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?
Thursday, August 31, 2017
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?
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?
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
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?
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?
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?
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?
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
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.
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?
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?
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?
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