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SABBATH

“The Lord gave us a special commandment: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). The Sabbath is a special day on which we can share the gospel with those seeking the truth as we accompany them to Church meetings where they can observe gospel practices while among the Saints. The Sabbath has been dedicated by the Lord for the blessing of His sons and daughters: “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath” (Mark 2:27–28). How can we make the Sabbath day one of light and truth, a day for sharing our testimony with others and helping them find their way forward on the pathway of salvation?”

Though the Sabbath is often referred to as the Lord’s day, He actually made it for us. He knew we would need a time for our bodies and spirits to rest and renew, and a time dedicated to remembering Him. Therefore, as He took one day of seven to rest from creating the earth, He gave us a day of rest. The purpose of the Sabbath day is to worship God, rest from our daily labors, renew our covenants, receive gospel instruction, and receive edification to our spirits. The Sabbath is a day to magnify our callings, caring for those who need help or, in other words, practicing pure religion (see James 1:27). Sabbath observance is not only commanded by God, it also signifies our covenants with, and dependence on, Him. “Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you” (Ex. 31:13).

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US

Exodus 20:8. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

This short and simple commandment of the Lord holds a depth of meaning and application in our lives. Remember is a significant word in relation to our covenants. Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines the verb remember: “To have in the mind an idea which had been in the mind before, and which recurs to the mind without effort. . . . To preserve the memory of; to preserve from being forgotten. . . . To think of and consider; to meditate. . . . To bear in mind with praise or admiration; to celebrate. . . . To bear in mind with reverence; to obey” (An American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828, electronic ed. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1998]). Part of our Sabbath observance is remembering the Lord in these ways, with ease, in meditation, and in praise.

Keeping the Sabbath day holy demonstrates our personal attitudes toward our Heavenly Father and our Savior. Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines the word holy as: “Properly, whole, entire, or perfect, in a moral sense. . . . Hence, holy is used as nearly synonymous with good, pious, godly. . . . Hallowed; consecrated or set apart to a sacred use, or to the service or worship of God; . . . Proceeding from pious principles, or directed to pious purposes; as holy zeal. . . . Perfectly just and good; as the holy law of God. . . . Sacred; as a holy witness” (ibid). Let us apply these definitions to our understandings as we seek to keep the Sabbath holy.

Deuteronomy 5:12. Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee.

Sanctifying the Sabbath means making it holy and special by setting it apart from other days and ensuring that we do not desecrate it through our actions. Remember that the Savior is Lord of this day as well (see Matt. 12:8), and that His resurrection occurred on the Sabbath day.

Mark 2:27. And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.

Too often the Sabbath day is a day of “Don’t do this” and “Don’t do that.” Such an approach makes the Sabbath day a day of negatives. Rather, the Sabbath day is a day of “We get to”: We get to worship and pay homage to our Heavenly Father and our Savior; we get to rest from our daily labors; we get to bless our fellowmen; we get to be with family. Let us make the Sabbath a joyous and happy day.

Mosiah 18:23. And he commanded them that they should observe the sabbath day, and keep it holy, and also every day they should give thanks to the Lord their God.

The Lord’s true Church is not a Sunday-only church. We are gospel-oriented Saints, and we should live the gospel on a daily basis. This can be our source of joy and happiness as we apply correct principles and doctrines to our lives. We must not become like the Zoramites in the Book of Mormon, who forsook the gospel on a daily basis and then polluted the Sabbath day with false worship. Our Sabbath worship is enhanced by righteous daily living.

Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–13. And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High; Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times; But remember that on this, the Lord’s day, thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord. And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full.

We reverence Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as we keep the Sabbath day holy. Through renewing our covenants and being edified, we are strengthened and able to keep ourselves free from temptation and sin—unspotted from the world. We also pay our tithes and offerings (oblations) on the Sabbath. Our “sacraments” constitute the binding of ourselves to the Lord through covenants; this is why we partake of the sacrament on the Sabbath day.

MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK

Spencer W. Kimball:

The Sabbath is a holy day in which to do worthy and holy things. Abstinence from work and recreation is important but insufficient. The Sabbath calls for constructive thoughts and acts, and if one merely lounges about doing nothing on the Sabbath, he is breaking it. To observe it, one will be on his knees in prayer, preparing lessons, studying the gospel, meditating, visiting the ill and distressed, sleeping, reading wholesome material, and attending all the meetings of that day to which he is expected. To fail to do these proper things is a transgression on the omission side. (The Miracle of Forgiveness [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969], 96–97)

Joseph B. Wirthlin:

In our day, standards for keeping the Sabbath day holy are lowered a little at a time by some individuals until practically anything seems to become acceptable. The sign between the Lord and his covenant people is trampled underfoot as Latter-day Saints skip Sunday meetings to seek recreation at lakes and beaches, in the mountains, at sports arenas, and at theaters. Parking lots at supermarkets and discount stores often are full on Sundays. Many store owners feel compelled to open their doors on Sundays because of the demand for the merchandise and services. The people who misuse the Sabbath lose the blessings of spiritual food and growth promised to those who keep this commandment. (Finding Peace in Our Lives [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1995], 16)

Gordon B. Hinckley:

It appalls me to see Latter-day Saints who shop on Sunday. I cannot understand how they can go in the face of the direct word of the Lord that “thou shalt keep the Sabbath day holy.” Shopping is not a part of keeping the Sabbath day holy. . . . On the first Sabbath in the Salt Lake Valley, Brigham Young said, “We will not work on Sunday, for those who do will lose five times as much as they gain.” I believe God will honor and bless and magnify and be quick to help those who try to keep His commandments. The commandment on the Sabbath Day is the longest of the Ten Commandments. The Lord was very specific about it, very detailed about it. I can’t help but believe that the merchants would not be open on Sunday if we did not patronize their stores. Therefore, that responsibility rests upon our shoulders. I hope you will not shop on Sunday. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], 560)

IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING

Here are some ideas to help us keep the Sabbath day holy:

1. Remember whose day it is.

●    Reverence—We should pause to revere and worship our Heavenly Father in mind, heart, and action on His day. Our attitude on this day should be respectful of the Lord and His command of Sabbath worship.

●    Sacrament—We should prepare mentally and spiritually to partake of the sacrament with renewed gratitude for the Atonement and dedication to keep the commandments.

●    Refreshment—The Lord made this day for us so that we could rest from our daily labors and be renewed and refreshed.

●    Service—We should seek to emphasize the positives of the Sabbath through service and family togetherness.

2. Some other things to remember on the Sabbath.

●    Meetings—We must faithfully attend all of our meetings, with advance preparation and with a desire to learn and participate.

●    Sacrament—We ought to consider the covenants we renew, during the sacrament, and renew these covenants with a firm determination to always keep them.

●    Build the family—On the Sabbath, we should pursue spiritual and family-building activities rather than purely amusement-type activities.

●    Be spiritually resourceful—President Spencer W. Kimball suggested many things we can do to make the Sabbath special: meditate; serve others; read edifying material (the scriptures, conference reports, Church publications, and uplifting literature); study the prophets’ lives and teachings; prepare Church lessons and family home evenings; visit relatives and friends; write in our journals or to missionaries and others; enjoy uplifting music and sing Church hymns together; read with a child; do family history research; develop appreciation for the cultural arts; friendship nonmembers; and visit the sick, the aged, and the lonely. (See Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 217.)

●    Stay close to the Lord—Many activities are appropriate on the Sabbath, while many are not. How do we know the difference? The key is to do only those things on the Sabbath that help us feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ; the Holy Ghost will help us identify those things.

ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIMES

In a general conference address, Elder ElRay L. Christiansen discusses the inappropriateness of recreational activities on the Sabbath day.

The Sabbath Breaker

On a number of occasions when I have been returning from conferences, I have met on the highway a great number of automobiles. In many of these were families apparently returning to their homes on the early Sunday evening. Attached to a good number of these cars were beautiful boats. Now, ordinarily we do not take boats to church, so one must conclude that these fine people had not been to church, nor were they on their way to church.

I wonder if it is wise—well, I can say positively—it is not wise for parents to take their children away from their appointed places of worship on the Sabbath day where they may learn the gospel and where they may become fortified to face life through increased faith, trust, and confidence in the Lord, and require their children to go with them on the Sabbath day to spend the day on the reservoir or at some other place of amusement. Such practices may seriously impair and affect the lives of these children and perhaps the lives of their children. In fairness to our children and to ourselves, we must go to the house of prayer on His holy day as the commandment requires.

An acquaintance of mine had purchased a lovely boat and had just finished varnishing it and painting it. When I stopped by, he was admiring it. I surmised that he was getting it ready to take it, with his family, to the reservoir the next Sunday. He said, “It is complete and in readiness except for one thing.” Then he asked me, “Could you suggest an appropriate name for the boat?”

I knew him very well. I thought for a moment, and then I said, “Well, perhaps you should name it The Sabbath Breaker.”

He looked at me, and he understood. (ElRay L. Christiansen, Conference Report, April 1962, 33)

SUMMARY

If someone in one of our Church circles were asked what he or she was aspiring to become, the answer would probably be: “I am seeking eternal life and to be like our Savior.” Fortunately, the Lord provided an entire day each week for us to work on this goal. Our Sabbath days should be used to come closer to our Heavenly Father and our Savior. Therefore, we need to use the Sabbath to study and pray, and to acquire those attributes that will help us not only keep the commandments but become like our Savior. On the Sabbath, we should be about our Father’s work—bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of ourselves and others (see Moses 1:39). In this way, we can sanctify the Sabbath day and keep it holy for the betterment of all of Heavenly Father’s children.

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SACRAMENT

“The sacrament of the Lord’s supper is a beautiful and hallowed ordinance in which the majesty of the Atonement and our obedient acceptance of the Lord’s sacrifice on our behalf are made a central part of our worship. As we study and ponder the sacrament prayers (D&C 20:77, 79; Moroni 4:3; 5:2), what ideas and plans come into our minds and hearts about how to reach out and share these blessings with others? How can we best guide the honest at heart toward an acceptance of the Lord’s plan of happiness empowered by His love, mercy, and atoning sacrifice?”

In the Old Testament, sacrifices were offered to remind the people of the future Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. Adam was taught that the sacrifices were in the similitude of the Only Begotten of the Father (see Moses 5:7). Today, we still remember the Atonement, but with a different form of commitment. During the sacrament, we remember the Atonement of our Savior, witnessing that we willingly take the name of Christ upon us, that we will always remember Him, that we will keep the commandments—thus renewing our baptismal covenant (see D&C 20:37; Mosiah 18:8–9; Moro. 6:1–4). This renewal not only revives our commitment to the Lord, but reminds us of His promise to us: if we do these things, we will always have His Spirit with us.

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US

Matthew 26:26–28. And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

The new testament or new covenant was instituted by the Savior that we might remember Him and apply the Atonement in our lives through repentance. As noted in the scripture above, prior to His atoning sacrifice—as He had not yet been “broken”—He blessed the bread first and then broke it. In 3 Nephi 18, the Lord broke the bread first—for now He had offered the atoning sacrifice—and then blessed it.

1 Corinthians 11:26–29. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

In partaking of the sacrament, we acknowledge and witness the Lord’s Atonement. The process of partaking is sacred and holy and should be done in utmost reverence. When partaking of the sacrament, we must be worthy. This implies that we have honored the Lord’s Atonement: we have repented of our sins, resolving them with the Lord and, when necessary, with our priesthood leaders. We must not say to ourselves, “I am just not feeling well about a few things, so I had better not partake of the sacrament.” The bishop is responsible for ensuring that only worthy Church members partake of the sacrament, so if there is a question in your mind, see the bishop (see 3 Ne. 18:28–29). Let us be cautious about refusing the Lord’s atoning sacrifice unless we are moved by godly sorrow to refrain, biding the time when repentance is complete, or unless we have been so instructed by the bishop.

3 Nephi 18:12–13. And I give unto you a commandment that ye shall do these things. And if ye shall always do these things blessed are ye, for ye are built upon my rock. But whoso among you shall do more or less than these are not built upon my rock, but are built upon a sandy foundation; and when the rain descends, and the floods come, and the winds blow, and beat upon them, they shall fall, and the gates of hell are ready open to receive them.

Verses 1 through 13 of 3 Nephi chapter 18 speak of the sacrament and its significance. Verses 12 through 13 teach a principle and doctrine of power that we can have if we properly partake of the sacrament. If we build upon the rock of the Lord, we cannot fall (see Hel. 5:12).

Doctrine and Covenants 20:77; Moroni 4:3. 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.

Doctrine and Covenants 20:79; Moroni 5:2. O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

The sacrament prayers extend great promises to those who truly partake of the sacrament with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. The commitment to our covenants will bring the Holy Spirit into our lives, along with untold blessings. Remember that the Spirit is the key to following Christ and living a Christlike life.

MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK

Joseph B. Wirthlin:

Windows must be washed regularly to clean away dust and dirt. . . . Just as earthly windows need consistent, thorough cleaning, so do the windows of our spirituality. . . . By partaking of the sacrament worthily to renew our baptismal covenants, we clarify our view of life’s eternal purpose and divine priorities. The sacrament prayers invite personal introspection, repentance, and rededication as we pledge our willingness to remember our Savior, Jesus the Christ. (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 77)

Boyd K. Packer:

It is not an easy thing in this world to stay worthy, to stay clean and pure. Each day may bring little irritations and temptations and mistakes. Our Heavenly Father has provided a way that we can renew the covenants we made with him at the time of our baptism. Each week we can gather together to partake of the sacrament for that purpose.

It is not very likely that during the course of a week, between sacrament meetings, we will get so far off the path of righteousness that we will lose our way. There is always that still, small voice to guide us. (Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1991], 233)

David B. Haight:

As we partake of the sacrament and reflect upon his sacrifice for each of us, we make a solemn commitment to keep the commandments he has given us; by so doing, we might always have his spirit to be with us. By partaking of the sacrament each Sunday, we receive the encouragement and strength to keep the commandments of God, to live uprightly, virtuously, and honestly. He himself summed those commandments up as follows: “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27).

This is what every person who partakes of the sacrament is committed to do. Living God’s commandments obligates each of us to a life of goodness and to exclude from our lives hatred, enmity, immorality, selfishness, drunkenness, jealousy, and dishonesty. . . .

The sacrament is one ordinance that allows us to experience a personal relationship with God and enlarges our knowledge and understanding of him and his Only Begotten Son.

Our personal reward for compliance with the covenants and obligations in the ordinance of the sacrament is companionship of God’s Holy Spirit. This is the light that leads to eternal life. (A Light unto the World [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], 176–77)

IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING

Here are some ideas to help us make the sacrament more meaningful in our lives:

1. Review some of the significant scriptures.

●    The Atonement—See 2 Nephi 9; Mosiah 3–4; Alma 7, 11, 34, 42; 3 Nephi 11, 18, 27; D&C 19:15–19; see also Atonement in this volume.

●    The baptismal requirements—See D&C 20:37, 69; Mosiah 18:8–9; Moroni 6:1–4.

●    The sacramental prayers—See D&C 20:77, 79; 3 Nephi 18; Moroni 4:3; 5:2.

●    Keeping the commandments—See John 14:15; Matthew 22:36–40; 3 Nephi 12–14; see also Commandments and Obedience in this volume.

●    The blessings of the Spirit—See 2 Nephi 32:5 and Holy Ghost in this volume.

2. Make all needful preparations before partaking of the sacrament.

●    Repentance—Forsake and confess your sins to Heavenly Father and, when necessary, to your bishop.

●    Reverence—Come with a reverent attitude and with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Arrive early to sacrament meeting in order to have time to ponder and meditate.

●    Family instruction—Plan a family home evening on the Atonement and the significance of the sacrament.

●    Remember—At an appropriate time on Sunday prior to sacrament meeting, remind yourself and your family concerning the partaking of the sacrament and its sacred significance.

3. Make the sacrament experience a spiritual feast.

●    Singing—Sing the sacrament hymn with a reverent attitude, paying careful attention to the words.

●    Covenant—When saying amen to the sacramental prayers, remember that you are making a covenant with the Lord.

●    Meditating—As the sacrament is passed, be as reverent as possible, pondering and meditating on the Savior and His atoning sacrifice. Think of the sacramental prayers and your personal covenants.

●    Resolve—Make a firm resolution to be and do better in the coming week.

●    Patience—Remember that little children are learning reverence and they don’t always understand; you can therefore learn patience as you seek to keep them under control during sacrament meeting. The Lord is pleased knowing that you are trying to be your best.

4. Remember the sacramental prayers during the week.

●    Reading the word of God—Scripture time can be a wonderful time to refresh your mind concerning the Atonement and the covenants you make when partaking of the sacrament.

●    Prayers—Family and personal prayers can serve to remind you of your worthiness and your efforts to bring the Spirit into your life.

●    Planning—Plan and prioritize your life to make the sacrament an important part. Make sacrament meeting attendance a priority, and prepare yourself early for it.

ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIMES

Elder John H. Groberg tells the story of a woman who could not partake of the sacrament for a time, and the joy she felt when she became worthy to partake of it again.

The Beauty and Importance of the Sacrament

Some years ago, a young couple we will call the Joneses visited with their bishop about a problem the wife had. The details are not important, but through the direction of the Spirit, the bishop’s decision was that, among other things, Sister Jones would not partake of the sacrament for a period of time while she worked out some attitudes and problems.

With lots of love and support, she continued to attend meetings with her family, and few but her husband and the bishop were aware of the situation or even noticed that week after week she did not partake of the sacrament. At first she didn’t feel much difference; but as time went on, she became more and more desirous to be worthy to partake of the sacrament. She thought she had repented before, but as the real soul-searching deepened and as her desire to worthily partake of the sacrament increased, true fundamental changes began to take place in her life and in her actions and in her thinking.

More time passed. Finally, during one sacrament meeting, the Spirit bore witness to the bishop and to Brother and Sister Jones that the time had come for her to again partake of the sacrament. “Next Sunday,” the bishop said.

Next Sunday came, and Sister Jones sat again with her family, nervous, yet excited and full of anticipation. “Am I really worthy? How I want to be!” she thought. The sacrament hymn was more meaningful than ever. She sang with such feeling that it was difficult to hold back the tears. And the sacrament prayers—how profound! She listened so intently that every word sank deep into her soul—to take his name, always remember him, keep his commandments, always have his Spirit. (See D&C 20:77, 79.) “Oh, how I desire this,” she thought.

The deacons began to move up and down the aisles, and the trays were passed from person to person across the rows. As one young deacon got closer and closer to her row, her heart began to pound harder and harder. Then the tray was coming down her very row. Now her husband was holding the tray in front of her! Tears streamed down her face. There was a barely audible sob of joy, “Oh!” as she reached for the emblem of the Lord’s love for her. The congregation did not hear the sob, but they did notice the tears in the bishop’s eyes.

Life and hope and forgiveness and spiritual strength had been given and received. No one could be more worthy. Sister Jones truly wanted to have his Spirit. She wanted to take his name upon her. With all her heart, she wanted to remember him and keep his commandments. She wanted to repent, to improve, and to follow the guidance of his Spirit.

Think of it. Think of what could and should happen in your life, in your ward, in your stake, in the whole Church, in the whole world, if every Sunday individuals—hundreds, thousands, even millions—under the authority of the priesthood of God, took the sacrament worthily and thus repented and sincerely determined to better follow the guidance of the Lord’s Spirit. (John H. Groberg, “The Beauty and Importance of the Sacrament,” Ensign, May 1989, 38)

SUMMARY

The sacrament is a vital part of Heavenly Father’s plan to help us keep the commandments. The Atonement of our Savior draws us to Him (see 3 Ne. 27:14–15), and when we partake of the sacrament, we promise to remember Him and to keep His commandments. We mortals, with our finite minds, need constant reminders, and the sacrament is Heavenly Father’s way to help us remember His Son’s sacrifice. As we make partaking of the sacrament an important part of our life, we will keep the commandments and live by the Spirit.

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SACRIFICE

“The greatest example of service and sacrifice is the Savior Himself, who gave His life willingly for all mankind, that all might live. That is our missionary message—that the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ opened the way for us all to fulfill our destiny of returning home one day to the glorious presence of the Father and the Son. As we share the gospel message with others, we invite them to join with us in joyful and faithful worship. How can we all do a little better each day to improve the ways in which we emulate the noble sacrifice of the Lord by working, serving, and teaching through the guidance of the Spirit?”

Prior to the Atonement of our Savior, the children of God offered blood sacrifices as a symbol of their reverence and devotion to God (see Moses 5:5–7). Such sacrifices serve as both a similitude of the Savior’s Atonement and an offering of something of great worth. Today, following the new commandment from our Savior, we offer a different kind of sacrifice: a broken heart and a contrite spirit (see 3 Ne. 9:20). To offer a broken heart and a contrite spirit is to offer one’s very self, giving one’s will and one’s decisions to the will of God.

Through the spirit of sacrifice, we enter a condition of profound change: we are in a state of humility; we depend upon God; we are easily entreated; we have no pride or ego to uphold; and we are willing to learn and to change. In short, we fully accept the Lord’s magnificent, infinite, and eternal Atonement. The law of sacrifice requires that we, as disciples of Jesus Christ, give all that we have—our time, our talents, and all that we possess—in order to build up the kingdom of God and to gain exaltation (see D&C 98:13–15).

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US

1 Samuel 15:22. And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

Sacrifice is important but can never override obedience. A sacrifice is only counted as righteous when it is required by the Lord, because obedience is the first law of heaven. All blessings are predicated upon obedience, and sacrifice is often part of obedience.

2 Nephi 2:7. Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.

The demands of justice require an infinite Atonement. Through the grace and mercy of our Savior, we qualify ourselves for the blessings of the Atonement by offering a sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

3 Nephi 9:19–20. And ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings. And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost.

The Lord commands us to offer the ultimate gift: a broken heart and a contrite spirit. We should give the thing that is of most worth to us—our very lives and our will—to our Savior and our Heavenly Father.

MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK

Joseph Smith:

Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life; and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth’s sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know, most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not, nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life. (Lectures on Faith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1985], 6:7)

Ezra Taft Benson:

Elder Bruce R. McConkie said, “Sacrifice pertains to mortality; in the eternal sense there is none. Sacrifice involves giving up the things of this world because of the promises of blessings to be gained in a better world. In the eternal perspective there is no sacrifice in giving up all things—even including the laying down of one’s life—if eternal life is gained through such a course.” (See D&C 98:13–15.) But, just as when one loses his life to God, he really finds the abundant life, so also when one sacrifices all to God then God in return shares all that He has with him. (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], 443)

Gordon B. Hinckley:

Sacrifice is the very essence of religion; it is the keystone of happy home life, the basis of true friendship, the foundation of peaceful community living, of sound relations among people and nations. . . .

Without sacrifice there is no true worship of God. I become increasingly convinced of that every day. “The Father gave his Son, and the Son gave his life,” and we do not worship unless we give—give of our substance, give of our time, give of our strength, give of our talent, give of our faith, give of our testimonies. . . .

A religion which requires devotion, which asks for sacrifice, which demands discipline, also enjoys the loyalty of its membership and the interest and respect of others. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], 565)

Lorenzo Snow:

The Saints must be willing to sacrifice all. We have found the treasure in the field, we have found the pearl of great price, and now we have got to give all that we have for it, at one time or another. The Lord has said that He will prove us even unto death, to see whether we will stand by the covenants we have made with Him. Some Latter-day Saints have things in their possession which are so valuable to them that they would prefer death to the loss of those things. We have to deal with facts, not a mere ideal. In one sense, it is a hard thing for us to sell all that we have that we may secure these glories that have been opened to our view; but it will pay us in the end. (The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, ed. Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1984], 115)

IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING

Here are four ideas to consider regarding sacrifice:

1. Sacrifice is a principle of exaltation.

●   Sacrifice is built on love of God—Without love and selflessness, there can be no willing and genuine sacrifice. We can be deprived of possessions, life, limb, and liberty; but only when we willingly give up these things for a cause can we be said to have “sacrificed.” Mother Teresa confirmed: “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

●    Sacrifice is a measure of commitment—If we are committed to God, to the well-being of family, community, or country, then no sacrifice is too great to achieve that goal.

●    Sacrifice is nurtured by balance—We must keep balance in life, striving for enduring goals—harmony, peace, unity, well-being, joy—rather than putting great store in worldly things that fade and lose their luster. We must willingly give up pleasures, personal interests, and a fixation on material wealth if these things get in the way of higher causes, such as the kingdom of God, family, and spiritual wealth.

2. Sacrifice brings great rewards.

●    Self-respect—Through sacrifice, we can learn about our own character and gain self-respect.

●    Perspective—Sacrifice is a uplifting experience because it puts things in perspective. Worldly goods pale in value next to enduring relationships and the blessings of God.

●    Joy—We need to sacrifice for things that will bless others. The greatest joy comes in service to others.

●    Long-term success—We need to sacrifice the shallow “now” pleasures for the enduring “later” benefits in life. Our priorities—the things we sacrifice for—should be eternal life, successful family life, providing for our family, health and longevity, education, debt-free lifestyle, etc.

●    Inner strength—We receive inner strength through sacrificing for the Lord and Hic Church, knowing that our priorities are in order and that we are doing what is of the most worth.

●    Spiritual peace—By offering sacrifices in the form of a broken heart and a contrite spirit, we receive peace as only the Lord can give it.

3. Attitude and motivation are paramount.

●    Take stock—List the things you would consider your sacrifices. Was your attitude right in regard to these offerings? What did you gain by way of experience, enhanced self-respect, character-growth, and giving blessings to others? Would you do it again, even in greater measure?

●    Exercise your choice—Have the right attitude toward sacrifice. Do it willingly and with no thought of commendation or recognition, simply because it is the correct thing to do.

●    Use wisdom—Recognize the value of the sacrifice as it relates to time: you can often save time in the long run by sacrificing for worthwhile causes early on. “Wisdom invokes sacrifice, and sacrifice deepens wisdom,” said one anonymous source.

●    Do it out of devotion—Sacrifice in the attitude of love, dedication, and devotion—not as a martyr or to be seen of others.

4. Sacrifice is part of leadership.

●    Teach the principle of sacrifice—Ask others to sacrifice appropriately for worthy causes. An important aspect of leadership is to know when and how to guide others into channels of noble sacrifice so that they might achieve greatness. Do not try to shield people completely from the pains and sacrifices of life, lest you deprive them of important lessons for growth and development.

●    Use discernment in what needs to be sacrificed—Where can the greatest leverage be obtained in a given circumstance to do good through sacrifice? Is it through time, gifts, service, compassion, resources, or a combination of these?

●    Live and teach the principle of “mind over matter”—Occasionally “fast” from things of the world for a while as a reminder that your will and spirit control your temporal being. Such experiences provide spiritual food for the soul and serve as reminders of our dependence upon God for our very existence. Our regular fast Sundays offer great opportunities in this regard.

5. The key is learning how to offer a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

●    Cultivate a humble spirit—Seek humility by recognizing your total dependence upon God.

●    Submit yourself entirely to God—Submit to the will of God in all things.

●    Cultivate true repentance—Feel true sorrow for sin. Recognize the sins that could be sacrificed in order to draw nearer to the Lord.

●    Remember the covenants—Remember that when you were baptized, you agreed to be part of this kingdom and to do whatever is required.

●    Seek the Spirit—The Spirit will enlighten those who sacrifice (see D&C 136:33).

ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIME

The following account tells how a father’s monetary sacrifice led to the success of a valiant missionary couple.

The Coat

On several occasions as a young boy, I can recall my father telling me the story about “the coat.” He had been saving for a considerable length of time to buy a heavy winter coat for my mother so that she would have added protection against the stark Canadian weather. Finally the coat fund had grown to a sufficient size and the time was at hand. As he sat one Sunday with the family in sacrament meeting, he was pondering the planned gift and thinking of the joy it would bring to his wife.

The program that day centered on missionary work and the sacrifices that the Saints are called upon to make in order to carry the gospel message to others. My father’s thoughts then shifted to a certain older couple in town—two fine and stalwart members who were preparing to go on a mission. Being of modest means, they were struggling to gather together sufficient resources for their mission, and the local Church leaders had sent word requesting the support of local Saints. My father could not suppress an idea that came into his mind—the coat. He had the impression that he should donate those funds (several hundred dollars—a goodly sum in those days) for the benefit of the missionary couple and their service to the Lord. But how would his wife feel about the shift in plans? Surely she would be supportive, and—moreover—he felt the need to do what he was sure the Lord was commanding him, and have faith that a way would be prepared to obtain a coat at a later time. After all, he had stated over and over again to his family that Nephi was one of his great scriptural heroes, and if Nephi had the faith to do as the Lord commanded (see 1 Ne. 3:7), then should not he exercise faith as well?

And that is precisely what happened. He donated the entire coat fund to the Church for the benefit of the missionary couple, and they were able to go on the Lord’s errand. As it turned out, they were soon called upon as part of their missionary service to preside over a branch of the Church that was struggling to achieve greater cohesion and unity. Their efforts succeeded admirably, and the branch prospered under their leadership. My father later commented that it was a source of much satisfaction to him to know that the coat was having such a protective and benign influence in building the kingdom of God. As for my mother, an opportunity presented itself eventually to obtain a fine coat for her after all, and thus all were served well.

Many years later, as a member of a branch presidency at the Missionary Training Center, I noted with admiration that many of the young missionaries had sacrificed temporal opportunities of various kinds—in some cases valuable and irretrievable athletic scholarships—to respond to missionary calls. They were putting the Lord first when confronted with a choice. In my own experience I have noted repeatedly that blessings flow from making such choices in favor of the Lord. During one period of my life I found that my testimony was strengthened immeasurably when I willingly accepted a call to serve as a bishop, even though it meant that the completion of the graduate degree I was pursuing at the time would need to be postponed for a while. But everything eventually worked out, as always, “in the due time of the Lord” (D&C 158:56). The opportunity to participate actively in building the kingdom of God was the pearl of great price—not to be exchanged for any professional pursuit. As the Savior taught during His ministry: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (3 Ne. 33:33; c.f. Matt. 6:33).

—Richard J. Allen

SUMMARY

Through sacrifice we receive many blessings—patience here and now, blessings of eternal life in the life to come, compassion for others, self-reliance, and the list can go on and on. Because of the value of sacrifice to the well-being of all concerned, it is important that we all learn to sacrifice in ennobling ways. We should also teach our children to sacrifice. The family will be strengthened and the world’s instant gratification will gradually be replaced with the ethic of work and sacrifice for the betterment of self, family, and our fellow citizens in the kingdom of God. Ultimately, every sacrifice we make in the name of the Savior is but a shadow of the transcendent eternal sacrifice He willingly made to enable us, through repentance and obedience, to return to our heavenly home one day. We cannot sacrifice enough to repay what He has given us, but we can sacrifice to bring ourselves closer to Him, and to bring others to Him. Let us sacrifice for future generations just as our predecessors have sacrificed for us.

♦

SANCTIFICATION

“As we, the Lord’s missionaries, strive to become sanctified—or made holy—through the grace of the Lord (see Moroni 10:33) and the blessings of the Spirit (see 3 Nephi 27:20), we prepare ourselves to help others become sanctified through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ (see Articles of Faith 1:3). How can we find the power to go about our missionary service with truth and inspiration from above? How can we ponder and learn from the word of God: “And ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken” (D&C 43:16)?”

Sanctification is a process of purification before God. We are sanctified when we are actually purified through the atoning blood of Christ and made innocent and holy. Through the grace of God we can become sanctified in Christ, made clean and pure by the power of the Holy Ghost (see 3 Ne. 27:19–20; Moro. 10:32–33). This sanctification comes through the Atonement of Christ as we receive the principles and ordinances of His gospel. Sanctification is more than just doing: it is a “becoming” within our soul—a mighty change, a heart yielding to the enticings of the Spirit and to God (see Mosiah 3:19). Then we, being sanctified, are prepared, made holy, consecrated, and set apart for sacred service.

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US

John 17:17–19. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

The Word is Jesus Christ (see John 1:1–3, 14; Rev. 19:13). He is the way, the truth, and the life by which all come unto the Father (see John 14:6). To be sanctified by the word and truth of God is to be sanctified by Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:2. Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours.

Though sanctification comes by the power of the Holy Ghost (see Alma 5:54; 13:12; 3 Ne. 27:20), we are sanctified in Christ and become His Saints (see Heb. 10:10; Moro. 10:32–33). This makes us one with Christ and unified in all things (see Heb. 2:11). Thus the Lord, in the great intercessory prayer, following the verses referring to sanctification (see John 17:17–19), prays that the Apostles might be one even as the Father and Son are one—in purpose, cause, and action. Then they can be pure and clean, and set apart for holy and sacred work (see John 17:20–26).

Doctrine and Covenants 43:9. And thus ye shall become instructed in the law of my church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me.

When we receive the things of the Lord—take them into our lives and apply them—we become sanctified in Christ, and can act in holiness before Him.

Doctrine and Covenants 43:16. And ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken.

In this scripture, the Lord tells us that if we are to be taught from on high as He commands, we must be sanctified and worthy to receive such teaching.

Doctrine and Covenants 133:62. And unto him that repenteth and sanctifieth himself before the Lord shall be given eternal life.

The greatest blessing of sanctification is eternal life. When we are sanctified, our bodies and spirits are renewed by the Holy Ghost (see D&C 84:33). Furthermore, as we are sanctified, our minds will become single to God and we can behold Him, according to His will (see D&C 88:68). We keep the commandments; we are justified (cleansed and purified) by the Spirit; and through the grace of God and Christ we are sanctified by His atoning sacrifice (see Moses 6:60).

MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK

Dallin H. Oaks:

Most of us experience some measure of what the scriptures call “the furnace of affliction” (Isa. 48:10; 1 Ne. 20:10). Some are submerged in service to a disadvantaged family member. Others suffer the death of a loved one or the loss or postponement of a righteous goal like marriage or childbearing. Still others struggle with personal impairments or with feelings of rejection, inadequacy, or depression. Through the justice and mercy of a loving Father in Heaven, the refinement and sanctification possible through such experiences can help us achieve what God desires us to become. (“The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 32)

James E. Faust:

Faithful members of the Church who are true to their covenants with the Master do not need every jot and tittle spelled out for them. Christlike conduct flows from the deepest wellsprings of the human heart and soul. It is guided by the Holy Spirit of the Lord, which is promised in gospel ordinances. Our greatest hope should be to enjoy the sanctification which comes from this divine guidance; our greatest fear should be to forfeit these blessings. (“Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart,” Ensign, May 1998, 17)

Harold B. Lee:

The Lord said, “Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will” (D&C 88:68). You may ask me, how does one sanctify himself, and make himself holy so that he is prepared to walk in the presence of the Lord? In that same great revelation the Lord says this, “And again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same” (D&C 88:34). What law? The laws of the Lord as contained in the gospel of Jesus Christ, the keeping of which laws and ordinances are the ways by which we are purified and made holy. The keeping of every law that the Lord has given us is one step closer to receiving the right to enter one day into the presence of the Lord. He has given us in another revelation the formula by which we can prepare ourselves as the years pass. “Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am” (D&C 93:1). Simple, isn’t it? But listen again. All you have to do is to forsake your sins, come unto Him, call on His name, obey His voice, and keep His commandments, and then you shall see His face and shall know that He is.

There it is. You read it again and again, if you want the key as to how you may prepare yourselves to be so sanctified that you can enter into the presence of the Lord. (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996], 166)

IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING

Here are several ideas to help us become sanctified in the Lord:

1. Hold fast to the basic truths of sanctification.

●    The key to sanctification—Understand and accept the first four principles and ordinances of the gospel: faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost (see 3 Ne. 27:20).

●    Atonement—Remember that it is only through the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ that sanctification is possible (see Moses 6:60).

●    Unity—Seek to be one with the Father and the Son (see John 17:20–26).

●    Cherish eternal blessings—Remember that the greatest blessing of sanctification is eternal life (see D&C 133:62).

2. Act in all diligence to cultivate the spirit of sanctification.

●    Give yourself to God—Yield your heart to the Spirit (see Mosiah 3:19) and to God (see Hel. 3:35).

●    Follow the Spirit—Seek to live by and be directed by the Spirit, for He will sanctify you (see Alma 13:12).

●    Pray for the blessing of sanctification—Ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of His Son, for help in attaining the goal of sanctification, and He will bless you.

●    Cultivate a righteous lifestyle—When sanctified, you will act in all holiness before the Lord (see D&C 43:9).

●    Deny all ungodliness—Refrain from anything that takes you away from God (see Moro. 10:32–33).

●    Be obedient—Obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel is key to sanctification (see D&C 88:21).

●    Welcome chastening—Be grateful for chastening, for in it we are able to be brought to repentance (see D&C 95:1–2) and prepared, in worthiness, for sanctification (see D&C 101:5).

ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIMES

President James E. Faust counsels us regarding the importance of heeding the correction of the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost, as it leads us to become better, purer, even sanctified.

Unwanted Messages

Many modern professors of human behavior advocate as a cure to an afflicted conscience that we simply ignore the unwanted messages. They suggest that we change the standard to fit the circumstances so that there is no longer a conflict, thus easing the conscience. The followers of the divine Christ cannot subscribe to this evil and perverse philosophy with impunity. For the troubled conscience in conflict with right and wrong, the only permanent help is to change the behavior and follow a repentant path.

The prophet Isaiah taught, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isa. 5:20).

During all of my ministry, I have been fascinated by the manner in which Jesus hardened the bone and spirit of his chief Apostle, Peter. When Jesus told Peter that he had prayed that Peter’s faith would strengthen, Peter affirmed that he would go with the Savior to prison or to death. Peter was then told that the “cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me” (Luke 22:34). After the predicted three denials, the powerful, unwelcome, but steel-hardening message came: Peter heard the cock crow. And he “went out, and wept bitterly” (Matt. 26:75), but this strengthened Peter to fulfill his calling and to die for the cause.

There is one unerring voice that is ever true. It can always be relied upon. It should be listened to, although at times this voice too may speak unwelcome warning messages. I speak of the still, small, inner voice which comes from the divine source. As the prophet Elijah learned, “the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:

“And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice” (1 Kgs. 19:11–12).

One single unwanted message may be a call to change our lives; it may lead to the specially tailored opportunity we need. I am grateful that it is never too late to change, to make things right, to leave old activities and habits behind.

I wish to testify that the prophetic messages of this conference will lead any who will listen—and follow the counsel given—to the promise of the Savior, which is peace in this life and eternal life in the world hereafter. (James E. Faust, “Unwanted Messages,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 8)

SUMMARY

Sanctification—becoming clean and pure before the Lord—should be our goal. The greatest blessing that flows from sanctification is eternal life. Through sanctification we become holy, and we become one with Christ and fully aligned with His purpose to bring about the immortality and eternal life of all of God’s children. The joy and blessings of sanctification can be ours as we yield ourselves to the Spirit and the will of God in all things.

 ♦

SCRIPTURES

“The Lord’s missionaries have the honor to bring the living and saving word of God into the lives of those they teach. The word of God, preserved in written format in the holy scriptures and confirmed to the prayerful reader by the comforting whisperings of His Spirit, honors and fulfills the majesty of the covenant promises leading to eternal joy and exaltation. How can we best open up for others the windows of light and joy waiting to be poured out onto them through the word of God “in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old” (D&C 20:11)? How can we add our own witness to the truth of the holy scriptures by following the guidance of the Spirit with words that inspire and encourage?”

So much can be said about the scriptures and their importance in the lives of Latter-day Saints. We have been taught that the key to eternal life is to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (see D&C 84:43). This is because the word of God has power to change lives (see Alma 31:5).

One metaphor we find for the word of God is in Nephi’s vision of the tree of life. In the vision, the iron rod represents the word of God. Nephi teaches us that holding to the iron rod is the only way to navigate through the mists of darkness to the tree of life, the fruit of which represents the love of God (see 1 Ne. 11:25). Those who lay hold on the word of God are able to avoid the snares of the devil and make it across the gulf of misery (see Hel. 3:29). Failing to focus our minds and hearts on the word of God subjects us to eternal peril. Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught: “If we do not search the scriptures, we will miss the needed and reminding truths that God has sent among us for that purpose” (A Wonderful Flood of Light [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1990], 53).

Revelations from God came by the power of the Holy Ghost. Expressed truth of this kind is scripture, “the will of the Lord . . . the mind of the Lord . . . the word of the Lord . . . the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation” (D&C 68:4). The word of God is taught by the prophets, who truly act for the Savior Jesus Christ, under His direction. The phrase “Word of God” sometimes refers to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (see John 1:1–5). The New Testament prophet John records, concerning Him, “and his name is called The Word of God” (Rev. 19:13). Therefore, we see the importance of the scriptures: they are our means of drawing near to our Savior, the Word.

When we come to understand the principles of salvation, we begin to hunger for “the word.” We seek to know the word of God and to draw on the mighty power it holds. Eventually, we learn to liken the scriptures to our lives and we learn to love and live the word of God, that we might become more like the Word of God. The scriptures can change our lives. They are literally the power of God unto salvation (see D&C 68:4).

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US

Romans 10:17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

We grow in faith as the word of God comes into our hearts and minds and takes root in our lives. Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of His gospel and the foundation of all righteousness. The word of God has power to motivate people to repent (see Alma 31:5). As we search the scriptures and pray for faith, our prayers will be answered through the word of God, and we will be firmer in our faith (see Hel. 3:35).

1 Nephi 19:23. And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.

Nephi read and taught the scriptures for the purpose of helping his family believe in Christ. In addition, he likened the scriptures to them—he related the words to their daily lives so they could apply them. If we do the same, we will gain profit and learning from the scriptures. We will grow and become like the Savior as we apply His word to our lives.

2 Nephi 32:3. Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

As we feast daily on the priceless scriptures and study with real intent, the word of the Lord will tell us the things we need to do—not some, but all things to do pertaining to righteousness. This is truly a commandment with a promise.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:43–46. And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life. For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God. For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ. And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.

Let us never forget the standard by which we have been commanded to live. It is the word of God, which will lead us in “a straight course to eternal bliss” (Alma 37:44). We must never forget to nurture the word with faith, diligence, and patience so that it will grow up into a mighty tree bearing fruit that will bring us joy and happiness (see Alma 32:40–43).

MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK

Gordon B. Hinckley:

I am grateful for emphasis on reading the scriptures. I hope that for you this will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that, rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God. I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted. At first it may seem tedious, but that will change into a wondrous experience with thoughts and words of things divine. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], 573–74)

Ezra Taft Benson:

The two groups in the Book of Mormon that seemed to have the greatest difficulty with pride are the “learned, and the rich.” (2 Nephi 28:15.) But the word of God can pull down pride. (See Alma 4:19.) (A Witness and a Warning: A Modern-Day Prophet Testifies of the Book of Mormon [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1988], 79)

Howard W. Hunter:

We hope that you are studying the gospel regularly. Read from the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, each day as individuals and as families. Study the word of the Lord, and your faith and testimony will increase. What could be a more profitable use of discretionary time than reading from the scriptural library, the literature that teaches us to know God and understand our relationship to him? . . .

Not in this dispensation, surely not in any dispensation, have the scriptures—the enduring, enlightening word of God—been so readily available and so helpfully structured for the use of every man, woman, and child who will search them. The written word of God is in the most readable and accessible form ever provided to lay members in the history of the world. Surely we will be held accountable if we do not read them. (Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, ed. Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997] 51)

Neal A. Maxwell:

Therefore, as we search the scriptures, our focus should be upon that which will tell us what we must do (to become as He is) and upon that which will stir us so to do. And the very word search means from the beginning to the latest unfolding of Holy Writ. (Even As I Am [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1982], 19)

IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING

Here are several ideas to help us understand and apply the word of God in our lives:

1. The ultimate source of all things is Heavenly Father.

●    Revelation—The Savior reveals His Father’s will (the word of God) through revelation. This can be in the form of a dream, vision, inspiration, or other divine manifestation. In some cases the Lord gives His word in person to His chosen servants. Most often, the word comes by the power of the Holy Ghost. Worthy individuals—from prophets to rank-and-file members of the Church—receive the word of God by the power of the Holy Ghost to sustain them in their respective callings. The prophets record the revelation they receive and it becomes our scriptures.

●    Church leaders—Those called by authority to teach and preach speak as moved upon by the power of the Holy Ghost. What they speak as directed by the Lord in their stewardships is scripture (see D&C 68:3–6).

●    A testimony of the word—Knowing the source of the word—our Savior—should cause us to seek it and follow it with every fiber of our being. Set a goal to feast upon the word.

2. The word of God holds power and blessings.

●    A force for change—If we study the word, it can change our lives in dramatic and enduring ways (see Alma 31:5). When we teach the word by the Spirit, we can help others change.

●    The key to humility—The word can pull down pride and make people humble (see Alma 4:19). The more we read and rely on the word, the stronger our humility can be.

●    A channel for divine power—The word operates through the power of God when those in authority speak (see Jacob 4:9). Through priesthood blessings and when moved by faith, we can call down the power of God.

●    Direction—The word will tell us all things to do (see 2 Ne. 32:3).

●    The path to eternal life—The word will direct us on the straight course to eternal life (see Alma 37:37–47).

●    A way to soften hearts—The word can subdue our hearts and help them be more submissive (see D&C 96:5).

●    A defense against temptation—The word will help us resist temptation (see 1 Ne. 15:24; Hel. 3:29).

●    A course leading to the love of God—The iron rod, or the word, will lead us to the tree of life so that we might partake of the fruit (the love of God), which is desirable above all else (see 1 Ne. 8:10–11, 19).

●    Spiritual nourishment—The word is the source of our spiritual nourishment and sustenance (see Moro. 6:4).

3. We should apply the word of God to our lives.

●    A method to apply the word of God might be stated in simple steps:

Read the scriptures carefully.

Ponder them as they relate to you.

Write down each scripture reference and its main idea.

Write a personal statement as to how you are going to live this scripture. Use “I will,” “I must,” “I shall,” “I can.” These first‑person commitment statements will make the scriptures live in your life.

As an example, consider 1 Nephi 3:7: “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”

Here is a possible personal application of this passage of scripture: “I will keep the commandments because the Lord will help me by preparing a way.” Other variations might be: “I will study my scriptures because the Lord has commanded it and He will help me learn and strive to fulfill His command,” or “I will keep the commandment of the fast on fast Sunday because I know Heavenly Father will give me the strength to do so.”

These simple statements lead us to apply the scriptures directly to our lives. This application is the key to our profit and learning. When the word is internalized in our heart, it becomes part of our character, our very being. With the word in our hearts, we apply it, we live it. We become not only hearers of the word, but doers of the word. When the word of God is understood and the doctrine is comprehended, behavior becomes automatic—it is a natural consequence. That is why we become Christlike when we live Christ’s words.

ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIMES

President Thomas S. Monson shares memories of President J. Reuben Clark which portray President Clark’s great love of the scriptures.

A Love of the Scriptures

Many years ago I received an invitation to meet with President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., a counselor in the First Presidency, a statesman of towering stature, and a scholar of international renown. My profession then was in the field of printing and publishing. President Clark made me welcome in his office and then produced from his old roll-top desk a large sheaf of meticulous, handwritten notes on eight-and-a-half-by-fourteen-inch canary-colored sheets. Many of the notes had been made when he was a law student long years before. He proceeded to outline for me his goal of producing a harmony of the Gospels. This goal was achieved with his monumental work, Our Lord of the Gospels. Many years later I still treasure my personally inscribed, leather-bound copy of this classic treatment of the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

I asked President Clark during one of our many conversations, “Which of the Gospels do you like best?” His answer: “Brother Monson, I love each of the Gospels.”

Years later as I perused the pages of Our Lord of the Gospels and paused at the section entitled “The Miracles of Jesus,” I remembered as though it were yesterday President Clark asking me to read to him several of these accounts while he sat back in his large leather chair and listened. He asked me to read aloud the account found in Luke concerning the man filled with leprosy. Then he asked that I continue reading from Luke concerning the man afflicted with palsy and the enterprising manner in which he was presented to the attention of the Lord, who healed him. President Clark removed from his pocket a handkerchief and wiped the tears from his eyes. He commented, “As we grow older, tears come more frequently.” After a few words of good-bye, I departed from his office, leaving him alone with his thoughts and his tears.

Late one evening I delivered some press proofs to his office in his home in Salt Lake City. President Clark was reading from Ecclesiastes, and he was in a quiet and reflective mood. He sat back from his large desk, which was stacked with books and papers. He held the scriptures in his hand, lifted his eyes from the printed page, and read aloud to me: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13.) He exclaimed, “A treasured truth! A profound philosophy!”

What a blessing was mine to learn daily at the feet of such a master teacher and a principal architect of the welfare program. Knowing that I was a newly appointed bishop presiding over a challenging ward, he emphasized the need for me to know my people, to understand their circumstances, and to minister to their needs.

One day he recounted the Savior’s raising from the dead the son of the widow of Nain, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. When President Clark closed the Bible, I noticed that he was weeping. In a quiet voice, he said, “Tom, be kind to the widow and look after the poor.”

On another occasion he said: “You do not find truth groveling through error. You find truth by seeking truth.”

Through the years these conversations have remained bright in my memory. (Thomas S. Monson, Inspiring Experiences That Build Faith: From the Life and Ministry of Thomas S. Monson [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1994], 234)

SUMMARY

There are not enough words to expound upon the word of God—its sanctity, its monumental importance in the eternal scheme of things, its profound value as a gift of our Father in Heaven to His children. The simple truth is that we as the children of God must yield our hearts to His word, learn His will, and do it. We can then enjoy the blessings of the Lord in all facets of our lives. Let us humbly and diligently feast upon the word and thus receive the power of God unto salvation.

♦

SELFISHNESS

“Selfishness has no place in the family of God, where the governing principle is to consecrate one’s life for the good of the cause of Zion and the well-being of others. The pristine example of this quality of selflessness is Jesus Christ, who declared: “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:30). In like manner, the Lord’s missionaries press forward with a commitment to do the will of the Father and show others how to do the same. How can our missionary service reflect the power and authenticity of Jacob’s witness: “And thy will, O Lord, be done, and not mine” (Jacob 7:14)?”

Of all the destructive forces in a person’s character, nothing is as devastating as selfishness. Selfishness cankers the soul, wreaks havoc in relationships, and makes communication almost nonexistent. In addition, selfishness can lead to lust, greed, seeking for unrighteous power, among other sins. Of all the negative traits of society and individuals, selfishness is one of the most grievous; therefore, we must all work to overcome it. Selfishness is diametrically opposed to charity, a fundamentally important element of the Christian lifestyle. In the presence of charity, selfishness vanishes. The Apostle Paul explained most eloquently: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up” (1 Cor. 13:4). Let us strive to purge every ounce of selfishness from our lives, that charity may take its rightful place and provide the foundation for our spiritual salvation.

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US

3 Nephi 6:15–16. Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world. And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all manner of iniquity; therefore they had enjoyed peace but a few years.

Selfishness is part of the serious sin of pride, the downfall of the unrighteous. Satan tries to use pride to snare us and lead us away captive. Therefore, we must counteract selfishness with humility and love. Only by thinking of others and their welfare first can we ever destroy our selfish tendencies.

Doctrine and Covenants 121:35–36. Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.

Whenever we focus on “things” and attention for ourselves rather than on the well-being of others, we suffer from selfishness. In this state, we cannot be of use to God, but will remain in the downward spiral of self-aggrandizement. Selfishness is the sin of destruction: it destroys lives, it destroys the soul, leading us away from God.

MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK

Gordon B. Hinckley:

Selfishness is the basis of our troubles . . . in this community and in this nation and in the world—a vicious preoccupation with our own comforts, with the satisfaction of our own appetites, . . . Selfishness is the cause of most of the domestic problems that afflict so many homes of our nation. . . . So many in the game of life get to first base, or second, or even third, but then fail to score. They are inclined to live unto themselves, denying their generous instincts, grasping for possessions and in their self-centered, uninspired living, sharing neither talent nor faith with others. . . . The antidote for selfishness is service, a reaching out to those about us—those in the home and those beyond the walls of the home. A child who grows in a home where there is a selfish, grasping father is likely to develop those tendencies in his own life. On the other hand, a child who sees his father and mother forgo comforts for themselves as they reach out to those in distress, will likely follow the same pattern when he or she grows to maturity. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], 583)

Harold B. Lee:

The selfishly ambitious man is never the happy man, for always beyond his covetous grasp there lies the receding horizons that mock his ill-gotten gains. Shun evil itself, and all things with a bad reputation, and remember again the warning words with which I introduced my theme: “Destined as such a soul as yours is for immortality, it must find all that is not eternal too short, all that is not infinite too small.” Never stoop to any material action that will bring you down from the highest position on the high throne of your eternal nature. (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996], 620)

IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING

Here are four strategies for overcoming selfishness:

1. Ask yourself what kind of foundation you want for your life.

●    Build on enduring principles—Examine the underlying principles of your life. If you have allegiance to our Savior Jesus Christ, you will possess honor, integrity, service, and love as a foundation for your life. These principles are incompatible with selfishness.

●    Cultivate self-respect—Don’t confuse selfishness with self-respect. One must be committed to self-respect, which leads one to optimize one’s health, vitality, self-confidence, and self-development. These factors are essential to one’s capacity to serve others, whereas selfishness degrades service and charity.

●    Seek to be humble—In humility we erect the ultimate defense against selfishness. “Proud people are intolerably selfish,” stated Ralph Waldo Emerson. Let us therefore avoid pride as the cancer of the soul.

2. Be clear about the consequences.

●    Consider the benefits—Peace, joy, and spiritual calm will not result from selfishness. Instead, selfishness breeds alienation, rancor, greed, envy, jealousy, and anger. Any reasonable person would not commit to a life of selfishness if he or she understood the inevitable outcomes.

●    Know the source of joy—Try to think of other’s needs, desires, and happiness before your own. Such concern will surely turn your thoughts away from self, bringing joy to your life.

●    Understand what produces contentment—Be happy for others when they succeed. Do not compete for everything. Having more than others or being better than others will not ensure your happiness, but helping others succeed will.

3. Use leadership to thwart selfishness.

●    Start with your thoughts and language—In what ratio do the words “we” and “I” occur in your patterns of thinking and speaking? You can choose to emphasize the “we” over the “I” in how you conduct your life, thus controlling selfishness at a very fundamental level.

●    Leadership is essentially a selfless endeavor—The decision to serve others on a regular basis and work toward their progress and productivity is the heart of leadership. There are those, of course, who attempt for selfish reasons to galvanize people into action serving false causes, but this is not genuine leadership. Genuine leadership is structured to optimize the well-being and happiness of the greatest possible number of people.

●    Think family—Family commitment is the greatest bastion against selfishness. Are you doing all in your power to bring happiness to your spouse and your children? If not, then the canker of selfishness needs to be cured. Be service minded and teach your family members to be service minded as well.

●    Recognize the good in others—Seek to praise and give credit to others. By illuminating the accomplishments of others, you also cast yourself in a good light. Remember that you are successful on the basis of your own sterling qualities and talents. You don’t have to put others down in order for you to be good or successful.

4. Rely on the Lord.

●    Remember to be grateful—Heavenly Father is the ultimate source of all that you have, including your very being. Hording the gifts He has blessed you with goes against the basic teachings of from the gospel. Selfishness is the ultimate expression of ingratitude for your blessings.

●    Give back generously—Remember to give your tithes and offerings as well as your Christlike service. Give freely of your substance to help others. Such a pattern of action is an effective inoculation against the malaise of selfishness.

●    Ask for spiritual strength—Pray and fast to be selfless instead of selfish. Ask for help from the Lord to rise above selfishness.

ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIMES

President James E. Faust explains what selfishness is, giving examples of people who exhibit this trait and suffer its consequences.

What’s in It for Me?

Many years ago I was in a professional association with two older, more experienced men. We had been friends for many years and found it mutually beneficial to help one another. One day, one associate sought our help on a complex matter. As soon as the issue had been explained, the first thing the other associate said was, “What’s in it for me?” When his old friend responded so selfishly, I saw the look of pain and disappointment on the face of the one who had invited our help. The relationship between the two was never quite the same after that. Our self-serving friend did not prosper, as his selfishness soon eclipsed his considerable gifts, talents, and qualities. Unfortunately, one of the curses of the world today is encapsulated in this selfish response, “What’s in it for me?” . . .

In the Grand Council in Heaven, when the great plan of salvation for God’s children was presented, Jesus responded, “Here am I, send me,”and “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.”And thus He became our Savior. In contrast, Satan, who had been highly regarded as “a son of the morning,”countered that he would come and “redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost.”Satan had two conditions: the first was the denial of agency, and the second, that he would have the honor. In other words, something had to be in it for him. And thus he became the father of lies and selfishness.

Taking up one’s cross and following the Savior means overcoming selfishness; it is a commitment to serve others. Selfishness is one of the baser human traits, which must be subdued and overcome. We torture our souls when we focus on getting rather than giving. . . .

I have learned that selfishness has more to do with how we feel about our possessions than how much we have. The poet Wordsworth said, “The world is too much with us; late and soon, / Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers.”A poor man can be selfishand a rich man generous, but a person obsessed only with getting will have a hard time finding peace in this life. . . .

Some years ago, Elder ElRay L. Christiansen told about one of his distant Scandinavian relatives who joined the Church. He was quite well-to-do and sold his lands and stock in Denmark to come to Utah with his family. For a while he did well as far as the Church and its activities were concerned, and he prospered financially. However, he became so caught up in his possessions that he forgot about his purpose in coming to America. The bishop visited him and implored him to become active as he used to be. The years passed and some of his brethren visited him and said: “Now, Lars, the Lord was good to you when you were in Denmark. He has been good to you since you have come here. . . . We think now, since you are growing a little older, that it would be well for you to spend some of your time in the interests of the Church. After all, you can’t take these things with you when you go.”

Jolted by this remark, the man replied, “Vell, den, I vill not go.”But he did! And so will all of us! (James E. Faust, “What’s in It for Me?” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 19)

SUMMARY

As we learn to overcome our selfish tendencies, we truly find ourselves. Putting others and their well-being first will drown out selfishness. This does not mean we must tolerate things that need to be changed, ignore improper behavior, or become permissive. Instead, it means we love and seek the well-being of our fellowmen. The ultimate antidote to selfishness, therefore, is charity, the pure love of Christ. Moroni records precious counsel given by his father, Mormon, regarding charity. He states that to combat selfishness we must develop the qualities of charity; we must be one who “suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things” (Moro. 7:45). Selfishness is fleeting and temporally focused, but charity “endureth forever” (v. 47).

♦

SIN

“The Lord said, “Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?” (3 Nephi 9:13). It is a healing influence that the Lord’s missionaries bring to those who will listen and respond in faith. How can we all share this uplifting truth with our families, with our neighbors, and with all who yearn for the comfort and peace that come from living a righteous life? How can we all make our example and witness a confirmation that the Lord of forgiveness loves us (see D&C 18:10) and that happiness flows into our lives as our sins depart through the power of the Atonement?”

A sin is an unrighteous thought or action committed by an accountable person. Similarly, not doing good works that might be called for in keeping with righteous principles is often referred to as a sin of omission. Sinning entails transgressing the law of God (see 1 Jn. 3:4). It is following after ideas and actions that lead us away from the Lord. This is why the adversary “inviteth” and “enticeth” us to sin (see Moro. 7:12). He knows that when we sin, we withdraw ourselves from the Spirit of God (see Mosiah 2:36). If Satan can get us away from the Spirit, we are likely to sin more. Sin perpetuates sin; when we sin we become more easily influenced by the further temptations of Satan (see D&C 29:40), and are less aware of our sins. All have sinned (see 1 Jn. 1:8–10), and we need to repent daily of whatever has drawn us away from the Spirit. Fortunately, we are free to choose righteousness rather than sin (see 2 Ne. 2:27), and the test of life is to make good choices and to repent of our sins. The Lord cannot make allowance for sin in His presence, but He is compassionate and merciful to the repentant sinner (see D&C 1:31–32). When we confess and forsake our sins, the Lord remembers them no more (see D&C 58:42–43). If we do not repent, we can never return to the Lord.

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US

John 8:34. Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

When we succumb to sin, we subject ourselves to the consequences of the sin according to the natural law that applies. We lose the Spirit (see Mosiah 2:36), and we lose all the blessings associated with keeping the commandment we have broken.

James 4:17. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Sins of omission are still sins. We can transgress the law of God by failing to act.

Alma 5:40. For I say unto you that whatsoever is good cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil.

In deciding how to act, remember that all good comes from God and that all evil and sin are of the devil; he is the author of all sin (see Hel. 6:30).

Doctrine and Covenants 50:28. But no man is possessor of all things except he be purified and cleansed from all sin.

The Lord invites all to seek justification and sanctification through the Atonement and the Holy Ghost; otherwise, we cannot be empowered from on high to do all things. Certainly, repentance is the single greatest thing we can do in regard to our individual salvation, and helping others repent is the greatest good we can do for our fellowmen (see D&C 15:6; 31:5).

MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK

Spencer W. Kimball:

Sin has great attraction. Whoever said that sin was not fun? Whoever claimed that Lucifer was not handsome, persuasive, easy, friendly? Whoever said that sin was unattractive, undesirable, or nauseating in its acceptance?

Transgression wears elegant gowns and sparkling apparel. It is highly perfumed, has attractive features, a soft voice. It is found in educated circles and sophisticated groups. It provides sweet and comfortable luxuries. Sin is easy and has a big company of bedfellows. It promises immunity from restrictions, temporary freedoms. It can momentarily satisfy hunger, thirst, desire, urges, passions, wants, without immediately paying the price. But, it begins tiny and grows to monumental proportions. It grows drop by drop, inch by inch.

The attractiveness of sin is a lie. Have you seen a real mirage in the distance with lakes and trees and dwellings and castles and water, but as the thirsty traveler moves on and on and on through it, he finds it but an illusion, and when he has gone too far to return he stumbles choking in the desert deception. That is like life—wealth and pride, wit and physical charm, popularity and flattery are the shadows of the nothingness that can bring us only disappointment and frustration.

Sin is slavery. Carnal pleasures are fleeting and frothy and they always bring their retribution sooner or later. In the breaking of every law of God there is the breaking down of the divine elements of the man. Each command we obey sends us another rung up the ladder to perfected manhood and toward godhood; and every law disobeyed is a sliding toward the bottom where man merges into the brute world. Only he who obeys law is free. Serfdom comes to him who defies law. “The truth shall make you free” (John 8:32) was another of the incontrovertible truths authored by the Master. He truly is free who is master of situations, habits, passions, urges, and desires. If one must yield to appetite or passion and follow its demands, he is truly the servant of a dictator.

Sin limits progress. Since the beginning there has been in the world a wide range of sins. Many of them involve harm to others, but every sin is against ourselves and God, for sins limit our progress, curtail our development, and estrange us from good people, good influences, and from our Lord.

The scriptures say that “God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” (Matthew 22:32.)

There are no dead except those who have chosen to be dead as to the law, dead as to the benefits, dead as to the blessings, dead as to the eternal nature of the gift. (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982], 153)

Joseph Fielding Smith:

Here is something which those who contend that the Lord has granted immunity from their sins to some, if they have received certain sealings by the Holy Spirit of promise, have overlooked in this passage. I call attention to these two things. If covenants are broken and enormous sins are committed, but not unto death, there are certain punishments to be inflicted. The mere confession is not enough; the sinners are: 1—to “be destroyed in the flesh”; and 2—to “be delivered unto the buffetings of Satan unto the day of redemption.”

Who in the world is so foolish as to wish to sin with the hope of forgiveness, if such a penalty is to be inflicted? No one but a fool! To be “destroyed in the flesh” means exactly that. . . .

Then to be turned over to the buffetings of Satan unto the day of redemption, which is the resurrection, must be something horrible in its nature. Who wishes to endure such torment? No one but a fool! I have seen their anguish. I have heard their pleadings for relief and their pitiful cries that they cannot endure the torment. This was in this life. Add to that, the torment in the spirit world before the redemption comes—all of this, mark you, coming after severe and humble repentance! (Doctrines of Salvation, 3 vols., ed. Bruce R. McConkie [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954–1956], 2:96)

Joseph Smith:

Our Savior says, that all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men wherewith they shall blaspheme; but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven, neither in this world, nor in the world to come, evidently showing that there are sins which may be forgiven in the world to come, although the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost cannot be forgiven. (HC, 4:596)

IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING

Here are several ideas to help us repent and avoid sin:

1. Build a world where sin is not welcome.

●    Control your thoughts—Don’t allow anything in your mind that is degrading or tempting.

●    Be selective—Expose your mind only to the best and most noble material from books, magazines, the Internet, videos, movies, television, and radio.

●    Activate righteous defenses—If an evil thought comes, have a method or system to dismiss it: sing a hymn, recite a scripture, view an image of the Savior, view yourself seen by your Heavenly Father or someone you respect deeply.

●    Control your environment—Be in the right place at the right time, and if you find yourself in the wrong place, leave immediately. (Remember the sterling example of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife.) President Harold B. Lee taught: “Not only must we avoid sin but we must avoid the very appearance of evil” (Decisions for Successful Living [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1973], 37).

●    Remember the consequences—Sin brings pain and suffering; obedience brings peace and joy.

2. Plan to succeed. Make a plan to stay on the straight and narrow path.

●    Remember the basics—Pray, search the scriptures, faithfully attend church, and keep the commandments.

●    Start where you stand—Confess and forsake your sins. Feelings of guilt leading to repentance are of the Lord. Guilt that makes you feel you are beyond repentance is of the devil. President James E. Faust counseled: “After our full repentance, the formula is wonderfully simple. Indeed, the Lord has given it to us in these words: ‘Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?’ (3 Nephi 9:13). In so doing, we have his promise that ‘he healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds’ (Psalms 147:3)” (Finding Light in a Dark World [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1995], 31).

●    Stay close to your family and righteous associates—Counsel with your parents, family members, and Church leaders.

●    Avoid idleness—As the saying goes, “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” Don’t just avoid the bad in life; actively pursue good things (see D&C 58:27).

●    Cultivate love of the gospel—Look outside yourself for opportunities to serve. President Harold B. Lee taught: “We must love and obey the truth to avoid sin. Satan knows truth, but he has no intelligence, or he would yield obedience to that truth. Knowing the truth isn’t the thing that saves us. I think that perhaps loving the truth is the only thing that can give one the capacity to avoid sin. The scripture doesn’t say: ‘If ye know me, you will keep my commandments,’ but it says, ‘If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments’ (see John 14:15)” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996], 105).

●    Cultivate charity—Sin is self-centered. As you strive to serve others, reaching outside yourself, you will no longer desire to sin.

●    Have hope—Hope is your anchor of faith to do good. Regardless of your past, things can be better with hope in Christ our Savior. Without hope, sin is at the door.

ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIMES

The story of near-tragedy on a busy highway has parallels to the wisdom of avoiding sin by following our living prophets.

Wrong Way—Do Not Enter

Many years ago, our next-door neighbor performed an act of inordinate courage to save the lives of some strangers. He and his wife were driving along a stretch of interstate highway one day when he glanced across the median strip to behold a terrifying phenomenon. Incredibly, there was a car across the way driving parallel to his own car but moving directly into the line of traffic in the opposite lanes. My friend watched with utter horror as trucks and cars swerved to avoid collision with the intruding vehicle driving in the wrong direction along the innermost lane. What to do?

In a split second, my friend had made his decision. He accelerated to a high rate of speed and looked for the next opportunity to cross over the median. Soon he came to a connecting road and maneuvered quickly toward the opposite lanes of traffic, coming to a screeching halt on the inner shoulder of the opposite lanes. Despite significant dangers to himself, he then ran towards the errant vehicle and flagged it down amid the swerving and dodging vehicles.

Incredibly, the elderly couple whom he forced to stop off to the side of traffic were at first indignant at such treatment. What business did this stranger have interrupting their trip? Soon they realized, however, that he had surely saved their lives, and were grateful for the Christian act of charity and deliverance.

This true story is like a modern-day parable of the reactions of the world in nearly all ages to the ministry of the prophets of God. They see us heading the wrong way into sin, and do all they can to warn us and help us turn around and go the right way. The eternal message is one of warning: the call to repentance, the admonition to heed the word of God and be saved. In modern terms, it is the alarm sounded when one foolishly travels down a one-way street in the wrong direction. So often this warning is met with hardness of heart and with stubborn and prideful rebellion. “What business do you have to tell me I cannot propel myself into the jaws of destruction?” However, the alarm of the prophets is powered by the spirit of charity. As Samuel the Lamanite proclaimed to his obstinate Nephite audience from the walls of Zarahemla: “For behold, they have been a chosen people of the Lord; yea, the people of Nephi hath he loved, and also hath he chastened them; yea, in the days of their iniquities hath he chastened them because he loveth them” (Hel. 15:3).

Would we not all do well to choose our bearings in life based on eternal principles, and to observe with care the directions of our journey day-by-day? Should we not accept in the spirit of gratitude and humility the loving, though firm entreaties of the prophets of God as they teach us to move faithfully away from sin and securely toward a destination of peace and redemption?

—Richard J. Allen

SUMMARY

Our salvation, immortality, and eternal life depend on our overcoming and forsaking our sins. We must repent—there is no other way back into the presence of our Heavenly Father. The process of repentance through the Atonement of our Savior is a wonderful gift, yet how much less painful it is to make righteous choices than to learn by committing sin and repenting. Alma correctly stated, “ O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God” (Alma 37:35). Learning early in our lives to do right and avoid sin will save us much pain and difficulty, and will prove our loyalty and love to our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ.

 ♦

SPIRITUALITY

“The gospel message is one of spiritual rebirth—becoming a new person through the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The missionaries of the Lord teach others that spirituality comes through the “bread of life” (John 6:35, 48) and the “living water” (John 4:10, 7:38) provided by the atoning Redeemer. To come into His fold and enduring in faith and love, ensures “that they may always have his Spirit to be with them” (D&C 20:77). How can we all be more effecting in guiding others toward the glory of eternal life by standing before them “as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death” (Mosiah 18:9)? How can we best help others to enjoy the enduring blessings of spiritual rebirth through the gospel of Jesus Christ?”

Spirituality can be defined in many ways. Herein, we refer to it as living an inspired life, or enjoying the companionship and blessings of the Holy Spirit. It involves using self-mastery to become Spirit directed rather than carnally minded. As we increase our spirituality, our spirits, by the power of the Holy Ghost, directs our life—our flesh is governed by our spirit. In this state, we can be shown all things to do by the Holy Ghost (see 2 Ne. 32:5). We have begun the process of sanctification to become clean and pure. We seek the will of Heavenly Father, yielding our hearts to Him. The blessings of spirituality received from the Holy Spirit are many and varied, enumerated as the gifts of the Spirit (see Moro. 10:7–19; D&C 46:8–31); the fruits of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:22–23); trust in the Spirit, which leads one to do good (see D&C 11:12–13); and many other blessings of the Spirit (see Holy Ghost).

A spiritual foundation in life is an essential ingredient in being well-adjusted and happy. Jacob explained, “Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal” (2 Ne. 9:39). We can see the difficulty our society faces as it abandons its spiritual roots. A carnally-minded people tries to take God out of the world, rather than remove themselves from worldliness to find God. As we develop our spirituality, we find God, and we exercise faith and hope in Him.

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH US

Romans 8:5–14. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. . . . For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

These glorious verses, written by the Apostle Paul to the Saints at Rome, remind us of the incomparable blessings of living by the Spirit. As we increase our spirituality, we transcend the earthly sphere and live in a higher plane; though we are still in the world, we are no longer “of the world.”

Galatians 5:22–23. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

When we receive the Spirit and partake of its fruits, we will see these qualities of spirituality expressed in our own lives. We can then use these qualities to serve our fellowmen and build the kingdom of God.

Alma 5:14. And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?

In this scripture, Alma exhorts Church members to be spiritually minded—to be born of the Spirit, to radiate the light of Christ (see 3 Ne. 18:24), and to ensure that we have given our hearts to the will of God (see Mosiah 3:19; Hel. 3:35).

Doctrine and Covenants 11:12–13. And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy.

When we live by and trust in the Spirit, we increase our spirituality—our minds are enlightened with knowledge of who we are and how we should act, and we rejoice in this state.

Moroni 4:3. 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 hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. (See also Moro. 5:2; D&C 20:77, 79.)

The companionship of the Spirit and increased spirituality come as we keep the Lord’s commandments and renew our covenants by worthily partaking of the sacrament each week.

MODERN PROPHETS SPEAK

Gordon B. Hinckley:

If I were a bishop or stake president today, what would I do? I think that I would try to put my major efforts on building the spirituality of the people. I would work as hard as I knew how to work in building their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, in God our Eternal Father, in the Prophet Joseph Smith and the restoration of this work and what it means and what it is all about. I would encourage my people to read the scriptures, to read the Book of Mormon, to read the New Testament. I would urge them with all the capacity I have to read quietly and thoughtfully and introspectively, if you please. I would urge them to read the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

We need to build ourselves spiritually. We live in a world of rush and go, of running here and there and in every direction. We are very busy people. We have so much to do. We need to get off by ourselves once in awhile and think of the spiritual things and build ourselves spiritually. If you have a study at home, lock yourselves in it. If you have a place in the basement where you can be by yourself, go there. Get by yourself and think of things of the Lord, of things of the Spirit. Let gratitude swell up in your hearts. Think of all the Lord has done for you. How blessed you are, how very blessed you are. Think of your duty and your responsibility. Think of your testimony. Think of the things of God. Just meditate and reflect for an hour about yourself and your relationship to your Heavenly Father and your Redeemer. It will do something for you. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], 608–609)

David O. McKay:

Man’s earthly existence is but a test as to whether he will concentrate his efforts, his mind, his soul upon things which contribute to the comfort and gratification of his physical instincts and passions, or whether he will make as his life’s end and purpose the acquisition of spiritual qualities. (Gospel Ideals: Selections from the Discourses of David O. McKay [Salt Lake City: Improvement Era, 1953], 387)

Howard W. Hunter:

Developing spirituality and attuning ourselves to the highest influences of godliness is not an easy matter. It takes time and frequently involves a struggle. It will not happen by chance, but is accomplished only through deliberate effort and by calling upon God and keeping his commandments. . . .

We must take time to prepare our minds for spiritual things. The development of spiritual capacity does not come with the conferral of authority. There must be desire, effort, and personal preparation. This requires, of course, as you already know, fasting, prayer, searching the scriptures, experience, meditation, and a hungering and thirsting after the righteous life.

I find it helpful to review these admonitions from Almighty God:

“If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal” (D&C 42:61).

“Ask the Father in my name, in faith believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men” (D&C 18:18).

“Let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds” (D&C 43:34). . . .

“God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost” (D&C 121:26).

These are promises that the Lord will surely fulfill if we prepare ourselves.

Take time to meditate, ponder, and pray on spiritual matters. (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, ed. Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1997], 36)

Harold B. Lee:

Within every one of you there dwells a spirit which is the exact counterpart of your full-grown physical body. To keep your physical body in vigor and health, food and drink must be provided at frequent intervals. Every germ cell of your bodies must have a nerve connection in order to maintain the vital life processes. Failure to maintain these nerve connections or to supply the required sustenance brings decay, stagnation, sickness, and finally death to the physical body.

Your spiritual body needs nourishment at frequent intervals in order to assure its health and vigor. Earthly food does not satisfy this need. Food to satisfy your spiritual needs must come from spiritual sources. Principles of eternal truth, as contained in the gospel, and the proper exercise by engaging in spiritual activities are essential to the satisfying of your spiritual selves. Vital processes of the spirit are likewise maintained only by intelligent connection with spiritual fountains of truth. Spiritual sickness and death, which mean separation from the fountain of spiritual light, are sure to follow the severance of your connection with the spiritual nerve center, the Church of Jesus Christ. . . .

To be spiritually minded is to live the gospel. The spiritually minded person seeks respect of the high-minded who obey the law, who revere womanhood and virtue and encourage purity of thought and action rather than cater to the applause of those who secretly despise the man who thinks and acts below the standards he professes.

When prospering in a material way, a person with great spirituality shows appreciation to God, to whom he is indebted for all that he has, by a thrifty, frugal husbanding of his substance and by extending generosity to the unfortunate according to the laws of the Church, rather than indulging in a reckless, riotous living as a prodigal in defiance of the laws of both God and man. (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996], 123)

IDEAS FOR DAILY LIVING

Here are three ideas to help us grow spiritually:

1. Savor the literature on spirituality.

●    Listen to the prophets—Review carefully the prophets’ counsel regarding spirituality.

●    Study the scriptures regularly—Create a study plan for feasting daily on the word of God. Pray to understand the commandments and will of Heavenly Father.

●    Study the support literature—Read and study the support literature provided by the Church. Manuals for Sunday School, priesthood/Relief Society lessons, or for institute and other Church Educational System programs are a great place to start.

2. Follow a step-by-step process for cultivating a spiritual mindset and lifestyle. Spirituality perpetuates spirituality. As we seek spirituality, our desire for spiritual things increases, and we come to enjoy the blessings of obedience and leading a Spirit-guided life. This process is eloquently summarized in the following passage:

We seek spirituality through faith, repentance, and baptism; through forgiveness of one another; through fasting and prayer; through righteous desires and pure thoughts and actions. We seek spirituality through service to our fellowmen; through worship; through feasting on the word of God, in the scriptures and in the teachings of the living prophets. We attain spirituality through making and keeping covenants with the Lord, through conscientiously trying to keep all the commandments of God. Spirituality is not acquired suddenly. It is the consequence of a succession of right choices. It is the harvest of a righteous life. (Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate, Jr., eds., Mosiah: Salvation Only through Christ [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 240)

3. Seek balance. Let us avoid compartmentalizing our life to such an extent that we separate gospel principles from our daily life. Living the principles of the gospel should be central in everything we do—not just on Sunday as part of our church attendance and worship. 

ILLUSTRATIONS FOR OUR TIME

In an excerpt from an Ensign article by Mary Ellen Edmunds, we learn the characteristics of people who have developed a deep spirituality in their lives. 

Spirituality Is Integrity

The story goes that someone once asked Michelangelo how he could transform ordinary rock into his marvelous statues. Reportedly, the artist replied that he just chiseled until everything that wasn’t the statue wasn’t there. To be spiritual means to have a sense of who we truly are and then to be that person.

Eventually, spirituality becomes such an integral part of our being that we can follow our heart’s true desires without doing anything wrong. Nephi, the son of Helaman, reached that point where there was no conflict between what he wanted and what was right. The Lord promised him, “I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will. (Hel. 10:5; italics added.)

This kind of spirituality requires that we consciously move away from all that is unkind, unholy, impure, or unchristian. It requires that we let go of anger and revenge. And it yields a peace of heart and soul. It makes us able to find good things to do without constantly being asked, pushed, or reminded. . . .

As I observe people who seem to have developed a deep spirituality, I notice several qualities they have in common. One is the ability to communicate in a meaningful, personal way with God, to enjoy meditating and pondering. Another is a cheerfulness, an optimism, a buoyancy of spirit. Those who are spiritual also seem to be grateful—not just for obvious blessings, but for the often unnoticed joys of life. They seem genuinely happy when others succeed or receive praise. They obey with a feeling of enlightenment and sense of progression, rather than out of duty or fear or in hopes of some honor. And they seem as much concerned with being—with the state of their souls—as they are with doing.

Perhaps the trait I enjoy most in those who seem to have reached higher levels of spirituality is that they show kind, tender, active concern for others. They don’t seem to need much credit for genuine Christian service. And they seem to be able to help others without creating dependency or a feeling of indebtedness. They have a way of exalting those they help. (See D&C 104:15–16.)

They say, “Here we are, Lord. Send us!” Send us to Africa or South America. Send us next door with some warm bread. Send us to listen to a weary, struggling neighbor. Send us to visit a lonely friend. Send us into the next room to lift a heavy heart. Help us be in tune so that we can respond to all the big and little promptings that come. Help us go beyond “Just call if you need me” to anticipating and helping before there is desperation and helplessness.

The price God asks of each of us is the same: everything. The reward is also the same: a growing feeling of confidence and peace. I will always remember a tall Nigerian who stood in a testimony meeting and said with emotion, “I am convinced that I am a son of God!” I also like to think how Enos must have felt when he knew he was forgiven of his sins and his faith in Christ was rewarded: “Wherefore my soul did rest.” (Enos 1:17.)

May we lift and love and nourish and smile. May we visit and share and sing and serve until joy fills our souls to overflowing. Then we, with Enos, may look forward to meeting God, for we will “see his face with pleasure.” (Enos 1:27.) (Mary Ellen Edmunds, “Spirituality—More Than a Feeling,” Ensign, October 1985, 14)

SUMMARY

Achieving spirituality is necessary in order to live a life in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Such a state of being is not a pious “holier than thou” attitude, but rather a God-fearing, humble state where we submit our will to the will of the Father. The fruits of spirituality include the Christlike qualities of goodness and compassion, and a disposition to serve others without trying to improve our own position or station. Spirituality is the gateway to understanding God, for whom all things have a spiritual foundation: “Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created” (D&C 29:34). So should our view be in life; nothing is of only temporal consequence. Let us therefore commit ourselves to cultivating a more spiritual lifestyle by keeping the commandments of God.

♦

Soper, Kerry. “Regionalism.” Interdisciplinary Humanities 262: American Humanities. United States, Provo. Lecture.