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FASTING
“Fasting, along with the associated activity of praying, is the gateway for receiving guidance from the Lord in all of its manifestations. The Lord’s missionaries are strengthened and inspired by cultivating the attitude of humble fasting and prayer. When we help guide families to follow the law of the fast, they are nurtured by the Spirit to higher aspirations and blessings. What are some of the strategies that all of us can use to strengthen and empower our lives through fasting and prayer of a more spiritual and dynamic nature?”
Purposely going without food and drink for a period of time is fasting. In a religious sense, fasting is never complete without prayer—hence the phrase “fasting and prayer” is commonly used in relation to this principle. We are counseled always to align our fast with a spiritual purpose, such as improving ourselves in righteousness, seeking a worthy blessing, expressing our love and gratitude, or serving our God and our fellowman. Bruce R. McConkie has stated the following:
Fasting, with prayer as its companion, is designed to increase spirituality; to foster a spirit of devotion and love of God; to increase faith in the hearts of men, thus assuring divine favor; to encourage humility and contrition of soul; to aid in the acquirement of righteousness to teach man his nothingness and dependence upon God; and to hasten those who properly comply with the law of fasting along the path to salvation.
Many specific reasons for fasting are found in the scriptures. It is a general obligation imposed by revelation upon church members in good standing. (D&C 59:13–14; 88:76; Luke 5:33–35; 2 Cor. 6:5; 11:27.) It is itself a form of the true worship of God. (Luke 2:37; Acts 9:9; Alma 45:1; 4 Ne. 12.) It is proper to fast for the sick (2 Sam. 12:16); for special blessings (Mosiah 27:22–23); to gain a testimony (Alma 5:46); to gain revelation (Alma 17:3; 3 Ne. 27:1; Ex. 34:28; Deut. 9:9, 18); for the conversion of nonmembers to the truth, (Alma 6:6; 17:9); for guidance in the choice of church officers (Acts 13: 3); as an accompaniment of righteous mourning and sorrow (Alma 28:2–6; 30:2; Hel. 9:10); as a means of sanctifying one’s soul (Hel. 3: 35); and for guidance along the path leading to salvation. (Omni 26.) Temples are houses of fasting. (D&C 88:119; 95:16; 109:8, 16.) To be acceptable fasting must conform to the Lord’s law and not be done for hypocritical reasons. (Matt. 6:16–18; 3 Ne. 13:16–18.) (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966], 276)
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US
Alma 5:46. Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me.
Great blessings flow from God to the faithful who sincerely practice a prayerful fast, whether the blessings are strengthening, healing, or an increase of understanding. In this instance, Alma refers to gaining his testimony. This prophet, who had seen an angel, received his witness through the same process we do—fasting and prayer.
Alma 17:3. But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.
The blessings of the Spirit and the power to teach by that same Spirit come through fasting and prayer (see Alma 17:9).
Helaman 3:35. Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.
The blessings of faith and humility, even unto sanctification by the Holy Spirit, can come through fasting and prayer.
MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK
Joseph F. Smith:
The Lord has instituted the fast on a reasonable and intelligent basis, and none of his works are vain or unwise. His law is perfect in this as in other things. Hence, those who can are required to comply thereto; it is a duty from which they cannot escape; but let it be remembered that the observance of the fast day by abstaining twenty-four hours from food and drink is not an absolute rule, it is no iron-clad law to us, but it is left with the people as a matter of conscience, to exercise wisdom and discretion. Many are subject to weakness, others are delicate in health, and others have nursing babies; of such it should not be required to fast. Neither should parents compel their little children to fast. I have known children to cry for something to eat on fast day. In such cases, going without food will do them no good. Instead, they dread the day to come, and in place of hailing it, dislike it; while the compulsion engenders a spirit of rebellion in them, rather than a love for the Lord and their fellows. Better teach them the principle, and let them observe it when they are old enough to choose intelligently, than to so compel them.
But those should fast who can, and all classes among us should be taught to save the meals which they would eat, or their equivalent, for the poor. None are exempt from this; it is required of the Saints, old and young, in every part of the Church. It is no excuse that in some places there are no poor. In such cases the fast donation should be forwarded to the proper authorities for transmission to such stakes of Zion as may stand in need.
So shall we gain favor in the sight of God, and learn the acceptable fast before him. (Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. Smith, comp. John A. Widtsoe [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1939], 243)
Gordon B. Hinckley:
It is not a burden to refrain from two meals a month and give the value thereof to assist in caring for the poor. It is, rather, a blessing. Not only will physical benefits flow from the observance of this principle, but spiritual values also. Our program of the fast day and the fast offering is so simple and so beautiful that I cannot understand why people everywhere do not take it up. Hearings have recently been held in the Congress of the United States on a proposal to recommend to the president a day of fasting to raise funds for the starving people of Africa. Our own experience last spring was so easy of execution and so tremendously productive that our consecrations have blessed thousands without causing any of us to suffer in the least. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], 217–18)
IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING
Here are some ideas to help us as we live the law of the fast:
1. Cultivate a spiritual attitude about fasting.
● Humility—Fast with a spirit of humility, never begrudgingly (see Isa. 58).
● Joy—Fast with a cheerful countenance and not to be seen of men (see Matt. 16:16–18).
● With purpose—Fast with a purpose. Fasting, like prayer, must be purposeful—acting with faith and real intent (see Alma 5:46). Look at fasting as an opportunity, not just something required of you.
● According to need—Some blessings of the Lord require fasting and prayer. We need to do more than merely ask for the blessing (see Matt. 17:21).
● Using wisdom—There are times, such as when we are under a doctor’s care or experiencing special medical conditions, where fasting would not be wise or prudent. This does not prevent one from fasting in the spiritual sense: “If I could, I would.”
2. Share the blessings of the fast with others.
● Use patience—When teaching your children the law of the fast, it is important to explain the purpose of fasting. Be patient with your children as they learn. This often takes time and requires much more than an announcement stating, “Today we fast.”
● Bear testimony—As the Spirit directs, bear solemn and humble witness of the truth of the gospel during fast and testimony meeting and in family gatherings.
● Contribute fast offerings—Remember that on our monthly fast Sunday we use the money or goods that would otherwise have been used for food for the blessing of the poor and needy.
ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIME
The following story discusses the doctrine of fasting and its significance in the early years of the restored Church:
The Hidden Gem
On May 17, 1845, nearly a year after the martyrdom of the Joseph and Hyrum, the Twelve issued a general letter to the Church to convey special instructions:
Beloved Brethren: Our whole souls bless you; and we are happy in the privilege of communicating to you a few thoughts. Much more would we rejoice were it our privilege to be in your midst the coming Sabbath and tell you all that is in our hearts; but we are pilgrims in a world of sorrow and woe. In our journeyings to proclaim the gospel and bring about salvation to the honest in heart, God is with us and we prosper; though weary, we are not cast down nor discouraged, for we know that victory is with the upright.
We are happy to hear of the great union and love manifested at your recent fast, which also the Spirit bore witness of to us, and of your liberality towards the poor, and may the abundance which you have so liberally contributed in your penury in dealing your bread to the hungry be the omen of an abundant harvest of the fruits of the earth into your granaries the present and all future seasons.
Since we commenced our journey we have discovered some letters from Brother Joseph Smith to Bishop Partridge from which we extract the following for your edification and instruction: . . .
The Principle of Fasts Defined—Let this be an ensample to all saints, and there will never be any lack for bread: When the poor are starving, let those who have, fast one day and give what they otherwise would have eaten to the bishops for the poor, and every one will abound for a long time; and this is one great and important principle of fasts approved of the Lord. And so long as the saints will all live to this principle with glad hearts and cheerful countenances they will always have an abundance. (History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 vols., ed. B. H. Roberts [Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1932–1951], 7: 412–13)
In discovering and publishing the missing letters from the Prophet, including the choice statement about the law of the fast, the Twelve had retrieved a hidden gem of wisdom for the enrichment of the spiritual life of the Saints. There is a type and an emblem to this discovery, for the law of the fast is itself a means to unearth hidden wisdom and spiritual truth. As we participate in fasting and prayer, we are often blessed to find within ourselves hidden strength and unexpected insight to facilitate our journey through mortal life. The word “fast” itself comes from a Middle English antecedent word meaning “firm” or “fixed.” As we remain firm in the faith, with our eye “fixed” upon the goal of spiritual perfection, our fasting and prayer will edify our natures and lift us higher toward our quest for perfection as servants of God.
—Richard J. Allen
SUMMARY
The law of the fast, when practiced sincerely, empowers the individual with spiritual power. As we fast, we literally overcome the flesh. When we pay our fast offerings, we practice the great commandment of love. The Lord is explicit if as to our spiritual status we fail to care for the needy. The Lord has said through His servant Amulek, “And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not suppose that this is all; for after ye have done all these things, if ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need—I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith” (Alma 34:28). The regular practice of fasting and prayer is a dynamic power in our lives; it allows us to tap into the power of God to enrich our lives and make us more valiant servants.
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FATHERHOOD
“When we reach out to families in our circle of friendship with the good news of the gospel, we can honor the role of fathers as unfolding examples of righteousness. We can plant in the hearts of the fathers the seeds of opportunity to teach their children the truths of the gospel. John said: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4). How can we as the Lord’s missionaries inspire the fathers we teach to follow the word of the Lord in becoming the faithful gospel shepherds of their own flocks? How can we encourage them to do so in the spirit of love and leadership?”
Of all the roles a man can have, nothing supersedes the role of father. A father should be a provider, a leader, and a teacher. Undoubtedly, society has suffered because so many fathers have abdicated their roles and responsibilities in the family.
Why do some fathers feel that success somehow lies outside the home? Why do we think that things and money make up for not spending time with our children? It is time to evaluate our lives and recognize what matters most. We simply cannot let the world take us away from our greatest treasure—our marriage and family.
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US
Ephesians 6:4. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
As we lead and teach our children, we should use a loving yet firm manner. One cannot afford to generate resentment or anger in his or her children in the teaching process. Such would render the process of being good no longer enjoyable for the children, which might result in rebellion rather than obedience.
1 Timothy 3:4–5. One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
As parents, one of our roles is to lead in righteousness so that our children might be willing to follow and obey. There is nothing more crucial to a family than to realize the importance of each other’s roles and how we fit within the family. Fathers and mothers are to lead and teach. Children are to learn and obey—then they will be prepared to do the same thing when they are parents. Raising children is serious business because the consequences are so great.
Hebrews 12:9. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
Giving correction is one of the most difficult things we do as fathers. It is our duty to correct, as moved upon by the Holy Ghost, early on and with clarity so that there is no misunderstanding, always in love (see D&C 121:41–44). In correcting children, we must ensure that they always feel that it is done in love. They need to know that the only reason we correct them is because we care for them and love them. As this scripture shows, it is through these family relationships that we come to understand our relationship with our Heavenly Father—how and why He loves, chastens, and blesses us.
3 John 1:4. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
There is no greater joy than the joy you have in your posterity. Their righteous lives are the joy of a parent’s life. We, as parents—and particularly as fathers—are responsible for the teaching of our family (see D&C 68:25–28; Moses 5:12).
Doctrine and Covenants 93:42–43. You have not taught your children light and truth, according to the commandments; and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction. And now a commandment I give unto you—if you will be delivered you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house.
In the early days of the restored Church, Frederick G. Williams and all the members of the First Presidency, including the Prophet Joseph Smith, were counseled to do better with their families. This teaches a transcending doctrine concerning responsibilities associated with our eternal roles. We can never delegate our duties as fathers. We are responsible and accountable, and nothing is more important. Our responsibility is to be loving husbands and devoted fathers. We must ask ourselves, How am I doing in my eternal role as husband and father within the Church and kingdom of God?”
MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK
Ezra Taft Benson:
Our homes should be havens of peace and joy for our families. Surely no child should fear his own father, especially a priesthood father. A father’s duty is to make his home a place of happiness and joy. He cannot do this when there is bickering, quarreling, contention, or unrighteous behavior.
As fathers of our homes, we have a serious responsibility to assume leadership in the home. We must create homes where the Spirit of the Lord can abide. We must always remember the statement of the Savior that “the spirit of contention is not of [Him], but is of the devil.” (3 Nephi 11:29.) We must not allow the adversary to be an influence in our homes.
We must be more Christlike in our attitude and behavior than what we see in the world. We should be as charitable and considerate with our loved ones as Christ is with us. He is kind, loving, and patient with each of us. Should we not reciprocate the same love to our wives and children? (Come unto Christ [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1983], 53.)
Fathers cannot delegate their duty as head of the home. They must train up their children in righteousness. (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], 524)
Gordon B. Hinckley:
You men who are husbands and fathers should have had kindled in your hearts tonight . . . a resolve so to conduct yourselves in your homes as to be worthy of the love, the respect, the honor, the companionship of your wives and your children. Holding the priesthood does not give any man the right to domineer over those for whom he should show the greatest of love and the greatest of consideration. Each of us should go home this night with a stronger resolve in our hearts to live worthy of the companionship of those who love us most and whom we should love and honor and respect without reservation.
I repeat that plea to all fathers. Yours is the basic and inescapable responsibility to stand as head of the family.
That does not carry with it any implication of dictatorship or unrighteous dominion. It carries with it a mandate that fathers provide for the needs of their families. Those needs are more than food, clothing, and shelter. Those needs include righteous direction and the teaching, by example as well as precept, of basic principles of honesty, integrity, service, respect for the rights of others, and an understanding that we are accountable for that which we do in this life, not only to one another but also to the God of heaven, who is our Eternal Father. . . . With the obligation to beget goes the responsibility to nurture, to protect, to teach, to guide in righteousness and truth. Yours is the power and the responsibility to preside in a home where there is peace and security, love and harmony. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], 219–20)
IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING
Here are five things we can do to help us be better fathers:
1. Be a father with all your heart, mind, and soul.
● Never forget—Constantly remind yourself of your non-transferable role as father. You can’t delegate it. You can’t transfer it. It is your work. It is your joy and glory.
● Attend “fatherhood school”—Take time to learn of the things you need to do to be a good father. Search the scriptures, fast and pray, attend the temple, and study Church manuals that can assist you. Read good books, ask others, study good role models, confer with your wife, and attend parenting courses.
2. Establish your family on a foundation of enduring gospel principles.
● Have standards for the family—Help them understand and appreciate the standards. When values and standards are agreed upon, there will be unity in the family.
● Be loving—Enthrone love as the governing principle of family life. Remember that the greatest gift you can give your family is your love and your time. Love your wife. Show her every courtesy and kindness. Show that romance has perpetuity. Say the magic words frequently to your wife and your children. “I love you” never goes out of style.
● Be honest—Always keep your word. Never lie to your wife or children.
● Be humble—Be quick to ask forgiveness when you’re not at your best.
● Be honorable—Never, ever abuse your family in any way—emotionally, verbally, physically, or sexually.
3. Teach by example.
● Strive for excellence—Excel in your profession to set an example of how to raise the bar of excellence in personal development and self-mastery.
● Learn continuously—Study and read. Take courses. Limit passive television time. Be prudent in how much time you devote to outside interests. Even sports can be done to excess. Set an example of lifelong growth and learning.
● Be a role model—Be an exemplar of honesty, integrity, and upright character.
4. Foster harmony and unity.
● Cultivate balance in family goals and activities—Include work and play, personal growth and development, health and fitness, and spiritual growth.
● Worship together—Follow all the things mentioned in the Family section of this book regarding things you can do to be an eternal family.
● Eat together as a family—Make dinnertime a fun time to enjoy one another’s conversation and company, not a time to watch TV and ignore one another.
● Play together—Play games with your children. Get down on the floor with the younger children and the grandchildren. Things look different from that perspective—a lot less stuffy and strict.
● Create memories—Plan and carry out memorable outings together. Balance recreation and work.
● Cultivate a sense of humor—Have a bright twinkle in your eye to offset the sometimes-gloomy disappointments that children can go through. A funny song, a spontaneous joke, a clever one-liner, a clownish antic—all these go a long way to warm up the atmosphere.
5. Use appropriate leadership principles. Aim high.
● Think big—Have a family “vision” and mission that can be written down and discussed. Set goals together and review them often.
● Listen—Sit down next to the kids frequently and just listen. Be interested in what interests them. You will be amazed at how they will open up. Nothing will enhance their self-esteem more than sincerely listening to them.
● Reinforce good behavior—Catch children doing good things. Sincerely praise and compliment them on a regular basis.
● Be grateful—Do not take for granted the chance you have to raise your children. Appreciate every moment you have with them.
● Manage skillfully—Manage your time and your money carefully, and involve the children in the process so that they learn how to invest precious resources wisely.
● Foster teamwork within the family—Teach your children about planning and organizing, evaluation, and follow-through. Let them help in this process.
● Train and educate your children—Help them excel at family assignments. Cultivate talents and productive hobbies. Allocate funds for lessons. Help them with schoolwork. Make learning a process of discovery rather than a chore. Become the rehearsal audience. Give constructive feedback.
● Evaluate progress—Count the milestones. Celebrate the successes. Teach the process of carrying out mid-course corrections as needed. Have family councils to conduct the family’s business and showcase the progress.
ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIME
“Father Smith,” as Joseph Smith Sr. was affectionately known, exemplified faith and compassion throughout his life, and was rewarded by the Lord upon his death. As discussed in the following, his support of his son left an indelible impression:
A True Patriarch
Fourth months after Joseph Smith, Sr., had passed away, his son, the Prophet Joseph, received a revelation, now known as Section 124 of the Doctrine and Covenants, in which there is reference to “my aged servant Joseph Smith, Sen., who sitteth with Abraham at his right hand, and blessed and holy is he, for he is mine” (verse 19). The funeral for the ailing patriarch had taken place in Nauvoo on Tuesday, September 15, 1840, he having died the previous day at age 69 of consumption (tuberculosis) contracted during the expulsion of the Saints from Missouri. Of his father the Prophet remembers: “He was the first person who received my testimony after I had seen the angel, and exhorted me to be faithful and diligent to the message I had received. . . . He was one of the most benevolent of men; opening his house to all who were destitute. While at Quincy, Illinois, he fed hundreds of the poor saints who were flying from the Missouri persecutions, although he had arrived there penniless himself” (HC, 4:190–91).
Elder Robert B. Thompson, private secretary to Joseph Smith, Jr., delivered an eloquent eulogy, during which he stated: “The man whom we have been accustomed to look up to as a Patriarch, a Father, a Counselor is no more an inhabitant of mortality; he has dropped his clay tenement, bid adieu to terrestrial scenes, and his spirit now free and unencumbered, roams and expatiates in that world where the spirits of just men made perfect dwell, and where pain and sickness, tribulation and death cannot come” (HC, 4:192). Elder Thompson ends with this admonition: “May we, beloved friends, who survive our venerable Patriarch, study to prosecute those things which were so dear to his heart, and pray that a double portion of his spirit may be bestowed on us, that we may be the humble instruments in aiding the consummation of the great work which he saw so happily begun” (HC, 4:196–97). Such leadership in the home is what our world needs. May we all draw from the lives of our own fathers those noble traits and qualities that may serve as a pattern for us to follow in fulfilling our own commission to be faithful servants of the Lord.
—Richard J. Allen
SUMMARY
The list could go on. Take time to make some goals and plans to be the best father for your family. There is no need for comparisons. You can be uniquely successful at it. No one can take our place as fathers. It is up to us to fulfill this magnificent role.
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FOREORDINATION
“When did our missionary training to share gospel truths begin? The scriptures make it clear: “Even before they were born, they [the Lord’s prophets and leaders], with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men” (D&C 138:56). Are we not among those “many others” who were trained and foreordained in the spirit realm to become the Lord’s emissaries of truth in this world? What steps can we all take to achieve more fully our foreordained commission to teach the gospel with greater honor and inspiration?”
In premortal life many children of God were foreordained (called and set apart) to future assignments prior to coming here to the earth (see Jer. 1:5; Alma 13:3–7; D&C 138:53–57; Abr. 3:22–23). Those foreordained had exhibited exceeding faith and good works. While it is true that we have all been sent to the earth with a purpose, foreordination does not override the agency of man—we are free to choose if we will fulfill our mission in life or not.
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US
Alma 13:3–4. And this is the manner after which they were ordained—being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such. And thus they have been called to this holy calling on account of their faith, while others would reject the Spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds, while, if it had not been for this they might have had as great privilege as their brethren.
We had agency in the premortal world. Those spirits who good, exercising much faith, were called to holy callings. Unfortunately, some of us will harden our hearts and therefore not obtain the holy callings to which we were foreordained in the premortal existence.
Doctrine and Covenants 138:53–56. [I saw] The Prophet Joseph Smith, and my father, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and other choice spirits who were reserved to come forth in the fulness of times to take part in laying the foundations of the great latter-day work, Including the building of the temples and the performance of ordinances therein for the redemption of the dead, were also in the spirit world. I observed that they were also among the noble and great ones who were chosen in the beginning to be rulers in the Church of God. Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.
While this scripture refers specifically to certain Church leaders, the phrases “other choice spirits” and “with many others” reveal what our prophets have since stated: that anyone who has a calling in the kingdom of God was foreordained to that very assignment. We may be assured that we each had a life and a relationship with God before we came to earth.
Abraham 3:22–23. Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones; And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.
Abraham, like so many others, was called to his position prior to coming to earth due his righteousness. We too have a plan for our lives that began in premortality, and as we live the gospel we will come to understand our own purpose and mission.
MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK
Joseph Smith:
I believe in the fall of man, as recorded in the Bible; I believe that God foreknew everything, but did not foreordain everything; I deny that foreordain and foreknow is the same thing. He foreordained the fall of man; but all merciful as He is, He foreordained at the same time, a plan of redemption for all mankind. (History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4:78)
Harold B. Lee:
But now there is a warning: Despite that calling which is spoken of in the scriptures as “foreordination,” we have another inspired declaration: “Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen.” (D&C 121:34.)
This suggests that even though we have our free agency here, there are many who were foreordained before the world was to a greater state than they have prepared themselves for here. Even though they might have been among the noble and great, from among whom the Father declared He would make His chosen leaders, they may fail of that calling here in mortality. Then the Lord poses this question: “And why are they not chosen?” (D&C 121:34.)
Two answers were given: First, “Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world.” And second, they “aspire to the honors of men.” (D&C 121:35.) (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996], 185)
Ezra Taft Benson:
To fulfill the purpose of His omniscient design, our Heavenly Father foreordained certain valiant spirit children and assigned them to come to earth at specific times and places to fulfill their appointments. The greatest of these spirits He reserved to come as prophets and priesthood leaders in His kingdom. “Every man,” said the Prophet Joseph Smith, “who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of Heaven before this world was.”
Other good and valiant spirits were foreappointed to lay the foundation for man’s liberty through their service in political matters. The Founding Fathers of this American nation were in this category. (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], 21)
IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING
Here are six ideas to help us understand and appreciate the doctrine of foreordination:
1. Our spiritual success depends on righteousness. We are blessed and called according to our righteousness (see 2 Ne. 27:23; Alma 13:3).
2. Agency is the overriding principle. Foreordination does not and cannot override the agency of man (see 2 Ne. 2:27). If we are not worthy, the Lord will choose another to fulfill His purposes (see D&C 121:34).
3. Learning is universal and unending. We learn and grow in the premortal world, in mortality, and in the worlds to come. At the center of this process of learning and growing is that we come to know and receive all the knowledge and blessings of God (D&C 84:38).
4. Our patriarchal blessing is a compass for our personal life. Our patriarchal blessing can help us understand and appreciate some of the blessings we were endowed with prior to coming to earth as well as those we might receive in the future, if we remain worthy.
5. From the divine perspective all is done in order. In the context of the plan of salvation, and according to the foreknowledge of God, He can foreordain one to an assignment, but He never “predestines” anyone. The agency of man is always operative.
6. We have a divine destiny. Remember that we are the children of Heavenly Father. He loves us and seeks our happiness and eternal life. He has a purpose for us here upon His earth. We have a mission. We cannot be casual in regard to our assignments, for they are part of a grand design for the immortality and eternal life of man (Moses 1:39).
ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIME
President Harold B. Lee explained foreordination, its relation to our agency, and the importance of our lineage as follows:
Understanding Who We Are Brings Self-Respect
A further truth is clearly set forth in that scripture [Abr. 3:22–23], that many were chosen, as was Abraham, before they were born, as the Lord told Moses and also Jeremiah. This was made still more meaningful by the Latter-day prophet, Joseph Smith, who declared, “I believe that every person who is called to do an important work in the kingdom of God, was called to that work and foreordained to that work before the world was.” Then he added this, “I believe that I was foreordained to the work that I am called to do.” (See Documentary History of the Church, vol. 6, p. 364.)
But now there is a warning: Despite that calling which is spoken of in the scriptures as “foreordination,” we have another inspired declaration: “Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. . . .” (D&C 121:34.)
This suggests that even though we have our free agency here, there are many who were foreordained before the world was, to a greater state than they have prepared themselves for here. Even though they might have been among the noble and great, from among whom the Father declared he would make his chosen leaders, they may fail of that calling here in mortality. Then the Lord poses this question: “. . . and why are they not chosen?” (D&C 121:34.)
Two answers were given—First, “Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world. . . .” And second, they “. . . aspire to the honors of men.” (D&C 121:35.)
Now then, to make a summary of what I have just read, may I ask each of you again the question, “Who are you?” You are all the sons and daughters of God. Your spirits were created and lived as organized intelligences before the world was. You have been blessed to have a physical body because of your obedience to certain commandments in that premortal state. You are now born into a family to which you have come, into the nations through which you have come, as a reward for the kind of lives you lived before you came here and at a time in the world’s history, as the apostle Paul taught the men of Athens and as the Lord revealed to Moses, determined by the faithfulness of each of those who lived before this world was created.
Hear now the significant words of that powerful sermon to “The Unknown God” preached by the apostle Paul, to those who were ignorantly worshipping images of stone and brass and wood, and I quote:
“God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
“And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth [now mark you this], and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
“That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us.” (Acts 17:24, 26–27.)
Here then again we have the Lord making a further enlightening declaration to Moses as recorded in the Book of Deuteronomy:
“When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.” (Deut. 32:8.)
Now, mind you, this was said to the children of Israel before they had arrived in the “Promised Land,” which was to be the land of their inheritance.
Then note this next verse: “For the Lord’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.” (Deut. 32:9.)
It would seem very clear, then, that those born to the lineage of Jacob, who was later to be called Israel, and his posterity, who were known as the children of Israel, were born into the most illustrious lineage of any of those who came upon the earth as mortal beings.
All these rewards were seemingly promised, or foreordained, before the world was. Surely these matters must have been determined by the kind of lives we had lived in that premortal spirit world. (Harold B. Lee, “Understanding Who We Are Brings Self-Respect,” Ensign, January 1974, 2)
SUMMARY
Foreordination is part of the plan of salvation according to the foreknowledge of God and the righteousness of certain individuals in premortal life. Everyone who comes to this earth has the capacity to receive the blessings of exaltation according to his or her obedience to the laws and commandments of God. The status or hierarchical position of one’s calling does not exalt; only individual righteousness and the grace of God can lift one to a state of exaltation and eternal life.
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FORGIVENESS
“Forgiveness is one of the great miracles of life because it opens the flow of peace and joy in abundance. What greater message can we share with others than the message of redemption and rebirth through the forgiving power of the Lord made manifest through His mercy and love. We can love others and show them the pathway of how to maximize their love for their families by guiding them through the gateway of gospel truth. What strategies can we all follow to make loving forgiveness a key pillar of our character?”
The capacity to forgive is one of the most divine attributes we can possess. It is a commandment of God to forgive others (see Matt. 6:15). Forgiveness brings peace to the forgiver as well as those forgiven. Without a doubt, true forgiveness is one of the most difficult aspects of human behavior to perfect. It is an expression of godliness; as God is forgiving and merciful, so we ought to be. Forgiveness of one’s sins is covered in this volume under Repentance.
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US
Matthew 6:12, 14–15. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Forgiving others is a commandment of God (see 3 Ne. 13:14–15). Through the Atonement, we are forgiven as we forgive others, because only as we forgive others do we show that we are truly repentant and humble before the Lord. We do not purchase our forgiveness from the Lord; rather, we prove our complete devotion to Him by exhibiting a forgiving spirit.
Matthew 18:32–35. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
If we do not forgive others, having pleaded for our own forgiveness from the Lord, we must suffer even as the man in this scripture who had to pay for his unwillingness to forgive. Simply put, if we forgive others, we can be forgiven of the Lord (see Luke 6:37).
3 Nephi 12:23–24. Therefore, if ye shall come unto me, or shall desire to come unto me, and rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee—Go thy way unto thy brother, and first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I will receive you.
Before we seek forgiveness from our Heavenly Father, we must first resolve our concerns and misgivings with our fellowmen. Then our hearts will be pure, we will have peace of conscience, and the Lord will receive us.
Doctrine and Covenants 64:9–10. Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
Forgiveness is tied to our righteousness to such an extent that we are condemned of the Lord and we have the greater sin if we fail to forgive others. We may wonder how this can be so when we are sometimes victims. However, the Lord was the greatest victim of all and yet He uttered, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Christ was forgiving by nature: though the soldiers crucified Him, He forgave them. We are commanded to be like Him (see 3 Ne. 27:27), so we ought to be forgiving like He is.
MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK
Spencer W. Kimball:
Do we follow that command [to be reconciled with our brother] or do we sulk in our bitterness, waiting for our offender to learn of it and to kneel to us in remorse?
And this reconciliation suggests also forgetting. Unless you forget, have you forgiven? A woman in a branch in the mission field where there had been friction finally capitulated and said, “Yes, I will forgive the others, but I have an eternal memory.” Certainly she had not fulfilled the law of forgiving. She was meeting the letter but not the spirit. Frequently we say we forgive, then permit the grievance to continue to poison and embitter us.
The Lord forgets when he has forgiven, and certainly must we. He inspired Isaiah to say: “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” (Isaiah 43:25.)
No bitterness of past frictions can be held in memory if we forgive with all our hearts. So long as we are bitter, hold grudges, and are unrepentant ourselves and unforgiving to others, how can we partake of the sacrament? (Faith Precedes the Miracle [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1972], 194)
He who will not forgive others breaks down the bridge over which he himself must travel. This is a truth taught by the Lord in the parable of the unmerciful servant who demanded to be forgiven but was merciless to one who asked forgiveness of him. (See Matt. 18:23–35.) (The Miracle of Forgiveness [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969], 269)
Joseph Smith:
Meekly persuade and urge everyone to forgive one another all their trespasses, offenses and sins, that they may work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. Brethren, bear and forbear one with another, for so the Lord does with us. Pray for your enemies in the Church and curse not your foes without: for vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, and I will repay. To every ordained member, and to all, we say, be merciful and you shall find mercy. (Discourses of the Prophet Joseph Smith, comp. Alma P. Burton [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1977], 213)
Gordon B. Hinckley:
What a glorious and wonderful season of year this is. Our hearts change. Our attitudes change. Our way of thinking changes. There is a little more forgiveness in us. A little more of kindness. A little more of love. A little more of patience. A little more of understanding at the Christmas season of the year. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1997], 60–61)
IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING
Here are three things to remember to help us show forgiveness:
1. Forgiveness is not just something you do—it is something you are.
● Character—Forgiveness shows qualities of a Christlike character, becoming even as He is.
● Charity—For the forgiving person, the pure love of Christ serves as the foundation of life. Forgiveness is a sign of that love.
● Strength—Forgiveness is a sign of true strength, based on empathy and understanding.
2. Forgiveness brings a host of values and benefits in its wake.
● Peace—We will experience more peace if we forgive others. As we do so, we are free from the guilt of holding a grudge, and from allowing others’ actions to have power over us.
● Liberty—Forgiveness frees us of hurt, anger, and the desire for vengeance and retaliation. We are free of the burden of someone else’s sin.
● Productivity—Forgiveness will increase our ability to be creative and productive. An unforgiving attitude will sap our creativity and productivity and cause us do be trapped in a downward spiral.
● Self-confidence—Forgiving ourselves by learning from our mistakes and going on with our lives will increase our understanding of others and increase our wisdom.
● Unity—When comments are expressed to another in the spirit of understanding and forgiveness, relationships can be healed and strengthened.
3. Forgiveness is a divine process.
● Know yourself—We must acknowledge that we are capable of making mistakes ourselves. Therefore, forgiveness is a better choice than judging others.
● Communicate—If we feel offended, we must clarify the situation with the offending party. Perhaps we simply did not understand what he or she meant to say or do.
● Realize that the other person must act too—Forgiving another doesn’t give absolution for the perpetrator. That person is ultimately responsible for his or her own actions and must make peace with his or her own past.
● Keep learning—Forgiveness does not mean we will forget, but rather that we can find peace and freedom from guilt. The goal is to learn from the past and try to use it to help ourselves and others.
ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIME
An example from the Prophet Joseph Smith’s life explains the nature of true forgiveness.
Unconditional Forgiveness
Many have experienced the feeling of being condemned by others unjustly or accused of unkind motives that they have never harbored. The Prophet Joseph Smith was repeatedly subjected to the most vile derision and persecution without cause or provocation. His response was consistent. He forgave. He fought for the right and defended the Church and its doctrines indefatigably in the face of the most outrageous lies and malicious attacks. He fought valiantly and forcefully, but he forgave nonetheless.
Consider his behavior toward those who inflicted serious bodily harm upon him on Saturday, March 24, 1832. At that time, he and his family were staying at the home of John Johnson in Hiram, Ohio. Suddenly, a mob of some two dozen drunken men tore Joseph from the side of his ailing son, eleven-month-old Joseph Murdock Smith (one of two adopted twins), dragged him from the house, stripped him of his clothes, beat him brutally, and tarred and feathered him. All during that night friends and family removed the skin-searing tar from his body, taking up large areas of skin in the process. Sidney Rigdon had been dragged feet-first from his home, sustaining a concussion as his head thumped down the steps and along the frozen ground. He was beaten and left comatose in the snow. Young Joseph Murdock, already suffering with measles, contracted pneumonia from the exposure that night, and died a few days later. On the morning of Sunday, March 25, the day after the brutal attack, Joseph delivered a sermon before the gathering of Saints. What was his theme? Forgiveness. A number of individuals were baptized that afternoon. Three of the mobsters present at the Prophet’s sermon on forgiveness were converted and joined the Church. (See HC, 1:261–65.)
It was a remarkable instance of unconditional forgiveness and a lasting memorial to the Prophet’s understanding and embracing of the Lord’s injunction to cultivate a forgiving heart and practice forgiveness every day: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:43–45). It is clear that children of God are in their very essence the epitome of unconditional forgiveness.
—Richard J. Allen
SUMMARY
As we consider the act of forgiveness, let us remember that mercy begets mercy. Forgiveness leads to a literal renewal of the emotional and spiritual state. The Lord requires all of us to forgive, and He requires the offender to change and repent. We can attain a remarkable degree of freedom and peace as we forgive others. Forgiveness is truly akin to godliness and one of the defining characteristics of the children of God.
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GODLINESS
“To become like the Father and the Son, we have the opportunity to cultivate in our lives the qualities of the divine nature, including “faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence” (D&C 4:6; see also 2 Peter 1:4–8). These are precisely the qualities that prepare us as missionaries of the Lord to reach out with strength and love to share the truths of the gospel with others. Consider what steps we can personally take to move forward in faith toward godliness and teach others how to do the same in the strength and power of the Lord.”
Godliness implies those qualities associated with our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. We should be devout in our worship of God and seek to be Christlike in our everyday behavior: We seek to be like the Father and the Son by acting in a godly manner. Indeed, we seek to be even as They are (see 3 Ne. 12:48; 27:27). This is part of the process of taking upon ourselves the divine nature of Christ (see 2 Pet. 1:3–12).
As we do so, our life takes on a new vision. We have an eye single to His glory, a perception born of love for all mankind, an overwhelming desire to seek to do as He would do in all things. Godliness should be our goal, in everything we do and in every thing we say.
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US
1 Timothy 4:7–8. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
In his letter to Timothy, Paul emphasizes the importance of acquiring the attributes of godliness, as it relates to both mortality and to our life to come.
2 Peter 3:10–11. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.
Our greatest preparation for the last days is developing the attributes of godliness. We should learn to interact with others in a godly manner.
Doctrine and Covenants 84:20–21. Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest. And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh.
It is through the priesthood that we are able to fully develop and experience the power of godliness.
MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK
Joseph Smith:
When I contemplate the rapidity with which the great and glorious day of the coming of the Son of Man advances, when he shall come to receive his Saints unto himself, where they shall dwell in his presence and be crowned with glory and immortality, when I consider that soon the heavens are to be shaken and the earth tremble and reel to and fro and that the heavens are to be unfolded as a scroll when it is rolled up, that every mountain and island are to flee away—I cry out in my heart, “. . . What manner of person ought I to be in all holy conversation and godliness!” (2 Peter 3:11). (Joseph Smith’s Commentary on the Bible, Kent P. Jackson, comp. and ed. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1994], 210)
Lorenzo Snow:
Be upright, just, and merciful, exercising a spirit of nobility and godliness in all your intentions and resolutions—in all your acts and dealings. Cultivate a spirit of charity, be ready to do for others more than you would expect from them if circumstances were reversed. Be ambitious to be great, not in the estimation of the worldly minded, but in the eyes of God, and to be great in this sense: “Love the Lord your God with all your might, mind and strength, and your neighbor as yourself.” You must love mankind because they are your brethren, the offspring of God. Pray diligently for this spirit of philanthropy, this expansion of thought and feeling, and for power and ability to labor earnestly in the interest of Messiah’s kingdom. (The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, ed. Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1984], 10)
Charles W. Nibley:
What power, then, what mysterious power is it that had led and guided them [the Latter-day Saints] and that still leads and guides them and holds them together as they are held? Let me tell you what it is. I will read from the book of Doctrine and Covenants, Section 84: [vs. l9–21, quoted.]
That is what holds these people together—the power of the priesthood. And in the administration of it we have seen and do see the power of godliness; not a form of godliness, mind you, but the power of godliness. Paul said that in the latter days men would be “having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof” [2 Tim. 3:5]; but what I refer to is the power of godliness. Have you ever seen it manifested in your lives? We heard of it this morning from the leader of the Church as manifested in the healing of the sick. We see it in the temples of the Lord; we see it in the sick rooms; we see it manifested in presidencies of stakes, bishoprics of wards.
In all the leadership of the priesthood you see that same power of godliness. . . . It is the power of godliness, of godly lives. It is the power of godly men and godly women, through the ordinances of the priesthood made manifest; and everyone shares in it. (Latter-day Prophets and the Doctrine and Covenants, comp. Roy W. Doxey [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1978], 3:74)
IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING
Here are seven ideas to help us acquire the attributes of godliness:
1. Ponder the word. Study the word of God as given in the scriptures and through the voice of the living prophets. Herein are the attributes of godliness identified, clarified, and put forward for emulation (see Jacob 3:2; Alma 32:28; D&C 138:1–11).
2. Choose the best patterns. Organize and structure your life after the best models and examples—the Lord’s prophets and servants, righteous neighbors and family members. Especially seek to follow in the footsteps of the Savior (see Matt. 16:24).
3. Be clean. Cleanliness is next to godliness as reflected in purity of thought (see Prov. 23:7) and actions (see Mosiah 5:15; James 1:22).
4. Be obedient. Godliness entails righteousness (see D&C 27:14; 98:30). Faith is the foundation of righteousness (see Rom. 3:22; 9:30–32); hence it is most important as we seek godliness (see 2 Pet. 1:3–12; Moro. 10:32–33; D&C 4:6).
5. Be a leader in all walks of life. Godliness entails being a good example. Through our example we can lift and bless others (1 Tim. 4:12; Alma 17:11; 3 Ne. 12:16).
6. Be prepared—Recognize that those who lead a godly life will suffer persecution (see 2 Tim. 3:12). Understand the blessings and the challenges.
7. Remember—Create a way to remember the things that are required in taking upon oneself the attributes of godliness. Surround yourself with reminders: pictures, charts, posters, notes—anything that will bring the principles of godliness to mind throughout the day. Guard against forgetting due to the ease of the way (see Hel. 12:1–2) but remember the goodness and mercy of the Lord in all things (see Mosiah 4:11).
ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIME
Apostle Russell M. Nelson discusses the attribute of godliness in the following excerpt from a general conference address:
Examples of Godliness
Godliness is an attribute that seems as difficult to define as it is to attain. Scriptures refer to “the mystery of godliness.” (1 Tim. 3:16; D&C 19:10.) . . .
Simon Peter counseled us “to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God.” (2 Pet. 3:11–12.)
“The power of godliness is manifest” in the ordinances of the priesthood. (D&C 84:20.) Godliness is not a product of perfection; it comes of concentration and consecration.
Godliness characterizes each of you who truly loves the Lord. You are constantly mindful of the Savior’s atonement and rejoice in His unconditional love. Meanwhile you vanquish personal pride and vain ambition. You consider your accomplishments important only if they help establish His kingdom on earth.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s songs helped to convey their uncommon spirit of godliness. From their hearts the choir sang one number which bore testimony of love so amazing, so divine. Tears moistened the faces of more than a few as they expressed personal feelings of conversion and commitment to godliness. This song which the choir will soon sing includes these verses penned by Isaac Watts:
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood. . . .
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love, so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all!
Such are lessons taught by those who “serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things.” (Heb. 8:5.) Unitedly members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir testify of the living Lord and of His Church restored in these latter days, as do I. May God bless us to lift our lives by their example, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. (Russell M. Nelson, “These . . . Were Our Examples,” Ensign, November 1991, 59ff)
SUMMARY
Godliness follows faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, and brotherly kindness in our development of our divine nature (see 2 Pet. 1:3–12). Godliness precedes charity, the pure love of Christ. As we begin to think and act in a godly manner, we begin to understand charity—we begin to possess this ultimate attribute. Thus we see the utmost importance of godliness in our efforts to be like and be one with God. When we develop godliness, our hearts are set on the things of God.
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GOOD WORKS
“Good are the works that unfold through the power of love—our love for the Lord and our love for His children. That kind of love inspires and generates works of goodness and nobility. We can all improve in our cultivation of good works. As you ponder the importance of good works in building the kingdom of God and sharing the gospel with others, what steps come to your mind for improving your own service day-by-day in order to please the Lord and accomplish much good in the spirit of love and honor?”
Good works can be defined in many ways. Ultimately, “good works” pertains to those things we do to build up the kingdom of God. Good works include living up to the covenants we make and doing all we can to further the work of the gospel. Good works involve being like Christ, serving as He would have us serve in the kingdom. True service is based on love, and nothing is as fulfilling as service. Serving those who cannot help themselves is a vicarious act and one of the greatest expressions of love. We lose ourselves in the service of others, and we find our true power in doing so. We overcome all feelings of selfishness, and as we serve others, they will have a desire to serve. Service is not just contagious, but exponential in its power to affect lives throughout the world.
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US
Matthew 25:40. And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Mosiah 2:17. And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
As we serve others, we truly serve our Savior. When we believe this, we will serve others automatically and will find great joy in doing so. We will share the goodness that we have found in life with others.
James 2:26. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
The Lord Himself warns us that faith alone is not enough. We cannot just believe; we have to be sincere in living our beliefs, in doing what we know is right. At the same time, good works alone do not qualify us for the blessings of salvation and eternal life. None of us is perfect, and therefore none of us can be justified by the law without the atoning sacrifice of the Savior (see 2 Ne. 2). In addition to the good works and service we perform, we need the grace of God to carry us the remaining distance back to our heavenly home.
Mosiah 4:15. But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.
As we walk in the ways of the Lord, we will do the things that He would do. All of the work of our Savior is motivated by love (see 2 Ne. 26:24). When we truly love others, we will serve them and perform good works of charity and compassion.
Doctrine and Covenants 81:5. Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.
As Saints of the latter days we have been given a great work to do. Fulfilling the callings and opportunities extended to us is part of keeping our baptismal covenant to help people with their burdens, and to comfort them in their hour of need (see Mosiah 18:8–9). The Lord commands us to reach down and lift up those around us that they too may enjoy happiness and eternal life.
MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK
Jeffrey R. Holland:
The spiritual impact of that doctrine of restoration is sobering for those who may have believed that Christ’s atonement and their resurrection would somehow bring something more than was deserved. Alma made it very clear that if our works are good in this life, and the desires of our hearts are good, then in the Resurrection we will be restored to that which is good. But, by the same token, if our works are evil, then our reward will be the restoration of evil in the Resurrection. To Corianton, who apparently was taking casually some of these “points of doctrine,” Alma expressed strongly that no one should fallaciously assume that the restorative powers of the Resurrection could restore one “from sin to happiness.” That can never be, for “wickedness never was happiness.” (Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Message of the Book of Mormon, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], 242.)
L. Tom Perry:
Consider your ways. Is religion an active, vital part of your life? Are you looking for or hiding from opportunities to serve? Are you anxiously engaged in good works? (Living with Enthusiasm [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1996], 45.)
Ezra Taft Benson:
Reach out to others. Rather than turning inward, forget self and really serve others in your Church callings, in personal deeds of compassionate service, in unknown, unheralded personal acts of kindness. (Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1990], 59.)
Gordon B. Hinckley:
Those who are engaged in this service know that out of it all comes a sweet and satisfying feeling. This sweet blessing of the Spirit becomes literally a medicine to cure many of the ailments of our lives. From such experiences we come to realize that only when we serve others do we truly serve the Lord. (Faith: The Essence of True Religion [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1989], 40.)
David O. McKay:
Live in all things outside yourself by love. As you serve others, the children around you, your father, your mother, your associates, ever striving to make yourself and the world better, then will your souls grow in wisdom. Therein you will find the guide to the happy life. (Pathways to Happiness [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1957], 161.)
IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING
Here are four things to consider in performing good works, and in loving and serving your fellowmen:
1. Do good with no thought of personal reward.
● Service is unconditional—When you serve, do not look for rewards or bonuses. Instead, do good works without any expectation of recognition or return.
● Don’t keep score—When doing good works, don’t keep track. “[Love] is to be all made of faith and service,” said Shakespeare. Don’t compare your works to others; just do the best you can.
● Goodness is timeless—Momentary pleasures are fleeting and leave no traces; service and other good works leave behind an influence for good that never fades.
● Service is inner satisfaction—Notice the feelings you have after you do a good deed. You can enjoy those feelings of inner peace by simply doing good, and that should be reward enough.
2. Adopt the service “habit.”
● Follow the universal rule of service—Use the Golden Rule as your guiding principle: Treat others in the same way you wish to be treated.
● Service and duty are partners—Recognize the inherent duties of service within your roles in the family.
● Plan to do good—Plan to be regularly involved in good activities and to give service regularly. But don’t forget to be spontaneous, serving whenever you discern a need.
● Serve proactively—Service does not say, “Let me know if you need any help.” Service takes appropriate action now.
● Do it with a smile—When you serve, do it with a willing smile and never condescendingly. Always attempt to make the person feel glad he or she came to you or allowed you to help.
3. Teach good works through example.
● Goodness is the most enduring legacy—There is no greater example to leave behind for your family than a life of goodness and service to your children and others.
● Service is contagious—Service offers the receiver motivation to give in a like manner, generating exponential blessings.
● Encourage through gratefulness—Receive kindness and service with gratitude and thanksgiving. There is nothing that reinforces and teaches service more effectively.
4. Balance your service.
● Be generous in scope—Remember that service is multifaceted. It can be an expression of concern, love, or gratitude, where emotions and feelings are served. On the other hand, service can be intellectual, fostering learning and growth, or it can be social, as in being a friend. It can be temporal as to things and deeds.
● Follow the tracks of need—Service is especially appropriate on behalf of widows, the infirm, the fatherless, the hungry, the homeless, the cold—any place where fundamental human needs are wanting.
● Remember to feed your own soul—If you want to truly help others, you must nourish your soul through the good works of prayer, church attendance, scripture study, temple worship, and so on. In doing these good things you are helping others by building up the kingdom.
ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIMES
President Thomas S. Monson recounts the reorganization of a stake where he was prompted to recognize the good works and influence of the outgoing stake president.
Twenty-three Years of Service
Some years ago I was in Star Valley, Wyoming, to effect a reorganization of the stake presidency there. The stake president at the time was the late E. Francis Winters. He had served faithfully for the lengthy term of twenty-three years. Though modest by nature and circumstance, he had been a perpetual pillar of strength to everyone in the valley. On the day of the stake conference, the building was filled to overflowing. Each heart seemed to be saying a silent thank-you to this noble leader who had given so unselfishly of his life for the benefit of others.
As I stood to speak following the reorganization of the stake presidency, I was prompted to do something I had not done before. I stated how long Francis Winters had presided in the stake; then I asked all whom he had blessed or confirmed as children to stand and remain standing. Then I asked all those persons whom President Winters had ordained, set apart, personally counseled, or blessed to please stand. The outcome was electrifying. Every person in the audience rose to his feet. Tears flowed freely—tears that communicated better than could words the gratitude of tender hearts. I turned to President and Sister Winters and said, “We are witnesses today of the prompting of the Spirit. This vast throng reflects not only individual feelings but also the gratitude of God for a life well-lived.” (Thomas S. Monson, Inspiring Experiences That Build Faith: From the Life and Ministry of Thomas S. Monson [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1994], 45.
SUMMARY
Perhaps the most succinct and memorable statement about service in the kingdom of God is this: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). To be wholly devoted to the welfare of others is our religion. “There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed,” observed Albert Schweitzer, himself a devoted practitioner of good works and charity. When we become a service-oriented people, life’s greatest blessing will come to us: happiness. Good works and service are the by-products of love, and life offers us an endless variety of ways to assist and bless others. Let us magnify our callings and rise to the challenge of being a Zion people by giving our life in service and good works on behalf of all those within our circle of influence.