Some members of the Church have a certain tradition or habit that really isn't necessary, and that I consequently avoid. When blessing a baby and giving him or her a name, I often hear the wording like this: "and to give him a name by which he will be known on the records of the Church." It's simply not dictated by any Church book of instructions. It doesn't hurt, but I don't want to confuse things that are necessary and things that aren't, so I never use those words. And I hope that people notice it and realize that they don't need to use them either. That way we can focus on the traditions and elements of ordinances which are truly important and necessary.
Much of the time, priesthood ordinances do not use exact wording. Any holder of the Melchizedek Priesthood, when reading the instructions for ordinances, will find key elements but rarely exact words.
But sometimes exact wording is important. Temple ordinances, for example, use exact wording. One thing I wonder is, other than the fact that the words have been prescribed for us, are the exact words absolutely necessary? Perhaps not, and we know that temple ordinances have changed at times, but there are good reasons for using specific words. A major reason is that there is much to learn from what is said during those ordinances.
Outside of the temple, I can think of two occasions when exact wording is dictated by scripture (in Doctrine and Covenants Section 20 and also in the book of Moroni): during a baptism, and when we renew our baptismal covenants with the sacrament. Why do we use exact words then? Is it because those exact words are necessary for the ordinance? It seems clear that such is not the case when we review the wording used by Alma as he baptized Helam and others: "Helam, I baptize thee, having authority from the Almighty God, as a testimony that ye have entered into a covenant to serve him until you are dead as to the mortal body; and may the Spirit of the Lord be poured out upon you; and may he grant unto you eternal life, through the redemption of Christ, whom he has prepared from the foundation of the world."
I think along with the advantage of learning from specific wording comes the advantage of not having to think through it on the spot--we don't have to figure out what to say every week during the sacrament. What seems to be the most important reason to me, however, is that by using the same words every time we don't distract ourselves from the ordinance itself. Too often during regular prayers, the speaker turns to flowery and profuse speech. If the person performing the baptism or blessing the sacrament wanted to "make it good", they could easily get lost in language that didn't really add to the ordinance at all. Some people would even be tempted to praise the speaker, again being distracted from the ordinance itself. The exact wording provides simplicity and focus when that is exactly what is needed as we make and renew covenants with God.
Last thoughts for now:
Making and keeping covenants with our Heavenly Father will bring us back to live with Him. Sometimes, exactness and precision is required so that we can be most fully blessed. I want to be precise when such precision is warranted, to keep learning throughout my life, and to stay focused on the simplicity of essential ordinances and covenants.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
A Mighty Change of Heart
All three speakers in church today taught about reverence. It's a theme that the bishop has addressed more than once recently. The talks were very much of an instructive nature, with particular direction given, such as statements that we should arrive early to our meetings and not carry on casual conversation in the chapel. In other words, we were told to do something because we (as a whole) need to change what we are doing.
Without a doubt, the following are true:
Only some who heard were really listening.
Only some who really listened identified themselves as needing to change.
Only some who knew they needed to change made a determination to take specific action to cause that change.
I taught the teachers today about the change of heart we need to experience as we give Jesus Christ's Atonement power in our lives. We read scriptures that taught us that we must have "a broken heart and a contrite spirit" (2 Nephi 2:7), "godly sorrow [that] worketh repentance to salvation" (2 Corinthians 7:10), and "a mighty change in[...]our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually." (Mosiah 5:2) Though I don't claim to have experienced this entirely, I have felt the power of the Christ's Atonement in my life as it has changed my disposition to no longer desire things I used to desire, and it's wonderful. I intend to keep pursuing that change.
It seems to me (though I don't want to misjudge anyone) that many people enter into patterns of living that are comfortable to them and then don't take action to change in any way. I cannot accept such a thing in my life; I know that I need to change because I'm imperfect and I need to repent. That's a very broad statement, but I do hear specific words from church leaders or church members, and I feel specific guidance from the Holy Ghost, that make it clear that I need to do something I'm not already doing, start doing something that I'm not doing, or do something differently. I'd better be changing; if I'm not changing, I'm not progressing--I'm not learning!
Sometimes it's hard to hear that what we're doing is wrong. Sometimes it's actually very hard to hear that the way we do things somehow *isn't* the best way of doing things. We have to be of a mind to take instruction willingly and give up habits or methods to which we have become attached, thus possessing the so-important "broken heart and a contrite spirit". We have to give up our desires and our attachments, and that's why we are told multiple times in scripture that a broken heart and a contrite spirit is the type of sacrifice that we need to make. (Psalms 51:17, 3 Nephi 9:20, Doctrine and Covenants 59:8) To be willing to make that sacrifice is to be teachable; it's being humble. Showing that willingness and humility definitely falls into the category of "pursuits that are difficult but worthwhile".
It can be very hard, but it ought to be hard. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a "mighty" change of heart.
Last thoughts for now:
I'm grateful for God's mercy in teaching me so much in the past and I trust Him to continually direct me in His wisdom. Sometimes it will be a stinging blow to my pride, but every time He gives me direction I know it will be for my own benefit. I hope to often make the sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. I believe in learning and growing. I know that it is only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that we can repent and be like Him.
Without a doubt, the following are true:
Only some who heard were really listening.
Only some who really listened identified themselves as needing to change.
Only some who knew they needed to change made a determination to take specific action to cause that change.
I taught the teachers today about the change of heart we need to experience as we give Jesus Christ's Atonement power in our lives. We read scriptures that taught us that we must have "a broken heart and a contrite spirit" (2 Nephi 2:7), "godly sorrow [that] worketh repentance to salvation" (2 Corinthians 7:10), and "a mighty change in[...]our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually." (Mosiah 5:2) Though I don't claim to have experienced this entirely, I have felt the power of the Christ's Atonement in my life as it has changed my disposition to no longer desire things I used to desire, and it's wonderful. I intend to keep pursuing that change.
It seems to me (though I don't want to misjudge anyone) that many people enter into patterns of living that are comfortable to them and then don't take action to change in any way. I cannot accept such a thing in my life; I know that I need to change because I'm imperfect and I need to repent. That's a very broad statement, but I do hear specific words from church leaders or church members, and I feel specific guidance from the Holy Ghost, that make it clear that I need to do something I'm not already doing, start doing something that I'm not doing, or do something differently. I'd better be changing; if I'm not changing, I'm not progressing--I'm not learning!
Sometimes it's hard to hear that what we're doing is wrong. Sometimes it's actually very hard to hear that the way we do things somehow *isn't* the best way of doing things. We have to be of a mind to take instruction willingly and give up habits or methods to which we have become attached, thus possessing the so-important "broken heart and a contrite spirit". We have to give up our desires and our attachments, and that's why we are told multiple times in scripture that a broken heart and a contrite spirit is the type of sacrifice that we need to make. (Psalms 51:17, 3 Nephi 9:20, Doctrine and Covenants 59:8) To be willing to make that sacrifice is to be teachable; it's being humble. Showing that willingness and humility definitely falls into the category of "pursuits that are difficult but worthwhile".
It can be very hard, but it ought to be hard. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a "mighty" change of heart.
Last thoughts for now:
I'm grateful for God's mercy in teaching me so much in the past and I trust Him to continually direct me in His wisdom. Sometimes it will be a stinging blow to my pride, but every time He gives me direction I know it will be for my own benefit. I hope to often make the sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. I believe in learning and growing. I know that it is only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that we can repent and be like Him.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
The Most Important Human Link
The culminating ordinance of salvation is the sealing of a husband and wife. As with previous ordinances such as baptism and the endowment, we make covenants as we receive this ordinance. According to the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 131, verses 1-4, if we are to enter into the highest heaven in the Celestial Kingdom, we "must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]".
It's possible and common for children to be sealed to their parents, but I've been told and it makes sense to me that the most important sealing is that between husband and wife, and that when a son or daughter is sealed to their spouse that the new sealing takes precedence.
There are at least two reasons why a sealing to a husband or wife is the most important. Firstly, as the aforementioned passage states, those who don't enter into that covenant with their spouse "cannot have an increase" because they cannot have spirit children. Secondly, to be sealed to a spouse is to make a covenant; that covenant, like others we make, guides us and strengthens us. That covenant defines our sealing in a way that is different than if we are "born in the covenant" to parents who are sealed or if we are sealed to them after birth.
The covenant of a temple marriage and sealing is also something that distinguishes the marriage from other common marriages, not only because it is eternal, but because of the nature of the covenant itself. Rather than being just a contract between two people, a sealing is a covenant that two people each make with God. The defining relationship is that between us and Heavenly Father. This is important in that as we each draw nearer to God we will become closer to each other, like two lines meeting at a common point.
It is also vital to remember this when one spouse fails to stay on that path. I have counseled friends to remember this principle: if we have been hurt by an unfaithful spouse we will do well to remember that the covenant whe made was with God, and that regardless of our spouse's actions, we are still obligated to live up to our covenants, and doing so includes loving and forgiving our spouse.
Last thoughts for now:
I hope that my wife will forgive me of my mistakes, and I intend to always forgive her as well. I'm grateful for my covenants and particularly those I have made in the holy temple of God. I hope for everyone to find the love of God as they follow His word and I hope for everyone to enter into the everlasting covenant of marriage.
It's possible and common for children to be sealed to their parents, but I've been told and it makes sense to me that the most important sealing is that between husband and wife, and that when a son or daughter is sealed to their spouse that the new sealing takes precedence.
There are at least two reasons why a sealing to a husband or wife is the most important. Firstly, as the aforementioned passage states, those who don't enter into that covenant with their spouse "cannot have an increase" because they cannot have spirit children. Secondly, to be sealed to a spouse is to make a covenant; that covenant, like others we make, guides us and strengthens us. That covenant defines our sealing in a way that is different than if we are "born in the covenant" to parents who are sealed or if we are sealed to them after birth.
The covenant of a temple marriage and sealing is also something that distinguishes the marriage from other common marriages, not only because it is eternal, but because of the nature of the covenant itself. Rather than being just a contract between two people, a sealing is a covenant that two people each make with God. The defining relationship is that between us and Heavenly Father. This is important in that as we each draw nearer to God we will become closer to each other, like two lines meeting at a common point.
It is also vital to remember this when one spouse fails to stay on that path. I have counseled friends to remember this principle: if we have been hurt by an unfaithful spouse we will do well to remember that the covenant whe made was with God, and that regardless of our spouse's actions, we are still obligated to live up to our covenants, and doing so includes loving and forgiving our spouse.
Last thoughts for now:
I hope that my wife will forgive me of my mistakes, and I intend to always forgive her as well. I'm grateful for my covenants and particularly those I have made in the holy temple of God. I hope for everyone to find the love of God as they follow His word and I hope for everyone to enter into the everlasting covenant of marriage.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
"That every man might speak in the name of God"
I didn't grow up listening to a pastor or "holy man" preach every week. I grew up in a church where everyone was expected to contribute, and everyone was expected to keep the commandments. In hindsight, it's strange to me when I see others' religious experiences in which they are "normal" and some other figure is "holy". I don't mean to take a shot at other people's faith, but I know what it means to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Every member of the Church has been baptized. Through that covenant we all have promised to take upon ourselves the name of Christ, keep his commandments, mourn with those that mourn (Mosiah 18:9), and speak with the "tongue of angels" (2 Nephi 31:13-14, 32:2-3). We are all disciples of Christ who have covenanted to cast off sin and leave worldly ways behind. We all serve in the Church, and someone who is a mission president one month is a teacher for young children the next. We all have the same responsibility to have faith and to repent, and if we do so we are all candidates for positions of service that people outside of our religion might see as positions of prominence. Despite our weakness we are all saints; we are all Latter-day Saints.
I think sometimes we as members of God's Church don't realize what He wants for us. We are sometimes too content to let others lead. The truth is that we have all been called to serve and to lead and to be shining examples of discipleship. No one is inherently better than anyone else; there isn't a division of groups that are meant to be noble and groups that are meant to be prodded along. Instead, God desires "that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world; That faith also might increase in the earth; That mine everlasting acovenant might be established; That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers." (Doctrine and Covenants 1:20-23)
What's more, the breadth of Christ's Atonement itself implies that the glory of God is intended for all of us. "And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam. And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all men, that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day. And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God." (2 Nephi 9:21-23--a personal favorite) We all are supposed to benefit from the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and having been given so much we are then all required to do much. God desires for us all to receive His joy and glory, or as I mentioned in an earlier post, there's "Only One Destination in the Plan".
Last thoughts for now:
We all deserve to have hope, and we all deserve to know the joy of service. Heavenly Father wants us all to be righteous and holy. The Church exists to bring the children of God, every one of us a sinner, close to Him. I hope for us all to better understand Jesus Christ's Atonement and become better servants of the Almighty God.
Every member of the Church has been baptized. Through that covenant we all have promised to take upon ourselves the name of Christ, keep his commandments, mourn with those that mourn (Mosiah 18:9), and speak with the "tongue of angels" (2 Nephi 31:13-14, 32:2-3). We are all disciples of Christ who have covenanted to cast off sin and leave worldly ways behind. We all serve in the Church, and someone who is a mission president one month is a teacher for young children the next. We all have the same responsibility to have faith and to repent, and if we do so we are all candidates for positions of service that people outside of our religion might see as positions of prominence. Despite our weakness we are all saints; we are all Latter-day Saints.
I think sometimes we as members of God's Church don't realize what He wants for us. We are sometimes too content to let others lead. The truth is that we have all been called to serve and to lead and to be shining examples of discipleship. No one is inherently better than anyone else; there isn't a division of groups that are meant to be noble and groups that are meant to be prodded along. Instead, God desires "that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world; That faith also might increase in the earth; That mine everlasting acovenant might be established; That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers." (Doctrine and Covenants 1:20-23)
What's more, the breadth of Christ's Atonement itself implies that the glory of God is intended for all of us. "And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam. And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all men, that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day. And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God." (2 Nephi 9:21-23--a personal favorite) We all are supposed to benefit from the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and having been given so much we are then all required to do much. God desires for us all to receive His joy and glory, or as I mentioned in an earlier post, there's "Only One Destination in the Plan".
Last thoughts for now:
We all deserve to have hope, and we all deserve to know the joy of service. Heavenly Father wants us all to be righteous and holy. The Church exists to bring the children of God, every one of us a sinner, close to Him. I hope for us all to better understand Jesus Christ's Atonement and become better servants of the Almighty God.
With Angel Eyes (Fiction)
The following is pure speculative fiction. I wrote it a while back and figured it would be good to put here, even though the format is entirely different from my normal blog writing. I don't claim to have had any experience with this sort of thing, but the narrative illustrates some ideas that make sense to me.
.
Mason watched people moving to and fro, performing everyday tasks while oblivious to his presence and also to the presence of Grant and the other, more distant disembodied spirits. “I always assumed that it was like this, but it’s unsettling to realize it, to think back on the many things I did that…well, that I wouldn’t have done if I’d realized how many people could see.”
Grant nodded. “Of course, whether or not someone can see what we’re doing shouldn’t be our motivation to eschew evil and pursue righteous goals. It’s actually better for us that we aren’t aware of those who observe our mortal experiences, because it allows us to choose righteousness for the sake of righteousness, or for the sake of our acknowledgement of the Atonement of Christ. So, the physical limitation, our inability to see things with spiritual eyes, actually helps.
“However, remember that those who can observe you don’t want to revel in your unrighteous choices. So, while our unrighteous actions are still observable, they are generally less observed. That same limitation that you’ve been used to also has largely hidden something about your own nature. Look at these people. Do you see that some shine brighter than others?”
Mason looked at the people everywhere, and for the first time he paid attention to the way that they glowed. Indeed, some glowed brightly, while others were dim. “Yes…why is that?”
“I’m sure you can tell me if you think about it.”
“Well, I always understood that when we were judged, we would have more glory if we were more righteous.”
Grant nodded again, smiling. “Exactly. So why would we not also have more glory and brightness before our final judgment? And let me ask you this: where does the light come from?”
Mason had to think for a moment; Grant let him. Mason finally replied: “From God. We shine with the light from God.”
“Right again. Inasmuch as we allow ourselves to reflect the light of truth from God’s Spirit, His light shines forth from us. It’s always like that, though to mortal eyes it’s often quite hard to discern. If you think back, though, I’m sure you can remember times when, for no reason that was evident, someone looked different, brighter in some way, and you could tell that he or she was a faithful disciple of Christ.”
Mason looked again at the people, going about their business in the simple ways he had done so often himself. “Yes, I do remember times like that. In fact, after a certain lesson from a seminary teacher I had really hoped to give other people the same impression, or rather, just to shine so that they would want to follow Jesus Christ.”
“Good! That’s the right idea.”
Mason looked at his own spirit-matter hand. “I’m relieved to see some light in myself.”
“Surely. And you can take it as a good sign that you’re here associating with someone else who also bears the light of truth. But we were speaking, before, about others observing our actions. Like I said, while our unrighteous acts are observable, they are generally less observed. When we engage in unrighteous behavior, we inherently shield ourselves from the influence of the Holy Ghost, thus reducing the light around us.”
“So when we’re bad we can’t be seen?”
“No, no, it takes a lot of evil to completely block out the influence of God in our lives, and even then we’re still visible, but it’s more a matter of focus. Those of us who are observing are naturally inclined to observe those who are shining brightly and turn our attention easily away from darkness. As a person’s light dims because of wickedness, only their personal angels stay with them to help. When you sin more seriously and the truth becomes dim around you, only those who really are concerned stay near and watch over you.”
Mason became uncomfortable again. “So for my bigger mistakes, people were probably still watching. Maybe someone like my grandpa?”
“Perhaps.”
“I hate that. I hate knowing that someone else knows what I’ve done. When it was wrong, I mean.”
“Of course. Shame is natural and can be very helpful. Don’t worry about other people knowing, though; it’s better for key individuals to know now than to have your sins proclaimed from the rooftops to the whole world later, and the people who watch over you from above are those who really love you anyway. They forgive you and still have faith in you.”
Mason lowered his head. “If I knew, I mean really knew, how things were, I know I wouldn’t have done some of the dumb things that I did.”
“Ah, naturally. But if we had a full knowledge from the beginning, it wouldn’t be a test, would it? We wouldn’t really be able to learn and grow.”
“I guess I feel like it would be helpful to have this kind of perspective in order to do the learning.”
“I can see why you’d think so, but if you take a bit of time to observe people you’ll find that simply being told a truth isn’t enough to make it powerful in our lives. In fact, depending on our dispositions, we can very easily blind ourselves to things that ought to be obvious. Too much information all at once isn’t helpful either, and while you have some extra perspective here, you’re faced with different limitations. Consider, for example, sacrifice. Though it’s an incredibly important principle of the Gospel, it’s quite difficult to practice here. How do you expect to learn the benefit of fasting and giving of your substance to others, when you don’t have much in the way of substance? There’s really not much that you can learn here that you can’t learn in a mortal experience, and there, you can actually learn most things more fully than you can here.”
They were both silent for a moment before Grant spoke again. “Come with me. I’d like to show you something.”
Grant took his hand and began walking, and Mason felt that they were moving very quickly. When they were still again, Mason found himself in a place he didn’t recognize. It was a bustling city.
“Look around,” Grant said, “and tell me who those two people are.”
It didn’t take Mason long at all to identify the two people of whom Grant was speaking, for while the crowd of people all around generally only dimly reflected the light of the Holy Ghost, these two particular souls, well-dressed young men shone with a radiance. Mason figured that there was a natural explanation for this—two young men, walking together and casting light before them. “Missionaries,” he said. “They’ve got to be missionaries.”
“They are indeed.” Grant acknowledged. “When it comes to light and shining truth, they’re some of the most satisfying to watch. When the people they teach listen to the Holy Ghost, the light from the missionaries shines out and brightens them as well. There are other ways by which a given person’s light quickly increases, but the teaching of missionaries is one of the better ways.”
Mason lifted his head and peered toward them. “Are we going to see that today?”
“These two are pretty reliable, so I wouldn’t be surprised.”
They observed quietly for a brief while, and it gave Mason time to think. One idea gently nagged him, though he was reluctant to speak it. “Grant, you said that people don’t get as much attention from angelic observers when they sin,” (and Grant nodded encouragingly,) “but at other times, you do, ah, give people their privacy, right? Like newlyweds?”
Grant laughed. “Yes, of course. Just as we can quickly turn our attention away from the darkness of sin, we are selective about other things as well. Sacred events are universally considered to by ‘by invitation only’, and something as immeasurably sacred as the physical intimacy of a husband and wife is no one’s business but their own. It’s quite instinctive to find another place to be, and surprisingly easy to sense when they no longer require privacy. We’re neither curious about it nor carnal, so it’s not a concern.”
Mason looked down and raised his eyebrows. “Huh. Good. Well, I’d expect things to make sense like that, but I’m glad to hear it.”
Grant still wore a mild smile. “Though, to bring perspective, those of us that no longer have bodies also don’t get embarrassed like we used to.”
.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
"He granteth unto men according to their desire"
A recurring message in the scriptures is "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8) When we need something from Heavenly Father, if we ask faithfully He will give it to us. Often, he will answer our prayers through His servants here on this earth. Sometimes, if we are truly seeking to serve Him, we are blessed to be the instruments by which He blesses others.
I certainly hope to bless others' lives. I believe that the most important way I can help others is by sharing the restored Gospel with them. While it's good to serve in many ways, such as by providing food or doing physical labor, if we can share true knowledge and inspire others to live according to that truth, then for the most part they will be able to provide what they need for themselves and dedicate themselves to service as well. So I love to testify of the restored gospel.
I find myself frustrated in my desire sometimes, though. While I would love to declare the joyous truths of the restored gospel with everyone, that isn't how God works. He gives to those who ask. Or, as Alma said, "O that I were an angel[...]that I might go forth[...]with a voice to shake the earth, and[...]declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth. But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me. [...]I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire[...]yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction." (Alma 29:1-4)
I doubt that Alma met people who intentionally sought spiritual destruction, but many who heard him definitely did choose that path through their refusal of the true gospel. Similarly, we run into people who, while professing to live life just like anyone else, reject the glad message of the restored gospel. Despite my great desires to share the gospel, if someone doesn't want it, I should "give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." (Matthew 7:6, interestingly spoken by Jesus right before the passage above.) I hesitate to call anyone "swine" or "dog", but I recognize that many will find no value in the treasures I share and will instead mock them and me. Thus, I should reserve my great treasure for those who seek it.
I have found that even when someone asks a question about my religion they may not merit a lengthy response, depending on whether they ask with a real desire to know. Just because someone throws out a simple question, I should not seek to provide every answer to every question. The other day I spoke about the restored gospel for several hours with a friend, but in hindsight, I see that I was more eager to share the truths of the Restoration than he was to learn them. The result was that, despite my testimony of the Book of Mormon, he still didn't want to read it. Without doing so, he cannot gain a testimony for himself. Even if he did read some of it, if he did not ponder the words and ask God "with a sincere heart, with real intent" (Moroni 10:4), he would not receive an answer from God.
Last thoughts for now:
I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone and is a joyous, wonderful thing. I know that I should "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh [me] a reason of the hope that is in [me]". Yet, I should guard the treasure of my testimony, and as I seek to serve God I should seek to share my testimony and knowledge only inasmuch as others truly seek it, just as "He granteth unto men according to their desire". And like Alma, "I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me." And, though it won't always happen at the speed I would like, measure by measure, those who listen to the voice of the Shepherd will be gathered into Zion.
I certainly hope to bless others' lives. I believe that the most important way I can help others is by sharing the restored Gospel with them. While it's good to serve in many ways, such as by providing food or doing physical labor, if we can share true knowledge and inspire others to live according to that truth, then for the most part they will be able to provide what they need for themselves and dedicate themselves to service as well. So I love to testify of the restored gospel.
I find myself frustrated in my desire sometimes, though. While I would love to declare the joyous truths of the restored gospel with everyone, that isn't how God works. He gives to those who ask. Or, as Alma said, "O that I were an angel[...]that I might go forth[...]with a voice to shake the earth, and[...]declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth. But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me. [...]I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire[...]yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction." (Alma 29:1-4)
I doubt that Alma met people who intentionally sought spiritual destruction, but many who heard him definitely did choose that path through their refusal of the true gospel. Similarly, we run into people who, while professing to live life just like anyone else, reject the glad message of the restored gospel. Despite my great desires to share the gospel, if someone doesn't want it, I should "give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." (Matthew 7:6, interestingly spoken by Jesus right before the passage above.) I hesitate to call anyone "swine" or "dog", but I recognize that many will find no value in the treasures I share and will instead mock them and me. Thus, I should reserve my great treasure for those who seek it.
I have found that even when someone asks a question about my religion they may not merit a lengthy response, depending on whether they ask with a real desire to know. Just because someone throws out a simple question, I should not seek to provide every answer to every question. The other day I spoke about the restored gospel for several hours with a friend, but in hindsight, I see that I was more eager to share the truths of the Restoration than he was to learn them. The result was that, despite my testimony of the Book of Mormon, he still didn't want to read it. Without doing so, he cannot gain a testimony for himself. Even if he did read some of it, if he did not ponder the words and ask God "with a sincere heart, with real intent" (Moroni 10:4), he would not receive an answer from God.
Last thoughts for now:
I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone and is a joyous, wonderful thing. I know that I should "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh [me] a reason of the hope that is in [me]". Yet, I should guard the treasure of my testimony, and as I seek to serve God I should seek to share my testimony and knowledge only inasmuch as others truly seek it, just as "He granteth unto men according to their desire". And like Alma, "I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me." And, though it won't always happen at the speed I would like, measure by measure, those who listen to the voice of the Shepherd will be gathered into Zion.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
To Be Mourned After Death
(written 21 Aug 11)
People value some strange things, and often people care way too much about others whom they’ve never even met, but sometimes what is important to a certain person is indicative of real worth.
We read that a certain disciple, Tabitha, was known in her life for being “full of good works and almsdeeds” (Acts 9:36). To have such a reputation shows that she really did something useful in her life. As we read further we learn at least one thing specifically that Tabitha did. After she died, “all the widows stood by…weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which [she] had made, while she was with them.”
They cared. Those widows really cared. She had made clothing for them, and they wept while showing an apostle of the Lord how she had shown them charity. I'm confident that the widows loved her for more than the material gifts, also; they surely felt her love in other ways as well.
Would I have anyone weep for my loss? Would others care like that? Would my death be meaningful, and thus indicate that my life had been meaningful?
I think of my wife, who has sewed blessing dresses for so many newborn girls. Sometimes the mothers cry when they see the dresses. That shows that she, much like Tabitha, has done something meaningful.
Last thoughts for now:
My gifts to others probably won’t often be in the form of clothing, so they won't mourn my loss for that reason. Frankly, I don’t want to be mourned when I die. I want people to rejoice in the Plan of Salvation. I’d like it, though, to know that my life had meaning to others. I hope to serve others until they know I love them, and I hope that in return they love me.
People value some strange things, and often people care way too much about others whom they’ve never even met, but sometimes what is important to a certain person is indicative of real worth.
We read that a certain disciple, Tabitha, was known in her life for being “full of good works and almsdeeds” (Acts 9:36). To have such a reputation shows that she really did something useful in her life. As we read further we learn at least one thing specifically that Tabitha did. After she died, “all the widows stood by…weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which [she] had made, while she was with them.”
They cared. Those widows really cared. She had made clothing for them, and they wept while showing an apostle of the Lord how she had shown them charity. I'm confident that the widows loved her for more than the material gifts, also; they surely felt her love in other ways as well.
Would I have anyone weep for my loss? Would others care like that? Would my death be meaningful, and thus indicate that my life had been meaningful?
I think of my wife, who has sewed blessing dresses for so many newborn girls. Sometimes the mothers cry when they see the dresses. That shows that she, much like Tabitha, has done something meaningful.
Last thoughts for now:
My gifts to others probably won’t often be in the form of clothing, so they won't mourn my loss for that reason. Frankly, I don’t want to be mourned when I die. I want people to rejoice in the Plan of Salvation. I’d like it, though, to know that my life had meaning to others. I hope to serve others until they know I love them, and I hope that in return they love me.
“I should not call any man common or unclean”
(written 21 Aug 11)
Those words were spoken by the apostle Peter after he had gained crucial spiritual insight (in Acts 10:28). He considered the Gentiles to be unworthy of his spiritual attention until God showed him otherwise in a dream. Peter wasn’t solely to blame; after he taught and baptized a group of Gentiles the other disciples of Christ were incredulous until he gave them a full explanation. It was something built into their culture—they perceived some people as just being different. Even though Cornelius was a “devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway” (Acts 10:2), Peter would have ignored this spiritual devotion just because of circumstances. But, after being enlightened by God, Peter learned that He “is no respecter of persons; But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”
Yes, I know that there is only one true and living church on the earth. Yes, I know that no one outside of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds the Priesthood. We can know these things because they are true. Sometimes, though, we miss the mark and run risks with the children of our Heavenly Father who are in such great need of our help. Sometimes we alienate others who are doing their best to follow Christ.
I don’t always know how to speak with others when I want to share the restored Gospel with them. Should I testify right now? Should I just listen? Should I offer explanations? Should I distance myself from disrespectful words? I think though, that when I show respect and acknowledge others’ spiritual devotion that they’ll be more likely to recognize mine. I think that Heavenly Father appreciates their good desires and spiritual learning, even if they aren’t blessed enough yet to have been properly inspired and invited to follow Christ through the restored gospel in the restored Church. God doesn’t think we’re better than them; I doubt He sees the same “us” and “them” that we do. When a man studies scripture, even if he doesn’t understand it all, God is pleased by it. When a man prays sincerely and then goes out to do good in the world simply out of the love of his heart or the desire to obey God, God is pleased by it.
As Peter came to ask, I ask myself: “What [am] I, that I could withstand God?” (Acts 11:17) “God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.”
Last thoughts for now:
I need to value the spiritual insight others have just as I hope they value mine. Even if I know they misunderstand some things, and even if I know that the wholly reliable source of truth is elsewhere (in the Church), I have gained understanding and perspective from people who aren’t members of the Church. I hope that they feel my love. I hope that they see in me a good example; I hope that by speaking with me they gain a better understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. I hope I can see everyone as God sees them. And I hope that when all is said and done that He does not call me “common or unclean”.
Those words were spoken by the apostle Peter after he had gained crucial spiritual insight (in Acts 10:28). He considered the Gentiles to be unworthy of his spiritual attention until God showed him otherwise in a dream. Peter wasn’t solely to blame; after he taught and baptized a group of Gentiles the other disciples of Christ were incredulous until he gave them a full explanation. It was something built into their culture—they perceived some people as just being different. Even though Cornelius was a “devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway” (Acts 10:2), Peter would have ignored this spiritual devotion just because of circumstances. But, after being enlightened by God, Peter learned that He “is no respecter of persons; But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”
Yes, I know that there is only one true and living church on the earth. Yes, I know that no one outside of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds the Priesthood. We can know these things because they are true. Sometimes, though, we miss the mark and run risks with the children of our Heavenly Father who are in such great need of our help. Sometimes we alienate others who are doing their best to follow Christ.
I don’t always know how to speak with others when I want to share the restored Gospel with them. Should I testify right now? Should I just listen? Should I offer explanations? Should I distance myself from disrespectful words? I think though, that when I show respect and acknowledge others’ spiritual devotion that they’ll be more likely to recognize mine. I think that Heavenly Father appreciates their good desires and spiritual learning, even if they aren’t blessed enough yet to have been properly inspired and invited to follow Christ through the restored gospel in the restored Church. God doesn’t think we’re better than them; I doubt He sees the same “us” and “them” that we do. When a man studies scripture, even if he doesn’t understand it all, God is pleased by it. When a man prays sincerely and then goes out to do good in the world simply out of the love of his heart or the desire to obey God, God is pleased by it.
As Peter came to ask, I ask myself: “What [am] I, that I could withstand God?” (Acts 11:17) “God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.”
Last thoughts for now:
I need to value the spiritual insight others have just as I hope they value mine. Even if I know they misunderstand some things, and even if I know that the wholly reliable source of truth is elsewhere (in the Church), I have gained understanding and perspective from people who aren’t members of the Church. I hope that they feel my love. I hope that they see in me a good example; I hope that by speaking with me they gain a better understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. I hope I can see everyone as God sees them. And I hope that when all is said and done that He does not call me “common or unclean”.
The Joy of the Challenges of Families
(written 21 Aug 11)
I was able to attend an Elder’s Quorum meeting today because I’m out of town. Out of the continental U.S. to be more specific, but anyway, I received a lesson from the teacher about eternal families. I really liked a line from the Gospel Principles manual that stated something about husbands and wives making each other happy. I thought particularly about my daughter’s reaction before I left; I’m confident that she means it when she says she loves me and that she really wants me around, so I must be doing some things right.
It occurred to me also that it’s pretty easy for us to be pleasant with people we don’t have to spend much time with, particularly if we’re just meeting them, but it’s different with our spouses (and children), with whom we spend so much time. We have ups and downs, but even when we’re not feeling well we can generally muster some charm and manners so as to give others a positive impression. With our spouses, though, it’s a continual effort, and it’s hard to be nice all the time; it takes endurance. That’s why it’s so beneficial to us; in being continually nice to our family members, we get a real opportunity to exercise our charity “muscles”, or in other words, to become more Christlike.
The idea of the our role in the family structure being a key part of our struggle to perfect ourselves isn’t new, but it’s recassuring to see the wisdom of God’s plan for us.
Very likely, it’s the fact that we must put effort into our family relationships that makes them so fulfilling and joyous.
Last thoughts for now:
I love my family. I’m glad they miss me when I’m away. I’m glad that I have to make a real effort at times in order to show them that I love them. I’m glad that my wife makes such efforts for me. I’m grateful for my covenants.
I was able to attend an Elder’s Quorum meeting today because I’m out of town. Out of the continental U.S. to be more specific, but anyway, I received a lesson from the teacher about eternal families. I really liked a line from the Gospel Principles manual that stated something about husbands and wives making each other happy. I thought particularly about my daughter’s reaction before I left; I’m confident that she means it when she says she loves me and that she really wants me around, so I must be doing some things right.
It occurred to me also that it’s pretty easy for us to be pleasant with people we don’t have to spend much time with, particularly if we’re just meeting them, but it’s different with our spouses (and children), with whom we spend so much time. We have ups and downs, but even when we’re not feeling well we can generally muster some charm and manners so as to give others a positive impression. With our spouses, though, it’s a continual effort, and it’s hard to be nice all the time; it takes endurance. That’s why it’s so beneficial to us; in being continually nice to our family members, we get a real opportunity to exercise our charity “muscles”, or in other words, to become more Christlike.
The idea of the our role in the family structure being a key part of our struggle to perfect ourselves isn’t new, but it’s recassuring to see the wisdom of God’s plan for us.
Very likely, it’s the fact that we must put effort into our family relationships that makes them so fulfilling and joyous.
Last thoughts for now:
I love my family. I’m glad they miss me when I’m away. I’m glad that I have to make a real effort at times in order to show them that I love them. I’m glad that my wife makes such efforts for me. I’m grateful for my covenants.
Redirected Energy
Any reader of this blog (and it seems that I have at least one or two) will notice that I haven’t posted anything for a year. My lack of writing here corresponds with my increased activity on a social networking site; there’s only so much time I can devote to writing, and for some time most of my writing has been there. Especially after a recent encouraging comment a friend made, I’d like to redirect some energy to writing here. During a recent military exercise I didn’t have much access to the internet, so I was able to write a few blog posts, and I hope to keep it up. There you have it.
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