seeds of the Divine

· Just as there are wildflower seeds, embedded in what normally looks like dry, arid soil, there are hidden within each of us, seeds of the divine.

· Each of us is a child of God. We are precious to him.

· We carry within each of us some of his own divine and noble attributes, just like we carry many of the physical attributes of our earthly parents.

· Like the wildflower seeds waiting for rain, the seeds of divinity, inherited from our Heavenly Father, are waiting us to make the conditions right for those seeds to spring forth into life.

How do we Go about Removing the Weeds?

Removing the weeds from our spiritual lives involves making changes in our life. President Spencer W. Kimball counseled young people to take a careful inventory of their habits. “Change,” he said, “comes by substituting good habits for less desirable ones.” Then he added, “You mold your character and future by good thoughts and acts.” (New Era, Sept. 1974, p. 7.)

A favorite saying often quoted by the late President David O. McKay was:

“We sow our thoughts, and we reap our actions; we sow our actions, and we reap our habits; we sow our habits, and we reap our characters; we sow our characters, and we reap our destiny.”

(C. A. Hall, The Home Book of Quotations, New York: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1935, p. 845.)

When we are born into the world, we have no habits at all. All the habits that we now have, have been learned and acquired at some point in our lives.

Elder Delbert L Stapley, of the Quorum of the Twelve said:

“We are not born into this world with fixed habits. Neither do we inherit a noble character. Instead, as children of God, we are given the privilege and opportunity of choosing which way of life we will follow—which habits we will form.”

Good habits don’t happen overnight. We must first resolve to make a change. But just having made a resolution won’t make it happen. Good habits are formed in our daily lives, by the things we do, one day at a time. As our habits change, from bad ones, to good ones, our character is changed as well. It is not in the moments of great trial that build our character. Rather, these moments display the character that has already been built in our lives, through our day to day actions.

Elder Delbert L. Stapley Said:

“The character required to attain eternal life must be formed in this life with good habits. Goodness in a person is not simply the absence of wrongdoing. It is a love of and practice of all things that are true, honest, lovely, and of good report.”

Let us set high goals for ourselves and work to achieve those goals by making God the center of our lives. He is the fountainhead of all truth, justice, and peace. Let us remember that God’s laws are eternal. They do not change. There is no moral or spiritual code that changes with what is popular in the world, or what might be politically correct. Some may presume that they can change the laws of God to fit their own selfish needs or desires. But God is the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever. Truth is Truth, and it will endure and abide forever. Evil or bad habits can never lead us to joyful living. For as the prophet Alma said: “Wickedness never was happiness”. God’s standards and truths for his people will always point toward the true way of life for all of his children.

The Lord has said: “There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated— “And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.” (D&C 130:20–21.)

Our efforts to love and serve God will be openly rewarded by him. He always extends to us the hand of love and mercy. He loved us so much that he suffered and died for us. He knows that like the tiny bean bush overcome with weeds, that within each one of us, there is something worth saving. We need only have faith and trust in Him. Have faith that He is there. Have faith that he loves us, no matter how many weeds we may have in our gardens. We need to have faith that he has the power, and the willingness to help us overcome our weaknesses. We need to have faith that he will bless us, as we follow him, and keep his commandments.

Maintaining good personal habits which are pleasing to our Heavenly Father will strengthen our character, increase our influence for good, improve our example toward others, bless our loved ones and friends, enrich our lives, and enable us to accomplish those things that yield true personal satisfaction and build peace and happiness in our hearts. We will have joy eternally, possessing a treasure to be much desired and sought after, for the Lord gives this assurance: “Inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.” (D&C 58:28.)

It all starts with a single step—we decide that we can do it.

May we forsake all evil and take that first step to shape our lives for eternity through good habits and righteous standards of good character.

Focus and Priorities

2005-07-17T16:18:00.000-06:00

We of this generation have been preserved to come forth in this period of time in the worlds history, during the approach of the final days before the Second Coming of the Lord.

Because we have been blessed to live upon the earth at this time, there are certain blessings and advantages which we enjoy. Some of those blessings include:

Living while the Gospel is upon the earth in its fullness.

The Priesthood Authority has Been Restored

Having modern Prophets and Apostles who minister among us today

The wealth of knowledge that comes to us from the scriptures, especially the increased light and knowledge we gain from our Latter-day scriptures.

We share these gifts with everyone who has taken part in this last dispensation from Joseph Smiths day, until now.

There are many blessings that we enjoy today, that our brethren earlier in this dispensation did not have. We have many modern conveniences and inventions which not only save us time and labor, but which bring vast amounts of information at our fingertips.

A Wealth of Information

Today we live in a world which is literally flooded with information. With the advent of computers, mass storage devices, and the Internet there is more information available the ever before! So much of what we do in our work, at home, and even in the church is based on information, and information technology.

President Brigham Young once said:

Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind, has been given by direct revelation from God. ...We should take advantage of all these great discoveries ... and give to our children the benefit of every branch of useful knowledge, to prepare them to step forward and efficiently do their part in the great work (Deseret News, 22 Oct. 1862, 129).

Information technology has been a great blessing to us. Many of us make our living based upon the collection, processing and analysis of information. For the church, information technology helps to maintain the records of church members, and church units. As the church continues to grow, so will the information processing needs of the church grow as well. In addition, through the Church Web site, we now have access to the scriptures, and all of the general conference addresses and church magazines for the past 30 years! What a wealth of information this is to assist in our gospel study and to help us with talk and lesson preparation as well.

Perhaps one of the greatest impacts of information technology on the mission of the church is in regard to family history research. Think of the records of ancestors, first copied by hand, then microfilmed, then placed on compact disks, and now on the Internet. Instead of having to go to a centralized library to view and research records, now anyone with a computer can access much of the genealogical information possessed by the church. Plans are underway to continue capturing genealogical and temple ordinance information in electronic form, so as to make it as widely available as possible. Software programs that help us collect, organize, and share family history information are also a great boon.

With all these advances in information technology, also comes a responsibility, to use them wisely, and for good and righteous purposes, that will have an eternal impact.

In our efforts to search out information, we can find vast quantities of various kinds. Teachers can download bales of information on any subject. But a bale of handouts can detract from our attempt to teach gospel principles with clarity and testimony. Piles of supplementary information can blur the focus of what we were trying to teach in the first place, and divert students away from prayerfully considering what has been taught, and to apply it in their own lives.

Even good information can have varying levels of importance. Elder Dallin H Oaks stated:

Consider the comparative value today of the advice Brigham Young gave to an audience 140 years ago with what President Hinckley and other servants of the Lord are saying to each of us right now, in this conference. Or compare the value to each of us of some other facts or advice from the distant past with what our stake president said at our last stake conference or what our bishop counseled us last Sunday.
Overarching all of this is the importance of what the Spirit whispered to us last night or this morning about our own specific needs. Each of us should be careful that the current flood of information does not occupy our time so completely that we cannot focus on and hear and heed the still, small voice that is available to guide each of us with our own challenges today. (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Focus and Priorities, Ensign, May 2001, 82.)

Ultimately, the highest priority knowledge is not found through the use of technology. Rather, the highest priority knowledge is what we receive in the temple. That knowledge is obtained from the explicit as well as the symbolic teachings of the endowment, and from the whisperings of the Spirit that come as we are desirous to seek and receive the revelation available to us in that holy place.

Beware of the Dangers

While all of this information can be a great blessing to us, Satan also desires to use these same tools, for his own purposes as well. There is opposition in information technology, as in all things. We need to avoid that which may be harmful. There are those who would seek to destroyfaith, hope, and light and truth. There are those who would seek to degrade us through pornographic images as well. That which was once hidden away under store counters, is now readily accessible, almost without effort, and without having to leave the privacy of ones home or room. The Internet has also facilitates those who would prey upon our children for evil purposes. We need to be aware of these dangers, and take whatever steps necessary to prevent these evils from coming into our homes. These steps can be in the use of filtering and blocking technologies, and perhaps even more important, in the placement of where computers are located. If a computer monitor is located in a place where other family members can easily see the contents of the computer screen, it will greatly lessen the temptation to view those things which are objectionable.

This is not to say technology is bad, or that it should not be used. Only that these technologies should be used with wisdom and care, avoiding that which is evil.

Using Our Time Wisely

We have been discussing some of the modern conveniences we enjoy today, that were unavailable to our brethren earlier in this dispensation. Another great privilege that we enjoy is that we have more time than they did. That may be hard to believe, in our busy world, but lets think about it for a minute.

We have literally been given more time to complete our labors upon the earth. With the advancements in science and medicine (and modern revelation) our life expectancies are more than double what they were in 1830, when the church was organized.

Not only do we have more years in which to live, we also have more discretionary time in each day as well. We have many modern conveniences which allow us to spend our time on pursuits other than the hard manual labor that was required of most people to provide for their families. The nature of their work was physically demanding, such that exhaustion often would set in when they completed their work for the day.

Most of us work in far more controlled settings. Many of us work in climate controlled offices, doing work which is not nearly so physically taxing. For those who work in more physically challenging jobs, there are many workplace rules now in place that restrict the number of hours to be worked, as well as rules to help ensure health and safety in the workplace.

With our increased life-spans, and our increased discretionary time, over that which our forebears enjoyed, comes a greater accountability for how we use the time that we have. Where much is given, much is expected.

We werent given these privileges and blessings so we could just idle away the hours self-indulgently. The Lord has commanded: Thou shalt not idle away thy time (D&C 60:13), and Cease to be idle D&C 88:124.

The Hymn, Improve the Shining Moments speaks the fleeting nature of time:

Time flies on wings of lightning, we cannot call it back. It comes, then passes forward along its onward track. And if we are not mindful, the chance will fade away, for life is quick in passing. Tis as a single day (Improve the Shining Moments, LDS Hymns, no. 226).

Why does it not seemthat we have all of this free time on our hands. The fact is, we have chosen to fill that time with various activities. Have we chosen wisely in how we prioritize our time?

How are we doing on the things in our lives that are really important? The things that will last beyond our mortal lives.
When we make major decisions in our lives, are we seeking for personal revelation, and the guidance of the Spirit? Some of these major decisions in life would include: education, occupation, place of residence, marriage, and childbearing. Some decisions that may seem desirable for mortality have unacceptable risks for eternity. These decisions should be made carefully, and with personal revelation, with all due consideration to what impact of these decisionswill have on our lives, and upon the lives of our family, and posterity to come. Both in the here and now, and throughout the eternities.

When we consider how we use our time and resources, we should also give consideration to what the eternal implications might be from our actions, and the way we spend our time. We may need to re-set our priorities, if we are spending too much of our time for that which will not be of benefit to us eternally.
Lets examine some areas in which we should be devoting our time towards:

Family Relationships. Are we building the kind of relationships we should with our children and our spouse, or do we spend too much of our time transfixed before the television, or surfing the Internet. Is everyone off in their own little world, on their personal computer, personal TV, or Personal Music Player, being isolated from one another, while living under the same roof? None of these things are necessarily evil (although theycan be), but do they seize hold upon us, and divert our attention to that which is trivial and temporal, instead of that which is divine and eternal.

Spiritual Nourishment.Are our diversions keeping us from doing those things which will nourish our spirits, such as: reading the scriptures, attending the temple, and having meaningful prayer.Are we taking time to examine our lives, and giving thoughtful prayer and pondering as to what the Lord would have us do to continue our progression toward him? Do we have a few quiet moments in which the Spirit can speak to our hearts and minds?

Family History. How is our family history work coming along. Do we say to ourselves that we just dont have time for family history at this stage of our lives. What if we carved out just hour or two a week away from our TV viewing, to spend on family history. If we did, real progress could be made over time.

Missionary Work.What about our missionary efforts. Do we know our neighbors by name. Have we reached out the hand of fellowship toward them, even if they are not yet ready to embrace the gospel? We have been commanded to let our light shine before men, that they may glorify, and come unto our Father In Heaven, and his Son. How can our neighbor look to that light, if they dont know who we are?

Home and Visiting Teaching.We have home and visiting teaching families as well. Are we taking the time to visit them each month? If we are visiting them, do we ever think about them between visits? Are they a part of our prayers. Do they know of our love and concern for them, over and above making the obligatory monthly visit?

Magnifying our Callings.What of our church callings? How well are we magnifying and fulfilling those callings? Do we spend the time requisite to properly prepare for our talks and our lessons. Did you think to pray, as you made your preparations? Did you ponder the lesson materials? Did you allow yourself some quiet, undistracted moments to allow the Still, Small, Voice to communicate with you what the Lord would have you teach?

To What Are We Devoted

The truth is, we can tell what our priorities are by how we use our time. That to which we devote our time, is that to which we are devoted.Look at how you spend your time. If you were to analyze how your time used, you would learn rather quickly to what, or to whom you are devoted. Then we can discern if we have set proper priorities for ourselves, or if we might need to us more self-discipline in the way our time is spent. We can determine if our priorities are good ones, based upon their eternal impact.
Based on howwe use our time, you might ask yourself if you are devoted to the Lord, or to some other god. King Benjamin Said:

For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and in tents of his heart?(Mosiah 5:13)

Time, at least in this life, is a scarce resource. Someone has said, Three things never come backthe spent arrow, the spoken word, and the lost opportunity. We cannot recycle or save or borrow time allotted to us each day. With time, we have only one opportunity for choice, and then it is gone forever. Each day is rife with a myriad of decisions and choices. With each choice, we either stay on course, or we are diverted from our eternal goals. Our progress is always moving, it never stands still. Either we are truly pressing forward, with a steadfastness in Christ, or we are not. And if we are not, then we are going the wrong direction, and a course correction isin order.

Dont get me wrong. Im not saying there is not time for diversion, recreation and entertainment. These things all have their place. However, they should not be the dominant pursuits of our lives.

In the end our priorities should rest upon two areas:

1) First we must seek to understand our relationship to God the Eternal Father, and to his Son, Jesus Christ. We need to secure that relationship by entering into their saving ordinances, and by keeping our personal covenants.

2) Second, we seek tounderstand our relationship to our family members, and to secure those relationships by the ordinances of the temple, and by keeping the covenants we make I that holy place.

These relationships, secured by the ordinances of the gospel, provide eternal blessings that are available to us in no other way. No combination of science, success, property, pride, wealth, prominence or power can provide these eternal blessings.

Let us focus on that which is most important. That which will bring us true hope and joy in this world, and a fullness of joy in the next.

The War For The World

2005-06-24T22:36:00.000-06:00

We live in a time of great moral uncertainty. The lines between right and wrong, which once were clearly defined, have become blurred with confusion.
The truth is,we are in the middle of a war. While its true that today there are men at arms who defend us against those who would destroy our country, and our freedoms, there are also other warriors who fight.

This war began long ago, even before the world began. When Lucifer, and his followers fought against the Plan of God, the war began. They were cast out of the presence of God. But that was just the first battle. The war for the souls of men continues, even today.
In the October conference of 1896, President Wilford Woodruff, said:

There are two powers on the earth and in the midst of the inhabitants of the earththe power of God and the power of the devil. In our history we have had some very peculiar experiences. When God has had a people on the earth,it matters not in what age, Lucifer, the son of the morning, and the millions of fallen spirits that were cast out of heaven, have warred against God, against Christ, against the work of God, and against the people of God. And they are not backward in doing it in our day and generation. Whenever the Lord set His hand to perform any work, those powers labored to overthrow it (Deseret Evening News, 17 Oct. 1896).

We know that ultimately Christ and his people will be victorious. Good, in the end, will triumph over evil. There can be no doubt that Christ will be the victor. For he has already won! He won in the Garden of Gethsemane! He won on the cross of Calvary! He won when he rose again on the third day, the Victor over both death and Hell! Now its only a matter of time before Satan, and those who follow him will be defeated and consigned to their place for ever more!

The Battle for the Souls of Men

The battle that yet remains in doubt, however, is the battle for the individual souls of men and women.
The efforts of the forces of evil are many. They will not hesitate to use any stratagem to defeat us.
Every effort is made to destroy faith, to belittle virtue and chastity, to demean those who strive to be the humble followers of Christ. Every effort is made to tempt, deceive,and allure our people to practices inconsistent with the teachings and standers of the Church. That in this, even the very elect might be deceived.

The Priesthood is a part of the Army of God

In His wisdom and mercy, the Lord has restored the fullness of His gospelto the earth. He has also restored His Priesthood power once again to mankind. The priesthood is part of the army of the Lord, in the battle for the souls of men. Through the Priesthood, we have living prophets and apostles and local leaders to help us understand the mind and will of the Lord, and to give us the guidance and direction we need to ward off the forces of evil in our day.

We have priesthood quorums, which when united in brotherhood and a spirit of love, can have a great influence for good in bringing souls to Christ, that they may be delivered from evil.

The Lord has also organized us into eternal family units. The family is the basic unit of the Kingdom of God. In time, the various organizations of the church will have fulfilled their purposes, but the organization of the family is eternal, and will remain throughout the eternities.

The Lord has placed a father at the head of the family, endowed with the power of the Priesthood, to help lead and guide and protect his own family in the battle of souls, even the souls that have been entrusted to him in his own home.

Responsibilities of Fathers

Fathers, and mothers too, are responsible for the teaching of their children.

We cannot leave this responsibility to others (primary, Sunday school, YM/YW.)
The auxiliaries of the church are meant to be a resource to help parents in fulfilling their own duty to teach their children.

What are the best opportunities we have to each our children?

Family home evening and family scripture study provide excellent teaching opportunities.

When children ask you a question is a perfect time to teach. When asking a question, children have already prepared themselves to listen, and to be taught.

One-on-one times such as: camping trips, rides to the store, or just an evening out with dad provide wonderful opportunities to teach and build relationships.

In order to be an effective teacher, we must first have a solid relationship with our children. If we dont see much of our children, because of our outside activities, how can we have a strong relationship with them?

On my mission, we had an adage that said: They wont care how much you know, until they know how much you care.

To be an effective teacher, our children must know of our love and concern for them. This is not only exemplified in what we say to our children but in our interactions with them.

Recently, I was talking with a member of my High Priests group, in my own ward. He had been suffering with the flu, and had sustained some damage to his voice box through it all. Half jokingly-he said my kids love it! -- The Dr. says I cant yell at them for another 3 weeks!

He was saying this in jest, but there is a kernel of truth there too. We need to examine what the balance of our communications are with our children. It is positive, or is it negative? Are we speaking with calm and kindly voices, or are we doing a lot of yelling?

Too many of us are like the father of the little boy who cried: You always tell me when youre disappointed in me. Why dont you ever tell me when youre appointed in me?

Not long I held my 9-year-old daughter on my knee. I asked her, "Do you think I love you?"

She said, "yes."

I said, "How do you know that I love you?" Here is what her answer was:

You compliment me

You do nice things for me

You ask me questions

The way you wake me up in the morning

I tell her that I love her, at least once everyday. But notice that it was through the everyday associations, and my interactions with her that she knew of my love for her, more than even saying the" I love You's."

Thats not to shortchange the importance of the words I love You.

In a survey, 10,000 high school students in Kansas were asked what question they would like to ask their parents and get a straight answer on. Eighty percent replied: Do you love me?

The next most asked question: If you had to do it all over again, would you still have me?

It is vital for us as fathers to make sure that our children know that they are loved and wanted. Take time to pay them compliments. Let them know that you are proud of their accomplishments. Make every effort to attend special events that they participate in, such as: musical programs, recitals, athletic events, or talks that they may give. Make sure that they know you are interested in them, and in their lives.

Our effectiveness as a teacher will be limited if they dont know that we love them and care for them, and that we truly have their best interests at heart.

The power of example

Just as your power as a teach will be limited, if your children to not know that you love them, the impact of your teaching will also be limited if your actions are not consistent with your words.
The more powerful lessons that we will teach our children may well come from the example we have set even more so than our words.

While they may (occasionally) remember our words, they will always be able to recall our actions. Our actions have a bigger impact upon them, and will replay in their minds, over and over again, and likely will be remembered throughout their lives.Think back on your interactions with your own father. You may remember some of his words, but you can probably more easily remember what he did more than you can remember what he said.

How Are you treating your wife?

Your role as the priesthood leader in the home not only involves how you treat your children, but also the way you treat your wife.
Your children are very observant. They see how you treat their mother. If you treat your wife with love, and kindness, with gentleness and respect, your children will in turn have respect for you.

However, if you speak unkindly, or are abusive to your wife in any way, your children will resent you.

Whats worse, the same cycle of abuse may well continue on to the next generation when your sons becomes husbands as well.

President David O McKay said: The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.

The amount of peace and security that comes to a child from a loving relationship between husband and wife cannot be underestimated.

This is one of the great gifts that I received from my father. He was always a peaceable man. Rarely did I ever hear any sharp words between my mother and father.

I never realized what a great blessing this was, until after I left home. Many of my roommates in college, and missionary companions were not blessed with such homes. This had a great impact on their spiritual development, and upon their own feelings of self-worth and self confidence.

Honoring the Priesthood

When we honor our wives, we honorour priesthood.

When we teach our children, with love and respect, we honor our priesthood.

When we set a proper example for our families, and those around us, we honor our priesthood.

When we teach our sons the values and objectives of the Aaronic Priesthood, we honor our priesthood.
When we magnify our church callings and other priesthood responsibilities, we honor our priesthood.

When do our home teaching, and truly watch over those to whom weve been assigned, we honor our priesthood.

When we share the gospel with our neighbors, we honor our priesthood.

When we seek out our dead, and ensure that their work has been done for them in the temples, we honor our priesthood.

As we honor our priesthood, we also honor the Lord.

As we honor our priesthood, we parry the sword of righteousness in the defeat of evil and souls will be brought to Christ.

The wounds suffered in the battle for the souls of men will healed by the Power of Jesus Christ. Not only the wounds of otherswho we may serve, but also our own wounds, too, will be healed as we serve the Master.

The calling of the Priesthood is to serve, to reach out. When we exercise the power of the Priesthood, it is always for the benefit of others. In this, we follow the example of the Savior. All that he did, all that he suffered, was in behalf of others in behalf of us. But in so doing, he overcame all things and triumphed.

Likewise, as we serve the Lord with all diligence, losing ourselves in his work, we too, will find our own salvation in the Lord. And through Him, we too shall triumph!

President Gordon B. Hinckley said:

We are engaged in a great eternal struggle that concerns the very souls of the sons and daughters of God. We are not losing. We are winning. We will continue to win if we will be faithful and true. We can do it. We must do it. We willdo it. There is nothing the Lord has asked of us that in faith we cannot accomplish.

As we selflessly serve others, the saving power of the Saviors healing power will also be extended toward us. For he that loseth his life for my sake, shall find it.

Personal Priesthood Responsibility

2005-05-21T01:13:00.000-06:00

One hundred and seventy-six (176) years ago today, on May 15, 1829, John the Baptist appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to restore the Aaronic Priesthood to the earth. A few weeks later, Peter, James and John also appeared to Joseph and Oliver to restore the Melchizedek Priesthood to the earth.

As far as we know from the scriptures, the priesthood had not been upon the earth among mortal man for some 1400 years since Moroni had lived upon the earth. Due to sin and apostasy, the priesthood was withdrawn from mankind. The saving ordinances of the gospel were not available to those living in mortality. The fulness of the gospel was lost, and mankind wandered in darkness for hundreds of years.

Fortunately, we live in a time when the fullness of the gospel, and the priesthood power is once again had among mankind. Ours is a unique dispensation in which we live. All other dispensations throughout the history of the world would one-day end in apostasy, and the loss of priesthood power. Many of these previous dispensations were limited to a certain geographic area as well. Their peoples would eventually dwindle in unbelief, until a new dispensation of the gospel would be established in the earth.

Dispensation of the Fullness of Times

Our dispensation, the dispensation of the fulness of times, will not end in apostasy and unbelief. The mission of this dispensation is to the entire earth, not a limited geographic area. The priesthood is intended to be shared with all worthy males, as long as they are willing to enter into the covenants required to receive it. In this dispensation , the gospel will last until the time when the Savior returns to the earth, and ushers in the Millennial Dispensation, when Christ will rule personally upon the earth.

For those of us who have been blessed to be members of the church, and to receive the blessings of the priesthood, the only way these blessings will be lost will be through personal apostasy, rather than a general apostasy as before. The church will be here until the end of the earth. The priesthood will never again be taken from the earth.

Through other heavenly visitors, Joseph Smith received all the keys of the priesthood that have ever been given to mankind. Today President Gordon B. Hinckley holds authority for every restored key held by all those who have received a dispensation at any time from the beginning of the creation.

Quorums

When a man or young man is ordained to an office in the Priesthood, he becomes a member of a quorum. This is true for the Prophet, all the way down to the newest Deacon in the Church. The prophet, and his two counselors comprise the quorum of the First Presidency. The newest deacon becomes a member of his local deacons quorum.

Being a member of a quorum is a great blessing. In the quorum we can learn our duties, have opportunities for service, and develop friendships. It is a great blessing as members of the church to be able to travel around the world, or move into a new ward anywhere, and there find the brotherhood of a priesthood quorum. Instant friends, instant support in times of need, and eventually love and brotherhood to help one another through life's journey.

Being a member of a quorum is a great thing, but the responsibility to develop our own power in the priesthood is personal. Elder Russell M. Nelson said:

Only as an individual can you develop a firm faith in God and a passion for personal prayer. Only as an individual can you keep the commandments of God. Only as an individual can you repent. Only as an individual can you qualify for the ordinances of salvation and exaltation. And when your wife is sealed to you, her power and potential will increase yours. (Russell M. Nelson, Personal Priesthood Responsibility, Ensign, Nov. 2003, 44)

I am reminded of a story I once heard regarding the parable of the 10 Virgins. An individual thought that it was selfish of the wise virgins who had filled their lamps with oil to not share their oil with the foolish virgins, who were not prepared. However Robert L. Millet, a BYU Religion professor explains it this way:

I am reminded of a story I once heard regarding the parable of the 10 Virgins. An individual thought that it was selfish of the wise virgins who had filled their lamps with oil to not share their oil with the foolish virgins, who were not prepared. However Robert L. Millet, a BYU Religion professor explains it this way:

For years I wrestled with the meaning of the parable of the ten virgins, as contained in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew. The scene seemed so wrong, the message so counter to all that the Master taught. Why couldn't the wise virgins just break down and share their oil? If each one just contributed a little, I reasoned, perhaps everyone, or at least some of the "foolish" ones, could make it to the wedding to meet the Bridegroom. And then an experience taught me the answer to my query. While I was serving as a priesthood leader, a husband and wife came to see me. They were both distressed about the state of their marriage and family; things seemed to be coming apart in their lives. "How can I help?" I asked. "We need more spirituality in our home," the wife answered. I asked a few questions. "How often do you pray as a family?" They answered that their schedules precluded any kind of family prayer. "Have you been able to hold family home evening?" "Bill and I bowl on Monday nights," was the response. "Do you ever take occasion to read the scriptures as a family or as individuals?" The answer from the husband: "Reading hurts my eyes." "Well, then, how can I help you?" I asked. Again came the reply: "We want the Spirit in our lives."
It was as though they were saying to me, "Brother Millet, could you reach down into your heart and loan us five years of daily prayer, ten years of regular scripture study, and fifteen years of family spiritual activities?" I couldn't do it. I realized dramatically that there are simply some things that we cannot share. I also came to appreciate that, like the small oil lamps of the Middle East that require a careful and methodical and slow effort to fill, so in our own lives we need to build our reservoirs of faith and spiritual experience gradually and consistently. Consistent gospel growth that was the answer. A colleague of mine drew my attention to these words of President Spencer W. Kimball: "The foolish asked the others to share their oil, but spiritual preparedness cannot be shared in an instant. . . . This was not selfishness or unkindness. The kind of oil that is needed to illuminate the way and light up the darkness is not shareable. . . . In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living." (Robert L. Millet, Selected Writings of Robert L. Millet:
Gospel Scholars Series, 377.)

Only we can do it

Throughout our lives will have many callings, and opportunities to serve in a wide variety of callings and assignments. Many of these callings are temporary, and we will be released one-day. However there are responsibilities that we have from which we will never be released: responsibilities to live so that we can grow and develop in priesthood power, and responsibilities to our families will never end in a release.

When we are ordained to the priesthood, we are granted authority, but power in the priesthood comes from exercising that authority in righteousness.

Responsibility to the Lord

Each priesthood holder is responsible to the Lord. Each of us has been charged to be true and faithful, and live up to every doctrine he has given us. We have been entrusted to build up the Kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness. One day each one of us will have to give an accounting to the Lord of how we used his Priesthood power.

Now is the time for us to prepare for that ultimate interview. Elder Nelson suggests that we ask ourselves these questions:

Do I pay tithing with a willing heart?

Do I obey the Word of Wisdom?

Is my language free from obscenities and swearing?

Am I morally righteous?

Am I truly grateful for the Atonement that makes my resurrection a reality and eternal life a possibility?

Do I honor temple covenants that seal loved ones to me forever?

If you can honestly say yes, you are developing power in the priesthood.
The gift of the Holy Ghost can add to that power. Scriptures tell of people who had received the Holy Ghost but did not know it. don't let that happen to you.

If our experiences with the Spirit happen only occasionally, and sometimes are even indiscernible, then we need to be doing more things in our lives to invite the spirit to be a constantrather than only an occasional companion.

King Benjamin asks the following piercing question:

For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart? (Mosiah 5:13)

Are our thoughts Christ-centered, or self-centered. Are we focused on building the kingdom of God, or in acquiring the things and praise of the world?

For every man and boy as he turns twelve years of age, there is the responsibility to receive the priesthood and to magnify our callings. This is according to the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood. As we receive the priesthood, and truly magnify our callings and priesthood responsibilities, God, in turn, has given us His oath that he will give unto us all things that he has.

Magnifying Your Calling in the Aaronic Priesthood

So, as an Aaronic Priesthood Holder, what can you do to magnify your calling? Each week in priesthood meeting, the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood are recited. They are:

Become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and live by its teachings.

Serve faithfully in priesthood callings, and fulfill the responsibilities of priesthood offices.

Give meaningful service.

Prepare and live worthily to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and temple ordinances.

Prepare to serve an honorable full-time mission.

Obtain as much education as possible

Prepare to become a worthy husband and father

Give proper respect to women, girls, and children.

Fulfilling these objectives is how you can magnify your priesthood as an Aaronic Priesthood holder. These are great objectives, and will help build a firm foundation for the rest of your lives. These purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood will prepare you for a mission, for the temple, for a wife and family. They will prepare you for a life, and prepare you for that ultimate interview with the Savior, when we will have to give an accounting for how we used His Priesthood.

I mention these purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood so that mothers, sisters and the Young Women can also know of what things the young men are striving for. Im sure that the young men would appreciate any support you can give to them in helping them to attain these goals. What mother would not be proud of a son who obtained these goals? What young woman would not want to one-day marry a young man who has focused his life around these goals and has truly magnified his calling in the Aaronic Priesthood.

Magnifying Your calling in the Melchizedek Priesthood

In order to qualify for the highest degree in the Celestial Kingdom, the scriptures teach that a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; And if he does not, he cannot obtain it. (D&C 131: 2-3)

Elder Russell M. Nelson said:

The marriage covenant is honored when you honor your wife. A husbands foremost priority should be the care of his wife. Be true to her. don't ever allow your eyes to gaze upon pornography or let your language be lewd. The very choices made by reason of agency limit ones agency in the future. You cannot exercise agency and escape accountability and responsibility for each choice.

In keeping the commandments, and fulfilling our priesthood responsibilities we cannot truly magnify our callings in the priesthood, unless we are treating our wives and children with respect and kindness. Remember to serve them with gentleness, long-suffering, kindness, meekness, love unfeigned, pure knowledge, and charity toward all (D&C 121: 41-42)

I would suspect that much of our final interview with the Savior, will involve how well we treated our wives and our families. As Melchizedek Priesthood holders, one of the chief responsibilities we have is in providing for, teaching, building and nurturing our wives and children. This often times can require great sacrifice on our part. We frequently will have to forego some of our own selfish desires for the betterment and blessing of those most close to us. We must give our lives to our wives and families, as Christ gave his life to the church.

How do you treat your wife?

Your role as a priesthood leader in the home involves how well you treat your wife.

Your children are very observant. If you treat your wife with love, and kindness, with gentleness and respect, your children will in turn have respect for you.

However, if you speak unkindly, or are abusive to your wife in any way, your children will resent you.

Whats worse, the same cycle of abuse may continue when your sons becomes husbands as well.

President David O McKay said: The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.

The amount of peace and security that comes to a child from a loving relationship between husband and wife cannot be underestimated.

This is one of the great gifts that I received from my father. He was always a peaceable man. Rarely did I ever hear any sharp words between my mother and father.

I never realized what a great blessing this was, until after I left home. Many of my roommates in college, and missionary companions were not blessed with such homes. This had a detrimental impact on their spiritual development, as well as their own feelings of self worth and self confidence.

Much of the decline we see in the fabric of our society today stems from men who do not treat the women in their lives with the proper love, honor, and respect they deserve.

How do you treat your children?

How do you interact with your children. Are we spending so much of our time correcting and directing them, that we don't take time to compliment them and build them up.

Too many of us are like the father of the little boy who cried: You always tell me when you're disappointed in me. Why don't you ever tell me when you're appointed in me?

As a patriarch in the home, it is your duty to see that your children live in a nurturing environment, where each child feels loved and valued.

Take time to pay them compliments. Let them know that you are proud of their accomplishments. Actions speak louder than words pay attention to what they are doing. Make every attempt to attend special events that they participate in, such as musical programs, recitals, athletic events, talks that they may give, etc. Make sure that they know you are interested in them, and in their lives.

Set a good example for your children in all that you do. If your actions are not consistent with your teachings, they will not believe your words.

If you have a kind and loving relationship with your children, they will be more likely to listen to your teachings, because they will know of your love and concern for them. Your ability to influence your children will be much greater if your children know of your love and concern for them.

The power of your teachings

Do not underestimate the power of your teachings. Do not be weary in pursuing your righteous goals to have daily scripture study, family prayers, and weekly Home Evenings. Even if your kids are squirming and seeming to not pay attention, your words and efforts are being recorded in their minds.

You never know when the day may come when they will need to know the things you have taught them.

One of the duties if the Holy Ghost, is to bring all things to our remembrance, which have been taught unto us.

My favorite example of this is from the life of Alma the younger. Alma had been taught well by his father, Alma. When the Angel appeared to Alma the Younger, he was struck down, and was wracked with the memory of his many sins.

17 . . .I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain! (Alma 36:17-20.)

You never know when your teachings will be brought to remembrance in the minds of your children, by the power of the Holy Ghost. Like, Alma, it might be in a moment of extreme need. It might be in a moment when their eternal destiny might hinge on a single decision. The words of truth and testimony that you teach your children, may be just the thing that pulls them through, during the fiery trials of their lives. The Holy Ghost will bring those crucial teachings to their mind in that critical hour of decision.

Conclusion: Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts

Essentially, what we have been discussing today can all be summed up by reading D&C 121: 34-46. The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven. When we behave with any degree of unrighteousness, or unrighteous dominion, our power in the priesthood is diminished. The priesthood is not a license for dictatorship. We are to proceed . . . only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, . . . without hypocrisy, and without guile

And Finally:

45. Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, (including your own household) and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
46. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever. (D&C 121:45-46)

As we do these things, our power in the priesthood will grow, until we one day will have confidence to stand in the presence of the Lord, and give a worthy accounting unto him of our lives of priesthood service. And in return, the blessings of the Lord, and the blessings of our families, will flow unto us forever and ever.

Quality Quorum Instruction

2005-05-04T00:42:00.000-06:00

One of the duties of quorum leaders is to ensure that quorum instruction teaches correct principles, is of high quality, and is effective in strengthening and uniting the quorum.

D&C 88:122. D&C 50:22
“Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege.” -- “Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.”

The Ideal

I would submit that this is the ideal for gospel instruction within our priesthood quorums.

- How close to the ideal are we coming in our quorums?

- Do our quorum members come away feeling strengthened and edified?

- Are our quorums more unified after the lesson? Are the bonds of love and fellowship increased?

Then Reality Sets In

How well prepared are the lessons being presented in our quorums? Do your quorum instructors take the time and make the effort necessary in their preparation to receive direction from the Spirit in what they teach?

Are our quorum instructions being taught by the Spirit? Or by some other way? And if by some other way, they are not of God. (See D&C 50:17-18)

Do we have instructors preparing their lessons in Sacrament meeting, and then reading out of the manual in quorum meeting?

Are class members paying attention to the lesson, or are they visiting with each other, or catching up on their sleep?

Elder Jeffery R Holland Said:

[Real spiritual food] is what our members really want when they gather in a meeting or come into a classroom anyway. Most people don't come to church looking merely for a few new gospel facts or to see old friends, though all of that is important. They come seeking a spiritual experience. They want peace. They want their faith fortified and their hope renewed. They want, in short, to be nourished by the good word of God, to be strengthened by the powers of heaven. Those of us who are called upon to speak or teach or lead have an obligation to help provide that, as best we possibly can. We can only do that if we ourselves are striving to know God, if we ourselves are continually seeking the light of His Only Begotten Son. Then, if our hearts are right, if we are as clean as we can be, if we have prayed and wept and prepared and worried until we don't know what more we can do, God can say to us as He did to Alma and the sons of Mosiah: "Lift up thy head and rejoice. . . . I will give unto you success."

“When crises come in our lives and they will the philosophies of men interlaced with a few scriptures and poems just won't do. Are we really nurturing our youth and our new members in a way that will sustain them when the stresses of life appear? Or are we giving them a kind of theological Twinkie spiritually empty calories?” (Elder Jeffery R Holland, “A Teacher Come From God”, Ensign, May 1988.)

Quorum Instructor Training

I was inspired recently by President Collett, of the 1st ward Elders Quorum, who is instituting his own Teacher Improvement instruction for his quorum instructors. Some wards have an active Teacher Improvement Program, and some don’t. Whether your ward has a good teacher improvement program or not, ultimately, it is your responsibility as quorum leaders to ensure that you have quality instruction in your quorum.

Tools for Quorum Leaders

I would like to give you some tools to assist you in training your quorum instructors and leadership.

I have prepared 3 handouts for you:

1. The Well Prepared Lesson

2. Using Class Assignments

3. The Fine Art of Asking Questions

- Having better prepared lessons will help bring the Spirit into your quorum instruction. Without the Spirit, no real or lasting learning or life changes will take place.

- Assigning quorum members to participate in the lesson, and using good questioning techniques will encourage class participation.

- As the brethren of the quorum share their insights, and experiences with one another, we know our quorum members better.

- We also better utilize the combined wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and experience that lies within each quorum.

- As real-life experiences are shared with one another, we feel after one another in our hearts, and the bonds of brotherhood and love within the quorum are increased.

The scripture that was read at the beginning of my remarks would seem to indicate that lessons taught as a quorum discussion, rather than a lecture format would best fit the ideal for quorum instruction, where each member of the quorum can edify, lift and build one another.

D&C 88:122, D&C 50:22
“Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege.” -- “Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.” (D&C 50:22)

The First Handout (The well Prepared Lesson) discusses the following topics:

- Preparing and Teaching a Lesson by the Spirit.

- Focusing the lesson on one central, or main idea.

- Applying the Lesson Concepts to Real Life

- Committing Class members to implement the truths being taught in the lesson.

The Second Handout discusses using Class Assignments as a way to involve class members in the lesson.

- Class assignments help give class members some of the benefits of being a teacher. In nearly all cases, the teacher learns far more in the preparation of the lesson, than does to students. Why should the teacher keep all the blessings to himself?

- Giving assignments to class members helps involve everyone in the class discussion – even those who would not always voluntarily participate in discussions. (or those who seem to be visiting or sleeping during quorum lesson time.)

- There is a wealth of knowledge and experience in our Melchizedek Priesthood quorums. Class assignments help bring out that wisdom and knowledge.

- The handout discusses how to use class assignments, and suggests different types of assignments that can be given to class members.

- As class members share their insights and testimonies, we come closer to the ideal of each class member participating in turn, and edifying one another.

The Third Handout is titled “The Fine Art of Asking Questions”

- This handout discusses different types of questions, and various questioning techniques.

- Instruction is given on how to craft questions to get the desired effect.

- Questions are an excellent way of way to stimulate class discussions, and involve class members in the lesson.

- Care must be taken to ensure that discussions do not stray from the theme of the lesson (Unless directed by the Spirit).

The Well Prepared Lesson

2005-05-04T00:36:00.000-06:00

D&C 88:122 & D&C 50:22
“Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege.” -- “Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.”

Prepare and Teach by the Spirit

- Lessons should be prepared well in advance, with much thought and prayer so that the Spirit can guide us as we prepare the lesson.

- Thoughts and ideas need an incubation period to fully develop and stand on their own. (Over a period of several days at least.) When thoughts and Ideas occur, write them down, and use them in the lesson.

- Those who are called and set apart to teach, are entitled to the inspiration necessary to know what the Lord would have us say, that will bless and edify the very individuals who will be in attendance for the lesson.

- If we have prepared by the Spirit, we will be teaching by the spirit, and not by some other way. For if it is by some other way, it is not of God. (See D&C 50:17-18) We can have confidence if we have prepared by the Spirit, that the Spirit will be there when we present the lesson, and will testify of the truthfulness of what is being taught.

Focus on One Central Idea

- Most lesson materials contain more suggestions than can be used in the allotted time period.

- Don’t feel like you have to cram everything in — if you do, you will probably not be able to fully develop concepts such that they will have much meaning or much impact. — It will be like reading newspaper headlines.

- Select the main idea. — Usually this main idea is stated at the beginning of the lesson. Outline the subtopics that you wish to use to support the main idea, based on the needs of your quorum. If you are not sure what the needs are, consult with your quorum leader as you prepare for the lesson.

- Carefully read your lesson materials. Note any sections that may not apply to your situation (or the central theme you have chosen.)

- Use the lesson in the manual, and other approved supplementary material (such as scriptures, church magazines and handbooks, etc.) that will support the main objective of the lesson.

- Teach with the one central theme clearly in mind. All teaching aids and classroom activities should support this main idea.

- Use methods to involve class members in the lesson, such as by asking good questions, or by giving assignments to class members. Try to get everyone to participate in some way – each week if possible.

- As you lead class discussions, you need to direct your comments and thoughts back to this one idea. If class discussion strays from the central theme, guide them back to the theme of the lesson. You may even want to write the theme on the chalkboard, to help remind everyone of the topic at hand.

Real-life application, and commitment of what is being taught

- Make sure as you discuss the theme of the lesson, that you also discuss how it can be applied in the lives of your quorum members today.

- The objective of the lesson is to not only to inform and have a nice discussion, but to change hearts and lives.

- The end of each lesson should conclude with a testimony, and by committing each to better live the truths that have been taught. If the lesson is taught with the power of the Spirit, hearts will be prepared to commit to change.

Regarding Properly Prepared Instruction, Elder Jeffery R. Holland Said:

“[Real spiritual food] is what our members really want when they gather in a meeting or come into a classroom anyway. Most people don't come to church looking merely for a few new gospel facts or to see old friends, though all of that is important. They come seeking a spiritual experience. They want peace. They want their faith fortified and their hope renewed. They want, in short, to be nourished by the good word of God, to be strengthened by the powers of heaven. Those of us who are called upon to speak or teach or lead have an obligation to help provide that, as best we possibly can. We can only do that if we ourselves are striving to know God, if we ourselves are continually seeking the light of His Only Begotten Son. Then, if our hearts are right, if we are as clean as we can be, if we have prayed and wept and prepared and worried until we don't know what more we can do, God can say to us as He did to Alma and the sons of Mosiah: "Lift up thy head and rejoice. . . . I will give unto you success."

“When crises come in our lives‑‑and they will‑‑the philosophies of men interlaced with a few scriptures and poems just won't do. Are we really nurturing our youth and our new members in a way that will sustain them when the stresses of life appear? Or are we giving them a kind of theological Twinkie‑‑spiritually empty calories?” (Elder Jeffery R Holland, “A Teacher Come From God”, Ensign, May 1988.)

See also The following Posts on Lesson Preparation:

Using Class Assignments

2005-05-04T00:26:00.000-06:00

Making the Assignment

1. Make the assignment (preferably in writing) early enough that class members have ample time for preparation.

2. Convey clearly to class members:

- Precisely what is expected of them
- How their parts will fit into the lesson
- How much time they have

3. Impress upon them the significance of their contribution and the importance of being well prepared.

4. Suggest ideas or materials that they might use in the presentations

5. Express appreciation for their willingness to assist.

6. Follow-up a few days before the lesson to see if you can assist them, or if any problems have arisen. — Also serves as a reminder in case they haven’t started preparing yet.

7. Convey your faith and confidence that they will do well.

Suggested Assignments

1. Telling a story

2. Relating a personal experience relating to a principle

3. Bearing testimony

4. Have the student make a challenge to his classmates

5. Conduct a scripture chase

6. Leading a discussion on a real life problem situation

7. Giving a report on a topic, on a scriptural passage, on a conference talk, or on an Ensign Article.

8. Participating in a panel discussion

9. Singing

10. Reading a poem

The Fine Art of Asking Questions

2005-05-04T00:15:00.000-06:00

Knowing the right questions to ask can be one of the best tools available to elicit class discussion.

Three ways to ask questions:

1. The overhead question This type of question is directed to the entire class, rather than to an individual. Students then volunteer their answers. Can be used to start the class thinking, and doesn’t put anyone on the spot.

2. The direct question This question is directed to an individual by name. When using this technique, ask the question first, then add the student’s name you are directing the question toward.

-By not adding the name until the last, all the students will be thinking of a response, rather than tuning out if someone else’s name is called ahead of the question.

-A direct question may be used to involve a class member who has otherwise been silent.

3. Reverse or redirect a question When one student gives an answer, ask another student what they think about their response. Or, if a student asks a question, redirect the question back to another class member to answer. This stimulates discussion.

Seven Tips for using questions

1. Write the question on the chalkboard. You can refer back to it if the discussion begins to wander.

2. Phrase the question so that it cannot be answered with a yes/no answer. Yes/no questions will not stimulate discussion.

Exception: Yes/No questions may be used to help draw out timid students

3. Phrase questions impartially. Avoid leading questions, which can be manipulative.

4. Do not always answer questions posed to you by students. Such questions may be redirected to encourage class participation, and to foster discussion.

5. Keep discussions organized by relating each succeeding question to the previous answer. This helps maintain a logical flow to the discussion.

6. Use summaries often to show students the progression of the discussion, and to emphasize important points. When summarizing, give credit to students who have made important contributions to the discussion. Occasionally ask one of the students (sometimes a quiet one) to summarize.

7. Use the chalkboard to list the main points of the discussion, as well as areas where more discussion is needed.

Questioning Techniques

1. Involve non-volunteers.

Non volunteers are those who do not raise their hand and participate in class. Call on non-volunteers as well, to help involve them. They know that if they might be called on, they will listen and pay attention better. Be careful not to embarrass anyone.

2. Pausing after a question.

-Avoid questions that can be answered with a one-word reply
-Pause to let class members collect their thoughts
-Consistently praise thoughtful answers

3. Rephrasing

-After a student gives a response, repeat back, in your own words, what they said prefaced by: “Let me see if I understand what you’re saying...”, or “Do you mean...” This method leads to further thought by the student. It causes them (and other class members) to analyze their response, and to make further clarifications if necessary.

-Rephrasing also stimulates other students to think and comment.-You may want to redirect the question to other students: “What do you think about that Bob?”

-Rephrasing can be a non-judgmental response to an answer. Fearful people will see that they will not be punished or cut off if they do not answer adequately.

-When we rephrase a response, people can see that their ideas are being listened to and understood. Once they feel this understanding, they will be more likely to participate in future discussions.

-When rephrasing, do not insert your own opinions or ideas. Rephrase only to show that you understand, and to give class members a chance to think about the response.

Hope Through The Atonement of Christ

2005-04-20T23:03:00.000-06:00

HOPE THROUGH THE ATONEMENT
OF JESUS CHRIST

High Council Talk Given to the Prairie 7th Ward
April 17, 2005

The atonement of Jesus Christ brings hope to all mankind. Without the atonement, there would be no hope for the family of man.

There are two great hopes associated with the Atonement of Jesus Christ:

1. Christ’s victory over death that brought about the resurrection.
2. Christ’s victory over sin wherein he took upon himself the sins of the world.

Hope of the Resurrection
Recently we just celebrated Easter. Easter is when we celebrate the great miracle of the resurrection. I remember when I first obtained a spiritual witness of the resurrection. I was on my mission at the time, and was in the process of memorizing the scriptures that accompanied the discussions. I had obtained paperback versions of the scriptures, and had cut out the ones I needed to memorize, and had pasted them on 5 x 7 index cards. As we were out tracting, I would carry this index cards with me, and memorize scriptures between door approaches. I still remember the neighborhood in Kelowna, British Columbia, where I was memorizing the scriptures about the resurrection of the Savior. I remember studying the verses about how the stone was rolled away, and the tomb was empty. The angel telling the women that “He is not here, but is risen, as he said.” The spirit bore witness to me, in a very powerful way the truth of those scriptures that I was memorizing. I had always believed in the resurrection of the Savior, and I had a hope that I, too would one day be resurrected. But now I knew with the surety that can only come from the Holy Ghost, that Christ indeed was resurrected, and that he lives still to this day. The knowledge of that witness still sustains me today, more that 25 years later. The witness of the Spirit gives me hope, that we all will live again after this life.

Implications of the Resurrection
There are certain things that become apparent to us once we have obtained that hope of the resurrection.

- We know, for instance, that this life will not be the end of our existence.
- We know that there will be a judgment to come after this life is over
- We know that we will be held accountable for our actions here in this life

Not the end
If we have the hope of the resurrection we know that this life will not be the end of our existence. Too many people in the world do not have this hope. Many believe, like Korihor, “that when a man is dead, that is the end thereof.” (Alma 30:18).

If we have no hope of life beyond mortality, we lose the eternal perspective of our existence. We lose sight of the plan of salvation, and the true purposes of life become hidden from us.

Those who do not have this understanding of our reasons for being here on earth often mock the laws of God, and those who follow him.

I am convinced that much of the wickedness we have in the world today is a result of those who do not have a hope in the resurrection.

(Alma 41.11)
“. . . all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness."

How lonely they must be, to be without God in the world. How miserable they are, for we know that wickedness never was happiness, and it never will be.

Knowing that there is a resurrection gives us hope that all our efforts in living the gospel, and keeping the commandments will be worth our time and effort in this life.

Those without this hope, do not share this belief. Eventually this philosophy of unbelief, which is encouraged by Satan, causes people to rebel against God and to consider keeping His commandments a burden. It creates an approach to life of fulfilling their appetites and every whim, and getting away with whatever you can. After all, if no one is looking, who is going to know?

Of course, we know that someone is always looking, and hidden acts of darkness and evil will one-day be revealed.

There will be a Judgement
The scriptures teach that all of us will resurrected from the dead, both the good and the evil.

(John 5:28-29)
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Regardless of how well we kept the commandments in this life, all of us will be resurrected. Even those who now have no hope in their hearts of a resurrection to come, will be resurrected.

And with that resurrection, will come a judgment.

We will be held accountable
With that judgment, comes accountability. We will have to answer for our actions in this life. Those who may have deluded themselves into believing that there is no accountability, and that there was no one watching their hidden acts, will be in for a rude awakening, or should we say, a rude re-awakening?

If people really understood that this life is not the end, that they will be resurrected, and that they will be held accountable for their actions, I believe that they would have different behaviors.

Hope During Times of Loss
Each of us has, or will have, at some point in our lives lose a loved one who is dear to us. The hope of the resurrection can bring us great comfort during times of mourning for those who have passed-on.

This hope can help us to cope with the separation that we feel with our departed loved one. We know that they still exist, that their spirits continue to live on, though their body remains here upon the earth.

The hope of the resurrection is that we will one day see them again, and be able to hold them in our arms, and rejoice together in Christ as those who are in the graves will be called forth. The spirits and the bodies of the dead will be re-united, and inseparably joined, into an immortal being that will never taste death again. This is one of the greatest and most beautiful precepts of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As the Easter Hymn “He is Risen” states, “Death is conquered, man is free! Christ has won the Victory!

Of particular comfort during times of loss, is the knowledge we have of the status of little children, who die before the age of accountability. Not only will they be resurrected, but through the atonement of Christ, they will be saved in the Celestial Kingdom of God, as well.

What a great comfort to parents of have lost a little one, to know that they are in the hands of the Lord, and that all will be well with them.!

Temples are a Symbol of the Resurrection
President Hinckley once said that our temples are a symbol of the resurrection of the Lord. Think about it, if there were no resurrection, there would be no need to perform work for the dead.

If there were no resurrection, there would be no need for ordinances to be administered to the living, for all eternity!

But there is a resurrection. And there will be an eternity. And the work of the temples is central to God’s plan of salvation for all his children.

As we enter the temples, and take upon ourselves covenants there, we are promised that we will come forth in the morning of the First Resurrection. What a privilege that will be – to participate with the hosts of heaven at the time of the Lord’s second coming, when the graves will be opened for all the righteous to come forth!

Our Victory Over Satan Would Not Be Complete
Without the resurrection, our victory over Satan would not be complete. In fact, victory over Satan would be impossible without the resurrection:

(2 Nephi 9:8-10.)
8 . . . For behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to . . . the devil, to rise no more.
9 And our spirits must have become like unto him . . . to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself; . . .
10 O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and hell . . .

The Hope of Christ’s Victory over Sin
Christ not only gained a victor over death, he also took upon himself the penalty, the price, for all our sins. Because of his sacrifice, and his suffering on our behalf, we have hope that we can overcome our sins as well.

Original Guilt
The atonement of Christ brought to deliverance to all of mankind, who, after the Fall of Adam, had slipped into a fallen state. Both sin and death had entered into the world because of the fall. Through Christ’s Atonement and Resurrection, both of these fallen conditions were overcome. Original Guilt, which occurred at the time of the fall was compensated for through Christ. The agency of man then came fully into effect. As our 2nd article of faith states, Man would truly be punished only for his own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

The way was opened to all mankind, that the effects of death and sin can be absolved, thus as our 3rd article of faith states, salvation becomes available to all mankind by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. Man could truly act for himself, and not be acted upon. Each would be resurrected as a result of keeping their first estate. And each also could return to the presence of God based on conditions repentance, through the merits of Jesus Christ. We are free to choose what our eternal destiny will be, based upon our willingness to accept Christ and his Gospel, and keep his commandments.

None of this would be possible, without the atonement of Christ, and his suffering for our sins.

A Hope Of Forgiveness
The atonement of Christ brings to each of us the hope of forgiveness. Each of us has made mistakes in our lives. Only Jesus himself, was able to pass through this life without ever being tainted by sin and error. We know, however, through his willingness to redeem us from sin, we can be spared the great suffering that he endured on our behalf. However, we must repent, and be baptized in order to receive this blessed forgiveness. The Savior Said:

(D&C 19:16-17)
16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I . . .

As we repent, we are blessed with forgiveness for our sins and mis-deeds. We can lay aside these sins which so easily beset us, and place our feet firmly on the path toward eternal life.

Forgiveness brings us hope that not only will we live again, as resurrected beings, but that we can one-day return to the presence of God, and there live with our families for all eternity.

As we repent, we are promised that we shall have peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come. (See D&C 59:23)

The Hope of a Better Life
As we follow Jesus, and repent of our sins, and take upon ourselves the covenants of the gospel, and keep his commandments, we obtain a hope of a better life – here and now, in this world, as well as . Some of the blessings we receive are:

-Peace of Mind

-Peace with Others

-Peace between ourselves and God
Although there is no peace in the world around us, we can have that peace which passeth all understanding -- that calm assurance, that as we follow the Savior, and abide by his teachings, that all will be well with us, no matter what the world may do or say.

-The hope of the atonement brings purpose and meaning to our lives. We know that we are not just living for the moment, but for eternity as well. We know that our efforts during our short time on earth will have a direct impact upon our eternal happiness.

-The hope of the atonement gives us an eternal perspective on things. As we endure challenges and trials in this life, we can have the faith and hope necessary to endure what we are called upon to endure, because we will have the help of the Lord to endure now, and we know that it will be well worth our time and effort now, to receive the blessings of eternal life.

(Moroni 8:26)
And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God.

It is my hope and prayer, that each of us will seek after the Savior, and come unto him and repent, that we may be filled with that hope for a better world, and that we may all one-day return to the presence of the Lord, with our loved ones, for all eternity.

Death Valley Flowers

2005-04-04T21:41:00.000-06:00

Bunch of color
Originally uploaded by To The DEVA -- " Death Valley National Park".

Here is a sample of the wildflowers growing in Death Valley this Spring.

After giving my Easter lesson to the correctional facility, I decided to send a thank-you note to the photographer of the Death Valley Photos. Here is what I said to her:

I just wanted to let you know how much I have appreciated your photos of the flowers of Death Valley. I have been following your work closely for the last few weeks as you have documented the desert in bloom.

I had an interesting experience this last Sunday (Easter Sunday) I had the opportunity to teach some Sunday School classes at a nearby youth correctional facility. We talked about how easter is a time of renewal, and a time for new life as a part of what we celebrate on Easter.

I printed out a few of your flower photos, to show the inmates at the correctional facility the changes to the Death Valley landscape, with the abundance of rain that has fallen the last few months.

I explained that the seeds of these wildflowers had been waiting in the parched and burning soil for many, many years (upwards of 100 years in some cases, as I understand). When the conditions were right, what once may have appeared barren and desolate, has now blossomed into full flower. The beauties of the land, just waiting to com forth, were finally given an opportunity to bloom and grow.

I likened it to the potential that each one of us has within ourselves. Sometimes our lives might appear barren and desoloate. But under the right conditions, we can germniate the great "seeds" of potential that each one of us has as Children of our Heavenly Father.

Your photos were a hit among these young people (12-18 years of age). I passed them around and let them view them, as we discussed what has happened in Death Valley, and the innate potential that each one of them has to blossom and grow as well.

Thanks again for your wonderful pictures. I just wanted you to know that they have been an inspiriation to me, as well as the 60 youths that I spent time with on Sunday Morning.

-- David B. Carpenter

I had no idea how my use of her photos would go over. I didn't know if she was a Christian, or a religious person at all. So I didn't quite know what to expect from her in response.

A couple of hours later, her is the response I received back from Judy, the photographer:

WOW, you have blown me away. To give hope and change even one life with one's pix. I can't even find words.

I missed the bloom in 98, as I was caretaker of my mother at that time. Years that I will never regret, it was my pleasure to care for her. However I really didn't expect DV would do a greater bloom than 98 in my lifetime. It has!!! prayers are answered!!

God has blessed me greatly, in that I have been there twice this spring, and seen a bloom that is beyond words. Also I now have cameras to do the flowers justice, God gave me that also, and the skill to capture them.

Thank you.

Judy

I was thankful that she was pleased with my use of her photos. It made me feel good to let her know that her photos were going to good use. I also used the photos for my home teaching messages in March, as we approached Easter as well. In fact, I left the photos with an elderly widow lady that I home teach, who really seemed to be enjoying them. (I can always print out more for myself, if need be).

You can view more of Judy's photos of Death Valley, and the wildflowers by clicking on the photo above.

The Message of Easter

2005-04-03T20:11:00.000-06:00

On Easter Sunday (March 27, 2005) I had the opportunity to teach a Sunday School Lesson at a local youth correctional facility. All of those in attendance were incarcerated for various offenses. I had to teach this class 3 different times, to three different groups. There were a total of about 65 class members among the different classes. Here are the notes I used for the lesson:

Why do we celebrate on Easter?

- Atonement in Gethsemane
- His Death on the Cross
- The Resurrection

What does Christ’s Victory over Death and Sin mean to you?

- It gives us hope. What do we hope for?

- Redemption from Sin and Death

What is a Redeemer?
The dictionary gives the following definitions. Think of these definitions in terms of how they may apply to the Savior:

- To buy back, to repurchase
- To get back, to recover, as by paying a fee
- To rescue, ransom, or liberate from captivity or bondage,
- To pay an equivalent for a debt or obligation
- To deliver, rescue or save in any manner
- To make good on a promise, by performance
- To make amends for, to atone for, or to compensate
- To deliver from sin and its penalties by a sacrifice made for the sinner

How does Christ’s Victory over Sin Bring Us Hope?

- Hope that we can be forgiven of our sins and mistakes
- Hope that we can, through Him, overcome our weaknesses
- Hope of a better life, both now and in the hereafter.

How does Christ’s Victory over Death Bring us Hope?

- We will live again. Like Jesus, we will be resurrected too one day.
- When we are resurrected, we will have glorified and perfected bodies:
- No Longer subject to pain, disease, deformities, disabilities and weaknesses.
- We will no longer age, deteriorate, or die.
- Our bodies and spirits will be inseparably united, never again to be divided.
- All will be resurrected

Because of Christ’s resurrection, we will all be resurrected one day. However, the quality of life that we will experience in the hereafter will be based on how well we have repented of our sins, and followed the teachings of Christ.

The quality of our lives here and now in this life, is also based largely upon our obedience to the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As the Redeemer, Christ will also be our judge. He who paid the price of our sins, will be the one who will decide if we have repented, and if his redemption will be applied toward us.

If we have not repented, we must bear ourselves, the price of our own sins.

Implications of the Resurrection

If we believe that Christ was resurrected, and that one-day we, too, will be resurrected, How does knowledge influence the way we live our lives here and now?

- This life is not the end of our existence
- There will be a judgment one day.
- We will be held accountable for our actions in this life.
- If there were no resurrection, and there was no life after death, how would that influence the way we conduct our lives now?

- Would we be concerned about our behavior when no one was looking?

Death Valley

Have you ever heard of a place called Death Valley?

- Death Valley Normally receives 1-2 inches of rainfall per hear. (Salt Lake City averages between 18-20 inches per year, by contrast.)

- Some years Death Valley can go an entire year without any rainfall at all!

- This winter, there have been 6 inches of rainfall in the last 4 months. What do you think has happened as a result?

- (Show pictures of wildflowers)

- Rainfall like this occurs only about once in every 100 years in Death Valley

- Embedded In the dry and parched desert soil of Death Valley, there are millions of tiny seeds, just waiting to spring forth into life, when the conditions are right. This year the conditions were right, and you can see the results.

Seeds of the Divine

- Just as there are wildflower seeds, embedded in what normally looks like dry, arid soil, there are hidden within each of us, seeds of the divine.

- Each of us is a child of God. We are precious to him.

- We carry within each of us some of his own divine and noble attributes, just like we carry many of the physical attributes of our earthly parents.

- Like the wildflower seeds waiting for rain, the seeds of divinity, inherited from our Heavenly Father, are waiting us to make the conditions right for those seeds to spring forth into life.

The True Message of Easter

The true message of Easter is a message of love.

- The love of our Heavenly Father for sending us his Son

- The love of Jesus Christ for us, for his willingness to be our Redeemer, and suffer both in body and spirit until he gave his life for us.

- Because of what he has done for us, the Lord Jesus Christ has a great and infinite love for each of us.

- He has already given each us the gift of the resurrection.

- He does not want his sacrifice for our sins to be in vain.

- He invites each of us to come unto him. To repent of our sins, and be healed.

- We are not alone as we face our sins and weaknesses. He can help us overcome them, and lift great burdens from our souls, and give us rest

- Come unto Him, that you may be healed.

The Law of Tithing

2005-04-03T16:15:00.000-06:00

High Council Talk
Given to Prairie 6th Ward, March 20, 2005

Lord’s Law of Revenue for the Church
The law of tithing has been established by the Lord as the law of revenue for His Church. Without it, the purposes of the Lord’s Kingdom on earth could not be carried forward. Tithing is also a law by which we show our loyalty to the Lord and prove ourselves worthy for privileges, ordinances, and blessings. (Earl C. Tingey, “The Law of Tithing,” Ensign, May 2002, 10)
Tithing funds are collected each week, all around the world, and transmitted to church headquarters. Those who determine the use of tithing funds are designated by scripture (See D&C 120:1). The Lord has established a council, called the Council on the Disposition of the Tithes. This council is made up of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve, and the Presiding Bishopric. Tithing funds are used as directed by the Lord, through this council.
All tithing funds are spent for the purposes of the Church, including welfare—care for the poor and needy—temples, buildings and upkeep of meetinghouses, education, curriculum—in short, the work of the Lord. (Robert D. Hales, “Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 26)

Tithing is a matter of Faith
Tithing is one of the basic ways in which we demonstrate our faith in the Lord, and our obedience to his commandments. Tithing is one of the commandments that qualifies us, by our faith, to enter the temple—the house of the Lord.
Tithing is not only a test of our faith, but also helps us to develop and enhance our faith as we are obedient. When we live the law of tithing, we invariably are blessed by the Lord.
Speaking of tithing, the Lord said in Malachi 3:10

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be
room enough to receive it.

We know that whenever we obey a commandment, that we will receive the blessings associated with that commandment. (See D&C 130:20-21) When we obey the law of tithing, we are blessed. And as we are blessed, our faith and confidence in the Lord increases. Also, when we sacrifice to the Lord these funds that we may think we want or need for ourselves, we learn to rely more upon the Lord, thus drawing us closer to Him.
As our faith grows, we are better able pass through the trials, tribulations, and sorrows in our life’s journey.

The test of our faith is whether we will live the law of tithing by our obedience and sacrifice. For, in the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith, “a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.” (Robert D. Hales, “Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 26)

President James E Faust Said:

Some may feel that they cannot afford to pay tithing, but the Lord has promised that He would prepare a way for us to keep all of His commandments. To pay tithing takes a leap of faith in the beginning, but as Jesus said, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine.” We learn about tithing by paying it. Indeed, I believe it is possible to break out of poverty by having the faith to give back to the Lord part of what little we have.(James E. Faust, “Opening the Windows of Heaven,” Ensign, Nov. 1998, 54)

President Faust Relates the following experience:

I know of two missionaries who visited a very poor family. The family’s home was made of pressboard and sticks, with a dirt floor and no electricity or beds. Each evening the father, a farm laborer, spent his entire day’s wages on groceries for dinner. Departing from their humble home, the senior companion thought to himself, “The law of tithing will surely be a stumbling block to this family. Perhaps we shouldn’t bring it up for a while.” A few moments later, the junior companion, who had grown up in similar circumstances in his own country, voiced his own thoughts aloud: “I know the principle of tithing isn’t taught for four more discussions, but can we please teach it the next time we visit? They need to know about tithing now because they need the help and the blessing of the Lord so much.”

Tithing Is a Sacrifice

The payment of tithing also teaches us to control our desires and passions for the things of this world. I suppose there are two reasons for this:

1. When we pay our tithing, we have less money to spend on worldly pursuits.

2. When we choose to direct our funds toward the Lord’s work, rather that to our own selfish wants, or even needs, we make a commitment in our hearts to be obedient to the commandments of the Lord, and that we choose to value our relationship with the Lord, and the building of his Kingdom here on earth more than the earthly things that money can buy.

This in turn draws us closer to Him. As we make this sacrifice on behalf of the Lord’s Kingdom, we find that we are desirous to be more faithful in other areas of the gospel as well. Having thus invested ourselves in his Kingdom, we are less likely to stray in other areas of our life as well.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Said:

When we pay our tithing, it is a declaration that possessing material goods and the accumulation of worldly wealth are not the uppermost goals in our lives.

We should pay tithes and offerings as a personal expression of love to a generous and merciful Father in Heaven, and a way to show our thankfulness to Him. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Like a Watered Garden,” Ensign, Nov. 2001, 33)

What if we find ourselves in a really tight situation, and we must choose to pay our tithing, or some other debt? President Marion G. Romney had the following advice:

The Lord, to whom one owes tithing, is in a position of a preferred creditor. If there is not enough to pay all creditors, he should be paid first. You may be a little shocked by this statement, but it is true. Other creditors, however, need not worry, for the Lord always blesses the person who has faith enough to pay tithing so his or her ability to pay other creditors is not thereby reduced. (Marion G. Romney, “Concerning Tithing,” Ensign, June 1980, 2)

Teaching Our Children About Tithing

It is important for us to teach our children concerning the law of tithing. They should be taught very early in life the principles of tithing. Help them to set aside one-tenth of all they earn, as they receive their own allowances, or earnings from various jobs they may perform. Help them fill out the tithing slips, and encourage them to hand their tithing directly to a member of the bishopric themselves. The amounts may only be pennies, but the habits learned as a child, can be sustained throughout their lives.

It is important as youths begin to have their own employment, that they too pay an honest tithe as well, which will prepare them to become full tithe-paying adults.

If the concept of tithing is learned and sustained early in life, to the point that it becomes a habit, it will be so much easier for that person to pay tithing as an adult.
Help children to know how tithing is used, for temples, chapels, seminaries, and socials that are provided. Teach your children that many of the blessings of the Church are available to them because you and they give tithes and offerings to the Church. Teach them that those blessings could come virtually no other way.
At the end of each year, we have tithing settlement with the Bishop. Make sure that you take your children to tithing settlement, so that they can have the opportunity to declare that they are full tithe payers.

Tithing is a Debt we owe the Lord

We must pay our tithes and offerings out of honesty and integrity because they are God’s rightful due. Paying tithing is not a token gift we are somehow charitably bestowing upon God. Paying tithing is discharging a debt.
(Jeffrey R. Holland, “Like a Watered Garden,” Ensign, Nov. 2001, 33)

Elder James E. Talmage once described this as a contract between us and the Lord. He imagined the Lord saying:

“ ‘You have need of many things in this world—food, clothing, and shelter for your family … , the common comforts of life. … You shall have the means of acquiring these things; but remember they are mine, and I require of you the payment of a rental upon that which I give into your hands. However, your life will not be one of uniform increase … [so] instead of doing as mortal landlords do—requir[ing] you to … pay in advance, whatever your fortunes or … prospects may be—you shall pay me … [only] when you have received; and you shall pay me in accordance with what you receive. If it so be that in one year your income is abundant, then … [your 10 percent will be a] little more; and if it be so that the next year is one of distress and your income is not what it was, then … [your 10 percent will be] less. … [Whatever your circumstance, the tithe will be fair.]’

“Have you ever found a landlord on earth who was willing to make that kind of [equitable] contract with you?” Elder Talmage asks. “When I consider the liberality of it all,” he says, “… I feel in my heart that I could scarcely raise my countenance to … Heaven … if I tried to defraud [God] out of that [which is rightfully His].” (The Lord’s Tenth Pamphlet, 1968, 10–11; As quoted by Jeffrey R. Holland, “Like a Watered Garden,” Ensign, Nov. 2001, 33)

Remember this from Malachi 3:8 --

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

Tithing is an obligation we owe to the Lord. Not something that we contribute to as it suits on a whim, or when it is most convenient for us. Failure to pay our tithing, is in reality, robbing God. Now why would we want to do that? Or in, my grandfather’s words: “Now why would you want to go and do a thing like that for?”

If we rob God, in reality, we only rob ourselves of many blessings, both spiritual and temporal, both now, and in the eternities.

Blessings of Obedience

To those who faithfully and honestly live the law of tithing, the Lord promises an abundance of blessings. Some of these blessings are temporal, just as tithes are temporal. But like the outward physical ordinances of baptism and the sacrament, the commandment to pay tithing requires temporal sacrifice, which ultimately yields great spiritual blessings.

The temporal and spiritual blessings of tithing are specifically tailored to us and our families, according to the Lord’s will. But to receive them, we must obey the law upon which they are predicated. (See Robert D. Hales, “Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 26)

Again, from Malachi 3:11 we read:

And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes . . .

In ancient times, the devourer was known as a menace to crops and herds. It could take the form of predators, such as wolves, pestilence destroying their crops, or famine in which rain was withheld.

In our day, the devourer could be more in the form of insidious evil, entering our home through the airwaves, satellite signals, and the internet.
There are the evils of drugs and alcohol, immorality, and gambling which can destroy our homes and families.

A famine today might include long periods of unemployment, or a personal business doing poorly.

The honest payment of tithes and offerings provides a protection against all of these things. We will have extra defenses against these modern forms of evil.

President James E Faust Noted:

Today the world is in a religious drift. If something can be had cheaply, without exertion or sacrifice, people do not mind having a little bit of it. In contrast, the blessings of membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints require both exertion and sacrifice. Receiving the blessings requires the payment of tithes and offerings. Ours is not a Sunday-only religion. It demands exemplary conduct and effort every day of the week. It involves accepting calls and serving with fidelity in those callings. It means strength of character, integrity, and honesty to the Lord and our fellowmen. It means that our homes need to be places of sanctuary and love. It means a relentless battle against the bombardment of worldly evils. It means, at times, being unpopular and politically incorrect. (James E. Faust, “Opening the Windows of Heaven,” Ensign, Nov. 1998, 54)

Another blessing of paying an honest tithe is, that we tend to use our resources more efficiently. Part if this is because after giving 10 percent to the Lord, we have to be more wise in the use of our remaining resources. But part of it also is that the Lord will help our resources go further, after we have paid our tithing.

President Heber J Grant said:

“I bear witness—and I know that the witness I bear is true—that the men and the women who have been absolutely honest with God, who have paid their tithing, … God has given them wisdom whereby they have been able to utilize the remaining nine-tenths, and it has been of greater value to them, and they have accomplished more with it than they would if they had not been honest with the Lord” (Elder Heber J Grant Conference Report, Apr. 1912, p. 30).

Temple Blessings

There is a close relationship between the blessings of the temple, and tithing.

First of all, our tithing is used to build and then to fund the ongoing operations of the temple.

Second, when we pay tithing, we meet one of the requirements necessary to be worthy to enter the temple. If we do not pay a full tithing, we cannot enter the temple, and receive the ordinances of the House of the Lord.

If we have already been to the temple, but are no longer full tithe payers, then we are not in harmony with the covenants that we have made there. We must always remember, that the blessings and promises of eternal life, and being sealed together as eternal families are based upon our obedience to Heavenly Father’s commandments, and upon our keeping all the covenants we have made with the Lord.

If we are not able to enter the temple, we also are not able to the vicarious work for our dead. The souls of our ancestors are awaiting the time when their work will be done for them in the temples. When we are able to enter the temples, and participate in the holy ordinances there, we are able to open the way to salvation to many, an link the generations of our families together in an eternal bond. The ancestors who have gone before us, and our posterity to follow will rejoice in the work we have done in the temples.

Are You Rejecting Blessings?

Would any of us intentionally reject an outpouring of blessings from the Lord? Sadly, this is what we do when we fail to pay our tithing. We say no to the very blessings we are seeking and praying to receive. If you are one who has doubted the blessings of tithing, I encourage you to accept the Lord’s invitation to “prove [Him] now herewith.” Pay your tithing. Unlock the windows of heaven. You will be abundantly blessed for your obedience and faithfulness to the Lord’s laws and commandments. (See Robert D. Hales, “Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 26)

Please don’t let struggles with living the law of tithing keep you from some of the most sublime experiences to be had in your life.

If you are not current in your tithing, you may miss out on some of the once-in-a-lifetime, and even once-in-an-eternity experiences, such as when your own children are ready to take out their own endowments, or are to be married in the temple for time and all eternity.

Please don’t forfeit these opportunities. Both you and your loved ones will be disappointed if you miss these opportunities.

The way back

If you currently find yourself in struggle to pay a full tithing, I urge you take action now. Meet with your Bishop. Together you can develop a plan to bring yourself in full compliance with the requirements of the gospel. Look forward to the great day when you can go or return again to the House of the Lord, and receive the great blessings that await you and your family there. Begin where you are, and take the steps necessary to fully live the law of Tithing.

Don’t let tithing cause you to miss some of the most sublime and rewarding experiences that can be yours in this life. While it is true, that if we fail to obey the law of tithing, that we rob God. It is also true, that we also rob ourselves of His greatest blessings.

A Patriarch in the Home

2005-03-13T23:15:00.000-07:00

Priesthood Lesson Given at the Prairie 1st Ward Conference. March 13, 2005.

What are the various roles of a patriarch in the home?

Husband
Father
Presiding Authority
Priesthood Holder
Revelator
Leader
Provider
Watchman
Protector
Teacher
Exemplar
Builder of faith and character
Interviewer

(My portion of the lesson was to discuss two of these aspects of a Patriarch in the Home, that of a teacher, and an exemplar. The notes I had prepared for the lesson appear below. I was actually only able to give about half of what I had prepared to the class. There as a lot of good participation and discussion from the those in attendance – which is good. I like it best when we can all teach one another, from the lesson of life that we have learned – which in turn takes advantage of the collective wisdom of the group.)

Teaching

Who is responsible for the teaching of our children?

- Ultimately the responsibility of the parents.

- We cannot leave this responsibility to others (primary, Sunday school, YM/YW.)These are only meant to be a resource to help parents in their duty.

What are the best opportunities we have to each our children?

Family Home Evening

Family Scripture Study

Personal Interviews

When else?

- When they ask you a question

- One-on-one time (camping trips, rides to the store, evening out with dad).

In order to be an effective teacher, we must first have a solid relationship with our children. If we don’t see much of our children, because of outside activities, how can we have a strong relationship with them?

We had an adage in my mission that said: “They won’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

To be an effective teacher, our children must know of our love and concern for them. This is not only exemplified in what we say to our children but in our interactions with them.

Last week, I was talking with a member of my High Priest’s group, in my own ward. He had the same kind of flu that I have been struggling with this week. He had sustained some damage to his voice box through it all. Half jokingly-he said my kids love it! -- I can’t yell at them for another 3 weeks!

Now I know he was just joking, but we need to examine what the bulk of our communications are with our children. It is positive, or is it negative? Are we speaking with calm and kindly voices, or are we doing a lot of yelling?

Too many of us are like the father of the little boy who cried: “You always tell me when you’re disappointed in me. Why don’t you ever tell me when you’re appointed in me?”

Last night, I held my 9-year-old daughter on my knee. I asked her, “Do you think I love you?”

She said “yes”.

I said, how do you know that I love you? Here is what her answer was:

You compliment me

You do nice things for me

You ask me questions

The way you way you wake me up in the morning

I tell her that I love her, usually more than once each day. But notice that it was in the more in the everyday associations, and actions that she knew of my love for her, move than the “I love You’s”.

That’s not to shortchange the importance of the words “I love You”.

Ten thousand high school students in Kansas were asked what question they would ask their parents and want a straight answer on. Eighty percent replied: “Do you love me?”

The next most asked question: “If you had to do it all over again, would you have me?”

It is vital for us as fathers to make sure that our children know that they are loved, wanted. Our effectiveness as a teacher will be limited if they don’t know that we love them and care for them, and that we truly have their best interests at heart.

The power of example

Just as your power as a teach will be limited, if your children to not know that you love them, the impact of your teaching will also be limited if your actions are not consistent with your words.

In many ways, the more powerful lessons that we will teach our children will come in the form of the example we have set.

While they may (occasionally) remember our words, they will always be able to recall our actions. Our actions will replay in their minds, over and over again, and likely will be remembered throughout their lives.

The actions that will have the most impact, will be the actions you take in your interpersonal relations with your family.

How do you treat your wife?

Your role as a patriarch in the home not only involves how you treat your children, but also how you treat your wife.

Your children are very observant. If you treat your wife with love, and kindness, with gentleness and respect, your children will in turn have respect for you.

However, if you speak unkindly, or are abusive to your wife in any way, your children will resent you. What’s worse, the same cycle of abuse will continue when your sons becomes husbands as well.

President David O McKay said: “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother”.

The amount of peace and security that comes to a child from a loving relationship between husband and wife cannot be underestimated.

This is one of the great gifts that I received from my father. He was always a peaceable man. As I was growing up, rarely did I ever hear any sharp words between my mother and father.

I never realized what a great blessing this was, until after I left home. Many of my roommates in college, and missionary companions were not blessed with such homes. This had a negative impact on their spiritual development, and upon their own feelings of self-worth and self confidence.

How do you treat your children?

How do you interact with your children. Are we spending so much of our time correcting and directing them, that we don’t take time to compliment them and build them.

As patriarchs in the home, it is our duty to see that our children live in a nurturing environment, where each child feels loved and valued.

Take time to pay them compliments. Let them know that you are proud of their accomplishments. Again, actions speak louder than words – pay attention to what they are doing. Make every attempt to attend special events that they participate in, such as musical programs, recitals, athletic events, talks that they may give, etc. Make sure that they know you are interested in them, and in their lives.

If you have a kind and loving relationship with your children, they will be more likely to listen to your teachings.

A bad example

If our actions are not consistent with our words, our teachings will not be nearly as effective. To paraphrase Alma, “When they see your conduct, they will not believe in your words.”

The power of your teachings

Do not underestimate the power of your teachings. Do not be weary in pursuing your righteous goals to have daily scripture study, family prayers, and weekly Home Evenings. Even if your kids are squirming and seeming to not pay attention, your words and efforts are being recorded in their minds.

You never know when the day may come when they will need to know the things you have taught them.

One of the duties if the Holy Ghost, is to bring “all things to our remembrance, which have been taught unto us.”

My favorite example of this is from the life of Alma the younger. Alma had been taught well by his father, Alma. When the Angel appeared to Alma the Younger, he was struck down, and was wracked with the memory of his many sins. Lets read in Alma Chapter 36: 16-20.

16 And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the ^apains of a ^bdamned soul.

17 And it came to pass that as I was thus ^aracked^• with torment, while I was ^bharrowed^• up by the ^cmemory^• of my many sins, behold, I ^dremembered^• also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.

18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, ^ahave^• mercy on me, who am ^bin^• the ^cgall^• of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting ^dchains^• of ^edeath.

19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my ^apains ^bno^• more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.

20 And oh, what ^ajoy^•, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!

You never know when your own teachings will be brought to remembrance in the minds of your children. Like, Alma, it might be in a moment of extreme need. It might be in a moment when their eternal destiny might hinge on a single decision. The words of truth and testimony that you teach your children, may be just the thing that pulls them through, during the fiery trials of their lives.

Leave with them a legacy of honor, of truth and of testimony. It will be a legacy that can span the generations.

The culmination of all our efforts as a Patriarch in the home could be summed up by the invitation: "Come Follow Me, as I follow Christ."

Feasting From the Words of Christ

2005-02-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

The following was given as a combined Priesthood/Relief Society Lesson on January 30, 2005 by Dawn Ann. The following articles and materials were used in preparation for this lesson:

-- Pres. Marion G. Romney’s General Conference talk: “The Book of Mormon” Ensign, May 1980

-- Pres. Ezra T. Benson’s General Conference talk “The Book of Mormon is the Word of God.” Ensign May 1975

-- Elder Howard W. Hunter’s “Reading the Scriptures.” Ensign Nov. 1979

-- Elder Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Knowledge and the Strength to Use it Wisely” Ensign June 2002.

-- Elder Richard G. Scott “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” Ensign, Nov1993

-- Pres. James E. Faust “That We Might Know Thee”, Ensign Jan. 1999

-- Pres. Spencer W. Kimball, “The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball.”, 1982, page 135.

We have just finished a year's study of the Book of Mormon and for many they felt the comfort of its teachings and tasted the sweetness of truth. Lest anyone get the impression that “we are done” with the Book of Mormon let me teach you much of what our prophets have counseled and testify of.

Pres. Romney, “The great overall struggle in the world today is, as it has always been, for the souls of men. Every soul is personally engaged in the struggle, and he makes his fight with what is in his mind. In the final analysis the battleground is, for each individual, within himself. Inevitably he gravitates toward the subjects of his thoughts. Ages ago the wise man states this great truth “As he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Prov. 23:7)

“If we would escape the lusts of the flesh and build for ourselves and our children great and noble characters, we must keep in our minds and in their minds true and righteous principles, for our thoughts and their thoughts to dwell upon.

“We must not permit our minds to be come overindulged with the interests, things, and practices of the world about us. To do so is tantamount to adopting and going along with them.

Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,
As to be hated, needs but to be seen;
Yet seen to oft, with her familiar face,
We first endure, thenpity, and then embrace.
(Pope, Essay on Man)

“If we would avoid the evils of the world, we must pursue a course which will daily feed our minds with, and call them back to, the things of the Spirit. I know of no better way to do this than by daily reading the Book of Mormon.

Pres. Romney “It is irrational to hope to escape the lusts of the world without substituting them, as the subjects of our thoughts, for the things of the Spirit. I know that the things of the Spirit are taught with mighty power in the Book of Mormon. I believe with all my heart, that if our young people could come out of our homes thoroughly acquainted with the life of Nephi, imbued with the spirit of his courage and love of truth, they would choose the right when the choice is placed before them.”

Pres. Romney “I counsel you to make reading the Book of Mormon, 30 minutes each day, a life long practice. All of us need the uninterrupted association with the Spirit of the Lord. We need to take the Holy Spirit for our constant guide so that we be not deceived. I am persuaded by my own experience , that of my loved ones, as well as the Prophet Joseph Smith, that one can get, and keep, closer to the Lord by reading the Book of Mormon than by reading any other book. Don't be content with what someone else tells you about what is in it. Drink deeply from the divine fountain itself.”

Pres. Benson “It is not sufficient that the Book of Mormon be found in our homes; its principles must be captured in our minds and hearts. Through consistent reading, prayerful pondering and conscientious application of principles, its teachings will become an essential part of the fabric of our lives. It can become a personal Urim and Thummin in your life.”

Pres. Ezra Taft Benson “Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit. Otherwise he is placing his soul in jeopardy and neglecting that which could give spiritual and intellectual unity to his whole life. There is a difference between a convert who is built on the rock of Christ through the Book of Mormon and stays hold of that iron rod, and one who is not. There is a difference within the church, in discernment, insight, conviction, and spirit, between those members who love the Book of Mormon and those who do not.”

Pres. Romney, “I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon, prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity - the pure love of Christ -will abound in our homes and lives bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.”

Elder Howard W. Hunter counsels us on actual study routines. He suggests we:

Set aside a certain time each day for uninterrupted study.
Set aside a certain amount of time 60 - 30 - 15 minutes each day that cannot be forfeited.
Start each study with prayer.
Do not read to a certain chapter limit or page limit but only limit your study based on time, so that you might ponder your readings for as long as you needed in that set aside time. You might read chapters to ponder or the flexibility to study the import of a single verses.
Meditate and ponder its meaning, message, and application to you for you grow closer to becoming like our Master, the finisher of our faith.
Studying alone or with your companion: doing both is good.
Have a study journal where you record the things the Spirit teaches you much like small plates of Nephi, the things pleasing to God.
Family scripture study is essential and in addition to your own personal study.

Elder Richard G. Scott states, “As I read, ponder, and apply the principles contained in the Book of Mormon, impressions would come to me of areas in my own life that needed strengthening. I am strengthened with an appreciation for the powerful servants of the Lord that it depicts. A conduit of communication is opened to me personally, that crystallizes truth in my own heart and mind. Those experiences provide a basis for inspirational guidance that I urgently need as a husband, father and servant of the Lord.

OK so now we all are determined to continue studying the BOM for the rest of our lives. Pres Kimball read it once every year for most of his adult life. We can exercise our faith and follow the example and counsel of prophets for our edification and that of our families.

Let's consider how we should go about recognizing the promptings of the Holy Ghost as we study the scriptures:

Elder Richard G. Scott “I will share a principle that, if understood and consistently applied, will bring enormous blessings throughout your life. It will require of you significant, determined effort to yield its full potential. With it you can learn vital truths that will bring you greater, enduring happiness and make your life more productive and meaningful.

I will consistently strive to learn by what I hear, see, and feel.
I will write down the important things I learn, and I will do them.

You can learn vitally important things by what you hear, and see, and especially by what you feel, as prompted by the Holy Ghost. But most individuals limit their learning primarily to what they hear or what they read.

Be wise. Develop the skill of learning by what you see, and particularly by what the Holy Ghost prompts you to feel.

Consciously seek to learn by this manner and you capacity to do so will expand through consistent practice. Ask in faith for such help. Live to be worthy of it. Seek to recognize it. Write down in a secure place the important things you learn from the Spirit. You will find that as you write down precious impressions, often more will come. The knowledge you gain will be available throughout your life.

Always, always, day or night, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, seek to recognize and respond to the direction of the Spirit.

Express gratitude for the help received and obey it.

This practice will reinforce your capacity to learn by the Spirit. It will permit the Lord to guide your life and to enrich the use of every other capacity latent in your being. "

Lets practice this principle of striving to learn by the influence of the Holy Ghost and writing down the things you learn from him.

As I ask you a few basic questions that only you can answer for yourself, think of your responses and perhaps you can write down the impressions and answers you feel as you recognize any guidance the Lord wants to give you. Be honest and sincere in your introspection. The Lord knows where you are and the desires of your heart.

Since the Lord will not force you to learn, you must exercise your agency and prayerfully authorize the Spirit to teach you, at this time as you strive to listen carefully for the influence of the Spirit. Continue to seek this guidance while additional ways are suggested to realize your aspirations, and what can motivate you to powerfully higher achievement.

What are some of the most fundamental priorities of your life?
What challenges do you face in realizing your dreams and aspirations?
What are some of the obstacles that impede your progress?
What motivates you to overcome temptation and live righteously, so that the Lord can guide and strengthen you?

The fundamental motivation in some lives is to be popular by doing what is popular, to get through life in the easiest way possible. (Laman and Lemuel types) Others more wise, are motivated by their love of the Savior and His truth. This then brings strength and vision from beyond the veil. (Nephi and Lehi types).

How can we see with greater clarity and receive more help through the veil to accomplish our aspirations. I would remind you of 9 of the MANY sources of help.

First: Faith in Jesus Christ
There will always be a need for you to walk to the edge of the light of your knowledge and testimony, into the twilight of faith. You will be asked to exercise faith in truths you have not yet come to prove through your own experience or through the sacred witness of the Holy Ghost.

Exercise faith in Jesus Christ and His infinite capacity to bless you. Faith leads to action, to achieve goals even when there is little visible evidence to give hope of success. Faith is abiding trust in truth. Therefore it is a source of power to know simple yet profoundly important truths and to have the faith to live them. Enduring happiness is rooted in unchangeable truth lived in faith.

Second: Guiding Principles
You have likely established a set of guiding principles for your life. With such standards you will not make the wrong decisions on the basis of the circumstances or the pressures of the day. Principles that you are determined to live by will keep you on track. Base them on the teachings of Jesus Christ. As you use your guiding principles, be honest with yourself. Tragedy, disappointment, and lack of attainment in life come when one is dishonest with self or with the Lord.

Never compromise your principles. Strength and safety come from making no exceptions to them. Do not rationalize. Difficulties in life start when small deviations from standards are justified based the situation of the moment.

Third: Prayer
What is the quality of our secret prayers? Prayer can be a source of great comfort, direction, and sustaining power. Too often in the routine rush of daily life we may be tempted to offer hurried mechanical prayers of no value. (Number 67 Amen) Nephi, Enos, Joseph Smith, taught us the importance of praying with faith in Christ and being diligent in keeping the commandments.

When you are prompted to ask the Lord for something that way, you will often receive far more understanding and help than expected. “A fervent, sincere prayer is a two-way communication that will do much to bring the Spirit flowing like healing water to help with the trials, hardships, aches, and pains we all face. As we pray, we should think of our Heavenly Father as being close by; full of knowledge, understanding, love and compassion; the essence of power; and having great expectations of each of us.” Pres. James E. Faust.

Fourth: Scriptures
Excellent source when pondered with faith. They become a vital source of motivation and courage to do what is right.

Pres. Spencer W. Kimball said: “I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine vooice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns.”

Fifth: Temple Worship
Enhance you capacity to understand and live eternal truths is temple worship. In addition to receiving your blessings there it has a calming, settling, consoling influence that distills peace and contentment. It provided and environment for inspiration in answer to prayers. Accompanying family history work yield similar blessing.

Sixth: Moral Cleanliness
Your goal to be morally clean is central to your enduring happiness. You decide by your daily choices. When strength is needed, and asked for , He will help you keep this vital commandment. As you do all you are capable of doing, your trust in Him will give you capacity to overcome all obstacles. Seventh: Consistent Hard Work It is a principle of happiness to work hard and to willingly obey the principles of truth, confident that the Lord will open doors of help when needed. We all need to learn the valuable lesson that Significant attainment requires Significant effort. Our Father will not violate His plan. He will not give eternal blessings to those who want them but who are not willing to pay the price.

Eighth: Good Music
Good music, especially sacred music, makes spiritual things more understandable. It is edifying and conducive to willing obedience. It prepares emotions for response to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Ninth: Inventory-Sacred Spaces
Some places are sacred and holy, where it seems easier to discern the direction of the Holy Spirit. The temple is such a place. You can make other places that way by the way you respect them and behave while there. You need a retreat of peace and quiet where periodically you can ponder and let the Lord establish the direction of your life. It may seem difficult to find time to meditate with the daily pressures of life. Yet a moment of thought will confirm that no matter how fast you move forward, if your are on the wrong path, it will avail you nothing. Each of us needs to periodically check our bearings and confirm that we are on course. Sometime soon you may benefit from taking this personal inventory of:

What are my current highest priorities for life?
How do I use my discretionary time? (Free time)
Is some of my free time used consistently used for my highest priorities?
Is there anything I know that I should not be doing? If so, I will stop now.

Pres. James E. Faust, “During the years of my life, I have gone to my knees with a humble spirit to the only place I could for help. I often went in agony of spirit, earnestly pleading with God to sustain me in the work I have come to appreciate more than life itself. I have, on occasion, felt the terrible aloneness of the wounds of the heart, of the sweet agony, the buffetings of Satan, and the encircling warm comfort of the Spirit of the Master.

"I have also felt the crushing burden, the self-doubts of inadequacy and unworthiness, the fleeting feeling of being forsaken, then of being reinforced an hundredfold. I have climbed a spiritual Mount Sinai dozens of times seeking to communicate and to receive instructions. It has been as though I have struggles up an almost real Mount of Transfiguration and upon occasion felt great strength and power in the presence of the Divine. A special, sacred feeling has been a sustaining influence and often a close companion.

"It is my testimony that we are facing difficult times. We must be courageously obedient. My witness is that we will be called upon to prove our spiritual stamina, for the days ahead will be filled with affliction and difficulty. But with the assuring comfort of a personal relationship with God, we will be given a calming courage, from the Divine so near we will receive the quiet assurance:

'My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment. And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.' (D&C121:7-8)"

Self Mastery

2005-01-16T23:26:00.000-07:00

This week the focus of my gospel study has been in the preparation of my monthly High Council talk. Below is the talk that I gave earlier today:

Each of us has the challenge of controlling our thoughts, appetites, speech, temper, and desires. No one can escape this challenge. We each face this challenge in our own way – for none of our challenges are exactly the same. It is one of the reasons that we came to earth – to obtain a physical body, and then to master it.

Only we can control our own appetites and passions. No one else can do it for us. Self mastery will not happen on its own. It is something we must work at.

Mosiah 3:19
For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam,and will be,forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit,and
putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ
the Lord…”

It takes a lifetime of personal commitment and purposeful effort to master ourselves. If we fail to master ourselves, our lives become like an unattended garden, overgrown with uncontrolled weeds, thistles, and briars – rather than growing a beautiful, orderly, well-maintained garden that produces that which is nourishing and sustaining in our pursuit of eternal life.

Self mastery is the ultimate test of our character. It requires great effort on our part. Some of the weeds in our garden are easy to spot, and eradicate, especially when the weeds have just sprung up, and are easy to pull. Others weeds become large, and are difficult to pull – and we will need to get help in pulling them out. Some weeds may have deep roots, and just seem to keep cropping up over and over again. Yet, there are other weeds that are hard to see and easy to overlook, but if left unattended still cause great damage to our garden, even to its destruction. Mastering ourselves may well be the hardest thing we are called upon to do in this life.

Our Own Bucket of Troubles

Each of us has been blessed with our own set of character traits. We each have our own strengths, and, likewise, we each have our own weaknesses. Speaking of weaknesses, the Lord said:

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men
weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that
humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have
faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. (Ether 12:17)

Mortal life was not meant to be without its challenges. The Lord has given us weaknesses, that we may learn from them. Most important of all, that we can learn to be humble. If we are sufficiently humble, we will learn two things: 1) That we need to rely on the Lord to overcome our weaknesses, and 2) That we need to realize each of us is weak, in our own way. We all have need to repent, and overcome. None of us has reason to lift ourselves up in pride, thinking ourselves better than another, we may be strong in one area, where another is weak. However, it is also invariably true that others are strong in areas in which we are weak. (See Matthew 7:1-5)

Some weaknesses are more visible than others. Some may be obvious -- even glaring. While others are more subtle, not easily detected by others. Whether visible or not – each of us has our own set of weaknesses and challenge that we need to overcome. There is no point in comparing ourselves with others. Comparing who has the largest bucket of woes never solved any problems. What really matters is – how am I doing in my own battle to overcome my weaknesses? And, am I doing better today, than I was yesterday? Am I making progress.

As we humbly seek the Lord, he will give us the strength to overcome our weaknesses, even to the extent that what once was a weakness, can eventually become a strength to us, and we in turn, can become a strength to others as well.

Spiritual Gifts

Our strengths, both those we were born with, and those which have been developed as we have overcome weaknesses, can be considered “Spiritual Gifts”.

D&C 46:11-12
11 For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.

As we obtain these gifts of spiritual strength to overcome our weaknesses, we can, and should help lift one another that they too, may overcome as well.

Me Vs. It

Elder Melvin J Ballard once said:

The greatest conflict that any man or woman will ever have . . . will be the battle that is had with self.
I should like to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that all the assaults that the enemy of our souls will make to capture us will be through the flesh, because it is made up of the unredeemed earth, and he has power over the elements of the earth. The approach he makes to us will be through the lusts, the appetites, the ambitions of the flesh. All the help that comes to us from the Lord to aid us in this struggle will come to us through the spirit that dwells within this mortal body. So these two mighty forces are operating upon us through these two channels.

Elder Ballard Describes this battle as Me Vs. It. He said:

I should like to speak of spirit and body as “me” and “it.” “Me” is the individual who dwells in this body, who lived before I had such a body, and who will live when I step out of the body. “It” is the house I live in, the tabernacle of flesh; and the great conflict is between “me” and “it.” (Melvin J Ballard, “Struggle for the Soul”, New Era, March 1984, 32)

Examine Ourselves

So, how does the battle go for you? Each of us needs to take the time to periodically examine ourselves, and see how our battle to overcome the flesh is going. Each week, as we attend sacrament meeting, we have a pre-established appointment for this very purpose. It is at the time when the sacrament is being administered. During this time of quiet, we look at our own lives, and our own behaviors, and determine whether or not we are in sin and transgression, and have yielded ourselves to the tempter. If this is so, then we need to repent and make peace with those we may have offended. That we may partake of the sacrament worthily, and be cleansed and purified.

Fasting

Once a month, we all have the opportunity to fast. This is a time when we have the opportunity to show the body who is boss! Who will win, the flesh, or the spirit. Seemingly, as soon as we determine that we will fast, our body begins to cry out in protest. It starts to whine and fuss with things like:

“My head will ache, my knees will quake, I shall feel faint; I cannot fast so long; I must eat a little.” Are you yielding? If so, we know who is winning that battle, and who is gaining the mastery.

The Spirit may respond with answers like:

“You can do without these two meals; it will not hurt you. And though my head may ache and my body may feel faint, I will not die; I am bigger than you are, and once a month I will show you that I am master.”

What strength that will give you to resist tomorrow when some other craving arrives! It may be for liquor, tobacco, or some other craving of the flesh.

The Prophet Isaiah also teaches us how the power of fasting can help us break bad habits, and gain control over the flesh.

Isaiah 58: 6-11
6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Spiritual Nourishment

We know that the body requires proper food and exercise to grow and be healthy and strong.

The same is true of our spirits. We need to have proper spiritual nourishment, and spiritual exercise, In order that our spirits can grow in wisdom and strength, to have power to dominate and master the flesh.

Where can we get spiritual nourishment? It Is found right here, as we partake of the sacrament worthily. It is found in the scriptures as we read, and ponder the teachings of the Lord and his servants. It is found when we pray: in secret, with our companions, and with our families. It is found when we gather our families together for family home evening. We find nourishment to our souls as we attend the temple, and leave the cares and worries of the world behind, and feast upon the spirit as we contemplate the purposes of life, and the possibilities of eternity.

Spiritual nourishment also comes through service. As we serve the Lord in our callings and as we serve one another as friends and neighbors, we also find nourishment to our souls. We find that as we selflessly serve others, that our own wounds are healed by the Lord. Our spirits are strengthened. The lusts of the flesh, and the petty self-centeredness that we often fall prey to are held in check. For the servant is worthy of his hire. And the Lord rewards us with the bread of life, and the cup of living water. Our souls can be filled so that we hunger and thirst no more for the things of the flesh, but we will find our lives filled with the things of purity and righteousness – that which brings a peace which cannot be found in pursuit of the lusts of the flesh, but a peace which surpasseth all understanding.

We will still have our share of trials and heartaches. We still live in the world, but we are not of the world.

The Power of Habits

We have mentioned partaking of the sacrament, fasting, and nourishing our spirits as ways we can gain control over the flesh. These things enable us to have the strength and ability to make changes in our lives – sometimes dramatic changes. Through the Lord’s Atonement and his suffering for our sins, he has opened the way to us in which we can overcome the flesh, and be cleansed of the sins which so easily beset us.
Many of the “thorns in the flesh” as the Apostle Paul described them, come in the form of habits. We are creatures of habit. Habits can be very powerful. Habits can be good or bad.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said:

“That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not that the nature of the thing itself is changed, but that our power to do is increased.”

When we persist in actions, that we repeat over and over again, it becomes easier and easier to do them. We begin to do them without really thinking about it. In the case of bad habits, we can be lulled away onto the slippery slope of sin. If we are not careful, one bad habit can lead to another, that is worse than the first. Over time, we can find ourselves far away from where we planned to be. The prophet Nephi said it this way:

2 Nephi 28:21
And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.

As we indulge in sin and bad habits, our spirits lose the battle over the flesh, little by little, until the spirit is in bondage to the whims and desires of the body. Our spirits become desensitized, and what previously might have been offensive to us no longer seems so bad. We become further cheapened and coarsened. We find the light within us becoming more and more dim, until ultimately, we find ourselves in darkness, and we are not quite sure how we got there.

If, on the other hand, instead of sliding down the slippery slope of sin, we make affirmative choices to foster good habits in ourselves, we then find ourselves on quite an opposite course. If we determine to pray meaningfully. If we strive to spend time reading and pondering the scriptures. If we make sure that we find ourselves standing in holy places, and doing holy things, we will find that we will not be moved, and that Satan will have no power over us. (See D&C 87:8)

Controlling Our Thoughts

When I was a young man, I had a bad habit that I wanted to overcome. I knew that the Lord wanted me to overcome this habit, but like a perennial weed in the garden, it seemed to keep coming back again and again. Finally the time came when I had to face myself, and decide who was to be in charge” Me or It. I determined that I would use fasting to help give my spirit the power it would need to overcome this challenge.

I fasted with real intent . During that fast, I prayed often, and sought for guidance in the scriptures. At the conclusion of my fast, I felt real power come into my heart and soul. I knew that I could overcome! I also had been inspired with a key to overcome this bad habit. That key was that I needed to learn to control my thoughts.

The truth I learned was, that we rarely will do anything that we have not first thought about. If I could keep control of my thoughts, I could then keep control of my actions. When a thought, or temptation would come to me to go back to my old ways, I would pluck that thought out, and cast the evil thought from my mind.

Not long before this time, I had heard a talk given my Elder Boyd K. Packer. He had taught about a method he had used to control his thoughts. I felt impressed that I too should use this method.

I would like share that method with you, as I quote from Elder Packers Talk:

“The mind is like a stage. Except when we are asleep the curtain is always up. There is always some act being performed on that stage. It may be a comedy, a tragedy, interesting or dull, good or bad; but always there is some act playing on the stage of the mind.

Have you noticed that without any real intent on your part, in the middle of almost any performance, a shady little thought may creep in from the wings and attract your attention? These delinquent thoughts will try to upstage everybody.

If you permit them to go on, all thoughts of any virtue will leave the stage. You will be left, because you consented to it, to the influence of unrighteous thoughts.

If you yield to them, they will enact for you on the stage of your mind anything to the limits of your toleration. They may enact a theme of bitterness, jealousy, or hatred. It may be vulgar, immoral, even depraved.

When they have the stage, if you let them, they will devise the most clever persuasions to hold your attention. They can make it interesting all right, even convince you that it is innocent—for they are but thoughts.

What do you do at a time like that, when the stage of your mind is commandeered by the imps of unclean thinking?—whether they be the gray ones that seem almost clean or the filthy ones which leave no room for doubt.

If you can control your thoughts, you can overcome habits, even degrading personal habits. If you can learn to master them you will have a happy life.

This is what I would teach you. Choose from among the sacred music of the Church a favorite hymn, one with words that are uplifting and music that is reverent, one that makes you feel something akin to inspiration. Remember President Lee’s counsel; perhaps “I Am A Child of God” would do. Go over it in your mind carefully. Memorize it. Even though you have had no musical training, you can think through a hymn.

Now, use this hymn as the place for your thoughts to go. Make it your emergency channel. Whenever you find these shady actors have slipped from the sidelines of your thinking onto the stage of your mind, put on this record, as it were.

As the music begins and as the words form in your thoughts, the unworthy ones will slip shamefully away. It will change the whole mood on the stage of your mind. Because it is uplifting and clean, the baser thoughts will disappear. For while virtue, by choice, will not associate with filth, evil cannot tolerate the presence of light.

In due time you will find yourself, on occasion, humming the music inwardly. As you retrace your thoughts, you discover some influence from the world about you encouraged an unworthy thought to move on stage in your mind, and the music almost automatically began. . .” (Boyd K. Packer, “Inspiring Music—Worthy Thoughts,” Ensign, Jan. 1974, 25)

I used this approach, to keep temptations, and evil thoughts out of my mind. I found that the direction I received from the Spirit, through my fast was true. As I began to master my thoughts, I could master my actions.

I hope I have given you some insights into the personal battle each of us fights each day. I hope and pray that each of us will use the tools the Lord has given us to strengthen ourselves spiritually, that we can overcome the flesh, and be cleansed of our sins.

I know that our Savior lives. I know that he too has fought this battle and won. He has made it possible for us to win also. And as we do, we shall become more like Him.

Talk References:
James E. Faust, “The Power of Self-Mastery,” Ensign, May 2000, 43

Boyd K. Packer, “Inspiring Music—Worthy Thoughts,” Ensign, Jan. 1974, 25

Melvin J. Ballard, “Struggle for the Soul,” New Era, March 1984, 32

Also see: David O. McKay Manual - Chapter 2 "The Dual Nature of Man".