President Uchtdorf- Four Titles General Conference Priesthood Session April 2013

While I have enjoyed some of the brief recaps of talks that I have seen from Liveblogs, I haven’t yet seen a lot of blogs that engage in full analysis of a conference talk. I want to try to blog about the talks from this past General Conference. I am going to aim for at least one per week in an effort to cover all of the talks (or at least all my favorite ones) before the next conference.

I am going to begin with one of my favorite talks which is President Uchtdorf’s Priesthood Session talk entitled Four Titltes

President Uchtdorf begins by commending all those in attendance and especially the young men. He hopes that they will find belonging, support, and friendship among their fellow priesthood holders. I find that this is a really significant blessing of the Church of Jesus Christ. When I first came to church I was impressed with the level of support and friendship. Right away, and wherever I have traveled in the world I have felt like I belonged. I used to always tell those I taught when they were baptized that they were entering into a global family, and that is so true.

Elder Uchtdorf speaks about how we all identify ourselves with multiple worldy titles. While those titles are at times important, it seems to me that we can be a little too status or title obsessed in society. Whether I graduate Manga Cum Laude or just Cum Laude, for instance, is a title that will stick with me on my resume for the rest of my life. Yet, these titles are ultimately not of eternal significance. I doubt that when I stand before God he will ask me what my law school GPA was. President Uchtdorf’s talk was a great reminder that some times are divine, shared by all of us and simply matter more than our earthly titles do.

President Uchtdorf highlighted four titles that are common to all Priesthood holders:

1) Son of Heavenly Father- This knowledge has really blessed me so much since joining the church. I am grateful for the knowledge that God loves me like a father. This knowledge has, as President Uchtdorf suggested, changed the way that I look at myself and at life itself.

All of us do not live up to our divine title and potential. Satan wants us to feel ashamed and to define ourselves by our sins Yet, President Uchtdorf emphasizes that we have no reason to feel bad when we fall short. President Uchtdorf compared us to a small toddler trying to walk and yet falling. God like a parent does not criticize or scold us for our faliure but praises us for our efforts and small victories.

At times, I think this metaphor is especially apt for me. Despite my best efforts, I sometimes say unkind things or act without thinking. At other times, perhaps the metaphor of a rebellious teenager applies better as I do things  preemptively thinking I know best. Either way, Heavenly father responds to us with tender mercy and ever loving kindness.

Like President Uchtdorf, “I do not believe in a God that sets up rules and commandments and waits for us to fail only so he could punish us” God in the end of the day will look for all opportunity to bless and serve us. President Uchtdorf emphasizes that God will be there supporting us and send help for us when we struggle. I have seen this reflected in my life as I have been blessed with wonderful friends and support. Whenever I stumble, God has sent someone to help me along the way. Right now, I am especially blessed with a fiance who is my best friend and source of great comfort in difficult moments.

2) Disciple- Even though we are imperfect, all those who are trying to serve Christ can be called disciples. President Uchtdorf suggests that being a disciple means that we do not allow our imperfections to cause us to delay repentance or to put off things needed for our growth. In the church, we will always be challenged to do things and always fall short. President Uchtdorf mentions that the church is not for perfect people, but for imperfect people just like us. Indeed, I have found that the church is structured in such a way that the Lord gives us a chance to lead however imperfectly The wonderful thing is that he takes even our seemingly inadequate efforts and magnifies them for his gain.

President Uchtdorf next explains that this works because of the Atonement. Indeed, without the atonement life would be a “dead end road without hope or future”. Thanks to the atonement life is “an ennobling and inspiring journey.” As I have reflected upon recently, I think this is something that members sometimes fail to grasp. Indeed, because of the atonement we should feel confident on our life’s journey. The atonement is like an insurance policy that we regularly use throughout our lives and which overall gives us peace of mind. Without life insurance we would go through life scared of being sick or injured, while with it we can live normal lives not paralyzed with fear. The same is true in my opinion about the atonement. Because of the atonement we can be unafraid to get out there and try to do good. We can serve knowing that while at times we will falter, the atonement will be there to magnify our steps and guide us along the way.

President Uchtdorf next makes a really unique point. He emphasizes that while the atonement is there to make us like Christ, it is not there to take away our identity or ‘make everyone of us out of of a single mold.” We are all unique individuals and President Uchtdorf strongly emphasized that should not judge those that are different or assume that they are more or less pleasing to God. I think that this is one thing that we really see modeled in the Quorum of the Twelve. They are all very spiritual, but have very different speaking styles, points of view and etc.. No one would say that Elder Holland and Elder Uchtdorf are alike, but neither is more pleasing in the eyes of God.

I love that President Uchtdorf explicitly emphasized diversity and especially of the political kind. The Church “thrives” on this kind of diversity. Here at BYU, I have seen a lot of people with more liberal views belittled and insulted, and President Uchtdorf makes it clear that is unacceptable. One is not more ‘righteous’ because he belongs to one party or another, or has one culture rather than another. As long as we are striving to keep God’s laws and to become more like Christ, we are all in it together.

President Utchdorf emphasized that on our personal road from “bethlehem to golgotha” there may be times when we want to give up. The path can be harder than we would wish for. We musth ave the courage to follow Christ even when the cross seems too difficult to bear. We will be reminded that we are not perfect yet, but let us be steadfast and constant disciples and never lose sight of Christ. We walk towards him one imperfect step at a time. This part of the talk really resonated with me. There have been moments of sorrow on the journey as a disciple which have been almost overwhelming. Times where I wanted to cry and wondered if it was truly worth it all. Yet, I witnesses as does President Uchtdorf that God will help us all along the way. In the darkest moments, he is always there for us.

3) Healer of Souls- Those ordained of God are called to practice the healer’s heart. In all that we do ( be it home teaching, or priesthood callings) we need to seek to be healer’s and bind up the wounds the exist in others. This really resonated with me as well, because it reminded me of a part of my patriarchal blessing which speaks about my ability to uplift, bring knowledge to, comfort and heal those with spiritual, physical or moral wounds. I am grateful that as a missionary I was able to serve people with all my heart. I saw hearts healed and spirits uplifted as I ministered. I am grateful that the Lord uses us even though we are such imperfect servant to bless his other beloved children.

“We carry in one hand a  vial of consecrated oil to feed the sick..In the other a loave of bread to feed the sick and in our heart the word of God which heals the soul.” I love this imagery of the disciple carrying the things needed to comfort and heal. This image is a nice counter-point to the warrior metaphor which is very common (Indeed, it was the subject of Elder Hales wonderful priesthood talk). It seems important to remember that we are at war with sin and Satan  but that we are doing so often like medics rather than as bombers. Our purpose should always be to rescue and inspire in all that we do.

4) Heirs to all that he has- This is a marvelous concept that the church really emphasizes in an inspiring way. President Uchdrof quoted from Romans 8 which is one of my favorite scriptures:

 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sonsof God.

 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

I love how as disciples of Christ, that means that we are eventually going to receive all that he has.  Yet, the only way that it is possible to receive those incredible riches is built on a foundation of Christ. If we try to do so ourselves, we end up with nothing or at least nothing that has any lasting value. President Uchtdorf emphasized that it just doesn’t make sense that we waste so much of our time, talents and means to acquire wealth or the latest technology.

Serving God and our fellow man will challenge us and transform us, President Uchtdorf emphasized. I have found this to be true. When I have lost myself in service, the spirit has been able to touch and change me. The spirit that works through us also works within us and helps us become more Christlike.

No Priesthood holder should ever feel overlooked and unwanted. We are certainly not unwanted by our father in heaven. We are all needed by the church. Even though we are weak and foolish God has chosen us. When God works through us no one and nothing can stand against us. We all have something special to contribute and God can magnify that contribution. – How true it is that every single person can be used by God to further his work. I marveled on my mission and since that even those without formal education or rhetorical talents are able to give amazing talks that pierce the soul or serve in a way that changes lives.

President Uchtdorf also declared that we are all called to the work. We do not need to wait for a calling to act. Turn to God, study his word and get to work. I love this, I think sometimes we are too focused on what title we have in the church rather than our title as disciples of Christ. If we remember that title, we will have all the authority and motivation needed to get out and serve with all our heart.

We all have our own part of God’s symphony to perform. Even if we fail to perform our part the work will go on, but if we do God will pour out a blessings so large that we will not have room to receive it. If we rise up to our potential we can be a force of God for our family, community, nation and world. As we do so we will grow and develop until we reach the measure of the statute of the fullness of Christ and inherit all the father has.- How true this is…God’s work will go on with or without us, but we can make a noticeable difference in the lives of those around us. I don’t think we are fully aware of the difference our righteous examples can make. People really do notice us and our light. They notice as we strive to serve and to become more like the savior.

President Uchtdor blessed us that as we study the titles of the priesthood, we will discover a divine wind behind our backs carrying us to our heavenly destination. He also ended with his emphatic testimony that we mare important, loved and are needed. I also know that these things are true..I have felt his concern for me personally. The creator of the universe knows and cares about me. I am grateful to be a bearer of his priesthood and feel this power and authority working through me and lifting me upward.

Trials: Stretching or Shrinking the Soul

 

When I spend time with my father, the topic of human suffering often comes up. For him, as for many others, it is hard to fathom why a loving God allows or even causes trials and suffering at times. Human caused actions are awful, but massive natural disasters perhaps even harder to explain.

 

On my mission and since, I have thought a lot about these questions. I met some people who had endured far more than their fair share of heartbreak and sorrow. I met individuals that had suffered crippling illness, addiction, and terrible loss. Yet, I was well aware that for some people these experiences had refined them and helped them to become much more humble and Christlike while on the other hand for others these experiences led to bitterness and resentment. 

 

At the end of the great Nephite-Lamanite wars, the writers of the Book of Mormon reflected on a similar situation

 

“Alma 62: 41 But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility.”

 

Is it any surprise that for some, as Charles Dickens noted, these truly were “the best of times,  while for others they were “the worst of times”?

 (Alma 50:23 “But behold there never was a happier time among the people of Nephi”

 

In one of the darkest moments of American History, Thomas Paine Opined “”These are the times that try men’s souls.”  

 

Likewise, as I have reflected I have realized that these moments of trial are what allow our souls to “Stretch” or to “Shrink.” These are the moments where God is able to “try us in all things” and to see if we will be obedient and faithful. Indeed, these moments are fundamental to allowing us to become more like the father and the son. It is quite easy to be a “summer soldier” or a “sunshine patriot ” for the cause of zion when things are going well and everything is fine. It is in the Valley Forges of our experience that we can truly show what our faith and fortitude is made of.

 

Indeed, without moments of trial and decision making is would be truly hard to become like God. The moments in our lives where we decide, for good or for ill, are those that shape our eternal identity and fate. For instance, when we decide to serve selflessly without thinking about ourselves, chose to turn the other cheek and withhold unkind words even when provoked or angry,  or chose faith over disbelief even as darkness enters our life. 

 

This continued believe even in the “dark night of our soul” can be incredibly difficult. It can push us to our very limits, It can break the faith of many, but ultimately when we endure we come across stronger and more committed. 

 

Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote, “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience
is wasted.” Such cosmic conservation! He continues, “It ministers to our education, to the
development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer
and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters,
purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more
worthy to be called the children of God.” 

 

Like Nephi, “I do not know the meaning of all things.” I do not know why a particular person faces a particular trial. I personally do not understand why my mother, on the most saintly people I have ever known, had to endure painful death from cancer. Sometimes the suffering we see is heart wrenching and utterly devastating. And yet, I know that God loves his children and that all that we endure comes from a loving father who knows us better than we can know ourselves.

 

2 Nephi 26: 23-24 For behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you that the Lord God worketh not in darkness. He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.

 

 

In conference in April 2012, President Eyring spoke about the suffering that he mother endured in her bout with cancer….

 

“My mother fought cancer for nearly 10 years. Treatments and surgeries and finally confinement to her bed were some of her trials.

I remember my father saying as he watched her take her last breath, “A little girl has gone home to rest.”

One of the speakers at her funeral was President Spencer W. Kimball. Among the tributes he paid, I remember one that went something like this: “Some of you may have thought that Mildred suffered so long and so much because of something she had done wrong that required the trials.” He then said, “No, it was that God just wanted her to be polished a little more.” I remember at the time thinking, “If a woman that good needed that much polishing, what is ahead for me?”

 

Like President Eyring, I know that my mothers trial with cancer ultimately ‘polished’ her and helped her to be ready to live with God forever. She endured and endured well. In her last moments, she spoke of her undying faith in God and belief that she would see her parents and see me again.  I do not understand why she was taken, but I do know that ultimately that trial made her and will make me stronger and ‘more meet for the kingdom’

 

I bear witness that God does not allow suffering out of antipathy or indifference, but on the contrary he tries us because he loves us.

“God, as a loving Father, will stretch our souls at times. The soul is like a violin string: it makes music only when it is stretched. . . . God will tutor us by trying us because He loves us, not because of indifference!” 
― Neal A. Maxwell

 

Elder Steven R. Snow BYU Devotional 9-11-12: Stepping Stones and Stumbling Blocks

I really enjoyed Elder Steven R. Snow’s Devotional today. He spoke about a lot of pertinent issues about our faith and the challenges that faith faces in the modern world.

Elder Snow spoke about some of the stepping stones that will allow us to overcome those challenges. Those stumbling blocks involve faith, prayer, study and service. If we build our faith through these steps, we will have the faith and testimony to withstand the challanges that come our way.

Elder Snow interestingly taught about several of the modern stumbling stones. He emphasized that these stones are not limited, but that Satan has limitless ways to try to trip us up.

First, he spoke about the stumbling block of pride

“Beware of the stumbling block of pride! Important not to be prideful. Can blind us to danger and we become more susceptible to the enticing of the adversary. Pride gets in the way of our relationships because no one cares to be around a truly selfish person.”

He also spoke about the stumbling block of negativity and pessimism

“Stumbling block of negativity and pessimism- Its important to maintain an eternal perspective. Life is sometimes hard because it is supposed to be! If we focus on the things in life that do not go as intended then we will miss a lot of what life is for.”

I really liked that quote “Life is sometimes hard because its supposed to be.” I think we sometimes expect or desire lift to be easy or fair, but do not acknowledge or realize how important adversity is in building our character.

The highlight of Elder Snow’s talk for me was his talk about the ‘mormon moment’ we are currently facing and his word of caution for us in regard to responding to critics.

“Word of caution and advice- Today’s events focus a lot of attention on the church. “Mormon Momment”  There is also a downside..Our beliefs are under greater scrutiny and mockery. Words of a bitter critic are magnified through the use of social media. This was a platform not available to our critics a generation ago.

For some critics their crude utterances are made for political gain or entertainment, but please understand that the followers of Christ have always been in the minority and have suffered more than verbal attacks.

Some suffer a crisis of faith and wonder how these things can be, but our church history is a tapestry filled with beautiful events and inspiration. However, like us, these man were not perfect. Important to view the whole tapestry of our history.”

So many people get tripped up because of the critics of the church and their amplified voices in the public sphere. However, Elder Snow suggests that ultimately faith is a choice and that we need to take affirmative steps to strength our testimony.

I loved his declaration that the more he learns about the church and its history the more his testimony grows. I feel exactly the same way. Despite challenges, the more I hear and learn about the leaders of the church and the history, the more the spirit confirms to me that it is true.

Elder Snow also did a great job of cautioning our generation on the use of technology.

“We are just seeing the beginning of this information revolution.

But this has a downside and Satan has figured it out quickly.

Resist the urge to spend too much time on video games and avoid violent games. It can be surprisingly addictive. We do not want to see people living in their parents basement and playing games. Avoid pornography at all costs. Can lead to ensnarement in your personal hell

Do not give up on personal communication rather than merely texting. Embrace the technology but do not forget about personal communication.”

This is one of the foremost challenges of our generation, keeping faith and perspective in a hostile world in which technology can rob us of perspective and precious time. I love the focus that general authorities have placed on technology and the opportunities and dangers. I love that we are not technophobic as a church but embrace it in all of its complexity.

_________________________________

Elder Snow Devotional

11th anniversary of 9/11- Remember the loss.

During the westward migration the pioneers encountered landmarks to mark the way ( Chimney rock and Independence rock)

These feature a particular prominence in our church history especially vis a vi the handcart pioneers.

Hole in the rock etc…Brings to memory the heroic tenacity of the settlers of southern Utah.

Stepping stones and stumbling blocks which define our spiritual journey through life

In 1856 the Martin Handcart Company had to cross a river with extremely low supplies and during a fast approaching storm. All of the sick who were able to walk were required to enter the icy water.

56 perished just in this crossing

These experiences proved to be a refiners fire.

In a Sunday school class when the companies actions were criticized, Francis Webster one of the survivors stood up and defended the company saying that it was a defense, but that they would not pass up on their experiences for any reason.

How can responses to trials vary so much. Why do some respond to adversity by wandering off on forbidden paths while others like Francis find their testimony strengthened

How do we turn adversity into a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block.

Part of the answer is perspective!

Hebrews 11:1 + JST ( Faith leads to an assurance which begins with a belief or an assurance ( Alma ala Alma 32)

An investigator must take action before gaining a testimony. Someone hearing it for the first time must not just believe but actually take action. It means study prayer and church attendance. Making and keeping commitments!

Pattern is the same with those that have long been member.

Step forward on stepping stones that increase faith

Accept callings

Serve and do home/visiting teaching

Make and keep temple covenants

Path of serving and growing through these stepping stones.

We are then prepared to face and overcome adversity

Elder Packer- Many events in our days will tax our courage and faith, but if we seek prayerfully we will be given power over them. These trials will not stand in the way of our progress but act as stepping stones for greater knowledge.

Stepping stones of faith, prayer, study and service

Challenges and trials are often called stumbling blocks

The path back to heavenly father will inevitably contain trials and crisis. Trail of life is strewn with stumbling blocks. Sometimes we may feel that we are stumbling through life.

I am speaking of those stumbling blocks we can avoid if we plan ahead and remain vigilant.

Adversary has limitless ways to trip us up..

Beware of the stumbling block of pride! Importance not to be prideful. Can blind us to danger and we become more susceptible to the enticing of the adversary. Pride gets in the way of our relationships because no one cares to be around a truly selfish person.

Nephi taught that prideful forget the poor and only seek gain.

Meekness helps us surmount stumbling block so we can see a wider view- Elder Maxwell.. What allowed Phillip to see and identify the messiah.

Stumbling block of negativity and pessimism- Its important to maintain an eternal perspective. Life is sometimes hard because it is supposed to be! If we focus on the things in life that do not go as intended then we will miss a lot of what life is for.

Pres. Hinckley- Save your fork…the best is yet to come

Story of howling dog- Why doesn’t he just move…Because he wants to howl.

Being optimistic is good for you!

Gospel teaches these principles. Things that are impossible with men are possible with God. If we are too tired the lord promises to give us rest. When we say no one loves us the Lord says “ I do” when we say we cant do it, the scriptures say “all things are possible through Christ”. When we say its not worth it, the scriptures testify it is…If we feel not smart enough the lord says he will give us wisdom. If we feel we lack faith, God gives us the measure of faith we need.

There’s a good reason we call the plan of salvation a plan of happiness.

Expect the best!

Story of a little boy saying he is the best baseball player ever but continually missing the ball! “Wow…What a pitcher”

Word of caution and advice- Today’s events focus a lot of attention on the church. “Mormon Momment”  There is also a downside..Our beliefs are under greater scrutiny and mockery. Words of a bitter critic are magnified through the use of social media. This was a platform not available to our critics a generation ago.

For some critics their crude utterances are made for political gain or entertainment, but please understand that the followers of Christ have always been in the minority and have suffered more than verbal attacks.

Some suffer a crisis of faith and wonder how these things can be, but our church history is a tapestry filled with beautiful events and inspiration. However, like us, these man were not perfect. Important to view the whole tapestry of our history.

I can testify that the more I learn about the church history and doctrine, the more my testimony grows.

Keep a balance through prayer, study etc… You will be protected then from the storm of discontent

Stumbling blocks are often cleverly disguised. Let the advancement of technology be a a spring not a stumbling block.

Technology has made the functions of the church so much more efficient.

Facebook is the third largest ‘country’ in the world

We are just seeing the beginning of this information revolution.

But this has a downside and Satan has figured it out quickly.

Resist the urge to spend too much time on video games and avoid violent games. It can be surprisingly addictive. We do not want to see people living in their parents basement and playing games. Avoid pornography at all costs. Can lead to ensnarement in your personal hell

Do not give up on personal communication rather than merely texting. Embrace the technology but do not forget about personal communication.

Avoid many stumbling blocks by being wise and living obediently and using the stepping stones of faith.

If prepared our challenges will be growing period and become stepping stones for us. Be meek humble strong and wise. The future is bright and the rising generation will determine the course.

Putting it all on the altar ( 1 ne 3: 22-24)

21 And it came to pass that after this manner of language did I persuade my brethren, that they might be faithful in keeping the commandments of God.
22 And it came to pass that we went down to the land of our inheritance, and we did gather together our gold, and our silver, and our precious things.
23 And after we had gathered these things together, we went up again unto the house of Laban.
24 And it came to pass that we went in unto Laban, and desired him that he would give unto us the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass, for which we would give unto him our gold, and our silver, and all our precious things. (Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi, Chapter 3)

Nephi and his brethren dutifully went to Jerusalem to try to get the plates. In their first attempt, they did not take more thought than simply to ask. Maybe they were expecting that familial ties would be a strong enough motivation for Laban to hand over the plates. Regardless, they were disappointed to find that Laban not only rejected their offer, but viewed them as robbers and tried to kill them.

I think many can relate to this moment of disappointment. Several people that I taught as a missionary dutifully told friends and family about their desire to be baptized. Others put off this terrifying step until the last minute. Many expected that the reaction would be tepid but not hostile. Yet, like Laban so many respond with open hostility that would be shocking were this not the very church and kingdom of God.

Yet, for me the key lesson is the contrast between Laban and Lemuel immediately after this initial rejection. I saw this difference in the people we taught. Some like Laman and Lemuel are so quick to return in failure. They think that if there is opposition then it must not truly be worth it. After all, if God truly wanted them to get the plates then why wouldn’t it be easy? They never really had a strong faith that God had commanded them to seek the plates, and this initial rejection only seeks to strengthen their disaffection and doubt. If left to their own devices they would have left empty handed and yet justified themselves by saying that they had ‘tried’.

Nephi, and people who have his great faith, on the other hand must have anticipated opposition. He was not shocked or discouraged by this minor set back. He had a firm faith that the lord had commanded them to retrieve the plates. Nephi knows that the things that matter the most are rarely easy or challenge free– quite to the contrary in fact. As such, his response is full of fervent faith.

15 But behold I said unto them that: As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us.
16 Wherefore, let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; (Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi, Chapter 3)

Nephi is willing to sacrifice in a way that is unthinkable to Laman and Lemuel. He is read to put all his wealth, time and efforts towards the fulfillment of the lord’s commandments. Laman and Lemuel in contrast have their hearts set on the things of the world. They doubt that plates on brass are worth this type of sacrifice. Even after they successfully retrieve the plates, they continue to think and dwell on their lost riches. Sadly, for them the things of the world come first. Unfortunately they have not learned the lesson so eloquently declared by President Uchtdorf

Disciples of Jesus Christ understand that compared to eternity, our existence in this mortal sphere is only “a small moment” in space and time. They know that a person’s true value has little to do with what the world holds in high esteem. They know you could pile up the accumulated currency of the entire world and it could not buy a loaf of bread in the economy of heaven. (2011 October General Conference, You Matter to Him, Sat. Morning Session – Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

Nephi had his sights set on heavenly rewards and as such, as we see later in the Book of Mormon, received great temporal gifts coupled with great spiritual blessings. In reality, when we turn our focus and trust to the lord we always receive more than our fair share!

Book of Mormon study journal#8- I will go and do (1 nephi 3 part one)

Book of Mormon Scripture Study Journal : 1 Nephi 3

Immediately after the spiritual manifestation recalled in Chapter two, Nephi faces a real and concrete trial of his faith. I love how the chapter mentions that (as soon as) Nephi had returned from speaking with the Lord, his father tells him about his dream and asks him to go to Jerusalem in order to secure the plates.

This is so often the case. We receive a call to serve or a prompting to act well before we may fully feel ready to do so. Perhaps, Nephi felt unprepared. After all, he had just recently had his incredible conversion experience. Perhaps all those recent converts ( and not just recent converts, but all members really) can relate to what Nephi must have felt here. Days or weeks after baptism, being called in and given a really difficult, seemingly impossible task or calling. Nephi was put in the position to lead his older and supposedly ‘more mature’ brothers and was asked to show a remarkable amount of leadership and courage.

I remember at times before I served a mission being overwhelmed with the fact that the Lord wanted me to serve. Here I was, so young in the church and only having so recently overcome familial and personal challenges in order to be baptized, and I was being asked to prepare for what seemed impossible. I knew that going would create many difficulties and I wasn’t quite sure if I was ready for it. At times I considered waiting a few more months or years until my faith had become more solidified and the opposition lessened before I put in my papers.

For me, Nephi’s example was and is a truly inspiring one. His brothers murmured and complained, but Nephi knew as his father points out that this was not a commandment of men, but of the Lord. He had a burgeoning testimony of God’s power and majesty. He knew that God had spoken to him and so did not doubt that these words of his father were inspired of God.

I cannot say that I was always as free of murmuring or doubts as Nephi, but I am eternally grateful that as Nephi I was able to respond “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commanded them.” (1 Nephi 3:7)

On the tail end of my mission, and as I look at various challenges that lie ahead ( Courtship and marriage, Law School etc.), my faith is reinforced both by my own experiences and by the experiences of Nephi. His courage and his trust in the Lord are ultimately so incredibly inspiring to us all.

Let us follow his example and ‘not murmur’ when faced with a difficult task. Let us go and do the things of the lord with all of our heart, might and soul!

Second chances and the blessings of the Atonement

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of second chances and hope no matter what has come before.

Sometimes it is easy to get discouraged by past mistakes and flaws. Even though I have only lived 24 years, there have been a great number of mistakes I have made, people that I have hurt and flaws that I have yet to perfect. Sometimes, it is easy to begin to believe that because of my past, I do not deserve true happiness and that I have lost that opportunity already. I think that to a greater or lesser degree these feelings are commonly felt by each of us.

Really, that’s how Satan works. Through fear and despair he begins to make us feel that all is hopeless or lost. He wants us to completely disregard the atonement of Christ and depend only on our own merits (or lack thereof) and shortcomings. He wants us to believe that God will judge us purely based on our mistakes and mercilessly punish us when we have fallen short.

Yet, that is not how God works!

One of the sublime acts of divine mercy comes from the conversion of Alama the younger in the Book of Mormon

12 But I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins.
13 Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments.
14 Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or rather led them away unto destruction; yea, and in fine so great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.
15 Oh, thought I, that I could be banished and become extinct both soul and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the presence of my God, to be judged of my deeds.
16 And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul.
17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!
21 Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy. (Book of Mormon, Alma, Chapter 36)

For me, verses 19 an 20 are truly the key. Alma had been responsible for the spiritual “murder” of so many souls. He had wounded the conscience of so many others. Yet, his forgiveness was sweeping and complete

death.
19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!

Often, we have repented, but our own feelings of inadequacy or comments of others tend to “harrow” up in our memory our past mistakes, but we need to hold fast to our certainty that

42 Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. (Doctrine and Covenants, Doctrine and Covenants, Section 58)

Interestingly, Neal A Maxwell has commented

The scriptures do not say that we will forget our forsaken sins in mortality. Rather, they declare that the Lord will forget

The forsaking of sins implies never returning. Forsaking requires time. To help us, the Lord at times allows the residue of our mistakes to rest in our memory. It is a vital part of our mortal learning.
As we honestly confess our sins, restore what we can to the offended, and forsake our sins by keeping the commandments, we are in the process of receiving forgiveness. With time, we will feel the anguish of our sorrow subside, taking “away the guilt from our hearts” and bringing “peace of conscience.”
For those who are truly repentant but seem unable to feel relief: continue keeping the commandments. I promise you, relief will come in the timetable of the Lord. Healing also requires time.
(2009 October General Conference, “Repent … That I May Heal You”, Sat. Afternoon Session – Neil L. Andersen)

Thus, while we must be patient and willing to pay the price in terms of sincere repentance, we need to have confidence in our ability to change and put off the natural man. Without Christ and the spirit this is impossible, but with Christ it is entirely feasible. Whatever rough parts in our character or flaws we have can be smoothed by the grace of the savior.

Some of Elder Bednar’s comments on sanctification have always stuck with me

Let me suggest that hands are made clean through the process of putting off the natural man and by overcoming sin and the evil influences in our lives through the Savior’s Atonement. Hearts are purified as we receive His strengthening power to do good and become better. All of our worthy desires and good works, as necessary as they are, can never produce clean hands and a pure heart. It is the Atonement of Jesus Christ that provides both a cleansing and redeeming power that helps us to overcome sin and a sanctifying and strengthening power that helps us to become better than we ever could by relying only upon our own strength. The infinite Atonement is for both the sinner and for the saint in each of us. (2007 October General Conference, Clean Hands and a Pure Heart, Sun. Morning Session – David A. Bednar)

I testify that this is possible! As I have served on a mission, I have felt the sanctifying power of the savior and I know that the lord has forgiven me of past errors. I know that I am still far from perfect, but I also know that I deserve happiness despite past errors and that the lord will help me be worthy of that happiness!

Book of Mormon Study journal #6- 1 nephi 2 part one

This chapter begins with the lords word of comfort and warning to lehi.

1 For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yea, even in a dream, and said unto him: Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done; and because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life. (Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi, Chapter 2)

One thing that I have noticed in reading the Book of Mormon is how often the first thing the lord or one of his messages speaks are words of comfort or blessing

Here are some other great examples:

15 Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, lift up thy head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keeping the commandments of God from the time which thou receivedst thy first message from him. Behold, I am he that delivered it unto you. (Book of Mormon, Alma, Chapter 8)

4 Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments. (Book of Mormon, Helaman, Chapter 10)

27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success. (Book of Mormon, Alma, Chapter 26)

So often, when the lord speaks it is to heal our wounds and bring us peace. Satan is the one that speaks through criticism, denigration and guilt.

Another great example is the account in the Book of Moses of Cain being led to evil by Satan. I love the lords tender response to Cain. He is not chastising him for past mistakes but revealing to him that repentance and forgiveness is still within his grasp.

22 And the Lord said unto Cain: Why art thou wroth? Why is thy countenance fallen?
23 If thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted. And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door, and Satan desireth to have thee; (Pearl of Great Price, Moses, Chapter 5)

Lehi’s faith in responding to the call of the lord is inspiring. He leaves behind his land of inheritance and all of his precious things. Like Abraham before him, he has been called to leave the land of his forefathers and to be a stranger and a wanderer searching for a promised land.

Indeed, lehi is promised the same great blessings of Abraham, that he will be a father of a might people, that they will inherit a promised land and that in so much as they are faithful they will be a blessed and chosen people:

Compare

5 But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.
6 Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.
7 Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever. (Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi, Chapter 1)

1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. (Old Testament, Genesis, Chapter 12)

My Call or Stepping Into the Darkness

I’ve put off posting this on my blog because I don’t want any family members to find out about my decision to serve a mission through a Blog or Facebook. I am still keeping the information off facebook, but I woke up this morning with a prompting that this should be shared on here.

A few months back I was struggling to decide whether to serve or not. I told my father of my interest in serving and that did not go well.  I basically got an ultimatum. If I decided to go, he would want nothing to do with me. I struggled for weeks with the decision and struggled to get answers even as I visited the temple. I ultimately decided to step into the unknown and to put my papers in to serve. The week when I made my decision was one of the most difficult of my life. I was wrecked with guilt and kept feeling that I should change my mind. Yet, I kept onward driven perhaps more by a sense of uncertainty than certainty.

I got my mission call my second week here in Utah. As I opened it, I was filled with nerves and apprehension. Yet, as I looked at my call that tension melted away. “You are hereby called to serve in the Novosibirsk Russia Mission.” My whole body tingled as I read aloud my call to some gathered friends. I had studied Russian for three semesters in school so the call did not entirely surprise me. However, I was struck by how appropriate the specific call within Russia was. I had considered studying abroad in Russia before ultimately settling on London because the Russian program was cancelled. Had I decided to study abroad I would have spent the preponderance of the program time in Irkutsk near Lake Baikal. One of the reasons I hesitated to go there is that I was still an investigator in the church and worried that without a strong church foundation I would not be able endure and become a strong member. I was impressed to find that this city is part of my mission territory! I will be blessed to help the church grow in that very area! I also realized when I told my father of the call that he was conceived near Novosibirsk and born nearby in what is now modern day Kazakhstan as his parents escaped Russia after the second world war. These factors really helped me to feel the inspired nature of the call.

My uncertainty became a sense of certainty. Only well after I made my decision did I come to realize that it was the right one.  Things with my father have not been as bad as I anticipated. We still speak. He came to my university commencement in May. I plan on writing and e-mailing him weekly from my mission. I think in the long run my decision may bring us closer.

My experience has taught me a valuable lesson about the way the Lord wants us to make decisions. Often he will not make them for us and neither choice will be a bad one. Instead, both of my options were good in many ways. I could have continued to be a dedicated member of the church throughout law school and done good that way. Yet, ultimately one decision was the best one.

While I was struggling to decide, I listened to a talk in Stake Conference in Boston which put a new spin on a familiar story that I have written about before. The Boston Temple President (President Wood) spoke about Peter’s attempt to walk on water. As Peter looked straight ahead at the savior, he was able to walk with confidence. It was only when he looked around him at all the billowing storm clouds and the turbulent water that he began to fear and to fall. I have found that this was quite true in my decision making. When I looked at the core question of whether I wanted to serve, the answer was a crystal clear YES! It was only when I began to look at other factors such as finance and my father’s reaction to my decision that I began to be filled with doubt and fear. Harold B. Lee is quoted as saying “”Walk to the edge of the light, and perhaps a few steps into the darkness, and you will find that the light will appear and move ahead of you.” (as quoted by Boyd K. Packer, in Lucile C. Tate, Boyd K. Packer: A Watchman on the Tower [1995], 138) If anyone reading this post is struggling and burdened with similar difficult decisions, know that the lord will sanctify your decision so long as it is done with him in mind. Act on what you know is right and true.

One particular scripture sustained me through the most difficult times. Romans 8: 14-16

¹⁴For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

¹⁵For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

¹⁶The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

¹⁷And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

¹⁸For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Because of the savior we need not fear. We have a spirit of hope and promise rather than one of bondage. Struggling with an unhappy father that spoke of disowning me, I was comforted to realize that I have a heavenly father that I can call Abba (What I’ve always called my earthly father). I know that my efforts will be sanctified by that same loving father figure.

A profile in extreme courage

A profile in extreme courage

I don’t have too much to add to this beautiful piece on Olympic gold medalis snowboarded Torah Wright. I just encourage everyone to read it. Sister Wright is an active, passionate and articulate member of the church and she conveys the importance of her beliefs quite well. In the incredibly hedonistic snowboarding culture she maintains her values. This is a must read!!

What I found even more incredible in this article was the fact that Wright passed up hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships in order to fully live up to her values.

“”We’ve definitely knocked back approaches in the past from energy drink companies, given that Torah has a position on excessive caffeine consumption, and that’s been a big area where Torah could certainly have made significant amounts of money, but she’s stayed solid in her beliefs.”

I was a bit amused by the articles conflation of  the traditions or beliefs of Wright’s specific family with the church on the whole. Wright’s family, for instance, practiced homeopathy and avoided modern medicine and so of course the article says

“In line with the beliefs of the Mormon Church, Marion Bright, a nurse, ensured that her children lived virtuous lives. This meant rules such as no lollies or junk food, and no pharmaceutical drugs – not even so much as a Panadol for a headache.

I guess it is inevitable when a member is profiled. Even though our church is the fourth largest in the country, there is an assumption that all members are identical in their practices. Many faithful members do drink caffeine (Including President David O. McKay) and certainly we have several general authorities that served as doctors. We are not a tradition that discourages sweets or fun though things should be in moderation. I guess I should take such a positive article and just be satisfied, but these inconsistencies stood out to me.

Kites or Balloons?

I had a conversation today with a good friend of mine who as struggling spiritually after having read Nietzsche for one of her classes. Nietzsche’s arguments against morality and religiosity were intellectually compelling for her. I prepared a lesson this past weekend on free agency which had me thinking about the nature between keeping the commandments and remaining free. A metaphor that I’d over heard over the summer came to mind. We are like a kite flying in the air. We are lifted higher as the person with the string releases more and more. If the string holding the kite up is cut, the kite falls precipitously to the ground. In contrast, we all know what happens to a balloon cut loose. Balloons tend to fly higher and higher (eventually popping, but lets keep that out of the metaphor). If we consider the string to be our connection to God or our sense of morality, then the question is which of these metaphors more accurately describes mankind.

In my view, the answer is that we are more analogous to the kite than to the balloon. I take this view for several reasons. First of all, I have seen the personal effect in my life of loosing that spiritual mooring. I’ve felt the downward cycle even as it deceptively slowed to resemble a natural dip. I don’t view my self as exceptional in this regard at all. Instead, I feel that humans cut from their moorings tend to collapse. I also look to the status of societies taken to Nietzsche’s ideal more fully. I consider the status of Nazi Germany a culture which idolized his ideal. I consider Randian libertarianism and its corrosive impact on American morality. These things combined make me believe that moral grounding of some sort is absolutely necessary to keep us up. Our sense of regard for others and intuitive morality does not hold us back but rather keeps us suspended like a kite.

Of course, the counter argument would be to look to European societies where faith in god is decreased while social utility increased. Yet, I would certainly argue that the traditions of compassion and community have their rooting in thousands of years of strong religious community. Moreover, they are about as far away from a Nietzchian ideal as humanly possible. We can have a totally different discussion about whether God is necessary for the development of said moral sense or merely its proximal cause. Yet, it is hard to argue that the kind of morality that Nietzsche views as repugnant is absent from these highly structured welfare societies.