Abish Shares Truth

In conclusion, I end this volume in the same way it began -- with a tribute to remarkable woman.  Abish, like Sarah, was a woman of amazing faith.  Both of them possessed a love for the Lord and a propensity for obedience.  Sarah was carried on the faith of her family until the moment that her personal conversion came.  In the case of Abish, we learn of the fortitude that comes from living as a quiet but persistent follower of Christ while living primarily amongst non-believers. Such is the task of many a single man or woman today who, while living in societies full of faithless peers, press forward with a determination to cling to that which they know to be true. We learn from Abish that no matter what level of apathy or opposition to religion we may confront, we can still be true to our own sure witness.  We also learn from her that we should be prepared to open our mouths and share that which we hold dear when the opportunity presents itself.

 Alma 19:16 And it came to pass that they did call on the name of the Lord, in their might, even until they had all fallen to the earth, save it were one of the Lamanitish women, whose name was Abish, she having been converted unto the Lord for many years, on account of a remarkable vision of her father—
 17 Thus, having been converted to the Lord, and never having made it known, therefore, when she saw that all the servants of Lamoni had fallen to the earth, and also her mistress, the queen, and the king, and Ammon lay prostrate upon the earth, she knew that it was the power of God; and supposing that this opportunity, by making known unto the people what had happened among them, that by beholding this scene it would cause them to believe in the power of God, therefore she ran forth from house to house, making it known unto the people.

LESSON LEARNED: Though we may be shy in our beliefs and find it difficult to share the Gospel, we should hold fast to what we know to be true. Eventually, an opportunity will present itself to share with others what we believe.

FEEDBACK: HOW DOES THE EXPERIENCE OF ABISH GIVE YOU HOPE IN YOUR QUEST TO SHARE THE GOSPEL?

Purpose in Tragedy

It is difficult to comprehend any purpose behind severe tragedy. This is particularly the case when it occurs on a grand scale to innocent people. The travails and sacrifices of the Martin and the Willie and the other handcart companies are well-known examples. But while tragic in their day, these incidents have resulted in a high degree of gratitude and faithfulness in the descendants of these faithful pioneers. For many, this sheds at least some purpose on why it happened. More difficult in modern times is understanding any purpose being the spontaneous atrocities of 9/11, or the 1,700 victims taken in the Indonesia tsunami of 2004. The Book of Mormon contains several similar epic tragic events, but one in particular stands out as spontaneously happening to innocent faithful believers. While still incomprehensible on many levels, The Book of Mormon states that the Lord had a purpose for allowing the incident to proceed as it did.

 Alma 14:9 And it came to pass that they took Alma and Amulek, and carried them forth to the place of martyrdom, that they might witness the destruction of those who were consumed by fire.
 10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.
 11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.

LESSON LEARNED: There seems to be a lack of purpose most tragedy, and faith can be shaken to its limits. But in some instances, there are reasonings that transcends the understanding of man.

FEEDBACK: HOW DO YOU RECONCILE EPIC TRAGEDIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR FAITH?

Procrastination of Repenting

Procrastination has become an art form for many Americans. I read recently that 78% of people are living from paycheck to paycheck, and have little to no savings put away for a rainy day, let alone for retirement. This is all well and good for today, but delaying gratification is a necessary component of life and is a lesson we are meant to learn while here on the earth. This pertains as well to spiritual matters, in particular repenting. We cannot live sin to sin, similarly like we shouldn’t live paycheck to paycheck. The process of repenting is a daily one, and should be incorporated into the fiber of our beings.

 Alma 34:32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.
 33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.

LESSON LEARNED: Procrastination is a dangerous sport, and particularly so when it comes to repenting. We have been put on the earth for a finite period of time and, just like saving money for a rainy day, it is necessary that we repent on a daily basis.

FEEDBACK: WHAT ARE YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT REPENTING ON A DAILY BASIS?

Nurtured Past Fear

The Lord has promised He will bless us. But His blessings are requisite on us having the necessary faith that precedes each one, and this includes casting aside our self-doubts and fears. We read of perhaps the most striking example of this in the book of Ether, where the Brother of Jared is permitted to see the Lord. This is due to his extreme faith, though the Lord tests that faith even during the process of receiving the blessing. From viewing a finger, to visualizing the full Son of God, to being promised he will return to the Lord’s presence, the Lord guides the brother of Jared stepwise past his fears until He can bless him with all He has. This example teaches us the process of pressing forward in faith as we seek the Lord’s blessings.

 Ether 3:5 Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men.
 6 And it came to pass that when the brother of Jared had said these words, behold, the Lord stretched forth his hand and touched the stones one by one with his finger. And the veil was taken from off the eyes of the brother of Jared, and he saw the finger of the Lord; and it was as the finger of a man, like unto flesh and blood; and the brother of Jared fell down before the Lord, for he was struck with fear.
 7 And the Lord saw that the brother of Jared had fallen to the earth; and the Lord said unto him: Arise, why hast thou fallen?
 8 And he saith unto the Lord: I saw the finger of the Lord, and I feared lest he should smite me; for I knew not that the Lord had flesh and blood.
 9 And the Lord said unto him: Because of thy faith thou hast seen that I shall take upon me flesh and blood; and never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so ye could not have seen my finger. Sawest thou more than this?
 10 And he answered: Nay; Lord, show thyself unto me.
 11 And the Lord said unto him: Believest thou the words which I shall speak?
 12 And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie.
 13 And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you.

LESSON LEARNED: The Lord seeks to bless His children, and will nurture us through our fears in order to do so.

FEEDBACK: HAVE YOU HAD AN EXPERIENCE OF WORKING THROUGH YOUR FEARS TO RECEIVE A BLESSING OF THE LORD?

Evidence Beyond Denial

There are so many dooms-day style predictions in the world today. Global warming, economic collapse, impending nuclear war, Y2K, zero population; the list goes on and on and waxes and wanes over time. Most of the predictions fade with time, while some come to fruition but only partially. The reality is that many of these preoccupations are predicated of the whims of man and for a variety of reasons, but they are not backed by spiritual/scriptural guidance.  The real tragedies in life (ie, hurricanes, terrorist attacks) seem to hit unannounced, yet the world always seems to move on. The bible and The Book of Mormon, however, are both replete with warnings regarding the last days, and the eventual Second Coming and judgement of man. Many deny these evidences and decry modern miracles with the same fervor they use to ramp up their doomsday predictions. But in the end, evidences with overrule denial, and reality will hit everyone, even if it takes up to the very last moment.

 Mormon 9:2 Behold, will ye believe in the day of your visitation—behold, when the Lord shall come, yea, even that great day when the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, yea, in that great day when ye shall be brought to stand before the Lamb of God—then will ye say that there is no God?
 3 Then will ye longer deny the Christ, or can ye behold the Lamb of God? Do ye suppose that ye shall dwell with him under a consciousness of your guilt? Do ye suppose that ye could be happy to dwell with that holy Being, when your souls are racked with a consciousness of guilt that ye have ever abused his laws?

LESSON LEARNED: There is no shortage of opinions when it comes to dooms-day scenarios in the world today. But the ones that have a true spiritual basis, through both the bible and The Book of Mormon, are regarding the impending Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

FEEDBACK: HOW DOES THIS UNDERSTANDING WEIGH AGAINST ANY ANXIETY YOU HAVE REGARDING WORLDLY DOOMS-DAY SCENARIOS?

Atonement Saves Children

One of the principles taught through the restored gospel is the salvation of little children who die before the age of accountability. While many religions in the Christian world advocate infant and child baptism, the teachings within the gospel of Jesus Christ reveal that children are innocent and saved through the atonement of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon clarifies that this is an empiric blessing that counteracts Adam's fall, and this is not conditioned simply upon the child’s innocent state. Whether or not an infant were able to sin or remain pure, the truth is that they would still have been lost if it weren’t for the atonement.

 Mosiah 3:16 And even if it were possible that little children could sin they could not be saved; but I say unto you they are blessed; for behold, as in Adam, or by nature, they fall, even so the blood of Christ atoneth for their sins.

LESSON LEARNED: It is hard to imagine an innocent infant or child who dies young won’t be saved, and this thought makes infant baptism seem so cruel and foolish. But The Book of Mormon teaches that if there had been no atonement, even innocent children who are incapable of sin would have been lost.

FEEDBACK: HAVE YOU HAD AN EXPERIENCE WITH THE DEATH OF A YOUNG ONE AND FOUND SOLICE IN THE JOY OF THE ATONEMENT?

The Forgotten Language

Many of us who have studied foreign languages in the past have unfortunately forgotten much of what we learned. The same can be said for many other subjects of study – I am always saddened to think how I spent hundreds of hours learning Chemistry in my premedical days, but I don’t remember a lick of it now. It just seems kind of unfair. But The Book of Mormon gives us hope in this regard. In terms of the resurrection, Jacob teaches us we will receive a full restoration of the knowledge we have accumulated in this life. I love this teaching. It only stands to reason that if we are going to have a full recollection of all our guilt and joy, that all other aspects of knowledge (including my foreign language and Chemistry knowledge) will be fully restored as well.

 2 Nephi 9:13 O how great the plan of our God! For on the other hand, the paradise of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous, and the grave deliver up the body of the righteous; and the spirit and the body is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and immortal, and they are living souls, having a perfect knowledge like unto us in the flesh, save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect.

 14 Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness; and the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness.

LESSON LEARNED: I no longer worry that I will lose the skills of knowledge I develop as I get older. I now understand that they will be fully restored as part of the resurrection.

FEEDBACK: HOW DOES THIS AFFECT YOUR EXCITEMENT AND WILLINGNESS TO LEARN NEW INFORMATION?

The Unspeakable Joy

Our youngest daughter called us on the phone from the Minneapolis airport this morning. She is en route from the Missionary Training Center to St. Louis, Missouri, which will be her field of service. She is so excited and happy. In our 30 minutes together, she shared many small miracles and wonderful things from the MTC, in particular her love for her companion and her district. The most moving thing for us in the conversation was when was asked her to share her testimony. The line fell silent as she broke down in quiet tears for about 20 seconds. Then she said, “I wish there were a way to put in words how real the Spirit is. My life has already changed forever since coming out, and I feel more confident and happier than I ever have been before.” She expressed love for her parents and her family in bringing her to where she is today, and said she can't imagine what it would have been like to miss out on this experience.

Alma 26:16 Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.

LESSON LEARNED: The joy associated with full-time missionary work is intense and life-changing. It can’t fully be described in words; it can only be experienced.

LESSON LEARNED: HAVE YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO FEEL OF THIS JOY IN THE PAST?

Trust and Delegation

As righteous and beloved a leader that King Benjamin was in The Book of Mormon, he was still only one person with a limited sphere of influence. But he wisely chose for the assistance of other prophets in order to teach and bring peace to his people. Wise spiritual leaders do not try and do everything themselves, and know that it is impossible to do so. They learn that delegation is the key to success, and successful delegation begins with trust. This trust is centered on loving those who work with you, trusting in their own stewardships, and denying yourself the temptation to micro-manage things just your own way. This style of leadership is employed via the righteous exercise of the priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Under the delegation of the priesthood keys, miracles continue to happen on a daily basis.

Words of Mormon 1:18 Wherefore, with the help of these, king Benjamin, by laboring with all the might of his body and the faculty of his whole soul, and also the prophets, did once more establish peace in the land.

LESSON LEARNED: Wise leaders learn that delegation and trust are important elements of success outcomes.

FEEDBACK: WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF LETTING GO AND TRUSTING THOSE YOU WORK WITH?

The Final Evacuation

The evacuation of missionaries from Europe at the outbreak of World War II is a harrowing tale filled with many close calls and miracles. Following the aftermath of World War I, dark clouds of war again gathered in Germany in 1938. Church leaders in Salt Lake City were understandably concerned, and it was determined it was time to implement a plan to withdraw the missionaries. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, who was touring the European missions during the summer of 1939, was appointed by the First Presidency to supervise the evacuation. He and his wife Jesse were among the last Church personnel to make it through the Dutch border before it was closed. The blessings of having apostles and prophets to guide the children of the Lord cannot be overemphasized. Their presence brings protection, both physical and spiritual.  There are many cycles in The Book of Mormon that show the blessings of their leadership, followed by times of pride in which they are rejected and even killed. Towards the end of the book, the people have become so wicked that the Lord finally removes His servants altogether due to their disobedience. It was the final spiritual evacuation of prophets that takes place in The Book of Mormon, and heralded the impending destruction of the Nephites.

 Mormon 1:13 But wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease because of the iniquity of the people.
 14 And there were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief.

LESSON LEARNED: The blessings of having apostles and prophets are physical ones as well as spiritual, and cannot be overemphasized. Their withdrawal from amongst a people is an impending sign of forthcoming destruction.

FEEDBACK: HOW DOES THIS IMPACT YOUR APPRECIATION OF HAVING APOSTLES AND PROPHETS?

Father Like Son

What is the ultimate sign of a great leader? The world has varying opinions on this, which include being a talented speaker and communicator, being charismatic, being physical handsome or foreboding, or being a good organizer. The Book of Mormon reveals what led to successful leadership for a father and son pair of kings, King Benjamin and his son, King Mosiah. The successful factor that led to their being beloved and honored by their subjects was the element of service. Service that included getting down in the trenches and doing the same type of labor that their subjects did, and even going so far as serving their subjects as well. By leading side-by-side with their subjects, King Benjamin and King Mosiah remained sufficiently humble in their positions, and refused to glut themselves on the gains of others.

 Mosiah 2:14 And even I, myself, have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden with taxes, and that there should nothing come upon you which was grievous to be borne—and of all these things which I have spoken, ye yourselves are witnesses this day.

Mosiah 6:7 And king Mosiah did cause his people that they should till the earth. And he also, himself, did till the earth, that thereby he might not become burdensome to his people, that he might do according to that which his father had done in all things. And there was no contention among all his people for the space of three years.

LESSON LEARNED: The best leaders in the world are those that dig and serve and do the same type of labor as those in whom they oversee. The greatest of these continue to perform these services throughout their lives.

FEEDBACK: WHAT IS YOUR IMPRESSION OF WHAT MAKES A GOOD LEADER.

Astonished Beyond Measure

It was the beginning of the end for the Nephites. By the time one delves into the book of Helaman, the Nephites are for the most part starting to “ripening in iniquity” and there is much contention and strife in the land. Pride is entering the hearts of the people of the church also, and it seems that the Nephites are on a one-way path towards eventual chaos. But in spite of the wickedness and fighting, the people are very prosperous and have spread throughout the land. A pearl of hope is found in Helaman 3 which shows that there is always opposition in all things, and there are abundant successes in prosperity growth of the church which seemed to offset the bad that was happening.

 Helaman 3:24 And it came to pass that in this same year there was exceedingly great prosperity in the church, insomuch that there were thousands who did join themselves unto the church and were baptized unto repentance.
 25 And so great was the prosperity of the church, and so many the blessings which were poured out upon the people, that even the high priests and the teachers were themselves astonished beyond measure.

LESSON LEARNED: There is always opposition in all things. Even in times when the world may seem to becoming ever more wicked, the laws of opposition state that equally great things must be happening elsewhere.

FEEDBACK: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE LAW OF OPPOSITION OF ALL THINGS?

Don't Judge Rashly

When it comes to having blood drawn for laboratory testing, I tend to get a little anxious. It’s not so much a fear of a needle as it is that I have small veins and it is hard to do it right. Often the technician, called a phlebotomist, will have to try at least a couple times on me and my veins get damaged in the process. So when a tall and somewhat quiet young man came to my hospital bed during a hospitalization, I quickly labeled him in my mind as awkward and incompetent and was certain I did not want him sticking a needle into my arm. I continued to do more than my share of judging him as to why he would do a lousy job as he quietly laid out the what he needed for the procedure. I decided to make small talk, and learned he was from here in town. I asked him if he went to school as well as worked, but he informed me he had just returned from a mission for the church and hadn’t started yet. Our further discussion revealed that he was a very thoughtful and sensitive person. And surprisingly, he was very quick and gentle at phlebotomy.  I complemented him on it, and he humbly acknowledged that a number of patient's had appreciated his work.  I made a point to request him each day for my laboratory draws during the rest of my stay. And I learned a valuable lesson (once again) about not judging others so rashly.

 Mormon 8:19 For behold, the same that judgeth rashly shall be judged rashly again; for according to his works shall his wages be; therefore, he that smiteth shall be smitten again, of the Lord.

LESSON LEARNED: It is so easy to judge others quickly and rashly. Often, it is a lack of communication and understanding that allows for this to happen.

FEEDBACK: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH JUDGING SOMEONE RASHLY?

Long Long Ago

Long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away. So begins the mega-blockbuster Star War series with an interesting intrigue about time. As one of the original fans of Star Wars in 1979, I recall the fascinating pull that concept had on us teenagers. “Wait, you mean it all was supposed to have taken place a long time ago?” was the talk in the hallways at school. Passage of time within The Book of Mormon is also a fascinating activity to track. It did in fact happen, yet not quite so long ago. But a close observation of the passage of time in the book points to interesting chronological complexity which, in and of itself, adds to the structural testimony of it. For instance, the book of Omni contains year markers that jump from 276 to 282, and then to 320 (all referenced from when Lehi left Jerusalem). There are then three more subsequent writers in Omni, who apparently take the reader (though not documented in years) past the point of year 476. The last writer in Omni, Amaleki, introduces us to the reign of King Benjamin and Mosiah (which by then is a foregone event) by giving an introductory mention of it. The events of Mosiah are documented in the sixth chapter of Mosiah to be 476 years since Lehi. Sandwiched between these two books is the short “looking back” chapter by Mormon, the final author and abridger of The Book of Mormon. His reflection chapter is dated to have been written in approximately 385 B.C., for in other words, almost 1,000 years after Lehi.

 Mosiah 6:4 And Mosiah began to reign in his father’s stead. And he began to reign in the thirtieth year of his age, making in the whole, about four hundred and seventy-six years from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem.

LESSON LEARNED: The events in The Book of Mormon are often tracked with year markers, giving an marvelous and complex overview of their chronicity. This complexity further attests to the structural truth of The Book of Mormon.

FEEDBACK: HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TO MAP THE EVENTS BY TIME IN THE BOOK OF MORMON?

Seven Year Slide

There is a well-recognized research study circling the internet which tests the patience of small children. Each small child takes a turn sitting alone at a table, and a plate with a large marshmallow is placed in front of him or her. They are then instructed that they may eat the marshmallow now, but if they wait a defined number of minutes, they will be rewarded with five more. The proctor walks away, and the children are then watched by a camera. The activity, in addition to being fun to watch, creates mixed results that apply to so many aspects of life. How long can we delay gratification? How long can we remain good and faithful? Is being faithful for 30, 40, or 50 years worth it in order to claim blessings of a life that has no end? Or can we not wait and need to eat that marshmallow right now? In The Book of Mormon, the Nephites remained wholly faithful up until just seven years before the Lord would appear to them. They were all faithful. They also knew He was coming, for the signs had been given. Unfortunately, most fell away from that point until He did appear.

 3 Nephi 5:1 And now behold, there was not a living soul among all the people of the Nephites who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets who had spoken; for they knew that it must needs be that they must be fulfilled.
 2 And they knew that it must be expedient that Christ had come, because of the many signs which had been given, according to the words of the prophets; and because of the things which had come to pass already they knew that it must needs be that all things should come to pass according to that which had been spoken.
 3 Therefore they did forsake all their sins, and their abominations, and their whoredoms, and did serve God with all diligence day and night.

LESSON LEARNED: Delaying gratification has a relationship with keeping the commandments. Man has been placed on earth to be tempted and tested during this short temporal period. The rewards for doing so will be all that the Father has and will be endless.

FEEDBACK: WHAT ARE YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT THIS INCIDENT WITH THE NEPHITES, AND HOW DOES IT APPLY TO YOUR OWN CIRCUMSTANCES?

All My Days

A young man who had recently returned from an LDS mission and I had an interesting brief conversation. Another young man of similar age to him but not of his faith had moved into his neighborhood, and I suggested he might reach out and befriend him. We had a follow-up conversation about a week later, and I asked if he had had a chance to do so. His response caught me off guard. “You don’t understand – I’m not on a mission any longer”. I am usually not one to be at a loss of words, but I was in that instance. I was sad to hear this from a young man who had been on a mission for two years, but whose mission didn't seem to have instilled anything of permanence into him. When does being a friend or sharing one's belief system end? After our missions? When we get married? When we die? Enos in The Book of Mormon expressed his sentiment on the issue.

 Enos 1: 26 And I saw that I must soon go down to my grave, having been wrought upon by the power of God that I must preach and prophesy unto this people, and declare the word according to the truth which is in Christ. And I have declared it in all my days, and have rejoiced in it above that of the world.
 27 And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen.

LESSON LEARNED: Sharing our belief system and feelings about Christ should become part of our natures. It has a beginning, but should have no definitive end in our lifetime on earth.

FEEDBACK: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON YOUR DESIRES AND RESPONSIBILITY TO SHARE YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT CHRIST TO OTHERS?

Noun or Verb

The process of being “born again” as described by the Savior in the New Testament is a theme which permeates most Christian religions even today. Application and usage of this theme, however, varies greatly based on differing religious points of reference. For Latter-day Saints, being born again has a direct correlation to our physical baptism and confirmation here on earth. Other religions apply the concept as a personal transformation (or rebirth) within the heart that leads to a permanent spiritual acceptance of Jesus Christ. Mormons adhere to this latter component as well, but describe the process as “gaining a testimony of Jesus Christ”. Regardless of religion and definition, a deeper question for all remains: is applying our “rebirth” in our lives a noun or a verb? Do we consider being born again (or having a testimony) a one-time done deal we can carry in our side pocket, or is it a process that can fade or strengthen over time? The Book of Mormon answers this inquiry, and advocates that we must continue in obedience to the ends of our lives to keep the name of Christ actively vibrant in our hearts and to be saved.

 Mosiah 5:7 And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.
 8 And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.

LESSON LEARNED: Being spiritually born again has a bi-phasic definition that has its roots in both baptism to some, and/or a spiritual rebirth to others. Regardless, The Book of Mormon clarifies that the application of this event is one of being an on-going action (a verb), and not a just a one-time temporal event (a noun).

FEEDBACK: WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF BEING BORN AGAIN?

All are Alike

A racial-based conflict in Charlottesville, Virginia recently gained national attention. In this case, white supremacy groups came out against others in an incidence that resulted in a loss of life. Most institutions and many religions stood unified in condemning the incident, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church released a public statement regarding this incident within the week. Then, in a rare expression of further clarity, Church leaders issued a follow-up statement two days later to ensure that no one (including members within the Church) could misunderstand the Church’s position by further condemning racism. In this second official statement of August 15th, 2017 the Church stated: “It has been called to our attention that there are some among the various pro-white and white supremacy communities who assert that the Church is neutral toward or in support of their views. Nothing could be further from the truth. In the New Testament, Jesus said: 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself' (Matthew 22:37–39). The Book of Mormon teaches 'all are alike unto God' (2 Nephi 26:33). White supremacist attitudes are morally wrong and sinful, and we condemn them. Church members who promote or pursue a 'white culture' or white supremacy agenda are not in harmony with the teachings of the Church.”

 2 Nephi 26:33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.

LESSON LEARNED: The Lord loves all of His children the same, and denies no one the opportunity to receive all of His blessings. This position is reflected in the tenets of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

FEEDBACK: WHAT IS YOUR FEELING REGARDING THIS?

The Repentant Grandchildren

One of my friends is a convert to the church. His is a success story indeed, for his grandparents and great-grandparents were active members of the church, but his parents distanced themselves from it. While he knew of the church and his grandparents association with it, it wasn’t until he went to college that he received instruction from the missionaries and gained his own testimony.  Looking back, he shares mixed emotions of his experience with the church; sadness for experiences lost and gratitude for the solidity of his grandparent’s example that helped prick his interest later in life. This tale is not wholly unusual, with one generation falling out of the church and being picked back up in the next. The Book of Mormon houses such an experience, and typifies how the good example of church members and prior generations can nullify the apathy of the most recent generation.

 Mosiah 25:12 And it came to pass that those who were the children of Amulon and his brethren, who had taken to wife the daughters of the Lamanites, were displeased with the conduct of their fathers, and they would no longer be called by the names of their fathers, therefore they took upon themselves the name of Nephi, that they might be called the children of Nephi and be numbered among those who were called Nephites.

LESSON LEARNED: Faith and long-suffering by family and friends will often bring lost sheep back to the fold. It may not be quick, perhaps not even in our lifetimes, but the faithful examples shown will be remembered and have an influence for good.

FEEDBACK: HAVE YOU WITNESSED AN EXAMPLE OF THIS IN YOUR LIFE?

Church and State

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a notable reputation of encouraging its members to honor the laws pertaining to the respective nations where they live. The Church attempts to stay as neutral as seemingly possible on its commentary of existing laws or current headlines. It does so only in rare instances when the dictates of a movement threaten the free expression of religion for its members or other peoples. This respect for the balance of church and state is one that was also exemplified in The Book of Mormon, when a religious leader (Alma) suggested that a political leader (Mosiah) get involved in a spiritual matter of transgression.

 Mosiah 26:8 Now king Mosiah had given Alma the authority over the church.
 

 Mosiah 26:10 Now there had not any such thing happened before in the church; therefore Alma was troubled in his spirit, and he caused that they should be brought before the king.
 11 And he said unto the king: Behold, here are many whom we have brought before thee, who are accused of their brethren; yea, and they have been taken in divers iniquities. And they do not repent of their iniquities; therefore we have brought them before thee, that thou mayest judge them according to their crimes.
 12 But king Mosiah said unto Alma: Behold, I judge them not; therefore I deliver them into thy hands to be judged.

LESSON LEARNED: A balance of church and state is a healthy state of affairs in today’s world, and functions best when both sides understand their role and are careful not to overstep their bounds.

FEEDBACK: HOW DOES THIS IMPACT YOUR APPRECIATION OF THE BALANCE BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE?

Chasing the Eclipse

Today was a full solar eclipse of the sun. It could be seen across the United States, and its pass made a swath from Oregon to South Carolina. The last total solar eclipse was in 1979, and I remember it well in High School. Naturally, there has been a high degree of interest throughout the country about it. Many sets of special glasses were sold in order to view the eclipse without getting eye damage. But most interesting to me has been the exodus of people hurrying to the line of small towns through the center of the states in order to see 100% coverage of the sun by the moon. People have flooded the small towns along the 70 mile wide pathway of the moon, and many towns have reported shortages of food and gasoline. But it is all in fun, and I’m certain the world will go back to normal starting tomorrow. Interestingly, in The Book of Mormon, there was another exciting exodus to see the Son. It was one that took place right after Jesus’ first appearance in the New World. While a smaller number saw Him when I first descended, there was an exciting dash throughout the next night to be in the land of Bountiful in order to see Him in full view the next day.

 3 Nephi 19:2 And it was noised abroad among the people immediately, before it was yet dark, that the multitude had seen Jesus, and that he had ministered unto them, and that he would also show himself on the morrow unto the multitude.
 3 Yea, and even all the night it was noised abroad concerning Jesus; and insomuch did they send forth unto the people that there were many, yea, an exceedingly great number, did labor exceedingly all that night, that they might be on the morrow in the place where Jesus should show himself unto the multitude.

LESSON LEARNED: Temporal phenomena are short-lived, but the excitement created by the appearance of Jesus Christ in The Book of Mormon was explosive and carried on for generations.

FEEDBACK: WHAT WOULD BE YOUR RESPONSE IF YOU HEARD THAT JESUS HAD JUST APPEARED AND WOULD BE REAPPEARING IN THE SAME PLACE TOMORROW?

One Big Church

I am asked occasionally at work what church I attend. I have learned that this is a two-phase question, depending on who is asking it and in what context. I have long thought that the desired answer for the inquirer was the Mormon Church, in contrast to the Catholic Church, Protestant church, Baptist Church, and so forth. I have since come to appreciate that the questioner is often identifying with a physical church locale, such as St. Rosa of Lima, or the Chapel of the Holy Virgin, or the Central Christian Church of Mesa. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is unique in the sense that we all belong to the same single church throughout the world, though we attend various units of it depending on our geographic location. The sociality we develop in our own wards or branches may have slight variations, but the content, teachings and covenants found within the Church are dependably the same throughout every unit in the world. It is truly a sign of restoration of the true church when it is one in purpose, but split into units purely to accommodate all of God’s children.

 Mosiah 25:19 And it came to pass that king Mosiah granted unto Alma that he might establish churches throughout all the land of Zarahemla; and gave him power to ordain priests and teachers over every church.

 20 Now this was done because there were so many people that they could not all be governed by one teacher; neither could they all hear the word of God in one assembly;
 21 Therefore they did assemble themselves together in different bodies, being called churches; every church having their priests and their teachers, and every priest preaching the word according as it was delivered to him by the mouth of Alma.
 22 And thus, notwithstanding there being many churches they were all one church, yea, even the church of God; for there was nothing preached in all the churches except it were repentance and faith in God.

LESSON LEARNED: The structure of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is unique among religions. It is one church with one set of teachings, but is a composite of many units to accommodate geographic distances and congregational sizes.

FEEDBACK: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH OTHERS ASKING WHAT CHURCH YOU ATTEND?

Obstinate Left Handers

My grandmother used to tell the difficult story of being a left-handed child in the early 1900’s. Back in the day, being left-handed was considered improper and a sign you were being obstinate. Each time she would try and write with her left hand in school, she was given a sharp crack across the knuckles by the teacher’s yardstick. Ironically, she became ambidextrous, and could write with either hand in later life. The roots of this thinking may have been taken from a spiritual connotation, as the bible states we want to be found on the Savior’s right hand and not His left. The Book of Mormon reiterates the principle of being on the Savior’s left hand as being spiritual obstinate – namely, the refusal to take upon ourselves the name of Christ.

 Mosiah 5:9 And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ.
 10 And now it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall not take upon him the name of Christ must be called by some other name; therefore, he findeth himself on the left hand of God.

LESSON LEARNED: Being on the Savior’s right hand is symbolic of taking His name upon ourselves.

FEEDBACK: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS PRINCIPLE?

Inside the Temple

Today we witnessed the dedication of the Arizona Tuscan temple. It was a marvelous event, and the Spirit was overwhelming. President Dieter H. Uchtdorf presided over the service. I was impressed with a talk given by the new temple matron. In it, she described the long wait for the temple to be constructed, including a three-year wait just to break ground. The design was simple, and was constructed to match the Sonoran landscape with the best materials available. Once the outside construction was completed, she described how it seemed like it took forever again for the inside to be prepared. She compared this to our own internal preparation to go into the temple, and how we need to prepare ourselves spiritually on the inside to be worthy.

 2 Nephi 5:16 And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon save it were not built of so many precious things; for they were not to be found upon the land, wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon’s temple. But the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine.

LESSON LEARNED: Temples are The House of the Lord, and are constructed with the finest materials available in honor of Him. We likewise should create our finest selves, inside and out, as we prepare to enter into the temple.

FEEDBACK: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON BOTH YOUR OUTWARD AND INWARD PREPARATION AS YOU ENTER THE TEMPLE?

I Was Next

During a recent family vacation to a popular amusement park, our family stood in line with throngs of other happy smiling faces as we awaited entrance. As we approached the end of the line to the turnstile that would let us enter the park, our peace was punctured by the shrieks of a woman in the front of the adjacent line. Wondering what could be causing such a lament, I leaned in to hear. “You! Stop! I was next! Do you hear me?” As the crowd in each line dovetailed into single files, this woman felt she had been slighted by an adjacent woman who edged in front of her. All in earshot were silently stunned, particularly in noting that in about 10 seconds we would all end up in the same place anyway. Isn’t it a wonder to consider the hierarchy of self-designated entitlements we appoint to ourselves in this life? One would think the most deserving of these might be kings and dignitaries which had earned that right. King Benjamin in The Book of Mormon teaches just the opposite to be the case.

 Mosiah 2:18 Behold, ye have called me your king; and if I, whom ye call your king, do labor to serve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one another?
 19 And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!

LESSON LEARNED: We are each one of God’s children. While our stations in life may seem to grant layers of temporal entitlement, the reality is that we are all on equal bearing in the eyes of Heavenly Father.

FEEDBACK: HAVE YOU WITNESSED EXAMPLES OF HUMBLE LEADERS WHO SERVE THOSE THEY HAVE STEWARDSHIP OVER?

Tattoos and Hearts

Tattoos seem to have come into mainstream fashion these days. Much time, pain and money is expended to permanently embed the desire message into the patient’s skin. As a skin pathologist, I silently cringe at the thought of the changes this makes in the dermis of the skin. While tattoos are often considered permanent, modern innovation with skin laser treatments can break up the pigment into fine particles. If the tattoo isn’t too extensive, it can essentially be blotted out, though again, only with much time, patience and money. While the temporal messages of tattoos seem permanent to skin, The Book of Mormon teaches that the name of Christ should be permanently written within another part of our bodies, namely, our hearts.

Mosiah 5:11 And I would that ye should remember also, that this is the name that I said I should give unto you that never should be blotted out, except it be through transgression; therefore, take heed that ye do not transgress, that the name be not blotted out of your hearts.

12 I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left hand of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.

LESSON LEARNED: Bonding the written name of Christ into our hearts suggests our love for Him, as well as our permanence in our desire to follow Him.

FEEDBACK: DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE THE NAME OF THE SAVIOR WRITTEN IN YOUR HEART?