(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”.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
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.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
A Personal Testimony of My Mission
I just heard an older couple (on the Mormon Channel--internet radio) describe the moment when they opened their mission call. It reminded me of that moment for me.
I was at Snow College, and I had let the post office know that it was coming and to watch for it (which they did). One morning, I was speaking to my mother on the phone (perhaps around 7:00 or 8:00), and when I hung up, I got a call from the post office. My mission call had arrived. I went to get it and returned. I called my mom back and let her know. She was excited. I began to read the letter.
I've long since laid little emphasis on where a missionary is called to serve. It's just not that important, really. It's interesting, but not important, because missionary work is the same work anywhere (though admittedly with fewer baptisms in some missions). When I ask someone who has just received a mission call about it, rather than ask where they are going, I ask how they felt.
As I read to my mother that I had been called to the Ivory Coast Abidjan Mission, I knew it was right. I knew it because of how I felt. It wasn't a powerful or overwhelming feeling, but instead very simple. It simply struck me as entirely natural. It was a feeling of, Yes, that's it. That's my mission. And that's all. While being so simple, it was also encouraging and exciting.
I don't think I even knew where the Ivory Coast was.
As I served there, I had times of weakness and times of strength. When I succeeded, and in the particular ways I was positioned by Heavenly Father to serve, I was certain that He had called me there to act in a role suited to my own strengths. It was important for me to serve in ways I could not have known beforehand. Sure, the work would have gone on even if I'd never been a missionary, but I was useful, genuinely useful, in advancing the work there in ways that others could not have been.
If we're faithful, we allow God to make us useful to Him, and that's about the best thing we can be.
Last thoughts for now: Even in a simple moment the Holy Ghost can testify to us. I've been very blessed to have had the opportunity to serve, and I am still blessed through service I am called to give. I know that my Heavenly Father knows me and knows what I can do. I know that He loves me and wants me to receive the great joy that comes through service.
I was at Snow College, and I had let the post office know that it was coming and to watch for it (which they did). One morning, I was speaking to my mother on the phone (perhaps around 7:00 or 8:00), and when I hung up, I got a call from the post office. My mission call had arrived. I went to get it and returned. I called my mom back and let her know. She was excited. I began to read the letter.
I've long since laid little emphasis on where a missionary is called to serve. It's just not that important, really. It's interesting, but not important, because missionary work is the same work anywhere (though admittedly with fewer baptisms in some missions). When I ask someone who has just received a mission call about it, rather than ask where they are going, I ask how they felt.
As I read to my mother that I had been called to the Ivory Coast Abidjan Mission, I knew it was right. I knew it because of how I felt. It wasn't a powerful or overwhelming feeling, but instead very simple. It simply struck me as entirely natural. It was a feeling of, Yes, that's it. That's my mission. And that's all. While being so simple, it was also encouraging and exciting.
I don't think I even knew where the Ivory Coast was.
As I served there, I had times of weakness and times of strength. When I succeeded, and in the particular ways I was positioned by Heavenly Father to serve, I was certain that He had called me there to act in a role suited to my own strengths. It was important for me to serve in ways I could not have known beforehand. Sure, the work would have gone on even if I'd never been a missionary, but I was useful, genuinely useful, in advancing the work there in ways that others could not have been.
If we're faithful, we allow God to make us useful to Him, and that's about the best thing we can be.
Last thoughts for now: Even in a simple moment the Holy Ghost can testify to us. I've been very blessed to have had the opportunity to serve, and I am still blessed through service I am called to give. I know that my Heavenly Father knows me and knows what I can do. I know that He loves me and wants me to receive the great joy that comes through service.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Christ and His Church--No Substitute, No Other Way
Alma 34:39 "Yea, and I also exhort you, my brethren, that ye be watchful unto prayer continually, that ye may not be led away by the temptations of the devil, that he may not overpower you, that ye may not become his subjects at the last day; for behold, he rewardeth you no good thing."
There are those who, for some reason or another, dedicate themselves to tearing down other peoples' faith. Specifically, there are people who go to great lengths seeking statements, bits of history, or scriptural passages that they expect members of the Church to be unable to explain. Thus, they think they have evidence that would disprove the true Church of Jesus Christ.
We have heard them and their arguments. We felt the darkness seeking to creep into our hearts. And we have been faithful, knowing that the testimony that we have received from our Heavenly Father is strong enough that we can continue to worship and serve Him, even if we don't have a perfect explanation for every accusation made.
He would be an unreasonable God if He expected us to understand everything, to gain every iota of spiritual knowledge, before setting out to really live our lives based on that knowledge. Rather, He asks us to have faith, believing in Him even though we don't see Him, and being true to the Church He has given us. As Alma put it, "Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." (Alma 32:21)
Many years ago, while practicing at the piano in the Ephraim Institute of Religion, I came across Hymn #124. I was struck with and comforted by the words of the second verse in particular: "Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake To guide the future as He has the past. Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last." There will be many things that I will not fully understand even until the day that I die. Even so, God will one day teach me all things. Even in this life, I continue to gain greater knowledge, and I have felt silly before after coming to understand simple truth that answers the questions that previously sowed doubt. For now, I have an undeniable witness from the Holy Ghost that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is indeed the true Church that God organized on the earth to bless His children. I receive this witness again and again as I am taught in that Church, as I read the Book of Mormon and other scripture, and as I listen to the inspired words of modern prophets.
And after moments of doubt, when we truly exercise faith we then return to the scriptures. We read the Book of Mormon and feel the Spirit testifying to us. We feel the Comforter, and with healed hearts we return to the work of God.
Some have let their hope and confidence be shaken. They have let things they couldn't explain drive them away from what they once believed. These are, in fact, often those who are the most ardent in propagating the attacks on and misinformation about the Church of Christ. I feel for them, because I know that they have lost something. They frequently still seek to serve and know Christ, and that is good. However, I know what the Church has done for me, and I know that those who have left the Church have lost something vital to our lives.
This is what I would ask them: If you would have me leave the Church that has given me a knowledge of my Savior, the Church that has given me such great opportunity to serve my God and my fellow brothers and sisters on earth, the Church that has allowed me to learn not only from living prophets but also from common disciples who struggle along just as I do, the Church that has given me a desire to repent and live like my Savior, the Church that has helped me to understand the written word of God, the Church that has given me a knowledge of who I am and why I exist and what I ought to do in life, the Church that has provided me with an unfortunately rare understanding of the nature of God Himself, the Church that has taught me to value my family, the Church that has taught me and thus saved me from so much pain and suffering by helping me to avoid sin, the Church that does so many good things in the world that aren't even seen by the general public, the Church that allows me to assume my role as a son of God and serve using his authority as I strive to become like Him, the Church that has shown me the great mercy of my Father toward someone as undeserving as myself, the Church that has taught me to trust in my God and readily obey His wise counsel, the Church that has helped me bit by bit to not just know about Jesus Christ but also to truly know Him, the Church through which God has given me every good thing in my life! If you would have me leave this Church, I ask you: What do you give me in return?!? What do you expect to give me in exchange for my membership in the kingdom of God on earth that can possibly fill that void?
Jesus Christ is "the way, the truth, and the life: (and) no man cometh unto the Father, but by (Him)." (John 14:6) "...there is no other way, nor means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ." (Alma 38:9) Jesus Christ leads his true Church on the earth, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and nothing could ever replace it in my life. Despite my own faults, I will ever seek to de a true disciple of the Savior of the world and I will teach, learn, serve, and worship in His inescapably good Church.
Last thoughts for now:
I am so very grateful to my Father in Heaven for all that He has given me. I will never be able to adequately express gratitude for these things, but I know from where my blessings come. I am grateful for other children of God who seek to help me, even if they feel that I am in error. I will do my best to testify with humility and charity to all who listen that God has restored His Church and His truth, and that through them we can receive all the peace and happiness that He has to offer.
There are those who, for some reason or another, dedicate themselves to tearing down other peoples' faith. Specifically, there are people who go to great lengths seeking statements, bits of history, or scriptural passages that they expect members of the Church to be unable to explain. Thus, they think they have evidence that would disprove the true Church of Jesus Christ.
We have heard them and their arguments. We felt the darkness seeking to creep into our hearts. And we have been faithful, knowing that the testimony that we have received from our Heavenly Father is strong enough that we can continue to worship and serve Him, even if we don't have a perfect explanation for every accusation made.
He would be an unreasonable God if He expected us to understand everything, to gain every iota of spiritual knowledge, before setting out to really live our lives based on that knowledge. Rather, He asks us to have faith, believing in Him even though we don't see Him, and being true to the Church He has given us. As Alma put it, "Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." (Alma 32:21)
Many years ago, while practicing at the piano in the Ephraim Institute of Religion, I came across Hymn #124. I was struck with and comforted by the words of the second verse in particular: "Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake To guide the future as He has the past. Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last." There will be many things that I will not fully understand even until the day that I die. Even so, God will one day teach me all things. Even in this life, I continue to gain greater knowledge, and I have felt silly before after coming to understand simple truth that answers the questions that previously sowed doubt. For now, I have an undeniable witness from the Holy Ghost that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is indeed the true Church that God organized on the earth to bless His children. I receive this witness again and again as I am taught in that Church, as I read the Book of Mormon and other scripture, and as I listen to the inspired words of modern prophets.
And after moments of doubt, when we truly exercise faith we then return to the scriptures. We read the Book of Mormon and feel the Spirit testifying to us. We feel the Comforter, and with healed hearts we return to the work of God.
Some have let their hope and confidence be shaken. They have let things they couldn't explain drive them away from what they once believed. These are, in fact, often those who are the most ardent in propagating the attacks on and misinformation about the Church of Christ. I feel for them, because I know that they have lost something. They frequently still seek to serve and know Christ, and that is good. However, I know what the Church has done for me, and I know that those who have left the Church have lost something vital to our lives.
This is what I would ask them: If you would have me leave the Church that has given me a knowledge of my Savior, the Church that has given me such great opportunity to serve my God and my fellow brothers and sisters on earth, the Church that has allowed me to learn not only from living prophets but also from common disciples who struggle along just as I do, the Church that has given me a desire to repent and live like my Savior, the Church that has helped me to understand the written word of God, the Church that has given me a knowledge of who I am and why I exist and what I ought to do in life, the Church that has provided me with an unfortunately rare understanding of the nature of God Himself, the Church that has taught me to value my family, the Church that has taught me and thus saved me from so much pain and suffering by helping me to avoid sin, the Church that does so many good things in the world that aren't even seen by the general public, the Church that allows me to assume my role as a son of God and serve using his authority as I strive to become like Him, the Church that has shown me the great mercy of my Father toward someone as undeserving as myself, the Church that has taught me to trust in my God and readily obey His wise counsel, the Church that has helped me bit by bit to not just know about Jesus Christ but also to truly know Him, the Church through which God has given me every good thing in my life! If you would have me leave this Church, I ask you: What do you give me in return?!? What do you expect to give me in exchange for my membership in the kingdom of God on earth that can possibly fill that void?
Jesus Christ is "the way, the truth, and the life: (and) no man cometh unto the Father, but by (Him)." (John 14:6) "...there is no other way, nor means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ." (Alma 38:9) Jesus Christ leads his true Church on the earth, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and nothing could ever replace it in my life. Despite my own faults, I will ever seek to de a true disciple of the Savior of the world and I will teach, learn, serve, and worship in His inescapably good Church.
Last thoughts for now:
I am so very grateful to my Father in Heaven for all that He has given me. I will never be able to adequately express gratitude for these things, but I know from where my blessings come. I am grateful for other children of God who seek to help me, even if they feel that I am in error. I will do my best to testify with humility and charity to all who listen that God has restored His Church and His truth, and that through them we can receive all the peace and happiness that He has to offer.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Strategy
I don't know if this strategy actually works, and the strategy for it's own sake would miss the point. However, I'm willing to keep going on the assumption that it does work to an extent.
Bear with me as I preface the strategy. I'll start with an age-old philosopher's question: Why do bad things happen to good people? Or, why do bad things happen to anybody? Why does God allow it?
Firstly, because ultimately bad things happening to people don't interfere with God's plan. That is, bad circumstances or events don't really harm them eternally.
In the classic passage of Moses 1:39, we read, "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." The immortality part has been taken care of via the resurrection. We're covered there. Eternal life is the part that remains. Eternal life is more than endless living; it's life like that of the Eternal One, with all the glory of God. It's exaltation. We can receive it only through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, continual reliance on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and being true to our covenants.
No outside force can stop us from receiving eternal life. Nothing short of our own choices can harm us eternally. No illness, injury, or loss, or even death, can take away our exaltation. Take Job for an example. He lost his wealth, his home, his family, his credibility with his friends, and maybe even more though I don't remember the whole story, but he stayed strong in his faith.
Hard times are painful for us, and our loving Heavenly Father surely doesn't enjoy seeing us experience that pain, but they don't impede His plan. (And frankly, no matter how rough the rough times are, they amount to little when viewed from an eternal perspective.)
Secondly, trials give us the opportunity to grow if we bear them well. We can very effectively gain patience, humility, sympathy, wisdom, purification, and strength through faithfully enduring trials. So, in addition to tribulations and trials not being really, eternally bad for us, they can be very good for us eternally if we handle them well.
So, to the strategy. Consider humility. That's a big one. I have certainly been humbled more than once by my trials and difficulties, particularly when I recognized that my own mistakes or immaturity brought those trials to me. Trials also bring purification, at least in the sense that they help us to filter out unimportant things from our life. However, I have also found that service brings humility, and it also helps us to let go of our selfish pursuits.
Consider, for example, that we go to care for someone who is suffering from a disablingly painful disease. As we do so, we realize that our own problems are relatively small, and that we have an easy life compared to the poor soul in the hospital bed. Instant and refreshing humility. Also, by dedicating our time to serving others, we drop less necessary things from our life. While attending to the sick person, we don't have time for watching sports, or playing online games, or even good and productive activities that are simply less important.
If I'm going to learn to be like God, as I've been commanded (Matthew 5:48), I need to learn humility and be willing to let go of selfish or unimportant pursuits. My strategy then is to gain that humility and purification through service, rather than having God feel it necessary to give me these things through trials.
Of course, that's not really my reason for dedicating myself to serving others. The real reason is charity, the pure love of Christ, and a desire to obey my God. At the same time, though, if I can reduce my personal need for trials, well, I'm all for it.
Last thoughts for now:
I don't know if our dedication to service really causes God to give us fewer trials in life, and I'm sure it won't prevent all of them. Perhaps, though, it's really a matter of changing the nature of some of our trials. Service, after all, is still a challenge, and there is plenty of room for sorrow and exhaustion in service, but how much better to experience the difficulties because we're helping others rather than because we're being unwise? Service to God and His children (Mosiah 2:17) brings us joy and helps us to forget our own problems, but it also helps us to become like Him. I hope to learn this lesson more and more.
Bear with me as I preface the strategy. I'll start with an age-old philosopher's question: Why do bad things happen to good people? Or, why do bad things happen to anybody? Why does God allow it?
Firstly, because ultimately bad things happening to people don't interfere with God's plan. That is, bad circumstances or events don't really harm them eternally.
In the classic passage of Moses 1:39, we read, "For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." The immortality part has been taken care of via the resurrection. We're covered there. Eternal life is the part that remains. Eternal life is more than endless living; it's life like that of the Eternal One, with all the glory of God. It's exaltation. We can receive it only through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, continual reliance on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and being true to our covenants.
No outside force can stop us from receiving eternal life. Nothing short of our own choices can harm us eternally. No illness, injury, or loss, or even death, can take away our exaltation. Take Job for an example. He lost his wealth, his home, his family, his credibility with his friends, and maybe even more though I don't remember the whole story, but he stayed strong in his faith.
Hard times are painful for us, and our loving Heavenly Father surely doesn't enjoy seeing us experience that pain, but they don't impede His plan. (And frankly, no matter how rough the rough times are, they amount to little when viewed from an eternal perspective.)
Secondly, trials give us the opportunity to grow if we bear them well. We can very effectively gain patience, humility, sympathy, wisdom, purification, and strength through faithfully enduring trials. So, in addition to tribulations and trials not being really, eternally bad for us, they can be very good for us eternally if we handle them well.
So, to the strategy. Consider humility. That's a big one. I have certainly been humbled more than once by my trials and difficulties, particularly when I recognized that my own mistakes or immaturity brought those trials to me. Trials also bring purification, at least in the sense that they help us to filter out unimportant things from our life. However, I have also found that service brings humility, and it also helps us to let go of our selfish pursuits.
Consider, for example, that we go to care for someone who is suffering from a disablingly painful disease. As we do so, we realize that our own problems are relatively small, and that we have an easy life compared to the poor soul in the hospital bed. Instant and refreshing humility. Also, by dedicating our time to serving others, we drop less necessary things from our life. While attending to the sick person, we don't have time for watching sports, or playing online games, or even good and productive activities that are simply less important.
If I'm going to learn to be like God, as I've been commanded (Matthew 5:48), I need to learn humility and be willing to let go of selfish or unimportant pursuits. My strategy then is to gain that humility and purification through service, rather than having God feel it necessary to give me these things through trials.
Of course, that's not really my reason for dedicating myself to serving others. The real reason is charity, the pure love of Christ, and a desire to obey my God. At the same time, though, if I can reduce my personal need for trials, well, I'm all for it.
Last thoughts for now:
I don't know if our dedication to service really causes God to give us fewer trials in life, and I'm sure it won't prevent all of them. Perhaps, though, it's really a matter of changing the nature of some of our trials. Service, after all, is still a challenge, and there is plenty of room for sorrow and exhaustion in service, but how much better to experience the difficulties because we're helping others rather than because we're being unwise? Service to God and His children (Mosiah 2:17) brings us joy and helps us to forget our own problems, but it also helps us to become like Him. I hope to learn this lesson more and more.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
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.
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.
Inspired Words
Elder Neil L. Anderson was the final speaker for the 2010 Spring General Conference, aside from President Monson. He commented, as I've heard before, that none of the speakers are assigned topics, but that God guides His servants through revelation. It astounds me how the speakers so naturally reinforce themes and speak to such relevant concerns for our time. The guidance of the Holy Ghost during General Conference truly is a wonderful thing.
I've often heard people say that they felt a given talk was written just for them because it applied to them so directly or touched them so deeply. I loved the talks that were given, but I actually felt that pieces of the conference were actually given for other people I know. Some friends of ours are experiencing a challenge in their marriage right now, and as I watched the Saturday morning session I thought of them several times. A talk in the afternoon session seemed perfectly applicable to them. Today's messages seemed to reinforce ideas that we had shared with another friend last night (as we talked until about 3:00 am).
I am so grateful for living prophets. As I hear their words I feel my Heavenly Father's love for me and for everyone. At times, General Conference can be downright thrilling; it is most certainly inspiring. I'm grateful also for the strength the Holy Ghost gives me as I listen to God's servants.
Last thoughts for now:
I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's true church and that He has called prophets to lead and help us. I know that these prophets speak by revelation and I know by revelation that their words are true. I know that God loves and cares for us, wants us to know the truth, and wants us to be happy.
I've often heard people say that they felt a given talk was written just for them because it applied to them so directly or touched them so deeply. I loved the talks that were given, but I actually felt that pieces of the conference were actually given for other people I know. Some friends of ours are experiencing a challenge in their marriage right now, and as I watched the Saturday morning session I thought of them several times. A talk in the afternoon session seemed perfectly applicable to them. Today's messages seemed to reinforce ideas that we had shared with another friend last night (as we talked until about 3:00 am).
I am so grateful for living prophets. As I hear their words I feel my Heavenly Father's love for me and for everyone. At times, General Conference can be downright thrilling; it is most certainly inspiring. I'm grateful also for the strength the Holy Ghost gives me as I listen to God's servants.
Last thoughts for now:
I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's true church and that He has called prophets to lead and help us. I know that these prophets speak by revelation and I know by revelation that their words are true. I know that God loves and cares for us, wants us to know the truth, and wants us to be happy.
Blessings and Food
It's strange to me when I arrive at an event where people have already begun to eat, and someone says, "The food has already been blessed," as if to suggest that I don't need to pray. What does "blessed food" even mean? I explain to the person that I still need to thank my Heavenly Father and then I pray. I get the impression that people believe that, somehow, when they pray and ask Heavenly Father to "bless the food", the stuff will change and be more healthy for us, and that's why they're praying in the first place. People also get unnecessarily confused about how to pray when they are about to eat a dessert, not wanting to say something like, "Please bless these cookies to nourish and strengthen our bodies..."
Call me nitpicky, but I pay attention to details and I try very much to be correct even in small things. I never say that we "bless" the food before eating, because I don't think it makes any sense.
The word "blessing" has two basic definitions. First, blessings are any good things that happen to us. Often, they are the natural consequences of our righteous actions; they're God's reward for doing what is right. At other times, we will be blessed because of others' actions or even just their prayers. In short, they're good things in our lives. It makes sense to ask Heavenly Father to bless us that we will be well nourished by food. By a second definition, blessings are priesthood ordinances. We perform ordinances in service to people, not food.
It certainly is appropriate to pray to God before we eat: it's important for us to express gratitude to our Father who provides everything for us.
Last thoughts for now:
I hope to always show gratitude to God. "Blessing" food doesn't make any sense, but I'll always pray before I eat, even if I'm about to eat brownies or ice cream.
Call me nitpicky, but I pay attention to details and I try very much to be correct even in small things. I never say that we "bless" the food before eating, because I don't think it makes any sense.
The word "blessing" has two basic definitions. First, blessings are any good things that happen to us. Often, they are the natural consequences of our righteous actions; they're God's reward for doing what is right. At other times, we will be blessed because of others' actions or even just their prayers. In short, they're good things in our lives. It makes sense to ask Heavenly Father to bless us that we will be well nourished by food. By a second definition, blessings are priesthood ordinances. We perform ordinances in service to people, not food.
It certainly is appropriate to pray to God before we eat: it's important for us to express gratitude to our Father who provides everything for us.
Last thoughts for now:
I hope to always show gratitude to God. "Blessing" food doesn't make any sense, but I'll always pray before I eat, even if I'm about to eat brownies or ice cream.
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