♦
REACTIVATION
“We all are teachers of the gospel. The resurrected Lord counseled His disciples during His final visit in the Holy Land: “Feed my lambs. . . . Feed my sheep. . . . Feed my sheep” (John 21:15, 16, 17). Let us all live worthy of the inspiration of the Spirit in our outreach efforts of love for those who need reactivation. How can we invest our time and talents wisely and come to rejoice over our returning friends in the spirit reflected in the words of the father of the prodigal son: “It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found” (Luke 15:32). “
Since the beginning of time, many souls have lost their way through poor choices, sins of omission, apathy, taking offense, or willfully going against God’s commandments, among other things. They have separated themselves and become lost from Heavenly Father, the Savior, the Holy Spirit, the Church and kingdom of God, and often their precious families. Our duty is to find and feed the Lord’s “sheep” (see John 21:15–17) and especially to seek after the lost sheep (see Luke 15).
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US
Luke 15:4–7. What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Every soul is precious to our Heavenly Father and our Savior, as it should be to us (see Moses 1:39; Mosiah 28:3; D&C 18:10–16). We must make every possible effort to find and reclaim, through love, our brothers and sisters who have strayed (see Matt. 18:14). (For further study of the role of shepherds in the Lord’s kingdom, see Ezekiel 34.)
John 21:15–17. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Prior to the Savior’s ascension, His last instructions were to feed His lambs and His sheep. When the Savior gave these instructions to Peter, He used a word referring to the highest form of love, agape or agapao, which means a perfect, godlike, unconditional, and unfailing love (see The Interlinear Greek-English New Testament [Basingstoke, Hants, UK: Samuel Bagster and Sons Ltd., 1987], 460). Peter responded with the word philia, which refers to brotherly, friendly, or reciprocating love, which is not fully adequate in order to truly feed the Lord’s sheep—hence the Lord inquires of Peter three times. The lesson and application seem to be that in order to truly feed the Lord’s sheep we must love with the pure love of Christ, which will never fail.
1 Corinthians 12:25–26. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
The Apostle Paul describes the body of Christ as “one,” stating that each member is an important part (see 1 Cor. 12:12–24). Verses 25–26 emphasize the oneness and unity that our Savior seeks for us in His kingdom. We should not to be separated in the body of Christ, but rather we should care for each other, and when one is suffering or struggling, we too should sorrow because of our love and concern for them. Likewise, we will rejoice with others when there is cause to rejoice.
Alma 31:34–35. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them again unto thee in Christ. Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee.
Our prayers, like Alma’s, should be to seek out our struggling brothers and sisters with a hope, through our service and by the power of the Spirit, of assisting them and bringing them back into the fold.
MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK
N. Eldon Tanner:
Every bishop, every stake president, every leader of any organization knows someone who needs attention, and you and we have the responsibility of going to find that lost sheep. If we had knowledge tonight that some young man was lost, if anyone knew of someone who was drowning, we wouldn’t hesitate one minute to do all in our power to save that individual, to save the one who was lost, the one who was drowning, the one who was in need of our help. These young men and these older men who are inactive in the Church, who have strayed away from the Church because of inactivity or for any reason, need our help and need our attention just as much. They need our prayers and our consideration, and nothing will bring us greater joy and happiness than to see one come back into activity.
By saving one, we might save a family. We might even save a generation. By losing one, we may lose not only the individual but a family and his posterity. The responsibility is great. (“Search for the Wanderers,” Ensign, June 1971, 59)
Marvin J. Ashton:
When I think of the Savior’s admonition to do cheerfully all things that lie in our power, I think of the father of the prodigal son. The father was heartbroken by the loss and conduct of his wayward son. Yet we have no mention of his lamenting, “Where did I go wrong?” “What have I done to deserve this?” Or, “Where did I fail?”
Instead he seemed to have endured without bitterness his son’s misconduct and welcomed him back with love. “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15:24.)
When family members disappoint us, we especially need to learn endurance. As long as we exercise love, patience, and understanding, even when no progress is apparent, we are not failing. We must keep trying. (Be of Good Cheer [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1987], 18)
IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING
Here are some ideas to consider as we strive to serve those who are lost or struggling:
1. Love everyone. According to the Lord, we should love everyone with the pure love of Christ (see John 13:34–35). It is a commandment (see John 15:12) with a precious blessing (see 2 Pet. 1:10).
● The pure love of Christ is necessary—In order to love unfailingly, we must seek to possess the pure love of Christ (see Moro. 7:48), which will provide strength as we seek to bless those who have strayed (see D&C 4:6).
● Find them—We must have an overwhelming desire to seek out the lost sheep (see John 21:15–17). Then we can number them and name them so they can be nurtured with the good word of God (see Moroni 6:1–4).
● Understand their situation—Each person comes with different perceptions and challenges. Be careful not to judge, except righteously (see JST Matt. 7:1–2). Seek to understand how others feel and why they struggle. Then to show forth love with empathy and patience.
● Determine and clarify others’ needs—Once others’ needs are identified, we are better able to assist them—we can offer our love in a way that will best help fill their needs. Sometimes the lost sheep do not perceive their own needs, and this kind of situation takes time, patience, and total reliance upon the Lord (see Prov. 3:4–5).
● Seek counsel and strength from the Lord and the Spirit—Seek direction through prayer (see 3 Nephi 14:7), from the Spirit (see 2 Ne. 32:5), from the Lord (see 2 Ne. 9:29; Jacob 4:10), from the scriptures (see 2 Ne. 3:23), and from your leaders (see D&C 108:1). Remember, the Lord is always there to help us and strengthen us in all things (see Alma 26:11–12).
● Help others feel your love and caring spirit—The old adage holds true that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. We must be a true friend. When people feel our love, they are drawn by its motivating power (see John 3:16; 2 Ne. 26:24; 3 Ne. 27:13–15).
● There must be a concerted effort on their part—As we become involved, it is imperative that those we are working with accept responsibility and make some form of commitments to change. Real growth requires commitment. A regularly scheduled class where they can be taught might be appropriate.
● Utilize all the resources available—Use the person’s family, friends, ward leaders, ward council, and every other resource that the Lord inspires you to employ. This must be done in wisdom, at the proper pace according to the person’s capacity to change.
2. Seek to strengthen their faith in Christ. The Savior must become a struggling person’s rock (see Hel. 5:12), and we must do all we can to increase his or her faith in Him (see Luke 17:5) so that this faith might become perfect (2 Ne. 9:23). This helps a person become spiritually sufficient in the Lord.
● Focus on the one—As directed by the Spirit, one-on-one contact can be very effective, even as the Savior demonstrated His love for the Nephite people one by one (see 3 Ne. 11:15).
● Never give up, never give in, and never give out—Enduring to the end in all things is the key, especially as we act as instruments in the hands of the Lord to bless those struggling Saints who desperately need help. We must press forward with unwearyingness (see Hel. 10:4–5), acknowledging that lost souls may take a long time to learn to nourish their own budding faith.
● Hope in all things—Through exercising our faith, we can have hope in all things through the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ (see Moro. 8:26). We can have hope that a lost lamb’s faith will grow and lead him or her to repentance. As our hope is centered in Christ, so a fallen soul’s will ultimately be.
ILLUSTRATION FOR OUR TIMES
In a general conference address, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin gives examples of the success we can have in seeking lost souls and bringing them back to full activity in the Church and kingdom of God.
Reclaiming the Lost Sheep
This work of reclaiming the lost sheep, as Jesus so vividly expressed it, must receive top priority by every stake, ward, branch, and quorum leader. All inactive members should be considered candidates for activation regardless of their response to any previous approach. We must use kindness, patience, long-suffering, love, faith, and diligence. . . .
Recently, I attended a stake conference and heard a story of member activation that moved me deeply. The bishop of one of the wards in the stake took a keen interest in arousing inactive brethren to Church activity. He knew that the first step was one of communication, that he must have a meaningful visit with each inactive brother.
So he began by telephoning one of them. The wife answered the phone and said, “Bishop, I surely appreciate your call. My husband is outside, but I will have him come to the phone.”
When the husband heard that it was the bishop that wished to speak to him, his reaction was as expected. He attempted to sidestep this phone call and responded, “Tell the bishop that I’m out sawing logs,” and with a humorous touch, “Tell him I’m dead.”
The brother spoke the truth more literally than he realized. It was true. He was sawing logs, and tragically, he was dead to the spiritual things of his life.
A good wife, however, is a mighty force in any man’s life, and, in a kindly manner, she persuaded her husband to come to the phone.
Then the bishop, using the power of suggestion and in a friendly voice, said, “I should very much appreciate having a visit with you for a few moments this evening in my office.” The brother couldn’t refuse so warmhearted an invitation, and a meeting took place.
The testimony of the bishop and his deep concern kindled a fire in the heart of the inactive brother, and he agreed to join the temple preparation class that was about to begin.
Each session, taught by a tactful teacher with a great knowledge of the truth and an inspiring testimony, motivated the inactive brother. He resolved to strengthen his family and bind them together eternally through the blessings of the temple.
This good brother may still be sawing logs, but there is now much more. He has added for himself an indescribable dimension of happiness, as well as joy to the lives of each and every family member.
In another ward, the bishop assigned his two best home teachers to work with one specially selected inactive family. The husband and father had been inactive for many years, even though he held the office of elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood. The couple was approached and asked if the special teachers could come and teach them the gospel in weekly visits to their home. The family agreed, and the teachers proceeded to bring gospel lessons tailored to the needs and desires of the family.
The bishop also helped by interviewing the couple every few weeks. The husband usually went golfing on Sundays and had no desire to change his life-style at first. During one interview, the bishop said to the husband, “You’ve got to get going on spiritual matters so that you won’t lose your fine family.” This caused the inactive brother to think deeply about important issues, and within a couple of weeks he asked for another interview with the bishop and said that he had started paying tithing and that he and his wife wanted to set a goal of being sealed in the temple.
As this family became active, their whole attitude changed, and they seemed to be very happy to embrace the gospel principles and make the necessary change in life-style. . . .
The president of an elders’ quorum in one of our outstanding stakes in Brazil—I love that great people, our members in Brazil—reported phenomenal success in reactivating fifteen elders in his quorum last year. I asked the question, “How did you accomplish this?” He said, “We and the home teachers visited them often. These inactive elders knew that we really cared for them.” Their testimonies were strengthened. They and their families are now active members of the Church.
The Lord has promised great rewards for those who reach out to strengthen their brothers and sisters.
The Lord has said in modern revelation, “And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!” (D&C 18:15.)
I wish I could engrave on every heart what I so keenly know and feel. I bear unwavering testimony that our Heavenly Father and His Divine Son, Jesus Christ, rule and reign, and that we must all understand that the gospel is everlasting. It is forever and applicable to all, and each of us is to be held accountable. (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Restoring the Lost Sheep,” Ensign, May 1984, 39)
SUMMARY
Souls are precious. Each person on the earth is a divine child of God. There can be no limit to our effort and desire to help everyone return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. This is our Savior’s goal: to redeem all of God’s children. The prophet Joseph F. Smith summed it up best when he said, “Jesus had not finished his work when his body was slain, neither did he finish it after his resurrection from the dead; although he had accomplished the purpose for which he then came to the earth, he had not fulfilled all his work. And when will he? Not until he has redeemed and saved every son and daughter of our father Adam that have been or ever will be born upon this earth to the end of time, except the sons of perdition. That is his mission. We will not finish our work until we have saved ourselves, and then not until we shall have saved all depending upon us; for we are to become saviors upon Mount Zion, as well as Christ. We are called to this mission” (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. Smith, comp. John A. Widtsoe [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1939], 442). We are undershepherds with the task of finding and blessing those who have lost there way.
♦
RELATIONSHIPS
“We all are teachers of the gospel. The resurrected Lord counseled His disciples during His final visit in the Holy Land: “Feed my lambs. . . . Feed my sheep. . . . Feed my sheep” (John 21:15, 16, 17). Let us all live worthy of the inspiration of the Spirit in our outreach efforts of love for those who need reactivation. How can we invest our time and talents wisely and come to rejoice over our returning friends in the spirit reflected in the words of the father of the prodigal son: “It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found” (Luke 15:32). “
Relationships are one of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects of life. The first and most important relationship is with our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. We must come to know, love, trust, respect, and reverence our God and His Only Begotten Son. Remember: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent” (see John 17:3). This will be the foundation of all other relationships.
Earth life and all of its joys are built upon relationships. Our association with others—spouse, family, friends, and associates—constitutes one of life’s supreme values. Marriage, family, school, and the workplace become enjoyable when they involve positive, meaningful relationships. Life’s enduring memories are usually associated with the people we care about and spend our time with. These relationships make life full and wonderful when they are joyful and vibrant, or empty and miserable when they are hurtful and incomplete.
Our actions and attitudes determine the fulfillment and success we enjoy in relationships. Successful relationships are a source of joy and happiness in this life, as well as in the life to come.
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US
John 13:34–35. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Our involvement with our fellowmen should be based on love. Relationships not based on love do not have the depth of meaning or possibilities for growth that those centered in godly love do. True charity is expressed as we have concern for one another and their well being. We then build relationships based upon trust, respect, and love. This should be our highest goal: to love our fellowmen, as this also manifests our love for God (1 Jn. 4:20).
MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK
Jeffrey R. Holland:
We should try to be more constant and unfailing, more longsuffering and kind, less envious and puffed up in our relationships with others. As Christ lived so should we live, and as Christ loved so should we love. (Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Message of the Book of Mormon [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], 336–37)
Ezra Taft Benson:
To be like Christ should be the righteous aspiration of every member of the Church. We should act as He would act in our relationships with others. (Come unto Christ [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1983], 52)
The formula for successful relationships with others boils down to that divine code known as the Golden Rule:
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. . . .” (Matt. 7:12.)
It was the Master who said, “. . . whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” (Matt. 20:27.)
Unselfish, willing service to others was the keynote of his relationship with men. (God, Family, Country: Our Three Great Loyalties [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1974], 6)
Joseph B. Wirthlin:
I believe that the little things are of great importance in our relationship with ourselves, in our relationships with others, and in our relationship with God. . . . Do we take the time to remember the simple courtesies that are so important in building relationships with others? Do we remember the smile, the compliment, the positive note, and the word of encouragement? We should do these things without hesitation. They should be a part of our everyday manner. (Finding Peace in Our Lives [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1995], 64)
IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING
Listed below are some helpful hints for developing good relationships with others.
1. Relationships are like gardens: we must provide constant nurture.
● Common vision—We cultivate the soil of common ground and mutual interests.
● Understanding—We constantly clear back the weeds of misunderstanding and jealousy.
● Hope—We supply the nutrients of encouragement, hope, and positive support.
● Love—We add the cleansing moisture of forgiveness, compassion, and charity.
● Enthusiasm—We bring to the relationship the sunshine of enthusiasm and energy.
● Harmony—Together, we harvest the fruits of harmony, balance, peace, and joy.
● Legacy—We leave behind the good seeds of honesty and integrity for the coming generations.
2. Relationships are based on many small acts of initiative.
● Trust—Build relationships based on trust, love, dependability, and respect. Become a trustworthy person. Follow through on even the little things you say you will do.
● Kindness—Learn to be a loving person, both in giving and receiving. Thomas Aquinas counseled: “The happy man needs friends . . . namely, that he may do good to them, that he may delight in seeing them do good, and again that he may he helped by them in his good work.”
● Respect—Respect all people in every way. Don’t let the state of your relationship affect your respect.
● Service—Do things for others that enhance and build up the relationships.
● Loyalty—Never gossip. It will damage all your relationships as people will always wonder what you say behind their backs. “Now friendship may be thus defined: a complete accord on all subjects human and divine, joined with mutual good will and affection,” declared Cicero.
● Support—Honestly compliment and praise others regularly.
● Caring—Do the little things that let people know you care. “Real friendship is shown in times of trouble; prosperity is full of friends,” counseled Euripides.
3. Some relationships are sacred.
● Parents—We must do all in our power to honor our parents, no matter the circumstances.
● Spouse—Where the relationship between husband and wife is grounded in commitment, shared vision, forgiving tenderness, and abiding love, success and harmony are almost ensured.
● Children—No duty or commission in life is higher than the parents’ sacred obligation to work for the good of their children.
● God—If our relationship with Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ is based on humility, gratitude, honor, and obedience, our lives will reflect peace and quiet joy.
ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIMES
The following, as told by F. Burton Howard in a general conference talk, emphasizes the point that beautiful relationships require great care and commitment.
Eternal Marriage
I think eternal marriage cannot be achieved without a commitment to make it work. Most of what I know about this I have learned from my companion. We have been married for almost 47 years now. From the beginning she knew what kind of marriage she wanted.
We started as poor college students, but her vision for our marriage was exemplified by a set of silverware. As is common today, when we married she registered with a local department store. Instead of listing all the pots and pans and appliances we needed and hoped to receive, she chose another course. She asked for silverware. She chose a pattern and the number of place settings and listed knives, forks, and spoons on the wedding registry and nothing else. No towels, no toasters, no television—just knives, forks, and spoons.
The wedding came and went. Our friends and our parents’ friends gave gifts. We departed for a brief honeymoon and decided to open the presents when we returned. When we did so, we were shocked. There was not a single knife or fork in the lot. We joked about it and went on with our lives.
Two children came along while we were in law school. We had no money to spare. But when my wife worked as a part-time election judge or when someone gave her a few dollars for her birthday, she would quietly set it aside, and when she had enough she would go to town to buy a fork or a spoon. It took us several years to accumulate enough pieces to use them. When we finally had service for four, we began to invite some of our friends for dinner.
Before they came, we would have a little discussion in the kitchen. Which utensils would we use, the battered and mismatched stainless or the special silverware? In those early days I would often vote for the stainless. It was easier. You could just throw it in the dishwasher after the meal, and it took care of itself. The silver, on the other hand, was a lot of work. My wife had it hidden away under the bed where it could not be found easily by a burglar. She had insisted that I buy a tarnish-free cloth to wrap it in. Each piece was in a separate pocket, and it was no easy task to assemble all the pieces. When the silver was used, it had to be hand washed and dried so that it would not spot, and put back in the pockets so it would not tarnish, and wrapped up and carefully hidden again so it would not get stolen. If any tarnish was discovered, I was sent to buy silver polish, and together we carefully rubbed the stains away.
Over the years we added to the set, and I watched with amazement how she cared for the silver. My wife was never one to get angry easily. However, I remember the day when one of our children somehow got hold of one of the silver forks and wanted to use it to dig up the backyard. That attempt was met with a fiery glare and a warning not to even think about it. Ever!
I noticed that the silverware never went to the many ward dinners she cooked, or never accompanied the many meals she made and sent to others who were sick or needy. It never went on picnics and never went camping. In fact it never went anywhere; and, as time went by, it didn’t even come to the table very often. Some of our friends were weighed in the balance, found wanting, and didn’t even know it. They got the stainless when they came to dinner. . .
For years I thought she was just a little bit eccentric, and then one day I realized that she had known for a long time something that I was just beginning to understand. If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don’t expose it to the elements. You don’t make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by. (F. Burton Howard, “Eternal Marriage,” Ensign, May 2003, 92; italics in original)
SUMMARY
A list of helpful hints for good relationships could go on forever. The key elements seem to be caring for the other person and working together to make the relationship strong. Through faith and devoted effort, we can truly attain our worthy goals to have close and endearing relationships. We are told: “in the strength of the Lord thou canst do all things” (Alma 20:4). Undoubtedly, our enduring relationships of trust and love are of great enough importance to the Lord for Him to lend His strength to them.
♦
REMEMBERING
“The word remember or a form of the word occurs frequently throughout the scriptures—over 110 in the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants alone. As we have made covenants with our Heavenly Father, it is clear that the power to do good and be good is tied to our ability to remember these covenants. The ability to keep sacred things in our minds is also a part of our covenants—to remember to recall and retain, and to think back upon these things, that we might remember the goodness of God and keep the commandments. To remember is more than just recollecting the thought periodically. It means always to have the principle, doctrine, and covenant in our mind. In remembering, we should think upon the things of the Lord and in particular our covenants. This is a key point in living the gospel: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7).”
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US
1 Nephi 17:45. Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God.
When we fail to remember the Lord, we easily and quickly stray from Him. Therefore, we are counseled constantly throughout the scriptures to remember: the Lord (see Mosiah 4:11), covenants and commandments (see 1 Ne. 15:20), the word of God (see 1 Ne. 7: 15), our heritage (see Alma 5:6), and those around us (D&C 18:10).
2 Nephi 10:20. And now, my beloved brethren, seeing that our merciful God has given us so great knowledge concerning these things, let us remember him, and lay aside our sins, and not hang down our heads, for we are not cast off.
As we ponder the things of the gospel, we recognize its goodness, and we increase our desire to live righteously. We forsake our sins only if we remember to do so; this is why we are ever working for, studying, and searching out the things of God.
Doctrine and Covenants 20:77. O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. (See also D&C 20:79; Moro. 4:3; 5:2.)
The sacramental prayers command us to remember His sacrifice, His body, and His blood, and to always remember Him and keep His commandments. If we do, we are rewarded with the blessing of always having His Spirit to be with us. During the sacrament we renew our baptismal covenants. The key to living them is to “remember.”
MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK
Spencer W. Kimball:
When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? . . . “Remember” is the word. (“Circles of Exaltation” [Address to religious educators, BYU, 28 June 1968], 8)
Henry B. Eyring:
How can you and I remember, always, the goodness of God, that we can retain a remission of our sins? The Apostle John recorded what the Savior taught us of a gift of remembrance which comes through the gift of the Holy Ghost: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26.) (To Draw Closer to God: A Collection of Discourses [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], 77–78)
Neal A. Maxwell:
Remembering and counting our many blessings can humble us by reminding us of all the reasons we have to be thankful to God; not just today’s reasons, but those relating to all our yesterdays. Each week a sincere partaking of the sacrament can become part of this very process. We partake “in remembrance,” so that we may “always remember” what Jesus has done for us (3 Nephi 18:11; Moroni 4, 5).
If we fail to stir remembrance of blessings received, the human tendency is to say, in effect, whether to one’s God or to one’s fellows, “What have you done for me lately?” Indeed, prophets of the Lord have asked directly whether their people had “sufficiently retained in remembrance” His deliverances and blessings (Alma 5:6–7). It is best to cultivate our “remembering” capacity now and to be guided accordingly, since at judgment day we will have “perfect remembrance” (Alma 5:18). The important theme of remembrance occurs in one form or another in the Old Testament well over two hundred times. It appears in the Book of Mormon dozens of times, too. This parallelism is to be expected, since the Israelites in Palestine observed the law of Moses and the Nephites kept it “strictly” for many years (see Mosiah 13:30; Alma 30:3). Wherever the gospel is, there too is the call to remembrance. (A Wonderful Flood of Light [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1990], 51.
IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING
Here are some ideas to help us remember the important things in life:
1. Search the scriptures and feast upon the word of God.
● Goals—Make specific goals to search the scriptures regularly.
● Study—Review the words of the living prophets, including general conference addresses.
● Standard works—Read and study the standard works. As noted above, the scriptures themselves are a reminder.
2. Pray always.
● When—Pray morning, noon, and night (see Alma 34:21). Even when ceasing to pray formally, we should go with a prayer in our heart (see 3 Ne. 20:1). Prayer will keep us focused on the Lord and His will.
● How—We are to pray with all the energy of our hearts (see Moro. 7:48).
● Worship—Our prayers are themselves a form of worship (see Alma 33:3).
3. Count blessings.
● Counting is part of remembering—The process of counting is an important part of remembering—for it will keep us tuned to our dependence on the Lord and prevent us from becoming proud and self-sufficient.
● Gratitude—When we remember our blessings, we will be filled with gratitude and we will remember the Savior and Heavenly Father and all that They have done for us.
4. Use innovative and creative strategies.
● Signs—Place signs around the house and workplace (posters, cards, photos, sticky notes).
● External sounds or sights—Assign something ordinary and everyday to be a trigger for memory. Examples include hearing the sound of a bell (telephone, door bell, digital planning device), hearing an automobile horn honking, or seeing a light or stop sign at an intersection—anything to remind you of commitments and covenant promises. You should make a list of sounds or sights that work well for you.
● The creations of God—Notice animals, plants, rivers and streams, mountains and valleys, the stars in the heavens. All of these can serve as reminders of the magnificent gift of the Creation and the power and glory of God. As Alma says, “All things denote there is a God” (Alma 30:43), and point us to Him.
● Inventions—View the things the Lord has inspired others to invent or build as gifts from God. These may include cars, planes, boats, farm equipment, medical devices, technology, etc.
ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIMES
The following personal story reveals that our hands can be a constant reminder of our duties and obligations in the Lord’s Church.
The Lesson of the Hands
The Lord’s special memory device for bringing to our minds the promises of obedience we make to Him under the covenant is the sacrament of the Lord’s supper. To partake of the sacrament we must, of course, use our hands. Should we not also think of our hands as a constant, ever-present lesson in remembering who we are and how we should behave? I recall many years ago being assigned as a priesthood leader to visit the Hampstead Branch of the Baltimore Stake. Seated on the stand during sacrament meeting, I had a clear view of the deacons along the front row waiting to pass the emblems to the congregation. That day the sacrament hymn was the beautiful and tender song that begins “While of these emblems we partake, in Jesus’ name and for his sake.” As we continued with the words—”Let us remember and be sure our hearts and hands are clean and pure”—I happened at just that moment to be looking down at one of the young deacons. There he was, holding both of his open hands out in front of him, palms upward. He was gazing upon them intently as if to find reassurance that he was, indeed, a worthy servant of the Lord about to participate in a sacred ordinance. I shall never forget that image of the young man and his extended hands. Our hands are, indeed, a constant reminder that we should be continually engaged in the Lord’s errand, ever intent on keeping His commandments, ever vigilant that our hearts and hands remain unsullied by the world’s ungodly practices, ever committed to that which is ennobling and edifying. The Lord counseled: “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord” (Isa. 52:11).
—Richard J. Allen
* * *
This story suggests a simple way to help us remember to keep the commandments.
The Penny
Years ago I would put up signs all over the house to help me remember to keep the commandments—on the mirrors, on the bulletin boards, and even in the dental office—displaying just one word: “Remember.” Then one day I was walking along and realized I wasn’t “remembering” with sufficient intensity because the signs were not always in front of me—so I put a penny in my shoe so I wouldn’t forget. I wore one in my shoe for over six years. Then I started giving them out at firesides. Pretty soon people would come up to me and say, “Brother Ed, I still have your penny in my shoe—it’s really helping me remember.” One night I was speaking at a “Know Your Religion Series” up in Oregon, and a man who taught institute came up to me, took off his shoe, removed a penny, and said, “I have had this penny for five years since you gave it to me when I was teaching at Orem High School Seminary—it really works.” We reminisced and agreed that “remembering” is indeed the key to assisting us in keeping the commandments.
—Ed J. Pinegar
SUMMARY
Remembering is imperative in living the gospel of Jesus Christ and enduring to the end. When we forget God and are swallowed up in the temptations of the world sin will easily beset us. Each Sabbath day we make covenants to remember our Savior and all He has done for us. We should try to remember each day to do the things the Lord has commanded us. If we do so, we will be happy, and through our righteousness and the grace of God, we can enjoy never-ending joy (see Mosiah 2:41).
♦
REPENTANCE
“The theme of repentance is central to our missionary message. We can bear our witness that the blessings of repentance are magnificent: joy, peace, comfort, an enhanced love for our Heavenly Father and His Son, greater capacity to receive light and truth, and the ability to bless the lives of others and show them the way of happiness. How can we go forth in the spirit of faith and repentance to teach these truths to others with firmness but gentleness, boldness but compassion? How can we plant in others the desire to obey the Lord’s counsel: “Come, follow me” (Luke 18:22)?”
The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes possible the miracle of repentance and forgiveness. Repentance, the process of becoming clean from sin, is necessary to our salvation (see D&C 20:29). It is the first principle of the gospel (see A of F 1:4), as it is through repentance that progression is even possible. Through repentance and faith on Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven and our guilt can be swept away (see Enos 1:6–8). Therefore, faith and repentance is preached continually throughout the scriptures and by our living prophets. Repentance and baptism are the gateway into the kingdom of God and a prerequisite for entrance into the celestial kingdom (D&C 20:71). All must repent, for all have sinned (see 1 Jn. 1:8). The consequences for failing to repent are severe; if we do not repent, we must suffer even as our Savior Jesus Christ did (see D&C 19:15–19).
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US
Acts 3:19. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
The commandment is clear: the Lord wants people to repent and be converted to the gospel, come unto Him through baptism, and receive remission of their sins. We should thank our Heavenly Father for this great privilege and keep His commandments, with the fervent hope of returning to His presence.
Alma 5:31–33. Wo unto such an one, for he is not prepared, and the time is at hand that he must repent or he cannot be saved! Yea, even wo unto all ye workers of iniquity; repent, repent, for the Lord God hath spoken it! Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.
Let us never forget the necessity of repentance; it is through repentance that can we be saved. In fact, if we do not repent, and if we fail to believe in Christ and be baptized, we will be damned (see 3 Ne. 11:34). If we repent, He will receive us. Perfection is not so much about living a perfect life as it is in living a life of perfect repentance. Lehi taught that “by the law no flesh is justified”—meaning that no mortal can perfectly live every aspect of the law of God (see 2 Ne. 2:5)—hence the need for a Savior to extend the arms of mercy to all who repent and offer to Him a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
Alma 34:15–17. And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance. And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption. Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you.
Repentance begins with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose Atonement provides payment for our sins if we but choose to repent. If we do not repent, we will face the whole law of the demands of justice, and we will suffer in the eternities for our sins. The overpowering of justice by mercy is possible because Jesus Christ satisfied the demands of the law by His infinite and eternal sacrifice. This is what is referred to by the plan of redemption. We must call upon God, seeking forgiveness of our sins and asking that He have mercy on us.
Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–17. Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not. For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I.
The Savior loves us and has suffered for our sins. However, we can only take advantage of His Atonement if we repent. If we choose not to repent, justice requires that we suffer for our own sins. The Savior Himself described these sufferings as exquisite, as so sore and hard to bear that our finite human minds cannot comprehend it. How wise we would be to repent rather than to be smitten by the wrath and anger of the Lord, who cannot look on sin with the least degree of allowance.
Doctrine and Covenants 58:42–43. Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them.
When we truly repent, the Lord forgives us and no longer remembers our sins. True repentance requires confession of sins and forsaking them, or abandoning and never returning to them. The joy of knowing that the Lord will not remember our sins and that our guilt is swept away should be motive enough for us to repent.
MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK
Harold B. Lee:
In order for good to blossom it must be cultivated and exercised by constant practice, and to be truly righteous there is required a daily pruning of the evil growth of our characters by a daily repentance from sin. (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996], 113)
Gordon B. Hinckley:
Repentance is one of the first principles of the gospel. Forgiveness is a mark of divinity. There is hope for you. Your lives are ahead, and they can be filled with happiness, even though the past may have been marred by sin. This is a work of saving and assisting people with their problems. This is the purpose of the gospel. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], 548)
Ezra Taft Benson:
Yes, one can repent of moral transgression. The miracle of forgiveness is real, and true repentance is accepted of the Lord. But it is not pleasing to the Lord to sow one’s wild oats, to engage in sexual transgression of any nature and then expect that planned confession and quick repentance will satisfy the Lord. . . .
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “God does not look on sin with allowance, but when men have sinned, there must be allowance made for them” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 240–41). That is another way of saying God loves the sinner, but condemns the sin. . . .
We all stand in need of change and reformation. We all need to rededicate ourselves to righteous, moral living. . . .
True repentance must come to each individual. (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], 70, 86)
IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING
Here are some steps to follow in the repentance process:
1. Recognize your sin. Become aware of your transgression to the point that you realize your need for repentance.
2. Feel godly sorrow for sin. Godly sorrow entails having a broken heart and a contrite spirit, which “worketh repentance” (see 2 Cor. 7:10). Godly sorrow is motivated by love of the Lord and not social pressures. A broken heart and a contrite spirit, or in other words, a sorrowful heart and a humbled spirit, are the offering we give the Lord as a sacrifice before Him (see 3 Ne. 9:20).
3. Forsake the sin. Stop committing the sin (see D&C 58:42–43) and turn away from it, even to the point of having no desire to sin, but to do good continually (see Mosiah 5:2). George Q. Cannon confirmed: “All are sinners and need repentance. We cannot commit sin and retain His Spirit” (Gospel Truth: Discourses and Writings of President George Q. Cannon, selected, ed. Jerreld L. Newquist [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1987], 126).
4. Confess the sin. Confess your sins to Heavenly Father and, when necessary, to your bishop (see D&C 64:7). “Without sincere confession of sin repentance is impossible,” (James E. Talmage, The Vitality of Mormonism [Boston: Gorham Press, 1919], 83).
5. Make restitution for the sin. Attempt to restore where possible that which was taken or destroyed. We often cannot make full restitution due to the nature of the sin. The power of the Atonement makes it possible to overcome our inadequacies through our Savior Jesus Christ (see Alma 7:11–12).
6. Forgive others. We must forgive everyone, especially those involved in any sin committed against us (see Matt. 6:14–15). Though a difficult, and often a lengthy process, it is as necessary for our repentance and salvation as it is to the one who sinned against us (see D&C 64:9–10). Only as we forgive others do we show the Lord that our hearts are right and that we merit His forgiveness.
7. Make a commitment not to sin again. Make a commitment—or a covenant in the case of baptism and partaking of the sacrament—to be obedient to all the commandments and endure to the end in righteousness (see 2 Ne. 31:19–21).
ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIMES
Elder William H. Bennett compares the course corrections necessary on the Apollo 13 mission to the repentance we must undertake in order to stay on the course to eternal life.
The Correction Was Made
The gospel teaches the importance of obedience to law. . . . You will remember that the astronauts on one of the missions had an outward trip and a return trip. On the outward trip their goal was the moon. On the return trip their goal was the earth, their home base. They reached their goals both going and coming because they themselves, the engines and the instruments under their control, and those at mission control at home base were able to operate in accordance with law.
Do you remember what happened on the Apollo 13 mission? As they made their return trip they were almost home when they found out that they were off course a bit. They had to make a correction. To do so, they had to fire their engine. If that engine hadn’t fired, the correction could not have been made; they would have missed the earth by eighty miles, and we wouldn’t have been able to bring them back. But the engine did fire, and the correction was made, and they returned to earth safe and sound.
Is there not an important lesson there for us? Is it not true that we, too, had an outward trip when we left our Father in heaven in the spirit world and came to earth? Are we not now walking around on our earth, which might be likened to the astronaut’s moon? And is it not true that whether or not we will be able sometime in the future to return to our Father in heaven, our home base, will be dependent on our willingness and our ability to observe the laws and keep the commandments that pertain thereto? And is it not true that the Lord has provided us with a way through repentance for making a correction to put us back on course when we have strayed because of sin?
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer to all problems. However, men and women everywhere must be doers of the word, and not hearers only, if they would have peace in the world and would find joy and happiness in this life and in the life to come. This is our great and important test. (William H. Bennett, in Outstanding Stories by General Authorities, comp. Leon R. Hartshorn [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1974], 3:5)
SUMMARY
The Lord has made it clear that in order for us to apply and live His gospel we must repent and come unto Him (see 3 Ne. 27:20–21). Now this is the time for us to repent. We should not procrastinate the day of our repentance, for we never know when the days of our mortal probation will come to an end (see Alma 34:31–35). Constant repentance is the key to exaltation. Through the Atonement and the grace of God, we truly can be saved. Therefore, let us choose to repent and become clean and free from sin. Unspeakable blessings await the repentant soul who valiantly endures to the end in faith and obedience.
♦
REVELATION
“Revelation from the Lord is the process by which missionary work is sustained with power and light. The Lord’s missionaries have the sublime opportunity to help light the candles of revelation for those they teach. The lighting of candles of revelation unfolds as the missionaries help guide their listeners through the process of faith and repentance leading to baptism and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Glorious additional candles of light await them in the sacred precincts of the Holy Temples of the Lord, as well as in the homes of patriarchs who grant unto them a personal revelation about glory and light directly from the Lord. How can we best help others to light these wondrous revelation candles of heavenly light and love in the most effective ways?”
Revelation is communication from God to His children. This communication takes many different forms, including personal visitations of Deity, angels, or the Holy Ghost; open visions; the voice of the Holy Ghost; dreams; a whispering in the mind and heart; or any similar inspiration from the Holy Ghost. Revelation can be of universal significance, as given through the prophets, or of personal application, as given to us in our personal lives and Church callings. As children of our Heavenly Father, we have the privilege to receive inspiration and direction in our lives, for God is no respecter of persons (see D&C 38:16). The Holy Ghost is the Revelator will give us revelation and direction according to our needs and worthiness (see 2 Ne. 32:5; Moro. 10:5). The blessings of revelation can be ours as we ask in faith, believing that we will receive (see D&C 8:1–3).
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US
Amos 3:7. Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.
The Lord has set up an order whereby He gives revelation to His Church, and we can trust in that order. We can trust in our prophets because they do in fact receive revelations from our Heavenly Father to direct the Church (see D&C 1:38; 4–6; 107:92).
Proverbs 29:18. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Revelation is the pattern by which mankind has been shown the things of God, and in particular the plan of salvation. It is the rock upon which the Church and kingdom of God is built (see Matt 16:18). Continuing revelation sets us apart from other religions.
1 Corinthians 2:10. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
The Revelator is the Holy Ghost. He will show us the things we should do (see 2 Ne. 32:5), the things we should say (see D&C 100:5–6), and the truth of all things (see Moro. 10:5). We must live worthy of the Spirit by increasing our faith (see 1 Ne. 10:17), being full of love, purifying ourselves before God (see D&C 76:116), and cultivating exact obedience as we keep the commandments (see D&C 20:77, 79). The Lord will provide a way to do this if we do our best in faith and humility (see 1 Ne. 3:7).
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.
It is our right, along with the prophets, to know the things of God (See D&C 42:61; 76:7). We gain this revelation by the same means they do; by fasting and praying to be near the Spirit of the Lord. There is a price to pay in order to know the things of God, as Oliver Cowdery learned (see D&C 9:7). We must do our part: study the word of God, fast and pray, exercise our faith, and have a righteous reason for asking (see Alma 17:2–3).
Articles of Faith 1:7, 9. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. . . . We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
For the Church to bless the lives of Heavenly Father’s children, continuous revelation is absolutely essential. Indeed, as a church and as individuals, we should live by the word of God (see D&C 84:43–46). Revelation is imperative in keeping individuals on the straight and narrow path.
MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK
Joseph Smith:
The spirit of revelation is in connection with these blessings. A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; (i.e.) those things that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God, will come to pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation, until you become perfect in Christ Jesus. (HC, 3:381)
Joseph B. Wirthlin:
In our own lives today, we receive revelation through the still, small voice that whispers “Yes, that applies to me.” The Prophet Joseph Smith received this kind of revelation when he read in James 1:5 that he should pray and ask God. It was in a similar circumstance that President Joseph F. Smith, after reading and contemplating the scriptures, had the vision of the redemption of the dead (D&C 138) opened to his mind. Regular study of the scriptures and meditating upon them are essential for continual revelation. (Finding Peace in Our Lives [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1995], 173)
Gordon B. Hinckley:
I believe in prayer, that prayer which is the practice of those who have been called to leadership in this Church and which brings forth inspiration and revelation from God for the blessing of his church and people. I believe in prayer, the precious and wonderful privilege given each of us for our individual guidance, comfort, and peace. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], 467)
Boyd K. Packer:
Revelation in the Church comes to those who have been properly called, sustained, ordained, or set apart. A bishop, for instance, will not receive any revelation concerning a neighboring ward, because that is out of his jurisdiction. (Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1991], 212)
IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING
Here are some ideas to help us qualify for and receive revelation:
1. Become worthy.
● Become purified—Worthiness implies personal righteousness through repentance (see Moro. 8:26), as well as the need for revelation according to our stewardship and the will of God.
● Have a righteous focus—An eye single to the glory of God will help us understand all things that are taught and revealed to us (see D&C 88:67).
● Live in humility—Humility is absolutely essential in understanding and following the will of God in our lives.
● Be open to inspiration—As children of our Father in Heaven, we have the sacred right to call upon Him for inspiration: “And it is the right and privilege of every man, every woman, and every child who has reached the years of accountability, to enjoy the spirit of revelation, and to be possessed of the spirit of inspiration in the discharge of their duties as members of the Church” (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. Smith, comp. John A. Widtsoe [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1939], 34).
2. Prepare every needful thing.
● Ponder—We should ponder and meditate regarding the situation we need revelation for, just as Nephi did (see 1 Ne. 11:1) and as the Prophet Joseph F. Smith did (see D&C 138:1, 11).
● Seek out holy places—There are sacred places that are conducive to receiving revelation, such as temples and other sacred spots that are free from the things of the world. Often nature and mountaintops can contribute to a feeling of receptiveness for inspiration (think of the Prophet Joseph in the Sacred Grove or Moses on Mount Sinai).
3. Ask in faith.
● Pray for inspiration—The words, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matt. 7:7) should be our frame of mind in regard to receiving inspiration and revelation from the Lord.
● Exercise faith—We must have faith that we can and will receive revelation, or our spirit will not be receptive when the revelation comes. Let us ask in faith, believing.
● Fast as needed—It is essential to fast and pray as required, in order to receive revelation (se Alma 5:46).
● Do the work—Remember that we must do specific things to receive an answer. These may include studying, meditating, cultivating possible solutions, reading the scriptures, and making a concerted effort to think things through.
4. Recognizing spiritual promptings.
● Be discerning—Recognize the feelings of the Spirit: peace, love, long-suffering, etc. (see Gal 5:22–23), and a desire to do good, walk humbly, do justly, and feel enlightened (see D&C 11:12–13). “We must be guided by personal revelation and the counsel of the living prophet so we will not be deceived” (Ezra Taft Benson, Come unto Christ [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1983], 115).
● Be receptive to the Lord’s means of communicating with you—The Lord can reveal truth in a variety of ways. Sometimes answers to prayers or lessons in wisdom come through others, sometimes through the scriptures, sometimes as a still, small voice. Know when these experiences are happening and when they are counterfeit.
ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIMES
In a personal account, Orson F. Whitney shows us how the Holy Ghost will prompt us to seek the revelation we need.
Why Don’t You Pray?
I found myself in an overworked, run-down condition, manifesting a decided lack of physical and mental vigor. . . . One morning I was endeavoring to write the usual editorial [for the Millennial Star in Liverpool], but could make no headway, and wore out the whole day in a vain attempt to produce something worth reading. At last I threw down my pen and burst into tears of vexation.
Just then the Good Spirit whispered: “Why don’t you pray?”
As if a voice had addressed me audibly, I answered, “I do pray.” I was praying five times a day—secret prayers, morning, noon and night; and vocal prayers, with the rest of the household, at breakfast and dinner time. “I do pray—why can’t I get some help,” I asked, almost petulantly, for I was heartsick and half-discouraged.
“Pray now,” said the Spirit, “and ask for what you want.”
I saw the point. It was a special not a general prayer that was needed. I knelt and sobbed out a few simple words. I did not pray for the return of the Ten Tribes nor for the building of the New Jerusalem. I asked the Lord in the name of Jesus Christ to help me write that article. I then arose, seated myself, and began to write. My mind was now perfectly clear, and my pen fairly flew over the paper. All I needed came as fast as I could set it down—every thought, every word in place. In a short time the article was completed to my entire satisfaction. (Orson F. Whitney, Through Memory’s Halls: The Life Story of Orson F. Whitney [Independence, MO: Zion’s Printing and Publishing, 1930], 151–52)
SUMMARY
The blessing and privilege of revelation is given to the children of God through the power of the Holy Ghost. We need to ask ourselves: Are we worthy and prepared to receive revelation? Do we seek revelation? Do we ask with a pure heart and exercise our faith? Without revelation, we cannot know the things of God, we cannot be directed in our lives, and we cannot be exalted. Revelation is the rock upon which the Church is built and it is a principle of knowledge and wisdom in our personal lives.
♦
REVERENCE
“The Lord’s missionaries have the opportunity to demonstrate and teach how we can all be more reverent before the Lord. We can show reverence unto the Lord in the sense that we humbly honor and keep His commandments according to His promise: “But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world and eternal life in the world to come” (D&C 59:23). How can we all show greater reverence before the Lord and thus serve more faithfully as emissaries of His gospel of truth and salvation?”
The feelings of respect, awe, veneration, and love are part of being reverent. In the world today we too often fail to teach and demonstrate reverence to our children. Reverence is due not only to God and his holy name, but to his laws, his gospel, his covenants, his prophets, his ordinances, his temples, his priesthood, and all the things he has revealed and given for the salvation and blessing of his children. (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966], 651)
When we treat lightly sacred and important things we fail to revere God. We create and become part of a generation of disrespectful, cynical, and often rudely-behaving people. The lack of reverence results in a lack of respect for laws and rules designed to bring civility to society and salvation to mankind. We can see that reverence truly affects the quality of life we all want to enjoy. President David O. McKay taught, “Reverence is profound respect mingled with love” (Conference Report, Oct. 1956, 6). Marion G. Romney observed, “Reverence is the soul of true religion. Its seedbed is sincerity” (“The Beginning of Wisdom,” BYU Speeches of the Year, 1964, 7).
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US
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?
As we show respect to our earthly fathers, we should consider our relationship with our Heavenly Father, who has given us all things. We should not only show reverence and devotion to our Heavenly Father, but we should be willing to submit to all things He asks of us, thus demonstrating our love and respect (see Mosiah 3:19).
Hebrews 12:28. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
Understanding the glory of God and having a desire to serve Him requires that we demonstrate reverence. The word fear (godly fear) as used in the Old and New Testaments refers to reverence (see Bible Dictionary, 1979 LDS edition of King James Bible, p. 672).
Doctrine and Covenants 76:92–93. And thus we saw the glory of the celestial, which excels in all things—where God, even the Father, reigns upon his throne forever and ever; before whose throne all things bow in humble reverence, and give him glory forever and ever.
When the Prophet Joseph and Sidney Rigdon received the visions of the degrees of glory, they prepared the way for us to know these great truths. This particular revelation teaches us that we are to become humble (having a relationship with, and dependence upon, our Heavenly Father and our Savior) and show reverence in total submissiveness. In this way we give God the glory in all things. When we remember these truths and incorporate them into our lives, we are more sober minded and more sensitive to the Spirit.
Doctrine and Covenants 84:54. And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—
The context of this scripture is that the people had treated lightly the Book of Mormon and some of the commandments. The best blood of the nineteenth century—that of the Prophet Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith—was given to bring forth the word of God. We must reverence all the gifts of God, but especially the word of God, for that is how we learn to live our lives day-by-day (see D&C 84:43–46). When we fail to show reverence for sacred things, we do not have an eye single to the glory of God, and hence we are not filled with light so as to comprehend all things (see D&C 88:67).
MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK
Gordon B. Hinckley:
We need to strengthen our sacrament meetings and make them hours of worship in very deed. Cultivate a spirit of reverence, an attitude in which people come into the chapel and are quiet and reverent and thoughtful. There is too much noise. We are a sociable people, but I wish we would not keep it up so loudly in the chapel. . . .
I hope brethren and sisters, that we will do all we can to cultivate a spirit of reverence always in the House of the Lord. I regret to say that we have so little of it in our meetinghouses. There is little of it even in the homes of the people. The temple is the one place to which our people can go, many of them carrying very heavy burdens, and feel a quiet and wonderful spirit of communion with our Father in Heaven. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], 558)
Harold B. Lee:
We need to nurture reverence in children. Reverence defined is profound respect, mingled with love and awe, for a holy being, place, or exalted thing. Now, may I give you four statements to summarize what has been presented:
First, there must be an opportunity given for children to practice being reverent.
Second, there are certain symbols which induce reverence: beautifully played and appropriate organ music . . . the light, the heat, the seating, the voice of the teacher, the dress of the teacher, her manner—symbols that induce reverence.
Third, children to be taught reverence need examples. Could you imagine reverent children from a home where they see no respect of father for mother or mother for father? . . . Could you imagine a reverent child from a home where he hears the constant criticism of Church authorities or where there is habitual resistance to counsel coming from Church leaders? . . . Parents cannot expect their children to be better than the example they set at home. They cannot practice all the things that are wrong and then expect the children to do all things that are right.
Fourth, we reverence that which we love, adore, or respect. Reverence is a quality of the soul which needs a proper climate in which to flourish. Closely relative to this subject is what we call good manners. Manners might be said to be behavior and good breeding. Real manners have a moral significance and find their basis in that true and deepest self-respect which is built upon respect for others. “Manners,” someone has said, “do not make the man but manners reveal the man.” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996], 202)
IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING
Listed below are three things we can do to focus on reverence and help others to do likewise:
1. Decide what and whom you truly revere in life.
● Heavenly Father and our Savior—Without reverence for God there is no reverence for life. Understand the goodness of God and you will reverence God.
● The word of God—We will reverence the word of God as we come to understand the blessing and power of the scriptures in our lives.
● All things—There is dignity in all of God’s creations, which testify of Him and His goodness (see Alma 30:44). We should appreciate the earth and all good things therein. Above all, we must reverence life and the inborn freedom that all should enjoy.
● Values and principles—Do you hold dear values such as truth, integrity, honor, courage, unity, harmony, and peace? Let people know you revere and respect such values.
● Meditation—Take time to ponder, meditate, savor the peaceful silence, and cultivate a feeling of thanks in your heart for the blessings of life.
2. Set an example of reverence for others.
● Reverent speech—Demonstrate by your speech a reverence for others and their beliefs. Never belittle people or things.
● Spirituality—Do not make light of sacred things. Set an example of reverence for the spiritual aspects of life. You can do this through prayer, dignified worship, reading the scriptures regularly, and giving praise and thanks to God.
● Service—There is no greater way to show that you revere people than by serving them willingly.
3. Exercise leadership in cultivating reverence in society.
● The community—Wherever you detect reverence in the community, recognize it, reinforce it, and reward it. Catch young people being reverent and respectful and thank them for their courtesy.
● The environment—Be reverent toward the environment by doing your part to prevent pollution, and by caring for and beautifying your space on earth. Teach others to do the same.
● The law—Respect and obey the law. Revere the institutions and positions of government that secure to individuals their rights and privileges. You can do this by playing an active role in the community, studying the issues, contributing to civic dialogue, and voting regularly.
● The home—Make the home a place of reverence by cultivating courtesy and respect among family members, fostering uplifting discourse and music, limiting the incursions of raucous and debasing television programs, and maintaining an environment that is peaceful and clean.
ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIMES
The following story tells how a teacher involved her class in hatching and “growing” chickens in order to teach them reverence for life.
Little Chicks Teach a Powerful Lesson
Mrs. Jones, a teacher, was trying to help the children of her class gain some sort of respect and reverence for life. They seemed so cynical and lacked the common decency associated with respect and reverence. Bill, the class clown, was always making fun of somebody. Tom, the tough guy, was always trying to hurt somebody or something. Others in the class were just ambivalent about life and sacred things. They were apathetic, to say the least. The teacher struggled. She thought, “I was teaching the subject okay, but I wasn’t teaching them.” After all, the theme of “Character Counts” was part of the ongoing curriculum for her school.
That’s when Mrs. Jones came upon the idea. She decided to give them a life-changing experience—a hands-on experience with life. So she set up a little box with a warm light in it and put fertilized chicken eggs in the box. The children voted and named the chickens that would hatch in their very own classroom. They were all excited. “We are having little chicks in our class!” Even Bill and Tom got involved. “Hey, this is pretty neat. We are growing chickens.”
Time passed, and the big day came. The little chicks hatched. Now the class had to take care of them. They were responsible. They became the “mothers” or “hens” for the little chicks. They had to be careful, for they couldn’t handle them too much—the little chicks couldn’t tolerate that. The students got water and grain and all the things the chicks needed. The class became different. The students began to think differently. Because they were a part of the chicks’ lives, they actually cared for the chicks. Everyone exhibited a respect for life and tenderness. Mrs. Jones was so pleased. A reverence for life, a reverence for learning was the result. She realized then that people had to “feel” about things in order to be respectful and reverent. Reverence and respect for life and sacred things comes with hands-on experience, the kind of experience that makes you a participant in the unfolding drama of our living world.
—Ed J. Pinegar
SUMMARY
An anonymous writer recorded these persuasive words: “Reverence is a cloak of honor we wear to keep warm and secure the feelings of love and respect we have within us for our fellowmen and for the dignity of life.” Morality, civility, and peace are the by-products of reverence. Personal growth is enhanced with a reverent attitude and behavior. We can readily see the power of true principles when we practice being reverent.
♦
RIGHTEOUSNESS
“The message of the Lord’s missionaries is that we can all take courage and become righteous just as the Lord is righteous. Righteousness is displayed through faithful action, including entering into the fold of Christ through baptism. The Lord’s missionaries teach the Savior’s words to their listeners: “And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost” (3 Nephi 12:6; see also Matthew 5:6). How can we as the Lord’s missionaries teach these truths to others with sincerity and power so that they, too, can harvest the eternal blessings of righteousness?”
Righteousness describes that state of being in which one is blameless, faithful, full of good works, and obedient to the commandments of the Lord. Righteousness is the oil in our lamps (see Matt 25:1–13), and righteousness is happiness (see 2 Ne. 2:13). The Prophet Joseph explains how we must be righteous in order to obtain happiness: “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God” (HC 5:134–135).
THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US
2 Nephi 9:18. But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever.
Righteousness entails believing God, obeying Him, and enduring all the trials, tribulations, and persecutions of this life. Our righteousness will prepare us to receive all the Lord’s blessings.
Mosiah 2:36–37. And now, I say unto you, my brethren, that after ye have known and have been taught all these things, if ye should transgress and go contrary to that which has been spoken, that ye do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide you in wisdom’s paths that ye may be blessed, prospered, and preserved—I say unto you, that the man that doeth this, the same cometh out in open rebellion against God; therefore he listeth to obey the evil spirit, and becometh an enemy to all righteousness; therefore, the Lord has no place in him, for he dwelleth not in unholy temples.
Righteousness, the state of becoming like Christ, comes from keeping the commandments. When we are taught gospel truths, we are accountable for our actions. As we break the commandments, we withdraw ourselves from the blessings of the Spirit, losing our direction. Choosing to follow Satan makes us enemies to all righteousness. We should be righteous so that the Spirit of God can dwell within us.
Mosiah 2:41. And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
Although those in the world who behave wickedly and mock righteousness may seem happy, we have been taught here otherwise. Our efforts at righteousness are not vain, but lead to happiness. During difficult times, we must remember that keeping the commandments leads to righteousness and true happiness.
3 Nephi 12:6. And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.
This magnificent beatitude helps us set our priorities and tune our desires and actions in regard to righteousness: we are to yearn for righteousness the way our physical bodies yearn for food and water. Then we will be rewarded with the companionship of the Holy Ghost, who will indeed lead us in righteousness and show us all things to do (2 Ne. 32:5).
MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK
Spencer W. Kimball:
Righteousness requires action. People tend often to measure their righteousness by the absence of wrong acts in their lives, as if passivity were the end of being. But God has created “things to act and things to be acted upon” (2 Nephi 2:14), and man is in the former category. He does not fill the measure of his creation unless he acts, and that in righteousness. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not,” warns James, “to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)
To be passive is deadening; to stop doing is to die. Here then is a close parallel with physical life. If one fails to eat and drink, his body becomes emaciated and dies. Likewise, if he fails to nourish his spirit and mind, his spirit shrivels and his mind darkens. (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982], 148)
Harold B. Lee:
We must hunger and thirst after righteousness. Did you ever hunger for food or thirst for water when just a crust of stale bread or a sip of tepid water to ease the pangs that distressed you would seem to be the most prized of all possessions? If you have so hungered, then you may begin to understand how the Master meant we should “hunger and thirst after righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). It’s that hungering and thirsting that leads those away from home to seek fellowship with Saints in sacrament services and that induces worship on the Lord’s Day wherever we are. It is that which prompts fervent prayer and leads our feet to holy temples and bids us be reverent therein. (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996], 613)
Bruce R. McConkie:
Salvation is a personal matter. It comes only to those who keep the commandments and whose souls are filled with the Holy Spirit of God. No man can keep the commandments for and on behalf of another; no one can gain the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit in his life and give or sell that holy oil to another. Every man must light his own lamp with the oil of righteousness which he buys at the market of obedience. Few doctrines are more evil and wicked than the false doctrine of supererogation, which is, that the saints, by doing more than is necessary for their own salvation, build up an immense treasure of merit in heaven, which can be dispensed and assigned to others so they too can be saved. (The Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary, 4 vols. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1979–1981], 3:468)
IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING
Here are several ideas to help us acquire and maintain a state of righteousness:
1. The scriptures. Live according to the word of God (see 2 Ne. 32:3; D&C 84:43–44). Hold to the iron rod so the temptations will not overpower you (see 1 Ne. 15:24; Hel. 3:29).
2. Prayer. Pray not only to avoid temptation and sin (see 3 Ne. 18:18), but to find ways to be actively righteous.
3. Obedience. Choose the freedom and happiness of righteous living (see 2 Ne. 2:27).
4. Remember. Remember the covenants you have made and live up to them (see Mosiah 5:5; D&C 42:78).
5. Preparation. Prepare daily to meet the Savior with your lamp full of the oil of righteousness (see Matt. 25:1–13). You fill your lamp drop by drop with your righteous deeds.
6. Love. Practice righteousness by loving and by showing mercy. The Prophet Joseph Smith declared: “To be righteous is to be just and merciful” (The Words of Joseph Smith, eds. Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1996]206).
7. Honor. Righteousness is not just doing the right thing, but doing the right thing for the right reasons. Righteous motives make the deed clean and wholesome (see Moro. 7:6–11; D&C 88:67). The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “Righteousness must be the aim of the Saints in all things, and when the covenants are published, they will learn that great things must be expected from them. Do good and work righteousness with an eye single to the glory of God” (HC 2:229).
8. Purity. Keep your thoughts pure, for they will become your words and your actions (see Prov. 23:7).
9. Associations. Associate with people with the same values (see Prov. 22:24; D&C 121:9). People who live the gospel will support and encourage you in righteousness.
10. Armor. Fortify yourself with righteousness. Put on the armor of God (see Eph. 6:11–17; D&C 27:15–19).
11. Service. Seek to serve and bless others (see Mosiah 2:17).
ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIMES
Insight from personal experience and the scriptures emphasizes the importance and safety of daily righteousness.
The Courage to Do What Is Right
When Captain Moroni rose in the majesty of inspired leadership to erect the title of liberty and energize his compatriots to take a stand for the right, he made a symbolic statement that continues to echo with vibrant power down through the centuries. That statement confirms the verity that universal principles and divinely-rooted covenants have eternal meaning and predominance in the face of worldly relativism and materialistically-defined tyranny. There is a time and a place where God-fearing men and women have to draw a line and stand up for truth—and that time is every day, and that place is everywhere.
I recall the training I went through as a young college student to qualify for summer work as a licensed tour-bus driver in the Canadian Rockies. We were taken on dangerous switchbacks to learn the skills needed for maneuvering a large passenger vehicle safely in the mountains. One day the trainer surprised us with an unexpected question: “Imagine that you are driving a fully-loaded bus on the outside lane of a mountain highway with a steep granite wall rising to your left and a deep precipice dropping to your right. Suddenly you round a curve and find that a car is racing toward you in the middle of the road. What would you do?”
Naturally one’s instinct is to veer out of the way—but that is the wrong answer. Any attempt to reposition the moving bus might take you too close to the edge and place your 45 passengers in even greater danger—with the possibility of death. The answer our trainer was looking for was simply this: You hold to your lane and hit the oncoming car directly. Your enormous weight and size will give you a powerful advantage in competition with the much smaller car—and the chances of maximizing the safety for your passengers will thereby be secured. At the time, this strategy seemed drastic, but it soon sunk in as the only possible solution to such a crisis.
The collision of honor and principle with moral compromise presents a similar scenario. There are many times in every person’s life where a sudden and unexpected confrontation with the oncoming dangers of evil and falsehood demand a head-on stand for what is right and what is true. At such times of choice there can be no compromise. To leave the well-marked pathway and veer to right or left to avoid potential offense or embarrassment that could result from taking a stand can only exacerbate the crisis and lead to tragic consequences.
When Moroni led his forces in a life-and-death battle against Amalickiah and his power-hungry hordes, he demonstrated how to meet life’s challenges head-on. His cause was the greater cause: “In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children” (Alma 46:12). In countless variations every day, we experience similar occasions, of greater or lesser scope, where we are engaged to address the challenges of evil and temptation head-on, veering neither to the right nor to the left. Our model is the Lord Himself: “For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round” (D&C 3:2).
Our commission in life is much like that of the bus driver. We journey along the highways of life with the responsibility to guide our families safely to the destination of sanctity and righteousness. There are many dangerous curves to maneuver. There are countless distractions to divert our vision from the course straight ahead. Our duty and our honor demand constant vigilance and the perpetual exercise of correct principles. When on occasion we come upon a sudden challenge in the road, we are then prepared and ready to take a stand for the sake of our families, our church, our peace, our faith. We stay in tune with the Spirit and follow the promptings that come.
As the Savior expressed it in His intercessory prayer: “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth” (John 17:19). To overcome the perils of temptation and the threat of evil in this world, we need only emulate the example of righteous figures like Moroni, of whom Mormon said: “Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men” (Alma 48:17).
—Richard J. Allen
SUMMARY
President Ezra Taft Benson counseled: “We represent Jesus Christ. How that thought ought to prompt us toward more righteousness and a desire to be more like Him!” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], 344). We should seek to honor Christ’s name through righteousness. Hungering and thirsting after righteousness should be our main goal in life. We must remember that salvation is an individual thing and that we cannot transfer righteousness to another person. In righteousness there is long-lasting joy, whereas in wickedness—though there may be moments of worldly pleasure—the eventual reward is only heartache and heartbreak.