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.

They Shouldn't Have Been Baptized

I've been a full-time missionary before, so I know how it feels. We set goals, we worked with people, we knew the truth of the Gospel and the Church and we wanted good things for others. Thus, we wanted people to be baptized. We taught them and invited them to be baptized, and they accepted and were baptized. Between those last two steps, there's an interview. The purpose of the interview is to ensure that the person is ready to make this vital covenant. Some people shouldn't make it past this interview but somehow slip through.

Maybe that doesn't sound like a problem to some people. Some missionaries don't see any baptisms during their entire mission, and even those who do still want to see more. Is it a bad thing if some people are baptized when they're not ready?

Absolutely.

In Moroni 7:39, Mormon makes it clear that some people should not be in the Church. "But behold, my beloved brethren, I judge better things of you, for I judge that ye have faith in Christ because of your meekness; for if ye have not faith in him then ye are not fit to be numbered among the people of his church."

That's not to say that the Gospel isn't right and true for everyone, because it is. It doesn't mean that Jesus didn't die for everyone or that God doesn't love everyone, because They did and do. But people should not join the Church until they have sufficient faith in Christ and have made changes in their lives.

Mormon himself addressed this issue in the previous chapter (Moroni 6:1-3):
"And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it.
Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins.
And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end."

I've seen it too many times. Maybe it's because a missionary wants to get one more baptism before he leaves, or maybe it's just general over-zealousness. People get baptized without truly having received a testimony from God of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Without that testimony, they don't have much reason to stay around. Sometimes they don't even last long enough to be confirmed.

Making and keeping covenants is the key to progressing toward eternal life. It's a tragedy for people to make serious covenants like baptism but not understand what they're doing. It's a tragedy for people to make serious covenants like baptism and then turn away from the truth.

Does that mean that kids shouldn't be baptized when they're eight years old? No. It means that parents need to teach their children well so that they'll be ready.

I don't think anyone fully understands how important their baptismal covenants are when they get baptized, but it is vital that we make covenants of our own free will, with knowledge of what we're doing, and with a real knowledge. When that isn't the case for some people, they're doing it for the wrong reasons and it hurts them.

Last thoughts for now:
The Gospel is for everyone. Baptism is for everyone. The Holy Ghost is for everyone. Temple ordinances are for everyone. The Atonement of Jesus Christ and covenants are for everyone, but we have to make ourselves ready.

Availability

"Life in the Church soon teaches us that the Lord does not ask us about our ability, but only about our availability. And then, if we demonstrate our dependability, the Lord will increase our capability." --Neal A. Maxwell

I decided a long time ago that I wasn't going to do homework on Sundays. I have stuck to that rule. President Michael Benson, formerly the president of Snow College (and grandson of President Ezra Taft Benson), spoke at the Snow College institute building one Friday and encouraged all of the students there to not do any homework on Sundays. I loved that he of all people would say that, as he, being the president of the school, certainly wanted the students there to succeed academically.

I knew that I couldn't serve the Lord if I was busy doing something else.

Jeri Lynn and I decided also a long time ago that we were going to avoid being out of town on Sundays whenever possible. Sometimes we left on a Friday to visit family and returned the day after. As college students, we knew quite a few people who habitually visited their parents' wards on Sundays. They referred to these wards as their "home wards". Me, I knew where my home ward was. It was where my records were. It was where my bishop was. And, most importantly, it was where my callings were.

I knew that there was no way for me to serve the Lord if I wasn't around.

It makes plain sense that the first step in serving the Lord is just being available, but I feel like too often people (including myself if I'm not careful) don't make an effort to ensure that they stay available. The world certainly tries to pull us away, telling us that it's important to do other things. "Hey! School's important! You need to do your homework!" "Yeah, well my major is tough; people in my major have to get homework done on Sundays." Well, what I studied was no piece of cake. Computer Science isn't going to be found on a list of easy college majors. But the closest I came to ever doing homework on a Sunday was when I went to sleep early Sunday night, then got up a few hours later, then worked for hours on a project that was due Monday morning. I didn't even particularly like that because I was cutting into Sunday time by going to bed early. What I do know is that if I had done my homework on Sundays I just wouldn't have been able to do the work of the Lord, regardless of anything else.

What we choose to do with our time is really the only gift we can give our Father in Heaven. Not only should we just be around, but we should actively seek to know the will of God so that we may act according to it. We should make time for the Lord, then find a way to use it well.

Doctrine and Covenants 58:27-29 "Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned."

Last thoughts for now:
I often have to decide whether to serve the Lord or serve myself. I know that I must make myself available to God and that some things, though I may like them or feel they are important, aren't deserving of my time or can wait until I have served the Lord. I'm sure this will be an enduring challenge, but I know that as I grow closer to God it becomes more natural. And as I serve God, I become more like Him.

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.

The Most Important Consequences

Twice in the last week, I've had religious conversations with another soldier while at work. In each case I thought to bring to light a certain point. It begins with a question:

What are the most important consequences of our actions?

It should be obvious that the effects and influence of what we do extends into a great many areas. If we steal a pack of gum, if we beat and rob someone, if we shovel a neighbor's snowy sidewalk, or if we donate money and time to a worthy cause, there are always obvious direct and immediate consequences to the world around us; however, the most important consequences are what our actions do to us. Whenever we act, we become better or worse. At every moment of every day we thrive, fester, or just stagnate.

That doesn't mean that every moment has to be fast paced. We can wear ourselves out quickly if we try. (I'm not in danger of that myself, though; personally, I need to be more fast-paced sometimes.)

Despite all we may do to better ourselves spiritually, what really makes exaltation possible? The Atonement of Jesus Christ. Without Him, we would have no hope.

I don't think I can say much more at this point than Elder Oaks has said in his talk "The Challenge to Become". Here are the audio and text (see Saturday Afternoon Session): http://lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,23-1-138,00.html

Last thoughts for now:
I have yet to fully understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ and what it does for me, how it helps me to become like God. All the same, I know that there is no time when I can sin without consequence and impact on my eternity. I hope I can remind myself of my unceasing obligation to act righteously.

The Reason for Education and a Career

A few years ago, while Jeri Lynn and I were taking a class at the USU Institute of Religion, our teacher asked us why we were pursuing a university education. The members of the class offered up several responses. Of course there were obvious answers, but it was clear that he had a particular answer in mind. I don't remember if we came up with it or if he eventually just told us, but I do remember the answer.

We were seeking and receiving an education in order to build the kingdom of God.

If we didn't intend to do that, then what would be the point? Our first area of concern is still the family, and so it's easy to see a link between our education and being able to provide for our family's needs. In other ways we are also able to serve Heavenly Father and build His kingdom through our education and careers.

Last thoughts for now:
I would hope for everyone to take this into consideration when they are deciding on their education and career. The course of my future is yet uncertain, but I will ensure that I keep a proper focus as I keep figuring out what to do.

Practical Preparedness

Some of these thoughts are very much inspired by other people's inspired thoughts.

This evening we've had heavy snow and a power outage in the neighborhood for several hours. It was a good opportunity to test some of our emergency equipment.

Some people complain about members of the Church having a supply of food and water, thinking that we're a bunch of nuts getting ready for "the end of the world". Well, should things get really bad, we'll be ready for that too, but in the meantime, there are a lot of more immediately practical uses. A family shared their thoughts on this matter stating that the father had been out of work for a year and during that time they lived off of their food storage.

It's that simple.

Our family is comfortable knowing that if roads are shut down and we can't get to the store, we have enough to last us for quite a while.

We probably should have a bit more firewood.

It's not even necessary to be a member of the Church to practice this kind of preparedness; a fellow lieutenant here at Ft. Lewis recognized a water pump for our 55-gallon barrel and told us that he has things of this nature at home, too.

Last thoughts for now:
Being prepared is being wise. Sure, people may think we're nuts. It doesn't matter. As with anything else, we'll take care of ourselves, and God will make up the difference if somehow we come up short.

Temples and Sacred Things

I like to ask people a certain question. It goes like this: "Answering in one or two words, what do you value?" I explain that their answer doesn't have to be what they value most, just something they value. It's interesting to hear people's answers. (On a side note, my answer used to be friendship, but currently I would say "commitment".)

Another good question for people (one that I've never yet asked) is, "What is sacred to you?"

There have been some who complain about temple ordinances being "secret", refusing to accept the fact that they are sacred. A woman once explained the difference by comparing the temple to another sacred thing: sexual relations between a husband and wife. The woman stated that while it was no secret what they were doing, she certainly wasn't going to talk about it to anyone. Similarly, the body itself is a temple, and while it's not secret what a body generally looks like, it's inappropriate for us to share too much of it with others.

Some people still won't understand, even in light of clear comparisons. I wonder how they would answer my second question. Some people hold nothing sacred.

Last thoughts for now:
I know I should be reserved in speaking of things that are too sacred. Of course, where the temple is concerned, it's good to remember that temples are for everyone. Everyone is invited to come to the temple; if a person is going to fulfill their purpose in living on Earth, they're going to do the same things they would do to get ready for the temple. If everyone did, it would be clear why it's not a matter of "secrets".

What Really Satisfies

I have long thought that it's better for us to study scripture in the morning rather than at night, because then we carry the influence with us during the day. It's not happening enough, though. My excuse is that I have to be to work so early. My work hours are also irregular, so I can't have a daily scripture-reading time until the evening. Perhaps what would be best for me right now is to get in bed around 9:00 and study scripture in bed. The "when", though, is not my biggest concern. It's the "how" that is key.

I find that when I get in some scripture reading at work or at some other times, I often am just concerned with getting it done. If I complete a chapter, I call it good, and move on to whatever else needs to be done. The problem is that it's just not satisfying. We are to "feast upon the words of Christ" and to "search the scriptures", then ponder and pray. I think the key is not to read until I have reached a certain point (like the end of a chapter), but rather to study until I have the Holy Ghost with me to reveal truth and sanctify me. That's searching and feasting.

That being said, I think chapters (or sections) and subsections (that I designate for myself) are useful in containing particular themes.

The point is that scripture study must be more than cognizance of words and sentences. I need it to be something that fills me and humbles me.

Last thoughts for now:
I have the right to have the Holy Ghost with me always. I need to truly search the scriptures and feast upon the word, and I need to do it daily.

Death of an Apostle

Joseph Bitner Wirthlin: 11 June 1917 – 1 December 2008

There are things I just don't understand. A beloved apostle of the Lord has died, and I think back to the passing of our last president. Some reacted with great sadness, like the guy in this picture:

(AP) Thomas Richardson, a Brigham Young University student, pays his respects at a makeshift memorial in front of the Gordon B. Hinckley building on the campus of BYU after it was announced that Gordon Hinckley, the 97 year old leader of the Mormon Church died January 27, 2008 in Provo, Utah.

A fellow in my old ward bore his testimony the next Sunday and mentioned how sad he was.

I don't get it. For people who don't understand eternity, death can be frightening. But for us? I just don't get it.

What reason was there to mourn? If his life had been cut short, that would be unfortunate. If we had no hope of ever seeing him again, that would be bad. If he had been wicked and we knew he was going to face punishment before God, that would be horrible. If the Church was going to founder because of his loss, that would be absolutely terrible.

But none of these are the way things are! He was old. There's no doubt that he was righteous, and is in the next step of a glorious eternity. His wife had passed away years earlier, and (I'm certain that because they are sealed) they are now reunited. The Church prospered under his leadership, and it will continue to prosper with Thomas S. Monson as our president.

So why mourn?

If I died right now, it would be sad that my wife would face the challenge of raising our kids alone, and it would be sad that my children would have to grow up without a father. We'd miss out on a lot of wonderful experiences as a family. But ultimately, things would be fine; for the righteous, death is only a temporary separation.

If I live to be seventy or eighty or ninety years old, and then I die, I don't want anyone to mourn. If people have reason to believe that I've lived well, I want them to celebrate.

Last thoughts for now:
I have no doubt that Elder Wirthlin has been greatly blessed for his service. I also have no doubt that another apostle will be called, and that the work of God will continue and "the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent" as it has done. And we should have joy.