Today, I started watching the 2013 Worldwide Leadership Training, Strengthening the Family and the Church though the Priesthood, that Elder Ballard talked about in his General Conference talk. There are some really powerful and inspiring videos, and I really recommend the content. I especially liked the First Presidency Message. President Eyring has previously given one of my favorite messages about family, so I was excited to hear his remarks.
President Eyring begins by talking about how the priesthood is a gift of authority from God given to us for the blessing of all of God’s children. I love the idea that priesthood is not an exclusive thing only given for the benefit of some. Instead, it is given to worthy brethren in order to allow them to bless everyone.
President Eyring reminds us that the priesthood authority can and should become Priesthood power if we are righteous. Recently, I have been thinking a bit about this concept. In the temple, there is a portion where the women covenant to be obedient to their husbands ‘as’ they are obedient to the commands of God. I realized that as a new husband, I have a great responsibility to be a righteous example that my wife can follow. I can not lead based on authority, but must lead through kindness and long-suffering. That is the only way that I can truly be worthy of the amazing priesthood authority I have been given. If we fail to be righteous, our authority will be a twisted form of authority that can be used for unrighteous dominion. Satan has this twisted and distorted form of priesthood….He uses his ‘authority’ to destroy and to compel. That is not the way of a priesthood holder of God.
Elder Eyring emphasizes that God is infinitely wise, kind and patient. He knows the challenges we will face in his service and will help them face those challenges as he would. Jesus Christ set for us a perfect example of kindness and respect. Elder Eyring mentions in particular the way Jesus Christ treated his mother. His relationship to his family has always been an interesting one for me. Christ knew that he was about his fathers business and that his ministry came first. Still, he took the time to show acts of unparalleled kindness to those around him. Christ had an amazing sense of priorities. Elder Eyring mentioned that Christ called everyone to repent with absolute clarity, but at the same time left everyone with no doubt that with his help they could succeed. He inspired greatness and great confidence in the hearts of men. For me, he is a true example of a leader.
Elder Eyring also spoke of Joseph Smith’s choice to provide an example and allow members to try and live in accord. He exercised his priesthood through meekness and love unfeigned. I love the Prophet for his example. The more I learn about him, the more I realize that he was truly called of God and inspired to build up this church and kingdom.
Elder Eyring’s mention of the love of his parents was also tender. Truly, I am grateful beyond words for the righteous example of my parents. Even though they were/are not members of this church, I am so grateful to truly have been born of goodly parents that were always there for me. Sadly, there are far too many people that do not have that blessing.
President Eyring next spoke about the potential blessings of exaltation and eternal family that are available to us. Those gifts will be given to us if we qualify through faith and following the savior. It is truly amazing to me to have gotten even a tiny glimpse at all that God has in store for me. Heavenly Father sees that amazing potential in me and in all those around me. His matchless vision is what helps to build our confidence in him.
“God’s priesthood has the power to change hearts and nit us in eternal families.” I love this idea, and I truly believe that this is true even for those family member that do not yet believe in the savior. The power of the priesthood is working on the hearts of each of us to transform us. Each time we pray or serve in the church, there is a power that is touching those around us. Our faith helps us to see the good in others and to love them with a deeper love. That love transforms others even when we do not see the changes right away.
Elder Eyring emphasizes that in times of testing our faith truly grows, and God’s power manifest in those times can help give us hope. Those trials bring out charity and help us access the atonement of Christ. His promises are real.
The priesthood gives families hope…hope that we can be together forever. Hope that we can overcome the adversary and be bound through sacred covenants. I have a true and abiding testimony that through Christ everything will work out for our good. His love and priesthood is like the thread that binds us together as a family
Elder Eyring explains that this isn’t easy .Satan is real and trying to destroy us. However, the power of Christ and his priesthood is greater. What we need to do is align our hearts with him, and love will win out. Christ has prepared a place for us through his atonement. His love is manifest through the atonement and his priesthood.
I am so grateful for the blessings that God has given to me. I am grateful to be married to a wonderful daughter of God in his Holy Temple. I am excited to start a family together and to begin implementing those principles that God has taught through his Prophets and his Apostles
Just a plug for my new(ish) blog that I hope to be updating frequently about legal and political issues of interest. I am trying to keep these two blogs relatively separate though there may be some overlap at times.
One of the most prominent roles of the savior is the focus of Elder Christofferson’s wonderful talk from the Sunday Afternoon session of conference. The thing that I have appreciated most about his talks in recent conferences is his doctrinal clarity and bold directness. I also love his focus on the savior Jesus Christ. Elder Christofferson has shown willingness to clearly speak about subjects such as repentance, correction and, in this talk, redemption. His articulate clear pronouncements of truth in many ways remind me of Neal L. Maxwell filled with rhetorical devices and literary allusions.
The talk began with a historical flourish that I truly appreciated as a history buff. Elder Christofferson spoke of “Redemptioners” or individuals who made the passage to the Americas as indentured servants and worked to pay off their own wages. In many ways, we are like these redemptioners. We have been brought with a price as the scriptures suggest. As King Benjamin declared, even if we serve God with all of our hearts and souls we would remain unprofitable servants. Moreover, we are perpetually in God’s debt because as we give back to him he always gives us more than we could ask for.
That however, is the beautiful part of the atonement. Through it, all debts are paid off. More than that, however, Elder Christofferson emphasizes that thanks to the atonement, not only are the natural consequences of the fall atoned for unconditionally, and the indirect consequences of sin atoned for through our faith and repentance, but also “ the Atonement also satisfies the debt justice owes to us by healing and compensating us for any suffering we innocently endure.” The wonderful thing about the atonement, is that it redeems us both from our sins and from our weaknesses. What this ultimately means is that not only do we receive far more mercy than we deserve, but we also receive far more blessings and justice when wronged or injured. God is both perfectly merciful and perfectly just towards compensating and blessing.
One of the best parts about the Church and Gospel of Christ is that we are active participants in his work. We do not go to Church merely to be entertained, but for the opportunity to serve and redeem others.”Inasmuch as we follow Christ, we seek to participate in and further His redemptive work.” Elder Christofferson identifies a few areas where every members can play a redemptive role : Missionary Work, Family History Work and helping the poor and the needy.Obviously, not incidentally, these points echo the four fold purpose of the Church and remind us that Christ’s Church is there to allow us to become more perfected through active service of our fellow man.
I love his description of the work of redemption that we can engage in while on this earth
“This kind of redemptive work means helping people with their problems. It means befriending the poor and the weak, alleviating suffering, righting wrongs, defending truth, strengthening the rising generation, and achieving security and happiness at home. Much of our redemptive work on earth is to help others grow and achieve their just hopes and aspirations.”
To illustrate his point, Elder Christofferson quotes from Les Miserables and recounts the story of Jean Valjean and the Bishop who redeemed him for God. That book and play show that one kind act of redemption can ripple and bless the lives of many. Yet, the actions of individuals are always limited to some degree, and that is truly why God gave us his church
“Some forms of temporal redemption come by collaborative effort. It is one of the reasons the Savior created a church. Being organized in quorums and auxiliaries and in stakes, wards, and branches, we can not only teach and encourage each other in the gospel, but we can also bring to bear people and resources to deal with the exigencies of life. People acting alone or in ad hoc groups cannot always provide means on a scale needed to address larger challenges. As followers of Jesus Christ we are a community of Saints organized to help redeem the needs of our fellow Saints and as many others as we can reach across the globe.”
This reminded me of one of my favorite non-general authority talks: Why the Church is as True As the Gospel by Eugene England. In that article, England similarly emphasizes what an immense impact serving others in the church can have on those that give up their time, talents and energies to serving the Lord. This church is a transformative force in the lives of those who are active in it. People who drift out of activity because the church does not meet their needs are missing the point entirely. The church is about allowing us to share our talents with others and through service being transformed. This is a multi-dimensional effort which includes temporal and spiritual aid alike.
Elder Christofferson ends with a powerful story about a deaf woman who’se life was transformed and redeemed by the kindness of a member and by the light of Christ. Such stories are common as Christ and his church engage in its work of salvation. May we continue to be disciples of Christ and assist him in his work of redemption.
Washington (CNN) – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said it was "satisfied" with the Boy Scouts of America’s move to consider no longer denying membership to youth on the basis of sexual orientation.
In a statement Thursday, the Mormon church called the issue “complex and challenging” and said it believed the Boy Scouts were making “a thoughtful, good-faith effort” to address the issue.
I will be getting sealed in the Draper, Utah Temple on May 4th for time and all eternity. Being a convert, however, I have a lot of family and friends that wonder what a sealing is and how it actually differs from a regular marriage ceremony. I thought I would write a brief post explaining what it means to me to be sealed and why it is so special.
Marriage is always a very special and important occasion. Two people that love each other always hope that their marriage will be successful and that they will never again be apart. Yet, most marriages come with an expiration date built in. They are consummated ’till death do you part’ or based on some other such limitation. After death, there is no longer a promise.
The difference between a regular marriage and a sealing is that a temple sealing is not merely done for time or ’till death do you part.’ When one is sealed in the temple that marriage is able to continue forever. There is an explicit promise that the familial bond will continue beyond the grave. Indeed, in the eternities there is a promise that Jessica and I will be married and continue to have a family. We will be able to enjoy each other’s company and love.
Indeed, God has promised that
And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy.
That means that those that have been sealed will continue to grow as a family even when they leave this world. Their children will be theirs eternally.
A prophet of God, Gordon B. Hinckley, express my feelings about this really well.
Was there ever a man who truly loved a woman, or a woman who truly loved a man, who did not pray that their relationship might continue beyond the grave? Has a child ever been buried by parents who did not long for the assurance that their loved one would again be theirs in a world to come? Can anyone believing in eternal life doubt that the God of heaven would grant His sons and daughters that most precious attribute of life, the love that finds its most meaningful expression in family relationships? No, reason demands that the family relationship shall continue after death. The human heart longs for it, and the God of heaven has revealed a way whereby it may be secured. The sacred ordinances of the house of the Lord provide for it.
That is the basic idea as far as the theology. What about the practical nature of what happens in the temple.
This is a sealing room… On May 4th, Jessica and I will both be dressed in all white. Jessica will be wearing her wedding dress while I will have on a white pair of pants with a white tie and a white shirt. We will also be wearing certain symbolic articles of clothing which are in many ways similar to things that Orthodox Jews wear during services such as a Talit or a Kippa. These articles are symbolic of our relationship to God and remind us of the promises that we have made.
We will kneel across from each other at the altar and grasp each other by the hand. Behind us, there will be a reflective mirror on either side of the room. Because of their position each mirror will reflect the image of the other. Looking at them, we will see our reflection repeating over and over again. This will symbolize the eternal nature of the marriage.
The individual performing the sealing ( sealer) will ask us whether we are ready to have each other as husband and wife. He will tell us about some of the promises of God that God has for us. He will remind us that together we will be able to be an eternal family. He will encourage us to live righteously and remember God in all that we do. By the power of the priesthood of Jesus Christ, he will seal us as a family forever.
The ceremony will be very simple and we will only have a few members of family present. There will be no dancing or music in the temple. No food. There will be a reception later for friends. However, in the temple the focus will be on each other and on our relationship to God.
I am so excited to be married in the temple. I have a strong belief that the temple marriage is ordained of God and that it can be eternal. I am so excited to begin my journey with my eternal companion
Here are a couple of great resources abut the temple:
This week has been a stark example that we living in a chaotic world in which peace has been “taken from the earth.” Lest we forget that Satan still has immense power over the hearts of men, the Boston Marathon Bombing this week served as a stark reminder. I was strongly struck this week by the bombings because it hit so close to home. I used to work five minutes away from the finish line. When I saw pictures or Watertown, Cambridge and Boston under lock down, I was reminded of the time I spent there. Likewise, this week saw a fertilizer plant outside of Waco, Texas explode, (my fiances father lives in Waco though far enough away from the plant that he was completely safe) poisonous letters sent to the president and so many other tragic incidents.
Likewise, this has also been finals week and so there has been a lot of stress. For the past couple of days, I had been filled with anxiety about a mistake that I made which could have had very detrimental consequences. Marriage plans are also stressful though also very exciting. In short, there is a lot to be stressed and anxious about. That is why, I so strongly appreciated Elder Cook’s remarks about the peace that can come to each of us as a disciple of Jesus Christ even as chaos reigns in the world around us.
Elder Cook prefaces his remarks by saying that he will talk about the role of Jesus Christ in “helping each of us obtain lasting peace” For me, the concept of lasting peace is really a beautiful one. Since joining the Church of Christ, this is one thing that really changed for me. I am much more content with life in general and much more consistently so. I have far fewer ups and downs because of the influence of the Holy Ghost in my life.
Elder Cook talks about a couple of incidents that really touched him such as the Newtown school shooting, his meeting with members in war-torn Ivory Coast, and the events of September 11th. He recalls how quickly “feelings of peace and safety can be destroyed.” The truth is that life is far too fragile. In an instant, things can change it dramatically. If we live remembering how precious our life is, we will be able to more fully appreciate all of the blessings that we have.
He tells the story his son on 9-11. They lived three blocks from the World Trader Center, and as they realized the city was under attack they made their way to the stake center ( where the temple now is) at Lincoln Center. Elder Cook emphasizes that in these last days the stakes of zion will be a defense and “a refuse from the storm.” I really have found the truth of these sayings both temporally and spiritually.
A couple of years ago, when I was working in Boston doing door to door fundraising for a non-profit organization, I was very discouraged. It was a cold and rainy day and I felt completely alone. As I walked in Arlington, Ma, I realized that I was near the Boston Temple. As I walked along the road, I saw the familiar spire in the distanced and the sight of the temple helped me feel at peace and know that God was mindful of me. The temple was a beacon of safety and peace. Likewise, today, when burden filled as I came to sacrament meeting I instantly felt at peace.
Elder Cook emphasizes that there is a difference between person peace and world peace. When Christ was born, the heavenly hosts declared “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Yet, in the aftermath of those remarks, Herod slaughtered the innocent infants, John the Baptist was beheaded and even the Savior of the world himself as betrayed and crucified. Christ’s coming and his sacrifice did not take away human agency. Evil will still reign in this world for a time.
Christ emphasized that he did not come to bring world peace. Indeed, Christ declared
” 34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. (Matthew 10)”
Since joining the church I have seen a lot of conflict. I have had family members upset at me, friends desert me, and a myriad of difficult decisions that never would have come my way had I not begun to believe in the savior. The path is not free of thorns. He that himself wore a crown of thorns did not promise that. Instead, he promised something much sublime. He promised to help transform us and fill our hearts with peace.
Indeed, President Joseph F. Smith emphasized that this inner transformation is essential and that we can never have world wide peace without it. “There never can come to the world that spirit of peace and love … until mankind will receive God’s truth and God’s message … , and acknowledge his power and authority which is divine.”
I used to be part of the anti-war movement when I was in Boston. I would go to anti-war rallies and attend prayers for world peace. I used to think that I was making a real difference in reducing conflict. Since then, however, I have realized that while praying for peace is valuable, peace will never come without an increase in faith in Jesus Christ. Without God and without purpose in life, peace will always be fleeting. When the doctrines of Christ are ignored, peace will always be the casualty.
Elder Cook reminded us that “We earnestly hope and pray for universal peace, but it is as individuals and families that we achieve the kind of peace that is the promised reward of righteousness. This peace is a promised gift of the Savior’s mission and atoning sacrifice.”
That peace is one that is rather inexplicable and hard to describe to those who have not felt it. It is deeper than temporary relief from stress or anxiety. Indeed, it is “an abiding deep happiness and spiritual commitment.” One day on my mission stands out as one of the starkest examples of this peace. That day, was the day we were supposed to call our parents for Mother’s day (one of two times in the year). My father had gotten mad at me and decided not to talk to me that day. I had set up a call with my sister instead, but because of time zone miscommunication she called me at 4 am and spent the time criticizing me for my bad choices in serving a mission. I got off the phone with her broken. I didn’t know what to do. As I sat there, I poured out my heart in prayer to God and was overwhelmed with a sense of peace. I opened up my scriptures randomly and found myself reading Psalm 27
4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.
When I read that last verse, I was overwhelmed with emotion and the spirit. Even though my heart was full of anxiety and pain, I felt a deep peace. I knew that God was mindful of me and that everything would work out. I knew that as long as I longed for righteousness and to be with God, he would never ever forsake me.
President Heber J. Grant described the Savior’s peace this way: “His peace will ease our suffering, bind up our broken hearts, blot out our hates, engender in our breasts a love of fellow men that will suffuse our souls with calm and happiness.”
Indeed, it is amazing how quickly the savior can heal us and help fill us with love. It is incredible how quickly hatred, fear and prejudice melt away replaced with love and charity. Christ is quick to head our cries.
Elder Cook emphasizes that the victims of Newtown, and the members he met on the Ivory Coast were filled with the savior’s peace despite all that was happening around them. Indeed, they knew that “the Savior’s Atonement would overcome and compensate for all the unfairness of mortal life and bring us peace.”
Elder Cook then spoke about the sources of peace. He reiterated that true peace can never be found in worldly ways. It is not found through riches or amassing great amounts of power. It is not found through great stores of knowledge or through entertainment and technology. Those things can not lead to lasting happiness or peace. I found that this is so true. When I was an undergrad, I was studying in a great university, had good friends and a lot of opportunities, but I still felt I was missing something. I still felt restless and like I was searching for something so illusive and mysterious. It was only when I found Jesus Christ that I found a source of peace and contentment.
Ultimately, it is the atonement of the savior that brings us lasting peace and allows us to experience ‘peace of conscience’ which is essential to happiness and contentment. In other words, we need the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to have faith followed by repentance, baptism and becoming lifelong disciples. The Holy Ghost transfoms us as we continue to participate in Christ’s Church and partake of sacred ordinances:
“The Church is a refuge where followers of Christ attain peace. Some young people in the world say they are spiritual but not religious. Feeling spiritual is a good first step. However, it is in the Church that we are fellowshipped, taught, and nourished by the good word of God. More importantly, it is priesthood authority in the Church that provides for sacred ordinances and covenants that bind families together and qualify each of us to return to God the Father and Jesus Christ in the celestial kingdom. These ordinances bring peace because they are covenants with the Lord.”
Elder Cook also spoke beautifully about the peace that comes from temples. The temple for me is the connective glue holding together all the peaces of my testimony. As in the Psalm which I quoted above, my one desire is to be worthy to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. I am excited to be sealed in the temple and for the joy and peace I feel whenever I go to the temple.
Elder Cook powerfully retold a story from the dedication of the Suva Fiji temple which occurred while the country was under martial law. The peace felt inside the temple is strongly contrasted with the tumult outside. We too live in a time of wars and rumors of war. War and conflict surround us. We need to have a refuse in the house of the Lord and have the savior in our own hearts in order to feel peace in these times.
Christ’s parting word’s to his disciples powerfully resonate
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.”
I know that he is the source of peace, the rock and redeemer of Israel. I am so grateful for all that he does for me every single day. I bear my testimony that he lives and loves each one of us.
All week, I have seen friends on Facebook post quotes from Elder Scott’s Conference talk. Elder Scott has been one of my favorite Apostles since he came and spoke while I was in the MTC and gave an incredible discourse on receiving revelation. Still, this talk hadn’t stood out to me too strongly when I first listened to it. On re-read and watch however, it’s depth and spiritual power really impressed me. Elder Scott has a degree of depth in some of his comments that at times seems unmatched
Elder Scott begins by talking about how with our world moving at an even more frantic pace it is ever more important to have a place of refuge where we can go to recharge both physically and spiritually. I have personally found this to be so true as I am in the midst of frentic studying for Law School exams. Coming home and spending time with my fiance and unwinding is so necessary. Human beings are not meant to work without ceasing. We need time to unplug and be at rest.
Many voices from the world in which we live tell us we should live at a frantic pace. There is always more to do and more to accomplish. Yet deep inside each of us is a need to have a place of refuge where peace and serenity prevail, a place where we can reset, regroup, and reenergize to prepare for future pressures.”
I’ve noticed that this is a common theme of Elder Scott’s as he often speaks about finding those places and opportunities needed in order to receive personal revelation. There are of course many places to get this needed spiritual boost, and Elder Scott has in recent years given extensive talks about the Temple and scripture study for those very reasons. However, Elder Scott emphasizes that the ideal place for this is in the home.
I love that Elder Scott emphasizes that any home, no matter how atypical the arrangement, can be a place of peace if that home is centered on Jesus Christ.
Regardless of your circumstances, you can center your home and your life on the Lord Jesus Christ, for He is the source of true peace in this life.”
Elder Scott suggests that the way to have a Christ-centered home is to first and foremost “Be certain that every decision you make, whether temporal or spiritual, is conditioned on what the Savior would have you do.” As I am about to begin my own family, this is a really important consideration for me. When making decisions, especially large ones, it is so important for Christ to be at the center of it all. Elder Scott emphasizes that the basic building blocks of a Christ-centered home come from regularly learning about him and from him through prayer, family home evening and scripture study.
I’m sure you can identify the fundamental principles that center your home on the Savior. The prophetic counsel to have daily personal and family prayer, daily personal and family scripture study, and weekly family home evening are the essential, weight-bearing beams in the construction of a Christ-centered home. Without these regular practices it will be difficult to find the desired and much-needed peace and refuge from the world.
I think these little details can be the hardest of all to actually do consistently, which is why I appreciate that Elder Scott emphasizes that we should not rationalize away our failure to do these things, because upon little things truly rests large consequences. Elder Scott also emphasized the importance of steady and consistent observance “More importantly, simple, consistent, good habits lead to a life full of bountiful blessings.” I hope that as I start my family it can likewise be built upon the rock of Jesus Christ and bolstered by these regular practices.
Elder Scott next emphasized the divine potential that each of us – especially those born in this generation- have. He emphasized some interesting doctrine about the pre-earth life that does not get expressed all that often
In the premortal life you proved to be valiant, obedient, and pure. There you worked hard to develop talents and capacities to prepare yourselves to face mortality with courage, dignity, honor, and success. Not long ago you came to mortality with all of those magnificent capacities and endless possibilities.
It’s interesting to think that our strengths, and also our weaknesses were already with us in the pre-earth life. This life is a wonderful individualized test for each one of us. Each of us are where we need to be in order to develop our talents and overcome our weaknesses. Yet, as Elder Scott emphasized, Satan is trying to exploit our weaknesses and make us fall short of our divine potential. Satan is miserable and wants to make as many of us miserable as possible. He seeks to confuse and distract us from the things that truly count.
Elder Scott makes clear that technology can be a wonderful tool for good or an instrument from evil.
You live in a world where technological advances occur at an astounding pace. It is difficult for many of my generation to keep up with the possibilities. Depending on how technology is used, these advances can be a blessing or a deterrent. Technology, when understood and used for righteous purposes, need not be a threat but rather an enhancement to spiritual communication.
I experience this phenomenon as I blog about Mormonism. There are so many wonderful and uplifting writers that bear testimony with conviction. Likewise, unfortunately, there are so many blogs that are overcome with cynicism and doubt. Reading those blogs, especially those written by disaffected members, saps and drains the spirit. Even though I know better, I still find myself reading those kinds of blogs out of curiosity, but reading this talk has made me more aware of the importance of distancing myself from that kind of filth. Intellectual curiosity is a virtue, but Satan can also exploit that and turn it into a liability. Being on the Lord’s side in all things truly is the key.
I loved that Elder Scott emphasized that viability of scriptures on Smart Phones and Tables as a way to receive revelation. However, he also emphasized that these things do us no good if we do not use them. With digital scriptures I have found it sometimes harder to sit, ponder and reflect because I am quickly drawn to something else ( playing a game, checking my e-mail etc…) I also loved Elder Scott’s suggestion that we turn to our scriptures as often as we text
Who could have imagined not very many years ago that the full standard works and years of general conference messages would fit into your pocket? Just having them in your pocket will not protect you, but studying, pondering, and listening to them during quiet moments of each day will enhance communication through the Spirit.
Be wise in how you embrace technology. Mark important scriptures on your device and refer back to them frequently. If you young people would review a verse of scripture as often as some of you send text messages, you could soon have hundreds of passages of scripture memorized.
This also reminded me of the wonderful suggestion of Elder Ardern of the 70 a few years ago: “ Let us be as quick to kneel as we are to text.” I know that I am guilty of being far quicker to text than to read, ponder and pray and so this is a challenge that seems tailored for my needs.
Elder Scott next emphasizes what he declares as an absolute law for getting the power of God into our lives. When an Apostle declares that something is an absolute law, that is a good sign that his advice is really truly important:
I have learned a truth that has been repeated so frequently in my life that I have come to know it as an absolute law. It defines the way obedience and service relate to the power of God. When we obey the commandments of the Lord and serve His children unselfishly, the natural consequence is power from God—power to do more than we can do by ourselves. Our insights, our talents, our abilities are expanded because we receive strength and power from the Lord. His power is a fundamental component to establishing a home filled with peace.
As Elder Scott suggests, the way to have the Lord’s presence more fully in our lives is to go out and serve. I saw this on my mission in a myriad of ways. One transfer late in my mission, my companion and I were having a bit of difficulty getting along. In our first couple of days, things were a bit rough. We then set a goal to fast and pray for unity and to go out and serve as hard as we could. After a couple of weeks, we developed a really great friendship and companionship. We saw so many miracles unfold as we worked to serve others, serve each other and serve the Lord. I know that this is an inspired principle that works exactly as Elder Scott suggests. When we lose ourselves in service, we are endowed with power from on high and able to do so much more than we ever could on our own.
As I learned on my mission, when we have that power miracles happen. Elder Scott emphasizes that people will be drawn to what they see and feel when we are living a Christ-like life of love and services I often wondered when I first joined the Church why so much time is spent talking about the home and family rather than an emphasis on social justice or helping the poor and needy. Only since my mission have I really understood what is meant by the saying ” No success can compensate for failure in the home” As Elder Scott makes clear, one of the most meaningful things we can do to bless the lives of others is build a christ-centered home. Indeed,. He suggests that examples of Christ-centered homes will ultimately be one force that will change the world for the better:
“One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is the power of a Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught, covenants are kept, and love abounds.”
Elder Scott tells a story about how spending time in a Mission President’s home helped a young elder who had grown up without a family learn about the importance of family. This story actually reminded me a lot of my own mother. Even though she was not a member of the church, she was always reaching out to others and doing good. She was quick to help those in need. During middle school, I had a really good friend who had a really hard family situation. My mother treated him almost like her son at times. She helped his family out in many ways both temporally and just by showing them that she cared. My home embodied the principle taught by Elder Scott:
Do all you can to have just such a home. Reach out to those living in adverse circumstances. Be a true friend. This kind of enduring friendship is like asphalt that fills the potholes of life and makes the journey smoother and more pleasant. It should not be a resource used to gain personal advantage but a treasure to be appreciated and shared. Welcome into your home others who need to be strengthened by such an experience.
I am truly grateful that I grew up in such a home where love abounded. I am eager to be able to build my own home where that love can be coupled with the teachings of the Savior.
I love that Elder Scott continues beyond this point to offer a few words of advice and counsel to those whose family situation is far from ideal.
I offer some final thoughts for those who love a family member who is not making good choices. That can challenge our patience and endurance. We need to trust in the Lord and in His timing that a positive response to our prayers and rescue efforts can occur. We do all that we can to serve, to bless, and to submissively acknowledge God’s will in all things. We exercise faith and remember that there are some things that must be left to the Lord. He invites us to set our burdens down at His feet. With faith we can know that this straying loved one is not abandoned but is in the watch care of a loving Savior.
Recognize the good in others, not their stains. At times a stain needs appropriate attention to be cleansed, but always build on his or her virtues.
When you feel that there is only a thin thread of hope, it is really not a thread but a massive connecting link, like a life preserver to strengthen and lift you. It will provide comfort so you can cease to fear. Strive to live worthily and place your trust in the Lord.
I love the emphasis here on patiently serving others even when they are falling short of where they want to be. The emphasis on recognizing the good in others is so fundamental. It is easy to see the bad in others and to criticize but a lot more rewarding and meaningful to see the good. With my non-member family, this is a principle that I am trying to live. It is also key to never lose hope because God will eventually answer our faithful prayers ( in this life or the next) and those we care about will be blessed by our perseverance and diligence. Our faith hope and charity truly is that life preserver that will help those we care about stay afloat among the increasing spiritual and temporal dangers of our day.
Finally, lest we become discouraged because of all the things we are expected to do and fall short of, Elder Scott ends with a wonderful promise from the Lord
We need not worry if we can’t simultaneously do all of the things that the Lord has counseled us to do. He has spoken of a time and a season for all things. In response to our sincere prayers for guidance, He will direct us in what should be emphasized at each phase of our life. We can learn, grow, and become like Him one consistent step at a time.
We all fall are imperfect in our strivings to love, serve and build a Christ-centered home. We are all balancing far more than we can ever do perfectly. Yet, the Lord’s promise is that as we try we will receive great power from Christ and that. I was today released from my calling as a Ward Mission leader and as I reflect on my service I knew that even though I had not fulfilled my calling as perfectly or diligently as I would have liked ( being engaged and in law school has that effect) that the Lord was pleased with my service. He loves each of us and wants us to be happy and at peace. With Elder Scott I join in bearing my testimony that God is pleased with us as we strive to do good and as we try to build a firm foundations upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ
I bear testimony that living an obedient life, firmly rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, provides the greatest assurance for peace and refuge in our homes. There will still be plenty of challenges or heartaches, but even in the midst of turmoil, we can enjoy inner peace and profound happiness. I testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the source of that abundant peace, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
