I while back I saw a bumper sticker on someone's vehicle that said something like, "My child is excellent." I've seen plenty of stickers that say something positive about a child, for example, declaring that the child is an honor student at their school. I began to wonder to myself, "What do I want to say about my child?"
Praise and compliments generally good, and I'm sure we need more of them. At the same time, I'm wary of some praise for a couple of reasons. Sometimes our seemingly positive remarks can become pride-inducing flattery. Also, a positive remark about one person can imply a negative remark about another (see "The Tongue of Angels", Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, 177th Annual General Conference, April 2007).
After a moment of reflection, I decided on the most important message for my children. It is a message I don't care to broadcast to the world, though it is and should be applicable to all. The most important thing I will tell my children is this: "You are a child of God."
It's a beautiful statement so simply put, and it carries with it many important implied truths. Such a statement does not give a person any reason for boasting and does not denigrate anyone else. It does carry with it a sense of hope, destiny, and duty in righteousness. While it makes no determination of our worthiness before our Heavenly Father, it is a reminder that the evil and wasteful things of the world are unworthy of us. As my children grow it will serve as a reminder of covenants they have made with God, and throughout life it will be essential knowledge in guiding their lives, because they will come to know who they are intended to be and the eternal existence they are intended to have.
So that's what I want my kids to know.
Last thoughts for now:
I hope to teach my children many things, and to raise them up with a good knowledge of the gospel. It will be vital for them to understand the Atonement and the Restoration; however, before my children can fully appreciate these things, and even if they understand nothing else, I want them to understand with certainty the words of a beloved song when they sing them: "I am a child of God."
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Flawed Heroes
Some of my favorite books are the Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander. I recently read a review or summary that mentioned "flawed heroes" in the book. It occurred to me that the term "flawed hero" can have two different meanings.
There seems to be a desire these days for flawed heroes, more so than in decades past. I'm not an expert, but from what I know this is seen in comic book heroes among other arenas. Early on, comic book heroes were never seen much to have character flaws. More recently, we have stories including Superman having an illegitimate child. The reason these flawed heroes are more present is because we supposedly can relate to them more. After all, we ourselves are flawed. What the creators of these flawed heroes would have us believe is that these flawed heroes are like us in that they do some bad things in addition to the good (and that it's normal and okay to do some bad things), and that they're different from us in that they have superhuman abilities or are, in the very least, in exceptional circumstances. Otherwise, they would be us. Additionally, we see flawed "heroes" in our everyday life, in the form of adulterous sports stars, corrupt politicians, drug-abusing musicians, and more. People who have the opportunity to show a good example frequently do the opposite, and are excused and even praised for their flaws by many around them.
However, as I said earlier, there are two types of "flawed heroes". Taran, the main character of the Prydain Chronicles, can rightly be described as a flawed hero, but of a different sort. His flaws are clearly illustrated; he is impetuous and foolish, sometimes petty and jealous, and makes many of the mistakes that we all do as he learns. His mistakes, though, come from a lack of maturity and growth, and not from acceptance of doing things he knows are wrong. This flawed hero experiences shame and regret, and then resolves to be better. Over the course of five books we understand that he matures and overcomes his flaws. When we relate to his experiences, we gain hope that we can overcome our flaws and become the people we desire to be.
That's the sort of flawed hero we need.
We should expect to often see flawed heroes; after all, the only true flaw-less hero to whom we can look is Christ. The rest of us are flawed. When we look at other people, either real or fictional, what is important is that we gain hope through the virtues they display and through the difficulties they overcome, including their own character flaws. What this life is largely about is overcoming sin through the Atonement of Christ. What will stop us from accomplishing this is if we accept sin, if we look up to others and say, "Even he does these bad things, so it's okay if I do some bad things also," or in other words, accepting our flaws because our heroes accept theirs. What will bring us to accomplish our goal is becoming a hero despite our flaws.
Last thoughts for now:
Our goal remains the same: exaltation in the kingdom of God. We ought to make sure that our "heroes", our role models, are people who instill in us a desire to accomplish that goal. If we look up to people and through their shameless wrong actions they discourage us from overcoming our own difficulties, well, they're not heroes at all.
There seems to be a desire these days for flawed heroes, more so than in decades past. I'm not an expert, but from what I know this is seen in comic book heroes among other arenas. Early on, comic book heroes were never seen much to have character flaws. More recently, we have stories including Superman having an illegitimate child. The reason these flawed heroes are more present is because we supposedly can relate to them more. After all, we ourselves are flawed. What the creators of these flawed heroes would have us believe is that these flawed heroes are like us in that they do some bad things in addition to the good (and that it's normal and okay to do some bad things), and that they're different from us in that they have superhuman abilities or are, in the very least, in exceptional circumstances. Otherwise, they would be us. Additionally, we see flawed "heroes" in our everyday life, in the form of adulterous sports stars, corrupt politicians, drug-abusing musicians, and more. People who have the opportunity to show a good example frequently do the opposite, and are excused and even praised for their flaws by many around them.
However, as I said earlier, there are two types of "flawed heroes". Taran, the main character of the Prydain Chronicles, can rightly be described as a flawed hero, but of a different sort. His flaws are clearly illustrated; he is impetuous and foolish, sometimes petty and jealous, and makes many of the mistakes that we all do as he learns. His mistakes, though, come from a lack of maturity and growth, and not from acceptance of doing things he knows are wrong. This flawed hero experiences shame and regret, and then resolves to be better. Over the course of five books we understand that he matures and overcomes his flaws. When we relate to his experiences, we gain hope that we can overcome our flaws and become the people we desire to be.
That's the sort of flawed hero we need.
We should expect to often see flawed heroes; after all, the only true flaw-less hero to whom we can look is Christ. The rest of us are flawed. When we look at other people, either real or fictional, what is important is that we gain hope through the virtues they display and through the difficulties they overcome, including their own character flaws. What this life is largely about is overcoming sin through the Atonement of Christ. What will stop us from accomplishing this is if we accept sin, if we look up to others and say, "Even he does these bad things, so it's okay if I do some bad things also," or in other words, accepting our flaws because our heroes accept theirs. What will bring us to accomplish our goal is becoming a hero despite our flaws.
Last thoughts for now:
Our goal remains the same: exaltation in the kingdom of God. We ought to make sure that our "heroes", our role models, are people who instill in us a desire to accomplish that goal. If we look up to people and through their shameless wrong actions they discourage us from overcoming our own difficulties, well, they're not heroes at all.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Only One Destination in the Plan
Most people within the Church are familiar with diagrams of the Plan of Salvation. As I've prepared my next lesson for the teachers in my ward (I'm the Teacher's Quorum Advisor), I've noticed that the diagram in the lesson manual is slightly different from the diagrams I've often seen in the past. It looks something like this:
Pre-earth life ---Birth---> Earth life ---Death---> Spirit World ---Resurrection and Judgement---> Celestial Kingdom
Usually I've seen this diagram with three kingdoms at the end. It strikes me, however, that these young men need to understand that there is only one kingdom for them. That goes for all of us. Yes, other kingdoms have been prepared, because in a practical sense, there will be plenty of people who will need such kingdoms in which to spend eternity, but that's not what we're here for.
If we have been sealed to our spouse in the temple, there is only one goal in sight: exaltation. Even if we have been endowed in the temple, there is only one goal in sight, which we will achieve after being sealed: exaltation. For the men, if we have received the priesthood, there is only one goal in sight. Even just having been baptized in the true Church, we have only one goal. Beyond that, I would think that even just having taken an early step by coming to earth, there's only one reason we should have done it and only one destination that is good enough for us, though the making of covenants is the key action I want to emphasize. The reason we make all of these covenants is so that we may progress toward and arrive in the Celestial Kingdom.
Back to the teachers to whom I'll give the lesson: if they're not planning on going to the Celestial Kingdom, there's no reason for them to be at church in the first place. It's the reason why we go to church.
Sometimes young folks are unsure of themselves, though. They feel that "I'm not good enough for the Celestial Kingdom." To be honest, older folks also aren't exempt from that uncertainty. However, no one should sell themselves short in envisioning their potential. Frankly, when they say th're not good enough, they're right; none of us are. That's why Christ atoned for our sins, and he did so for all of us, so that all of us have the ability to be exalted.
Last thoughts for now:
There's only one destination with which I'm concerned. The knowledge of the Plan of Happiness, including the Atonement of Jesus Christ, should guide me in everything I do, so that I may reach that destination. I'm going to the Celestial Kingdom.
Pre-earth life ---Birth---> Earth life ---Death---> Spirit World ---Resurrection and Judgement---> Celestial Kingdom
Usually I've seen this diagram with three kingdoms at the end. It strikes me, however, that these young men need to understand that there is only one kingdom for them. That goes for all of us. Yes, other kingdoms have been prepared, because in a practical sense, there will be plenty of people who will need such kingdoms in which to spend eternity, but that's not what we're here for.
If we have been sealed to our spouse in the temple, there is only one goal in sight: exaltation. Even if we have been endowed in the temple, there is only one goal in sight, which we will achieve after being sealed: exaltation. For the men, if we have received the priesthood, there is only one goal in sight. Even just having been baptized in the true Church, we have only one goal. Beyond that, I would think that even just having taken an early step by coming to earth, there's only one reason we should have done it and only one destination that is good enough for us, though the making of covenants is the key action I want to emphasize. The reason we make all of these covenants is so that we may progress toward and arrive in the Celestial Kingdom.
Back to the teachers to whom I'll give the lesson: if they're not planning on going to the Celestial Kingdom, there's no reason for them to be at church in the first place. It's the reason why we go to church.
Sometimes young folks are unsure of themselves, though. They feel that "I'm not good enough for the Celestial Kingdom." To be honest, older folks also aren't exempt from that uncertainty. However, no one should sell themselves short in envisioning their potential. Frankly, when they say th're not good enough, they're right; none of us are. That's why Christ atoned for our sins, and he did so for all of us, so that all of us have the ability to be exalted.
Last thoughts for now:
There's only one destination with which I'm concerned. The knowledge of the Plan of Happiness, including the Atonement of Jesus Christ, should guide me in everything I do, so that I may reach that destination. I'm going to the Celestial Kingdom.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Knowing Now That He is Our Savior
Yesterday we finished our last night of the production Savior of the World. I believe my favorite scene was when I, as the apostle John, witnesses Peter explaining an important truth to Thomas, who was distressed from having not personally seen the Savior when so many others around him had. Here is a bit of the dialogue, slightly abbreviated:
Peter: I'm sorry you didn't see Him.
Thomas: What I said about believing--
John: We understand, Thomas. You want to see Him with your own eyes.
Thomas: So I can be a witness!
Peter: You are a witness. Look, Thomas, we did see Him, but that is not enough for any of us.
Thomas: What? Peter: Plenty of people saw Him in life, watched His miracles and heard His teachings, and yet some of them were among those who condemned Him to the cross. To see Him, Thomas--to see Him as He is, for who He is--we must look with our hearts...It isn't by flesh and blood that we know, but by what we feel...And one day, when you do see Him, you will not know any better than you know now that He lives, because you already feel--(pointing to Thomas' heart)--here.
Thomas learns a valuable lesson here. It almost brings tears to my eyes as I consider this beautiful truth. It seems that this dialogue is partially based on words from the final talk given by Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "I am one of his witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears. But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way."
I think also of Alma 34:34. "Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world." Now is the time to gain a knowledge of Christ. If we reject Him, or reject that opportunity, what reason do we have to believe that we will be any different later? Perhaps some think that it will be easy to believe in Christ after they have died and seen what is next. However, we will not be so different in the Spirit World from what we are now.
Last thoughts for now:
Now is the time to gain a knowledge of Christ. He is our Savior. He was and is a perfect example and teacher. I know it! To see Him face to face will surely be the most humbling experience of my existence, but I am grateful that I have a testimony from God about my Savior now.
Incorrect Teachings Among the Saints
There have been times in my past where I missed the mark a bit when trying to help others to be righteous. I think it has tended to be when I was reaching beyond the scope of my stewardship, and that I was being overzealous. There have been other times when I have heard others share incorrect of skewed doctrines. It feels a bit strange when this happens; if we're listening to the Holy Ghost, He tells us very clearly that something isn't right, just as He testifies to us when we hear and speak truth.
It can be uncomfortable though when someone misses the mark, particularly when we know that the person is genuinely trying to be a true disciple of Christ. However, in simple terms this is really just another mistake, of which we make many.
We read in 3 Nephi 1:24 that after Christ was born, some Nephites attempted "to prove by the scriptures that it was no more expedient to observe the law of Moses." Note that they were using the scriptures; that much is to their credit. As we read further in the same verse and also verse 25, "Now in this thing they did err, having not understood the scriptures. But it came to pass that they soon became converted, and were convinced of the error which they were in...therefore in this same year were they brought to a knowledge of their error and did confess their faults." Put simply, they misunderstood something, tried to teach something false, and were corrected.
Having made and witnessed mistakes, I have gained a desire to not repeat them. In this case, I try to be careful to only state truth when state something as if it were truth. When I state something about which I'm uncertain, I say as much. Sometimes it's a very good thing to share good ideas that are unverifiable, as long as it's clear that the ideas are not purported to be verified doctrine.
When people do teach something incorrect, it's important to simply love them and help them, just like in any other circumstance. Here, that means correcting them with as little awkwardness or embarrassment as possible.
Last thoughts for now:
Truth is a joy to those who seek to be righteous. We all make mistakes sometimes. We can all learn and get past those mistakes, and we can all help others to do the same.
It can be uncomfortable though when someone misses the mark, particularly when we know that the person is genuinely trying to be a true disciple of Christ. However, in simple terms this is really just another mistake, of which we make many.
We read in 3 Nephi 1:24 that after Christ was born, some Nephites attempted "to prove by the scriptures that it was no more expedient to observe the law of Moses." Note that they were using the scriptures; that much is to their credit. As we read further in the same verse and also verse 25, "Now in this thing they did err, having not understood the scriptures. But it came to pass that they soon became converted, and were convinced of the error which they were in...therefore in this same year were they brought to a knowledge of their error and did confess their faults." Put simply, they misunderstood something, tried to teach something false, and were corrected.
Having made and witnessed mistakes, I have gained a desire to not repeat them. In this case, I try to be careful to only state truth when state something as if it were truth. When I state something about which I'm uncertain, I say as much. Sometimes it's a very good thing to share good ideas that are unverifiable, as long as it's clear that the ideas are not purported to be verified doctrine.
When people do teach something incorrect, it's important to simply love them and help them, just like in any other circumstance. Here, that means correcting them with as little awkwardness or embarrassment as possible.
Last thoughts for now:
Truth is a joy to those who seek to be righteous. We all make mistakes sometimes. We can all learn and get past those mistakes, and we can all help others to do the same.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Meriting Great Gifts
God told Nephi, son of Helaman, the following:
"...I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed. in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word...I give unto you power..." (Helaman 10:5, 7)
And He states that Nephi will have the power to seal and loose things in earth and in heaven, to speak and make mountains flat or cause the people to be smitten.
Nephi received this gift only after being imprisoned for teaching the gospel, after preaching for six years in a land where the people didn't listen to him, and after being faithful despite having his country overtaken and perverted by the Gaddianton robbers.
I guess I might normally want to be blessed to be "mighty in word and deed" before serving as a missionary for six years. Little do I know what kind of effort and righteousness are required before we receive such gifts.
It certainly makes sense in a basic sort of way. How can one expect to be blessed without showing some effort to do God's will?
Interestingly, after being given such power, Nephi still was tasked with preaching repentance he faced rejection as he carried out that preaching. Even though he had been given great power, he still had difficult work to do.
It seems to be the basic flow in life: Do what is right, and you will be blessed with more opportunities to do what is right.
Last thoughts for now:
I admire Nephi's dedication. I know I must resolve myself to live righteously and share the gospel, even if it takes years to receive all the blessings my Father in Heaven has in store for me.
"...I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed. in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word...I give unto you power..." (Helaman 10:5, 7)
And He states that Nephi will have the power to seal and loose things in earth and in heaven, to speak and make mountains flat or cause the people to be smitten.
Nephi received this gift only after being imprisoned for teaching the gospel, after preaching for six years in a land where the people didn't listen to him, and after being faithful despite having his country overtaken and perverted by the Gaddianton robbers.
I guess I might normally want to be blessed to be "mighty in word and deed" before serving as a missionary for six years. Little do I know what kind of effort and righteousness are required before we receive such gifts.
It certainly makes sense in a basic sort of way. How can one expect to be blessed without showing some effort to do God's will?
Interestingly, after being given such power, Nephi still was tasked with preaching repentance he faced rejection as he carried out that preaching. Even though he had been given great power, he still had difficult work to do.
It seems to be the basic flow in life: Do what is right, and you will be blessed with more opportunities to do what is right.
Last thoughts for now:
I admire Nephi's dedication. I know I must resolve myself to live righteously and share the gospel, even if it takes years to receive all the blessings my Father in Heaven has in store for me.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Mistakes and Perfection
As I make my own efforts to do what is right and to grow as a person, I am keenly aware of all the mistakes I make. Sometimes I sin, but sometimes I just make mistakes. Particularly when doing something difficult, we are all prone to making mistakes from time to time. Was Christ the same? We know He never sinned, but I have to wonder if He ever did things that frustrated Him or that He felt embarrassed about. I wonder if He ever faced a difficult situation but afterward, though having done nothing unrighteous, said to Himself, “Aaargh, I could have done that better.”
Making mistakes is very humbling for me. Was it also for Jesus Christ, as He “continued from grace to grace” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:13)?
Before His death and resurrection, Christ commanded His followers to be perfect even as Heavenly Father is perfect. During a visit to the Nephites after His resurrection, He said the same thing but mentioned that He was also perfect. I think one part of perfection is having a perfect body; that’s one thing Christ had after His resurrection that He didn’t have before. I find it interesting that He modified the Sermon on the Mount slightly when giving it to the Nephites. (For example, adding the phrase “who come unto me” after the words “blessed are the poor in Spirit”—see 3 Nephi 12:3.)
Beyond that, I begin to wonder something else, challenging slightly a long-held idea. Perhaps this is a stupid question, and perhaps I should have read Talmage’s Jesus the Christ more so that I would have an easily referenced and definitive answer, but does being perfect mean being morally and righteously perfect only, or does it also mean never making mistakes? It seems strange to think of God making a mistake. If we are to become perfect, and thus reach a point at which we no longer make mistakes, how does that happen, and how long does it take?
Last thoughts for now:
Though I don’t expect to be certain about it any time soon, I imagine that Christ did make mistakes in His mortal life. Maybe it was just something like messing up a piece of wood when helping Joseph with the carpentry. It would certainly be understandable if He did. Either way, I expect to make many more of my own mistakes. If I didn’t, I’m sure I wouldn’t be living a life worth living.
Making mistakes is very humbling for me. Was it also for Jesus Christ, as He “continued from grace to grace” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:13)?
Before His death and resurrection, Christ commanded His followers to be perfect even as Heavenly Father is perfect. During a visit to the Nephites after His resurrection, He said the same thing but mentioned that He was also perfect. I think one part of perfection is having a perfect body; that’s one thing Christ had after His resurrection that He didn’t have before. I find it interesting that He modified the Sermon on the Mount slightly when giving it to the Nephites. (For example, adding the phrase “who come unto me” after the words “blessed are the poor in Spirit”—see 3 Nephi 12:3.)
Beyond that, I begin to wonder something else, challenging slightly a long-held idea. Perhaps this is a stupid question, and perhaps I should have read Talmage’s Jesus the Christ more so that I would have an easily referenced and definitive answer, but does being perfect mean being morally and righteously perfect only, or does it also mean never making mistakes? It seems strange to think of God making a mistake. If we are to become perfect, and thus reach a point at which we no longer make mistakes, how does that happen, and how long does it take?
Last thoughts for now:
Though I don’t expect to be certain about it any time soon, I imagine that Christ did make mistakes in His mortal life. Maybe it was just something like messing up a piece of wood when helping Joseph with the carpentry. It would certainly be understandable if He did. Either way, I expect to make many more of my own mistakes. If I didn’t, I’m sure I wouldn’t be living a life worth living.
Friday, March 6, 2009
We Know
It's often taken for granted that nobody knows the purpose of life, and that nobody knows if God really exists.
It's not true. We know.
By "we", I mean members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Before being baptized, a person should have a testimony from God that He exists and that the Church is His true church. I realize that it sadly doesn't always happen that way; some people somehow get baptized without seeking and receiving a testimony (as I have addressed already in another post). However, true latter-day saints know with certainty that God loves them and they know why God created the earth and put them on it.
Just today on the radio I heard someone saying that "nobody knows that God exists". Well, I know He does. I know why I'm here, I know what He wants for me, and I know what He wants me to do in order to receive it.
That knowledge is a wonderful thing.
Last thoughts for now: This is the sort of knowledge that needs to be shared. Everyone deserves to know like we do.
It's not true. We know.
By "we", I mean members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Before being baptized, a person should have a testimony from God that He exists and that the Church is His true church. I realize that it sadly doesn't always happen that way; some people somehow get baptized without seeking and receiving a testimony (as I have addressed already in another post). However, true latter-day saints know with certainty that God loves them and they know why God created the earth and put them on it.
Just today on the radio I heard someone saying that "nobody knows that God exists". Well, I know He does. I know why I'm here, I know what He wants for me, and I know what He wants me to do in order to receive it.
That knowledge is a wonderful thing.
Last thoughts for now: This is the sort of knowledge that needs to be shared. Everyone deserves to know like we do.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
They Shouldn't Have Been Baptized
I've been a full-time missionary before, so I know how it feels. We set goals, we worked with people, we knew the truth of the Gospel and the Church and we wanted good things for others. Thus, we wanted people to be baptized. We taught them and invited them to be baptized, and they accepted and were baptized. Between those last two steps, there's an interview. The purpose of the interview is to ensure that the person is ready to make this vital covenant. Some people shouldn't make it past this interview but somehow slip through.
Maybe that doesn't sound like a problem to some people. Some missionaries don't see any baptisms during their entire mission, and even those who do still want to see more. Is it a bad thing if some people are baptized when they're not ready?
Absolutely.
In Moroni 7:39, Mormon makes it clear that some people should not be in the Church. "But behold, my beloved brethren, I judge better things of you, for I judge that ye have faith in Christ because of your meekness; for if ye have not faith in him then ye are not fit to be numbered among the people of his church."
That's not to say that the Gospel isn't right and true for everyone, because it is. It doesn't mean that Jesus didn't die for everyone or that God doesn't love everyone, because They did and do. But people should not join the Church until they have sufficient faith in Christ and have made changes in their lives.
Mormon himself addressed this issue in the previous chapter (Moroni 6:1-3):
"And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it.
Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins.
And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end."
I've seen it too many times. Maybe it's because a missionary wants to get one more baptism before he leaves, or maybe it's just general over-zealousness. People get baptized without truly having received a testimony from God of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Without that testimony, they don't have much reason to stay around. Sometimes they don't even last long enough to be confirmed.
Making and keeping covenants is the key to progressing toward eternal life. It's a tragedy for people to make serious covenants like baptism but not understand what they're doing. It's a tragedy for people to make serious covenants like baptism and then turn away from the truth.
Does that mean that kids shouldn't be baptized when they're eight years old? No. It means that parents need to teach their children well so that they'll be ready.
I don't think anyone fully understands how important their baptismal covenants are when they get baptized, but it is vital that we make covenants of our own free will, with knowledge of what we're doing, and with a real knowledge. When that isn't the case for some people, they're doing it for the wrong reasons and it hurts them.
Last thoughts for now:
The Gospel is for everyone. Baptism is for everyone. The Holy Ghost is for everyone. Temple ordinances are for everyone. The Atonement of Jesus Christ and covenants are for everyone, but we have to make ourselves ready.
Maybe that doesn't sound like a problem to some people. Some missionaries don't see any baptisms during their entire mission, and even those who do still want to see more. Is it a bad thing if some people are baptized when they're not ready?
Absolutely.
In Moroni 7:39, Mormon makes it clear that some people should not be in the Church. "But behold, my beloved brethren, I judge better things of you, for I judge that ye have faith in Christ because of your meekness; for if ye have not faith in him then ye are not fit to be numbered among the people of his church."
That's not to say that the Gospel isn't right and true for everyone, because it is. It doesn't mean that Jesus didn't die for everyone or that God doesn't love everyone, because They did and do. But people should not join the Church until they have sufficient faith in Christ and have made changes in their lives.
Mormon himself addressed this issue in the previous chapter (Moroni 6:1-3):
"And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it.
Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins.
And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end."
I've seen it too many times. Maybe it's because a missionary wants to get one more baptism before he leaves, or maybe it's just general over-zealousness. People get baptized without truly having received a testimony from God of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Without that testimony, they don't have much reason to stay around. Sometimes they don't even last long enough to be confirmed.
Making and keeping covenants is the key to progressing toward eternal life. It's a tragedy for people to make serious covenants like baptism but not understand what they're doing. It's a tragedy for people to make serious covenants like baptism and then turn away from the truth.
Does that mean that kids shouldn't be baptized when they're eight years old? No. It means that parents need to teach their children well so that they'll be ready.
I don't think anyone fully understands how important their baptismal covenants are when they get baptized, but it is vital that we make covenants of our own free will, with knowledge of what we're doing, and with a real knowledge. When that isn't the case for some people, they're doing it for the wrong reasons and it hurts them.
Last thoughts for now:
The Gospel is for everyone. Baptism is for everyone. The Holy Ghost is for everyone. Temple ordinances are for everyone. The Atonement of Jesus Christ and covenants are for everyone, but we have to make ourselves ready.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Availability
"Life in the Church soon teaches us that the Lord does not ask us about our ability, but only about our availability. And then, if we demonstrate our dependability, the Lord will increase our capability." --Neal A. Maxwell
I decided a long time ago that I wasn't going to do homework on Sundays. I have stuck to that rule. President Michael Benson, formerly the president of Snow College (and grandson of President Ezra Taft Benson), spoke at the Snow College institute building one Friday and encouraged all of the students there to not do any homework on Sundays. I loved that he of all people would say that, as he, being the president of the school, certainly wanted the students there to succeed academically.
I knew that I couldn't serve the Lord if I was busy doing something else.
Jeri Lynn and I decided also a long time ago that we were going to avoid being out of town on Sundays whenever possible. Sometimes we left on a Friday to visit family and returned the day after. As college students, we knew quite a few people who habitually visited their parents' wards on Sundays. They referred to these wards as their "home wards". Me, I knew where my home ward was. It was where my records were. It was where my bishop was. And, most importantly, it was where my callings were.
I knew that there was no way for me to serve the Lord if I wasn't around.
It makes plain sense that the first step in serving the Lord is just being available, but I feel like too often people (including myself if I'm not careful) don't make an effort to ensure that they stay available. The world certainly tries to pull us away, telling us that it's important to do other things. "Hey! School's important! You need to do your homework!" "Yeah, well my major is tough; people in my major have to get homework done on Sundays." Well, what I studied was no piece of cake. Computer Science isn't going to be found on a list of easy college majors. But the closest I came to ever doing homework on a Sunday was when I went to sleep early Sunday night, then got up a few hours later, then worked for hours on a project that was due Monday morning. I didn't even particularly like that because I was cutting into Sunday time by going to bed early. What I do know is that if I had done my homework on Sundays I just wouldn't have been able to do the work of the Lord, regardless of anything else.
What we choose to do with our time is really the only gift we can give our Father in Heaven. Not only should we just be around, but we should actively seek to know the will of God so that we may act according to it. We should make time for the Lord, then find a way to use it well.
Doctrine and Covenants 58:27-29 "Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned."
Last thoughts for now:
I often have to decide whether to serve the Lord or serve myself. I know that I must make myself available to God and that some things, though I may like them or feel they are important, aren't deserving of my time or can wait until I have served the Lord. I'm sure this will be an enduring challenge, but I know that as I grow closer to God it becomes more natural. And as I serve God, I become more like Him.
I decided a long time ago that I wasn't going to do homework on Sundays. I have stuck to that rule. President Michael Benson, formerly the president of Snow College (and grandson of President Ezra Taft Benson), spoke at the Snow College institute building one Friday and encouraged all of the students there to not do any homework on Sundays. I loved that he of all people would say that, as he, being the president of the school, certainly wanted the students there to succeed academically.
I knew that I couldn't serve the Lord if I was busy doing something else.
Jeri Lynn and I decided also a long time ago that we were going to avoid being out of town on Sundays whenever possible. Sometimes we left on a Friday to visit family and returned the day after. As college students, we knew quite a few people who habitually visited their parents' wards on Sundays. They referred to these wards as their "home wards". Me, I knew where my home ward was. It was where my records were. It was where my bishop was. And, most importantly, it was where my callings were.
I knew that there was no way for me to serve the Lord if I wasn't around.
It makes plain sense that the first step in serving the Lord is just being available, but I feel like too often people (including myself if I'm not careful) don't make an effort to ensure that they stay available. The world certainly tries to pull us away, telling us that it's important to do other things. "Hey! School's important! You need to do your homework!" "Yeah, well my major is tough; people in my major have to get homework done on Sundays." Well, what I studied was no piece of cake. Computer Science isn't going to be found on a list of easy college majors. But the closest I came to ever doing homework on a Sunday was when I went to sleep early Sunday night, then got up a few hours later, then worked for hours on a project that was due Monday morning. I didn't even particularly like that because I was cutting into Sunday time by going to bed early. What I do know is that if I had done my homework on Sundays I just wouldn't have been able to do the work of the Lord, regardless of anything else.
What we choose to do with our time is really the only gift we can give our Father in Heaven. Not only should we just be around, but we should actively seek to know the will of God so that we may act according to it. We should make time for the Lord, then find a way to use it well.
Doctrine and Covenants 58:27-29 "Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned."
Last thoughts for now:
I often have to decide whether to serve the Lord or serve myself. I know that I must make myself available to God and that some things, though I may like them or feel they are important, aren't deserving of my time or can wait until I have served the Lord. I'm sure this will be an enduring challenge, but I know that as I grow closer to God it becomes more natural. And as I serve God, I become more like Him.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Consecration
A few weeks ago, our Gospel Doctrines class was talking about the Law of Consecration. We discussed how people failed to live it before, and how we have tithing and offerings now. Of course, tithing is an eternal principle and has existed from before the time of Abraham, but it is through tithing and offerings that we can be consecrated to God.
And just as we won't suddenly become righteous at the end of our mortal life if we aren't living well already (see Alma 34:34), we won't suddenly be truly consecrated when the Church is called upon to live the Law of Consecration if we aren't already. If we're not paying a full tithe and giving generously through fast offerings, we won't be ready for celestial standards.
Beyond that, consecration is about more than just money. A person who gives great amounts of money in offerings but spends all day doing something like playing video games or watching sports is not consecrated. If I don't share my talents in the service of God or I if I fail to fulfill my Church responsibilities because of personal interests or anything else, I am not consecrated.
Consecrating oneself to God means giving up a lot, but sacrifice is a good thing. In fact it's an amazing and wonderful thing. Heavenly Father always gives us something greater in return. Joseph Smith said, "A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things."
Of course, our greatest example of consecration and sacrifice comes from Jesus Christ. Everything He did was devoted to His father.
Last thoughts for now:
I must yet make significant progress before I am confident in my level of consecration to God. Even not having acheived this goal, I know that consecrated life is what will bring us the greatest happiness.
And just as we won't suddenly become righteous at the end of our mortal life if we aren't living well already (see Alma 34:34), we won't suddenly be truly consecrated when the Church is called upon to live the Law of Consecration if we aren't already. If we're not paying a full tithe and giving generously through fast offerings, we won't be ready for celestial standards.
Beyond that, consecration is about more than just money. A person who gives great amounts of money in offerings but spends all day doing something like playing video games or watching sports is not consecrated. If I don't share my talents in the service of God or I if I fail to fulfill my Church responsibilities because of personal interests or anything else, I am not consecrated.
Consecrating oneself to God means giving up a lot, but sacrifice is a good thing. In fact it's an amazing and wonderful thing. Heavenly Father always gives us something greater in return. Joseph Smith said, "A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things."
Of course, our greatest example of consecration and sacrifice comes from Jesus Christ. Everything He did was devoted to His father.
Last thoughts for now:
I must yet make significant progress before I am confident in my level of consecration to God. Even not having acheived this goal, I know that consecrated life is what will bring us the greatest happiness.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Most Important Consequences
Twice in the last week, I've had religious conversations with another soldier while at work. In each case I thought to bring to light a certain point. It begins with a question:
What are the most important consequences of our actions?
It should be obvious that the effects and influence of what we do extends into a great many areas. If we steal a pack of gum, if we beat and rob someone, if we shovel a neighbor's snowy sidewalk, or if we donate money and time to a worthy cause, there are always obvious direct and immediate consequences to the world around us; however, the most important consequences are what our actions do to us. Whenever we act, we become better or worse. At every moment of every day we thrive, fester, or just stagnate.
That doesn't mean that every moment has to be fast paced. We can wear ourselves out quickly if we try. (I'm not in danger of that myself, though; personally, I need to be more fast-paced sometimes.)
Despite all we may do to better ourselves spiritually, what really makes exaltation possible? The Atonement of Jesus Christ. Without Him, we would have no hope.
I don't think I can say much more at this point than Elder Oaks has said in his talk "The Challenge to Become". Here are the audio and text (see Saturday Afternoon Session): http://lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,23-1-138,00.html
Last thoughts for now:
I have yet to fully understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ and what it does for me, how it helps me to become like God. All the same, I know that there is no time when I can sin without consequence and impact on my eternity. I hope I can remind myself of my unceasing obligation to act righteously.
What are the most important consequences of our actions?
It should be obvious that the effects and influence of what we do extends into a great many areas. If we steal a pack of gum, if we beat and rob someone, if we shovel a neighbor's snowy sidewalk, or if we donate money and time to a worthy cause, there are always obvious direct and immediate consequences to the world around us; however, the most important consequences are what our actions do to us. Whenever we act, we become better or worse. At every moment of every day we thrive, fester, or just stagnate.
That doesn't mean that every moment has to be fast paced. We can wear ourselves out quickly if we try. (I'm not in danger of that myself, though; personally, I need to be more fast-paced sometimes.)
Despite all we may do to better ourselves spiritually, what really makes exaltation possible? The Atonement of Jesus Christ. Without Him, we would have no hope.
I don't think I can say much more at this point than Elder Oaks has said in his talk "The Challenge to Become". Here are the audio and text (see Saturday Afternoon Session): http://lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,23-1-138,00.html
Last thoughts for now:
I have yet to fully understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ and what it does for me, how it helps me to become like God. All the same, I know that there is no time when I can sin without consequence and impact on my eternity. I hope I can remind myself of my unceasing obligation to act righteously.
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