Charity and Talents

The Book of Mormon teaches that charity is the pure love of Christ. It is an important (yet sometimes elusive) quality that the Savior mentions is necessary for salvation. Pretty strong advice, and advice that most members of the church take pretty seriously. For all its elusiveness, the prophet Ether sheds some light on having charity and how this relates to the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25. Namely, that charity represents Christ-like attributes (or spiritual talents) the Lord expects us to cultivate.  These attributes are necessary so the good works of service may be accomplished. We can obtain these attributes that are needed, but if we fail to do so, the Lord will extend them in others so that His necessary works can be accomplished.

Ether 12:35 Wherefore, I know by this thing which thou hast said, that if the Gentiles have not charity, because of our weakness, that thou wilt prove them, and take away their talent, yea, even that which they have received, and give unto them who shall have more abundantly.

LESSON LEARNED: The talents spoken of in Matthew 25 are something that we accumulate as we gain charity. Likewise, a lack of charity leads to a loss of talents that will be distributed to others.

FEEDBACK: WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF CHARITY, AND WHAT DO YOU THINK THESE TALENTS ARE?

Satan's Cynical Pathway

A friend related to us a sad tale this week. After many years of faithfulness in the gospel, her husband of many years has become disillusioned and cynical. Despite raising 10 children together faithfully in the church, most of whom have served missions and have families of their own, he has allowed himself to slip into complete inactivity. His wife remains true to her faith, but is lonely and distraught. Further details reveal that his inactivity began with subtle cynicism through the reading of faith-eroding material on the internet. The activity final took its toll. He is now suspicious of members and their friendliness, and discounts the miracles that he has witnessed in his past. Each of us is potentially susceptible to this. Satan's tool of cynicism towards religion is a subtle one. To ensure an ever-vibrant testimony as we endure life, The Book of Mormon repeatedly warns of the need for regular prayer and supplication before the Lord. It also documents the risks if we instead heed the cynical pathways provided by Satan.

 3 Nephi 2:1 And it came to pass that thus passed away the ninety and fifth year also, and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen—
 2 Imagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought by men and by the power of the devil, to lead away and deceive the hearts of the people; and thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain thing.

LESSON LEARNED: Daily nurturing of the Spirit is necessary to ensure our testimonies stay strong and vibrant. To stray and listen to the cynical voice of Satan will erode faith.

FEEDBACK: HAVE YOU EVER FOUND YOURSELF OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW STRAYING FROM THEIR FAITH AS THEY CHOSE TO HEED THE CYNICAL MESSAGES OF SATAN INSTEAD OF THE SPIRIT?

Weaknesses Into Strengths

Parenthood is not for the faint of heart. Ask any parent. If you think you know it all as a parent and have everything on the ball, just ask your kids. They will set you straight in a heartbeat. And they will often offer that advice even when you don’t ask. It is a sobering thing. But without a system of checks and balances, how can we know how we are doing in life and how we are truly perceived by others? It is the same case with our Father in Heaven. He wants to help us understand where we fall short so we can improve ourselves, but we have to think outside the box and ask. Having the insight and courage to ask is the trick. But if we ask in sincere prayer, He promises to not only reveal our weaknesses to us, but also to help us change them into strengths.

 Ether 12:27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

LESSON LEARNED: No one likes to be reminded of their shortcomings and to confront their flaws. But in The Book of Mormon, the Lord challenges us to ask Him and so He can reveal them to us. Then, He promises to go further and help us overcome them.

FEEDBACK: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE LORD REVEALING YOUR WEAKNESSES TO YOU, AND/OR IN HELPING YOU OVERCOME THEM?

Ammon's My Hero

Ammon in The Book of Mormon is one of my heroes. He provides a clear example of how we should glorify God in the blessings we receive and resist the temptation of taking credit for them unto ourselves. For example, in my morning prayers, I ask for help in my pathology diagnoses.  Yesterday I had an example of receiving a blessing in this regard. A consulting doctor sent me a biopsy that had been diagnosed as cancer. As I studied it, the Spirit impressed me that there might be another second rare cancer also hiding in the biopsy. I tried to dismiss it as happenstance, but the impression lingered.  So I ordered some tests to find out for sure. The tests came back positive, and there were indeed two different cancers in this one skin biopsy. I know it was the Lord guiding me and answering my prayers. And just like it might have been tempting for Ammon to take credit for his own strength and wisdom, it could have been tempting for me to take the glory (of making a tough diagnosis) unto myself due to my training. But I know the real source.

 Alma 18:22 Now Ammon being wise, yet harmless, he said unto Lamoni: Wilt thou hearken unto my words, if I tell thee by what power I do these things? And this is the thing that I desire of thee.
 Alma 18:34 Ammon said unto him: I am a man; and man in the beginning was created after the image of God, and I am called by his Holy Spirit to teach these things unto this people, that they may be brought to a knowledge of that which is just and true;
 35 And a portion of that Spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth me knowledge, and also power according to my faith and desires which are in God.

LESSON LEARNED: Like Ammon, we are only the Lord’s instruments for good. We should recognize Him as the source of our blessings, and resist any temptation to take the glory of them unto ourselves.

FEEDBACK: WHAT IMPORTANT GUIDANCE HAVE YOU RECEIVED FROM THE HOLY GHOST THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO ATTRIBUTE TO THE LORD?

Remember the Pioneers

I love my pioneer heritage. I come about as close to ancestor worship as you can when I think about them and their sacrifices. When I do, it elevates my thoughts, desires and ambitions. This was also the case in The Book of Mormon. It wasn’t the exodus of pioneers from Nauvoo in this case, of course. Rather, it was THE exodus -- Moses leading the Israelites out of bondage from Egypt into the wilderness. In a number of instances, prophets in The Book of Mormon cited the people back to a remembrance of the Israelites and the challenges they overcame. This often occurred in the midst of a difficult situation, and became a spiritual “reality check” that either woke the people up or gave them courage to choose the right.

 1 Nephi 4:2 Therefore let us go up; let us be strong like unto Moses; for he truly spake unto the waters of the Red Sea and they divided hither and thither..
 
 1 Nephi 17:23 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, spake unto them, saying: Do ye believe that our fathers, who were the children of Israel, would have been led away out of the hands of the Egyptians if they had not hearkened unto the words of the Lord?
 
 Mosiah 7:19 Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God, in that God who was the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob; and also, that God who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, and caused that they should walk through the Red Sea on dry ground
 
 Helaman 8:11 Therefore he was constrained to speak more unto them saying: Behold, my brethren, have ye not read that God gave power unto one man, even Moses, to smite upon the waters of the Red Sea, and they parted hither and thither…
12 And now behold, if God gave unto this man such power, then why should ye dispute among yourselves, and say that he hath given unto me no power whereby I may know concerning the judgments that shall come upon you except ye repent?

LESSON LEARNED: As in The Book of Mormon, an understanding and appreciation of our pioneer heritage can be a source of strength in times of weakness.

FEEDBACK: HOW HAS YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON THE PIONEERS BEEN A SOURCE OF STRENGTH TO YOU?

Law and Order

There is much discussion going on in the news that deals with right versus wrong, truth versus error, legal versus illegal. I have spent many an hour listening to dialogues that seem to go round and round endlessly, but always leading to nowhere. Typically, a personal bias is evident in these discussions. It is almost as if our media and our politicians have concluded that truth, law, and "what is right" are relative terms that are subject to how well your point is argued. Such was the case in many of the generational cycles in The Book of Mormon. In some instances, even the Law of Moses was argued as being a standard that could or could not be altered. But with the Savior’s appearance, he clarified this principle: He who makes the law can cancel or change the law.

3 Nephi 15:4 Behold, I say unto you that the law is fulfilled that was given unto Moses.
5 Behold, I am he that gave the law, and I am he who covenanted with my people Israel; therefore, the law in me is fulfilled, for I have come to fulfil the law; therefore it hath an end.

LESSON LEARNED: Endless strife over upholding or altering laws is a fruitless pursuit. Laws are as strong as the authority in which they were created, and for Spiritual laws, that is the Lord. He may therefore fulfill or alter His laws to meet the changing needs of His children.

FEEDBACK: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THIS?

One By One

The individuality of acquiring a testimony is another principle laid out in The Book of Mormon. Each of us comes into the world as a unique individual, with separate needs, challenges and talents. It is this uniqueness that makes each of us special. Similarly, the acquisition of testimony and conversion is a very individualized and unique event. We are taught, nurtured and baptized on an individual basis.  When the Savior appeared to the Nephites, He could have preached to them as a whole, and could even have shown the prints of the nails in His hands by holding them up for all to see. But the Savior seemed to honor their uniqueness by preferring everyone to witness for himself or herself, no matter how long it took. At some point, each of us must experience conversion individually through the Spirit, no matter how long it takes. This is the Lord’s way, and He seeks that every individual will come to Him and learn to know Him.

3 Nephi 11:15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.

LESSON LEARNED: Every child of God comes to earth as a unique individual. In a similar vein, each of us must seek our own conversion from the Holy Ghost, one individual at a time.

FEEDBACK: CAN YOU THINK OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES WITH THE HOLY GHOST THAT MATCHED YOUR OWN UNIQUENESS AND LED TO YOUR CONVERSION?

No Time Barriers

2017. It’s now been over two millennia since the Savior lived and walked on the earth. As life becomes all the more complex in these latter days, it can seem tougher over time to feel the quiet confirmations of the Spirit about His life. Thank goodness the Lord sends prophets to guide and teach us. They help us, just as if the Savior himself were still here to help us. But it takes the same kind of faith to know that they are true prophets of God as it does to know Jesus is the Son of God. That kind of faith knows no time barriers. Before his birth, the people in Old Testament times and the Nephites in the New World had to rely on the testimony of prophets that predicted His coming.  We have an easier time of it than they did, because at least we have the Savior's life as a past historical fact. The Nephites had to exercise hope in a being that had not yet lived. A much tougher prospect, I imagine. Regardless, with the help of prophets, they too could acquire faith and joy in Him as if He had already come.

Mosiah 3:13 And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue, that thereby whosoever should believe that Christ should come, the same might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice with exceedingly great joy, even as though he had already come among them.

LESSON LEARNED: Faith in Christ knows no time barriers. Because He lived in the meridian of time, those before Him and those coming after must exercise the same type of faith.

FEEDBACK: HOW DOES THIS PROSPECTIVE AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO EXERCISE FAITH IN CHRIST?

Minority Stayed True

It’s never fun to be in the minority. For most, identifying with the majority becomes paramount, even if it leads to a complete loss of individuality. This seems paradoxical when done in spite of strong evidence to the contrary. We see examples of this in sports, politics, philosophy -- even religion (or a lack thereof). Such was the case with the Nephites immediately preceding the appearance of the Savior in the New World. They had been taught for centuries that He would come, and that they should be prepared. They had been faithful to their religion in the past, and in this final period leading up to the Savior’s appearance, there had even been an upsurge in miracles and heavenly visitations. But they were not true to themselves and with what was obvious. Satan’s deceptions were rampant, and he capitalized on the incredible peer pressure to follow the masses. Now, just four scriptural verses before the Savior's arrival, there were only a few faithful saints who remained firm in their beliefs and who were courageous in testifying of them. They were true to the miracles and signs that lay before them, and they testified boldly in spite of the opposition of the majority.

 3 Nephi 7:21 And it came to pass that the thirty and first year did pass away, and there were but few who were converted unto the Lord; but as many as were converted did truly signify unto the people that they had been visited by the power and Spirit of God, which was in Jesus Christ, in whom they believed.

 22 And as many as had devils cast out from them, and were healed of their sicknesses and their infirmities, did truly manifest unto the people that they had been wrought upon by the Spirit of God, and had been healed; and they did show forth signs also and did do some miracles among the people.

LESSON LEARNED: The majority rule does not equate to the majority being correct. It is more important to stay true to your yourself and the principles that matter than to follow the group mentality.

FEEDBACK: WHAT EXPERIENCE HAVE YOU HAD THAT REQUIRED YOU STAND TRUE AGAINST A MAJORITY POINT OF VIEW?

I Was Broken

I would never wish this on my worst enemy. Five years ago, I suffered a severe episode of anxiety and depression. The roots, I believe, stemmed from issues of deception and over-exuberance with both intense scriptural study (to an unhealthy level) coupled with anxious attempts to help others (also to an unhealthy level). Both qualities are innate to my nature, but somehow they got out of hand. Things went from bad to worse as my weight plummeted, insomnia destroyed my sleep patterns, and I burned with the heat of constant anxiety. I was broken, and the pain was more than I had ever experienced or imagined possible. For months, I would pray and weep in my darkened closet at night (sometimes multiple times a night), begging for relief from the Lord. The Savior carried me those nights. He mercifully and unfailingly lifted the pain each time, just enough to allow me to stand up and move again. During one intense evening in the temple, while sitting in the Celestial Room, I heard a clear and concise voice speak to me in my heart and my head: “Don’t ask; wait to be asked.” This was revelation that began the lifting process for me. It helped me see that help and instruction for others are best served when they are sought, not when they are forced upon someone. With the inspired guidance of priesthood leaders, proper counseling, a loving and patient wife, and much prayer and fasting, the cloud very slower lifted. Today I am fully healed. But leave no doubt, I was broken. And in my brokenness, I tasted the Savior's Atonement as He cradled me in His arms. 

 Mosiah 27:28 Nevertheless, after wading through much tribulation, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God.
 29 My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more.

LESSON LEARNED:  The Savior and His Atonement are real.  I know this from personal experience, having tasted of His love and mercy.

FEEDBACK: WHAT EXPERIENCE HAVE YOU HAD IN WHICH THE SAVIOR'S ATONEMENT BECAME REAL TO YOU?

Satan's Final Façade

Satan is the master of deceit and façade. It is remarkable that he is able to find the key temptations that match each of our personal shortcomings and weaknesses, and then turn them into overwhelming juggernauts. But there is another façade that involves Satan: one that pertains to who might have the last laugh in the millennium. The Book of Mormon gives a clue that, in that day, Satan's own obscuring façade will fall. Instead of appearing as a masterful giant, we will likely be shocked at his ineptitude and the flimsiness of his countenance.

2 Nephi 24:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and shall consider thee, and shall say: Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms?

LESSON LEARNED: Knowing the end game of Satan’s reign and his true character gives valuable perspective in dealing with temptation.

FEEDBACK: HOW DOES THIS PERSPECTIVE HELP YOU IN DEALING WITH TEMPTATION?

But If Not

Jewish tradition gives us an interesting perspective on Moses parting the Red Sea. Moses was commanded to raise his staff and stretch out his hand over the sea, and the sea would split. However, the Jewish account states that the sea did not part initially. It did not happen until a person named Nachshon, son of Aminadav, who was tribal prince of Judah, took action. As Moses raised his staff over the sea, Nachshon strode into the rising tide, leading his tribal column. The waters first reached his waist, then his chest, then his shoulders. Just when the water reached his nostrils and he thought he would drown, low and behold, the waters parted. This act of faith is not unlike that of Shadrach, Meshack and Abed-nego, who knew that God would deliver them from the burning fiery furnace at the hand of King Nebuchadnezzar. “But if not,” stated Daniel, “be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image.” In The Book of Mormon, the Nephites were confronted with a similarly grave prospect when their faith was challenged in a life-or-death situation just prior to the Savior's birth:

 3 Nephi 1:9 Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet.
 12 And it came to pass that he [Nephi] cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:
 13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.

LESSON LEARNED: Lessons of faith come at varying cost. Highest on this scale are prices that have occasionally required the ultimate sacrifice.

FEEDBACK: HOW DO THESE ACCOUNTS IMPACT YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION OF FAITH?

Predicting the Future

In addition to discussing our latter days, The Book of Mormon contains passages that predict its own reception.  This is an interesting prospect, considering that when it was being translated, Joseph Smith would have no inkling beforehand how it would be received.  As far as he could guess, the masses who were to read it might herald it as new scripture which is untainted in its purity and which compliments the Bible (it is just that). And while these predictive passages are not likely to result in a spiritual conversion of The Book of Mormon’s validity, I like to refer to them as “structural" testimony builders.  They include elements of fact, history or conjecture that would be impossible to guess as a writer and which have withstood the passage of time.  Antagonists of The Book of Mormon who claim the book was simply written by Joseph Smith or one of his surrogates might well ask themselves how this could have been possible. 

 2 Nephi 29:3 And because my words shall hiss forth—many of the Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible.

 2 Nephi 30:3 And now, I would prophesy somewhat more concerning the Jews and the Gentiles. For after the book of which I have spoken shall come forth, and be written unto the Gentiles, and sealed up again unto the Lord, there shall be many which shall believe the words which are written; and they shall carry them forth unto the remnant of our seed.

LESSON LEARNED:  There are structural elements contained within The Book of Mormon that, a sincere reader will find, support its validity.

FEEDBACK:  WHAT STRUCTURAL TESTIMONY PASSAGES IN THE BOOK OF MORMON HAVE YOU NOTICED?