How to Prepare and Give a Talk (a Sermon)

When I was called to serve in a stake high council, I had many opportunities to speak during worship services in several nearby congregations.  I'd had plenty of opportunities before, but for this calling, I spoke at a rate of almost once per month.  Once, when I was addressing the Poughkeepsie Ward, where I was assigned to regularly provide support, I shared thoughts on how to give a good talk.  One of my daughters asked me about this today, and I shared my guidelines with her.  I have three:

1. We are only ever successful in teaching truth about God if God does the teaching.  This happens as we speak truth and God testifies of it through the Holy Ghost.  This is why the Gift of the Holy Ghost that we receive after baptism is so important!  We are blessed with the "tongue of angels", as Nephi called it in 2 Nephi 31:14 and 32: 2.  As we read in Doctrine and Covenants 50:17-22, "Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?  And if it be by some other way it is not of God.  And again, he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?  If it be some other way it is not of God.  Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth?  Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together."  We can't control how people prepare for and receive our words, but we can give them an opportunity by making sure we speak truth that God will endorse to them.

2. We are likely to succeed in having the Holy Ghost testify of what we're teaching if we rely on the words of prophets for the foundation of our preaching.  This includes ancient scripture, more modern scripture, and the words of living prophets and general authorities.  Once we have an assigned topic, we can research both scripture and general conference talks (or other similar talks by general authorities in other venues) and record quotations from them for reference.  It's better to start by listing many, even though we won't be using all of them by the time we're done.  For modern references, I usually find the most use in material generated in the last few decades, when messages have been shaped more for our time specifically, but there are also highly-applicable statements from 100 or so years ago.  (Side note, in case a member of a bishopric ever sees this: If you are thinking about assigning a GA's talk as the subject for one of your congregants' talks, please don't, because it's really constricting and awkward; instead, assign a topic and suggest that general authority's talk as a prime reference.)

3. As Nephi put it in 1 Nephi 19:23, we should "liken all [prophetic teachings] unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."  In other words, it's useful to show, through our own personal experiences or that of other people we know, how the truth taught by prophets truly blesses us in practical ways.

As an appendage to guideline #1, I always seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost in knowing what to say not only in the weeks before my talk but continually until the moment I have finished speaking.  I typically take extra notes with the understanding that I'll omit some of them later.  I keep adjusting my to-be-printed notes until I leave to the meetinghouse; and then I adjust my printed notes while seated near the pulpit, waiting for my turn; and then while speaking I do my best to continue listening to God to know what I should and shouldn't say.  I cut out a fair amount of my notes on the spot.  Sometimes I've prepared too much for the time that remains for me in the meeting, or sometimes I've made notes related to favorite ideas of mine but may be less relevant or possibly not fully-established doctrine, and sometimes I just trust God that a good truth just isn't important for the congregation to focus on at the time.  I have omitted more than a page of notes for various reasons as I seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost up to the time I invoke the name of Christ one last time and say, "Amen."

A few other tips: Fasting can also help us draw close to God, and as a member of a high council I realized that I preferred to fast before giving any talk.  I don't always remember to do so these days, but I believe it only helps.  A good night's sleep beforehand is also beneficial for everything we do.  I recommend never starting by mentioning one's assignment to speak, as it simply isn't necessary, and especially to never tell the congregation about one's failure to make timely preparation.  It could be appropriate to mention thoughts one has while preparing.

Incidentally, for me, I generally end up with about a page of notes for every five minutes I'm going to speak.  I also almost never read the talk word for word, with the exception of once when I spoke in Spanish to a Spanish-speaking branch because my ability in that language is very limited.  I may well use the exact wording from my notes at times, because my prepared notes have tailored nuance, but generally I want my talks to sound natural because it's more engaging.

As one more note I believe the same steps to success are applicable for lessons at Church also; the difference is that teachers get class members to participate in each part.

Last thoughts for now:
To summarize, the way to succeed in strengthening people's faith in Christ while giving public discourses is to 1) ensure that we have God teaching the people by testifying of truths we speak through the power of the Holy Ghost, 2) relying on the words of prophets, and 3) providing practical life application and lessons.  I have found great joy in being useful to God and His other children by relying on Him as I preach, and I believe every member of the Church of Jesus Christ with the gift of the tongue of angels can do the same and share in the same joy.

The Joy of Good Things from God

 My family (minus my older daughter, who was working) recently served in a nearby temple by performing several proxy baptisms for our ancestors.

It was good.

I've remarked before that when I've served in the temple in the past, I've never been bored, despite the simple, calm, and repetitive nature of the ordinances we perform there.  This time, I took a moment after we were done, while I was alone, to think about my experience there.  It wasn't much different at all from other occasions in the past; there wasn't anything particularly novel or remarkable about it.  But I did feel good, in a very simple way.

Two of my children received patriarchal blessings recently as well, and one other had done so a little while back.  Afterward, I've encouraged them to think about the experience they had with God as they received those blessings.  It was clear to me, as an observer, that they were each quite moved by how they felt God touching their spirits, and I wanted them to recognize and remember that.

It's easy to not think about it much, or to be distracted by other things, but I think that the simple witness of the Holy Ghost in our lives is fundamentally and crucially important in life and a vital way to acknowledge good things that God gives us.  It's easy to overlook the joy that God gives us through simple and peaceful experiences, but that joy is real.

Last thoughts for now:
I hope to always acknowledge God in my life, and to help others to do so also.  I know that God is good, and He brings goodness to us.

Confessing His Hand and Taking Joy in It

I believe it's important for us to recognize when God acts in our lives--even in small ways.  I'm really not so worried about God's anger, because of course I don't want to anger Him, but I can refer back to Doctrine and Covenants 59:21, which reads, "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments."  Obedience--sure.  But then we should also be confessing or acknowledging His hand in "all things".

As I was sitting in a friend's ward in Montana this last Sunday, during the administration of the sacrament, I remembered an experience from many years ago.  I'll relate it here:

When my wife and I still lived in Logan, Utah, in a married student ward, I served for a time as the ward choir director.  I enjoy music and I think I was always happy to serve in this calling.  We had a pianist at the time who was very skilled, which was a pleasure.  For one occasion--just a regular sacrament meeting, with no special guests--I prepared to have the choir sing, "Come, O Thou King of Kings".  It was an arrangement like what I've often done with hymns, where we sing them as written in the hymnbook but selectively use some of the parts for some verses or parts of verses and then sing full harmony at other times.

I think I felt reasonably confident about the choir's impending performance as the time approached, but on the day of the performance something strange happened.  We were joined by several people I hadn't ever seen before.  They were roughly about 3-5 men and women I didn't know.  Any Church choir director tends to welcome additions to the choir--more often than not, we feel shorthanded--even if it's the day of the performance, and so I was happy to have people join us.  I assumed they were members of the ward that I didn't know.  I quickly indicated how we were singing the hymn, probably by giving copies of papers that showed the arrangement, and then the choir sang.  It was excellent, and powerful.  When a sister from the ward stood to speak immediately afterward, she began with a compliment to the choir, saying something to the effect of, "Wow; that was really good!"

I don't think I ever saw those people again.  Assuming that they were ward members, I figured I would see them around more, but I think I only ever saw them that one time.  Maybe they were in the ward but didn't attend frequently, maybe some of them were visitors, and maybe I just didn't pay attention to my ward well enough to know everyone who was there, but whoever they were, they were angels that day.  I don't know if someone attending that day needed extra inspiration or if there might have been some particular reason why a great song from the choir would have been needed.  Maybe it was simply a gift from God to brighten all of our lives, and to let us know that He was there and loved us.

Last thoughts for now:

As I reflected on the memory last Sunday, I remembered it with great joy, and I felt that it was simply important for me to recognize and appreciate God acting in my life.  I try to show gratitude to Him frequently in prayer, but I'm sure I still take some things for granted.  Perhaps it is strange to think of something out of the blue that happened almost two decades ago, but even so I believe it's important to recognize the good that God does for us, and to take joy in His love and gifts.

Seeking Revelation Leads Us to Unity With God

 A passage I love sharing with others is John 17:20-22.  In John 17, the Savior prayed to the Father (in what we sometimes term the "intercessory prayer), and in verses 20-22 He said this: "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one".  It is our Savior's great desire that we, His followers, be one with Him and the Father as they are united.  One of the most important aspects of such unity is submission of our will to that of the Father, modeled by our Redeemer in the Garden of Gethsemane as He said, "not my will, but thine, be done." (Luke 22:42)

Perhaps it seems to be not immediately related at first, but in recent years, President Nelson has put a lot of emphasis on seeking personal revelation.  In the April 2018 general conference, in what I would consider the most profound statement to have been made in the last decade (at least), he said, "in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.  My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation."  (from the talk Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives)  In the general conference that was broadcast less than a month ago, he spoke of the importance of full-time missions work for young people (and the responsibility young men have to serve), and encouraged them to pray about it.  "Pray to know if the Lord would have you serve a mission, and the Holy Ghost will respond to your heart and mind."

He also referred to it as a "decision", because it always is, but encouraged us to pray to know God's will about it.

I remember being encouraged to pray to God about the same thing, and I remember my response.  I don't remember who I was speaking with or what else occurred in that conversation, but the general question was along the lines of "are you going to serve a full-time mission?"  The other person said I should pray about it.  In response, I basically said, "Well, I already know what the answer will be."  I don't think I had as much familiarity with seeking answers to pray at that younger age, but I did recognize that God would give me an answer to my prayer, and in that case I knew what it would be.  But knowing God's will isn't all that we need; the choice remained for me then, and still remains for me now, whether I will choose to do His will.  It is definitely a crucial decision to demonstrate our faith and submissiveness to God through such choices.

As Jesus Christ said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21)  And as King Benjamin taught, "For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." (Mosiah 3:19)

Even in merely considering the act of discovering God's will through prayer, I begin making a decision about whether I will follow my own desires or submit to that higher will.  Seeking revelation from God tends to provide us not merely with general knowledge, but especially a knowledge of what we should do.  As we seek and open ourselves to His answers, we find opportunity to follow His will, and thus we make steps toward greater unity with Him and with our Savior, who enables us to repent and become more than we already are.  Earnestly seeking revelation is thus a major part of exaltation.

Last thoughts for now:
I intend for personal revelation to constantly be a part of my life.  There will be times when it will be easier or more difficult in some way for me to do things I know God desires of me, but I know that I can seek God's will through prayer in the name of Christ, and that in doing so I can reform my own will.  I hope to do so often.

The Word of My Testimony

It has been almost a year since I have posted any spiritual thoughts here.

While studying with the young adults/cadets here, at their Institute of Religion class, we recently discussed the War in Heaven as described by the apostle John.  I was very impressed by a particular verse that describes the victory of the saints over the Devil who was cast out of Heaven; Revelation 12:11 reads, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."  He lists three things that enable victory over Satan: the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the testimony of Christ's disciples, and those disciples' willingness to give up their lives if needed for the cause of truth.

The Atonement of Christ has been accomplished and is a certainty.  Members of the Church of Jesus Christ are not called upon to give up our lives in most circumstances, these days.  But we are often called upon to share the testimonies we've received from God.

Culturally, in the Church, we often use the expression "bear testimony".  It's an interesting expression; I think most people just get used to the phrase and tend to equate it with standing in front of people, saying "I know" a lot, and then following those words with basic spiritual facts.  While there's clearly truth to that, I think we often miss the full meaning of the responsibility we have that is stated in those words.  I've never thought much myself about why we use that expression, but to "bear" means to carry; we are carrying to other people the witness we've received from the God through the Holy Ghost.  Naturally, this means we must first seek and receive a witness from God about the truths of the restored gospel in the first place.  When we say, "I have a testimony," it's really an abbreviated way of saying, "I have received a testimony from God; the Almighty has given a witness of truth to me."  That source of truth, and the echoing witness from that source, is what gives power to our words.

It's not always easy, of course, to bear testimony to others.  It's often difficult, in our daily lives, to know when it's a good time to introduce spiritual or religious thoughts in a conversation.  And by "a good time", I mean that there are simply moments and opportunities when people are desirous or otherwise ready to receive spiritual truth, whereas it seems evident to us that there are also many times when bringing up such things without a listener's desire and readiness simply becomes overbearing and unhelpful for them.

An interesting phenomenon is the way that modern technology enables us to share truth with others.  The Internet is known for having enabled a lot of anonymous vitriol and abuse, but through the great variety of forums it contains, it also provides us with opportunities to give a witness of truth that God can endorse.

As I mentioned above, I haven't been active on this site for quite a while.  Even in the last couple of years, I haven't written much here.  That makes sense, in a way, given that I don't expect to have much of any audience here, but I have still been writing about spiritual topics.  I mentioned a while ago (just over a year ago, evidently) that I've spent quite a bit of time writing to people online in comments for Church videos online.  Specifically, I return to the Now You Know series frequently.  It takes a lot of time.  One reason I return so often is because sometimes people have questions for which I don't receive a notification.  I hope that my words of testimony about the goodness of the restored gospel help people.

It's generally difficult or impossible to anticipate then effect our testimony can have, but I only write because I have real hope for good things to come of it.  I hope that through my words, some people will learn things that strengthen their faith--meaning, that they receive additional witness of truth from God that they recognize.  I hope that some people who really aren't familiar with the Church of Jesus Christ get at least a small taste of the great goodness in it and a sense of the work God is doing through it.  I hope that some people open their hearts a bit and, rather than echoing incorrect and hateful ideas about the Church of Jesus Christ and His disciples, they will consider that perhaps there is understanding for them to gain.  I hope that some people who have turned away from the witness they already received will find reason to reconsider their choices.  And I hope that those who are genuinely hateful and who don't open their hearts are confounded and leave so that others who visit are not distracted from inspiring messages of joy and truth.  I've surely made mistakes, but I've learned much for myself, and despite any mistakes, I really do have these hopes.  (If I didn't, there are definitely other things I could be doing with that time I've been spending.)

Last thoughts for now:
The War in Heaven has continued, and it's clear that the war rages on today.  Jesus Christ, the Anointed, will certainly win in a broad sense, but along the way the ground won or lost comes in the form of individual souls, and "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God" (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10).  The power of Christ is eternally reliable, but there's a part for us to play also in the great War; I hope that the word of my testimony is of use to some people as they use the power and grace of Christ to defeat Satan in their own lives.  I hope, as Alma taught in Mosiah 18:9, to live up to the promise I've made "to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places...even until death".

Fairness

I recently heard a Gospel Doctrine class instructor comment about how she felt bad for the five foolish virgins and the slothful servant spoken of in Matthew 25.  I sympathize.  Granted, these story characters are fictional, but the reason that the parables are so poignant is that the characters have real-life applicability is that people around us make the choices that these characters make.

So I feel bad for them, too.  I don't think what happens to them is unfair or unjust; it's completely fair for an authority to decree terms and reward only those who abide by those terms.  I feel bad that they make the wrong choices and earn their just but unpleasant rewards.

(Granted, I fully acknowledge that sometimes I make bad choices and deprive myself of blessings, but I certainly hope to be faithful and fulfill God's plan in my life.)

I would think that the average person would agree that God's judgments are just (and certainly in our own judgment day, faced with full knowledge, it would be pointless to argue), but what some people might say is unfair is that while all ten virgins had an equal chance of succeeding, the three servants clearly had different circumstances to begin with, having been given different amounts of "talents".

Is it unfair?

Prophets have made a comparison stating that this mortal life is merely the second act in a three-act play.  What appears to be the beginning is, in fact, not the beginning at all.  Similarly, in the parable of the talents, the beginning of the servants' story is really not their beginning.  We might ask, "Why would the lord give his servants unequal portions?"  The answer is simple: he knew them.  These were not servants he had just hired off the street, but probably servants he'd had in his household for years, and "he gave...talents...to every man according to his several ability" (verse 15).  He gave five talents to one because, after observing him and coming to know him, the lord knew that he would make good use of those five talents.

Of course, we still are free to choose what we do with the "talents" that the Lord gives us, and sometimes even a five-talent child of God ruins his or her opportunity, but He still gives us an opportunity.  How did the lord of the parable treat the slothful servant?  He surely didn't expect as much of that one, but still gave him a great opportunity.  One talent is no small amount of money.  If it is likely that the servant will waste his opportunity, wouldn't squandering five talents be even worse than squandering one?

Another point of fairness is the reward for the faithful.  Regardless of the size of the stewardship, the reward is the same.  The lord's words to his faithful servants were identical, and they surely would have been the same for the third servant if he'd been faithful also.  The end goal of the Plan of Salvation is the greatest possible: "all that [our] Father hath shall be given unto him."  (Doctrine and Covenants 84:38)  If a five-talent servant and a two-talent servant both end up with everything, neither has anything to complain about.

Last thoughts for now:
I keep going to church, praying with my family, and doing a lot of other things while maintaining a religious focus in all aspects of my life because I know the Plan of Salvation is true and good, and I hope to receive what God wants to give me.  I hope he'll say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant".  If, however, I failed, I would always admit that His gifts to me and His judgments were fair.

The Few That Are Chosen

There are several ways of making a particular distinction; that is, several different appellations: an elect people, a chosen people, a peculiar people.

Doesn't it seem strange to consider some people as "special"?  In principle, God loves us all, right?  And he's no respecter of persons?  Of course.  (Acts 10:34, Doctrine and Covenants 1:35, 38:16)  Then why and more importantly how are certain peoples distinguished in the eyes of the Lord?

I was reading to my children just now before they went to bed.  Because it's Sunday, we were reading from the scripture story picture books produced by the Church.  We read the story of the Jaredites.  Something struck me as interesting, especially in the abbreviated form.  While the Jaredites started out as a righteous people (or at least they were following a very righteous man--the brother of Jared), after they reach the promised land the next thing that happens is this: they become wicked.  Very wicked.  Wicked to the point of being destroyed (by themselves, in this case, but destroyed all the same).

This isn't really surprising, because there is already precedent.  Those of us with extended hindsight can see the same occurrence happening throughout scripture.  The first instance was with Adam and Eve, two of the most trusted of Heavenly Father's spirit children: a bulk of their children became so wicked that they merited destruction by flood.  Another easily remembered example comes from the people of Isreal after the Exodus.  They looked to a prophet for deliverance, trusted him enough to follow him out of Egypt, and received help from God in the form of many wonders, but then committed such abhorrent sins that they had to wander in the wilderness until that generation had died (40 years).

Another example is that of Lehi's family, though in their case it's more clear that the actions of a few people early on had a significant bad influence on their progeny.  In general, however, we see simply that civilizations often have a trend of becoming wicked even if they have the best starting conditions.  I know of only one exception; the city of Enoch was so righteous (a true Zion) that it was taken into heaven (see Moses 7:23).  Even the Nephites, after having had the wicked sifted out from among them through disaster and having received a visit from the resurrected Christ Himself, only maintained their righteousness for a couple of centuries.

Why does this happen?  Because we are granted the ability to exercise our own moral agency, and to maintain the standards of Zion requires full dedication, which most are not willing to give.  God knows that, given our agency, we will use it in different ways, and we're all going to use it poorly at times.  Individuals, families, and nations will often turn to wickedness.  I suppose that God could at a given moment get a report showing what percent of His children, after their final judgment, merited each kingdom; either way, He knows that some will inherit celestial glory, some will inherit terrestrial glory, some will inherit telestial glory, and some will inherit no glory at all.

While God knows we will sin, He has planned for us to succeed.  The key is that we have been provided with a Savior who has atoned for us all:
  "O how great the holiness‍ of our God! For he knoweth all‍ things, and there is not anything save he knows it.
  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.
  And if they will not repent and believe in his name, and be baptized in his name, and endure‍ to the end, they must be damned; for the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has spoken it." (2 Nephi 9:20-24)

How do we receive the grace of our Savior?  By making and keeping covenants.  Without them, human nature will lead us to error (or, put differently, "the natural man is an enemy to God"--Mosiah 3:19).  That's the distinguishing factor, and therein lies the "why" of the distinction as not just the "chosen people" or the "elect" but also as the "covenant people" of the Lord.  We are distinguished in that we are supposed to make a demonstrated willful act to show that we will follow the will of God through His plan.  Sure, we are still imperfect after making covenants; some of us will make mistakes and repent, and others will even fail to repent and lose their reward.  Thus, among the covenant people of God there can still be and sometimes are great problems, and we are ever in need of prophets and other leaders to guide, inspire, and encourage us.  But in each case of an "elect" people they have made covenants.  Even in the passage above we see a necessary covenant: baptism.  It is through baptism that we become the covenant people of the Lord, or, in other words, latter-day saints.

Last thoughts for now:
Making and keeping covenants is how we become the chosen people of God as members of His Church, and He has given us these covenants in order to allow us to be sanctified and justified and thus to fulfill His plan.  That's the "why"; that's why some are "chosen" despite the fact that we all invariably misuse our agency to some degree.  The beauty of it (and this is real beauty) is that "he cometh into the world that he may save‍ all men if they will hearken unto his voice".  We all can receive the greatest blessings of God if we are willing, and if we take care to keep our hearts set on the kingdom of God.  It is my goal to have such willingness in my heart.  It is my goal to encourage others to do the same.

Exact Words

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.

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.

"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 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”.

Restored Christianity

Over two years ago, when I was at BOLC II at Fort Sill, OK, I remember another new lieutenant asking me about the Church. He was an interesting fellow; very humorous, though crass at times, and he had given up drinking, apparently after having some very negative experiences. When we spoke of the Church on this occasion, he was basically just expressing general but sincere curiosity. I don't remember exactly what he asked me at the time, but I do remember briefly relating to him the account of Joseph Smith, including his First Vision. The conversation must have then turned along the lines of him asking why some people said we weren't Christian. I was struck, as I began to answer, that all of the issues were encapsulated in Joseph Smith's early experiences.

Joseph received revelation from God. Some churches do not believe that revelation is given to Man in our day.

Joseph saw Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ, distinctly as two separate beings. To my knowledge, essentially every other church believes in the incomprehensible concept of a trinity.

Joseph was told to not join with any other church. Some people, and some churches, accept the logic that if various churches teach different doctrines that at most one of them can possess a full measure of truth, but many take offense to the idea that there can be only one true Church.

In addition to receiving direct revelation, Joseph Smith brought forth the Book of Mormon. Most any church will say that the only valid scripture is the Bible (though which version of the Bible, and even what books should be included in it, is a lasting dispute), and that there can be no other Word of God.

Interestingly, I had been listening to a general conference talk by Elder Holland's on one of these very issues. While I was explaining these things to the lieutenant, one of my roommates, Lieutenant Cameron, suggested that I just have him listen to Elder Holland's talk, because he said it very well. (My roommates must obviously have heard the talk when I listened.) The two talks given by Elder Holland in the fall of 2007 and spring of 2008 are among those I consider "modern classics".

(Links for those two talks are here:
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-775-15,00.html
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-851-30,00.html )

I remember the story of Joseph Smith's First Vision as one of the best ways as a missionary to help people feel the Holy Ghost. Well, the Holy Ghost testifies of truth, and Joseph Smith's experiences brought some hugely significant truths to a world that had lost them. How strange that the world should have such a poor understanding of their God, and how strange that people who do have a better understanding should be labeled "not Christian", but how wonderful that our loving Heavenly Father should restore these truths to us!

Yes, Joseph Smith introduced truth that didn't mesh with "traditional Christianity", but traditional Christianity lost something, had been altered; aspects of modern "traditional" Christianity simply aren't like what Christianity was in Christ's time. What we practice is not traditional Christianity, it's restored Christianity. As Latter-day Saints, we hope to be true Christians, not in name only but in Spirit and character, and in a way that is evident through our actions and our lives.

Last thoughts for now:
There will always be some who defame, and there will always be some who refuse to use the term "Christian" for members of Christ's true Church, but that doesn't matter. What does matter is that we recognize the powerful truths that God has restored to us, that we seek to follow Christ through his Atonement, and that we don't hide the goodness of our discipleship from the world so that others may also discover restored Christianity and fully pursue their exaltation.

Acting in Faith

I've tried to be supportive of those around me who are dealing with trials. Before the priesthood session of General Conference began, I tried to seek out two friends because I was concerned about them.

One was already planning to go to the priesthood session. I wanted to ensure that his family had watched the earlier sessions (they had watched part; I encouraged them to watch the rest later because I felt it would be very good for them in particular). I hope that as I showed up on my friend's doorstep he knew that I was visiting him out of love, concern, and hope.

The other probably didn't realize that it was Conference Weekend until I found him, the second time I drove to his house. With some encouragement, he showered, dressed and accompanied me to the church to watch the priesthood session. I was humbly pleased to have helped him, and I'm certain that I found him at home on my second visit in answer to my prayers.

I have two thoughts about faith in action as it relates to these friends:

First, in both cases I don't know how much my actions helped, either in the short term or particularly in the long term. I don't know if my friends felt grateful to or annoyed by me. So many times in the past I've been left to wonder how much good I've actually done as I've made efforts to help and encourage people to follow our Savior. Maybe this is how things often are; maybe people only rarely see concrete results of their efforts to help God's children receive their exaltation. Regardless of what it's like for others, I usually don't know what good I've actually done. I try to keep my faith, doing my besy to figure out what is right to do in any given case even if I'm never fully sure that it was the best course of action.

Second, at the very least I know I made myself available. I'm convinced that people frequently deny themselves the opportunity to joyously act as the hands of God in others' lives simply because they are distracted and busy. There are countless ways to turn our attention away from the Holy Ghost, but as we put these distractions out of our lives we will find that we are needed elsewhere to care for our brothers and sisters.

I hope that I truly have been of service to my two friends, and I hope also that I may find confirmation that I've been of use to them.

Last thoughts for now:
I think that faith is acting even when I'm uncertain that I can do something truly useful. I rely on it. I know that it's only when I free myself of distractions that the Holy Ghost can guide me and that I can truly act in faith. I thank my God for allowing me to serve my brothers and sisters here.

Thus Saith the Lord

Everything I know indicates that when God speaks, He does so to the living prophet. Each of us can receive revelation, but very few have heard the actual voice of God. Those who do hear God's voice are righteous.

Here's my question: would God speak directly to a murderer, one who "loved Satan more than God"?

I don't think so. Yet, that is what many understand from the story of Cain.

Background: Adam and Eve have many children, and teach them the Gospel (Moses 5:12). Adam is the prophet on the earth. Adam and Eve have two more children, Cain and Abel. Cain is wicked, while Abel is righteous. Satan commands Cain (who probably was not authorized with the priesthood) to make an offering to the Lord (using the "fruit of the ground"--a perversion of the ordinance). He does so; Abel also makes an offering (the right way). The Lord (THE LORD in the KJV Bible--indicating that the words are a replacement of the name Jehovah) "had respect unto Abel, and to his offering; But unto Cain, and to his offering, he had not respect." (Moses 5:20-21)

I suggest that the reason Cain knew that the Lord didn't approve of his offering was because Adam, the prophet, said as much.

Then in verses 22-25 of Moses 5, the Lord speaks to Cain. After Cain kills Abel, the Lord again speaks to him in verses 34-40. It seems strange to think that Jehovah would speak to a murderer and given that we have no record of Adam speaking to his son about these things, I think that the Lord was speaking through His prophet, Adam, just as He has done with many prophets and even Joseph Smith in many sections of the Doctrine and Covenants.

In verse 26, we read, "And Cain was wroth, and listened not any more to the voice of the Lord, neither to Abel, his brother, who walked in Holiness before the Lord." Why doesn't it read, "neither to Adam, his father"? It wouldn't if the voice of the Lord was given to him through Adam.

It does make sense that Adam would speak to his son about these things.

Last thoughts for now:
This topic is much like my entry on Adam's creation; it is very speculative and unconfirmed by any published doctrine that I know. It does make sense to me, though. I think Adam was directly involved in his sons' lives, and I think he gave his children the words of the Lord as their prophet.

Born Into the World

God doesn't use an earthquake when a whisper will suffice.

So, when a perfectly good method for creating a child already exists, why would He need to come up with some other way?

I'm going to speculate here, delving into subject matter beyond established doctrine. Also, I'm treading into delicate territory because of the sacred nature of things implied in what I'm considering.

A long time ago I heard someone ask the question, "Did Adam have a belly button?" It was supposed to be almost a trick question, based on the assumption that Adam wasn't born. A few years ago one of our Institute teachers gave this reply: "Of course he did. Why wouldn't he?" The teacher suggested that when Adam was created he was born like the rest of us are.

I imagine that such an idea sounds strange to some people. Myself, I think it's stranger to think that Heavenly Father molded a bunch of dirt and mud into a humanoid shape and then changed it into flesh.

I'm not going to say that's impossible for God. Christ changed water into wine and fed a huge crowd with a few loaves and fishes, so Heavenly Father could presumably turn dirt/dust into flesh.

Even so, I don't think He had any need to do it.

It's said in scripture that God "formed man from the dust of the ground" (Moses 3:7, Genesis 2:7). This sort of language gives me the changing-dirt-to-flesh idea. However, I get a different sort of idea when I read Moses 6:59, which reads, "inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul". Here, "born" and "became of dust a living soul" are the same thing.

For what it's worth, footnote b on "dust" in Moses 6:59 actually refers back to Genesis 2:7, Moses 3:7, and Abraham 5:7.

How are we created from dust when we are born? Maybe it's as simple as this: Plants grow in the earth, soaking up minerals and growing from the "dust". People eat these plants, or they eat animals that ate the plants. A pregnant woman slowly builds a little person inside her using the materials she obtained by eating and digesting them. Thus, the baby comes from the "dust of the ground".

Maybe it's like that.

The book of Moses (with an abbreviated version in Genesis) gives more reason to believe that Adam was born like we were. Moses 6:8-10 includes these words: "In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; In the image of his own body, male and female, created he them, and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created and became living souls in the land upon the footstool of God. And Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his likeness, after his own image, and called his name Seth."

I notice parallel language here. "Adam..begat a son in his likeness, after his own image" and God created Adam in His "likeness" and "image". It would make sense if God fathered Adam just as Adam fathered Seth.

I think that makes sense.

This actually introduces a different idea, but one more possible connection again comes from Moses 3:7. "And I, the Lord God, formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul, the first flesh upon the earth, the first man also". After a child is born, a significant change occurs in its body: it takes its first breath. After Adam was "formed", God "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life". Perhaps Adam's spirit entered into his body when he breathed his first breath.

If that's the case, it would follow then that our spirits enter our bodies when we are born. That's a big thing to state. It's hard for me to fully think this thought through, as I've never held a growing fetus in my womb and felt its movements. All the same, it does make sense when considering that Christ spoke to Nephi just hours before his birth in 3 Nephi 1:13. I guess I just find it unlikely that He would be speaking to Nephi from inside His mother's womb. (If he was, it means that he had full consciousness despite having the brain of a baby; I doubt he had full consciousness immediately after he was born.)

I'll have to ask a few doctors what a baby generally seems like just before and after he takes his first breath.

I assume that a mother's egg cells have her spirit in them like the rest of her body; the new spirit has to enter at some point between being a fertilized egg and a newborn baby. Entering at the first breath would be the latest possible time, but it could be the case.

If spirits do enter their bodies when they are born, it by no means implies that abortion of a fetus is thus generally acceptable. Our bodies are temples for our spirits, and the wanton creation and destruction of temples is certainly not pleasing to God.

Last thoughts for now: When a prophetic statement is issued (or when I die and move on and am taught in the Spirit World), I'll know the truth. In the meanwhile, I do think that Adam was born physically to our Heavenly Parents. For that matter, Eve would have been born the same way (which would make the teaching about Adam's rib purely metaphoric, which I take it to be anyway). Thus, we're children of God in more than just a spiritual way; we're literally descended from Him. And on another note, I am somewhat inclined to think that our spirits enter our bodies at the moment of or right after our birth when we draw our first breath. Either of these might be true. We'll see.

The Most Important Message

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."

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.

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.