Elder Gene R. Cook once wrote that one of the most misunderstood scriptures in the Book of Mormon was found in Moroni’s promise in Moroni 10:3
“Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.”
The misunderstanding seems to come from the word “it”; the fourth word from the end. What exactly is “it” that we are to ponder in our hearts?
The common belief by most of us is that when we read “these things, if it be wisdom in God that we should read them,” that we should ponder “them” in our hearts. But this isn’t what Moroni says… he says ponder “it.” The only “it” he could be referring to in this sentence is “how merciful the Lord has been unto the children of men.” This changes our focus quite dramatically.
We have been taught by many gospel scholars over the years of the ancient literary writing style known as chiasmus. A chiasm, as I understand it, is literary writing structure that places concepts in symmetrical order. For example, suppose that the first topic in a text is labeled by A, the second topic is labeled by B and the third topic is labeled by C. If the topics in the text appear in the order ABC…CBA so that the first concept that comes up is also the last, the second is the second to last.
A simple example of a chiasm in the New Testament is found in John 1:1-2
In the beginning was the Word, (A)
and the Word was with God, (B)
and the Word was God. (B')
The same was in the beginning with God. (A')
I find it interesting that the Book of Mormon starts and ends in a similar manner. In 1 Nephi 1:20 we read: ““But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen.”
Then in Moroni 10:3 we are asked to ponder “how merciful the Lord has been.”
It is of this mercy that I wish to write today.
I have often felt throughout my life that the Lord blesses me well beyond what I deserve. I hesitate to use the word deserve because I know that I don’t really deserve anything. I guess what I mean to say is that I have feel more blessed than what my imperfect mind and heart feel I should- knowing all of my sins and imperfections. For this I am deeply grateful to my Heavenly Father.
Although I have honestly strived throughout my life to do the things the Lord asks of me, I have lived a life filled with rebellion, envy, pride, lust, and sin. Despite this behavior, the Lord has shown His tender mercies toward me and given me every opportunity to repent and to succeed. I have been given opportunity after opportunity to serve in His Kingdom. My prayers have always been answered and I have always felt the power of the Holy Ghost in my life.
Roughly seven years ago, I was living the life of a mediocre Latter Day Saint. I went to church, I read my scriptures, I said my prayers most of the time, and I attended the temple every month or two. I had a testimony… I felt it was a strong testimony. I had experienced many wonderful things that really strengthened my faith. I had repented of many things. I was busy raising my family and I was busy in my career. I felt I was doing what was required of me for the most part. Then one day, out of the blue, I was called as a member of the Stake High Council. This was the beginning of a “mighty change” in my life.
I will never forget how I felt as I first began attending High Council meetings. I felt so out of place and so unworthy to be there. I was suddenly in the midst of the greatest group of men I had ever known. I made a vow to really strive to be better… to be more repentant: To be more Christ like.
This went on for about two years. I was striving to change and to be better. The Holy Spirit was guiding me and helping me to make some changes that I needed to but in hindsight now, I can see that I wasn’t close to comprehending how much the Lord was asking me to change. He wanted me to be vastly different; He wanted me to make major changes; not just these superficial ones that I was slowly making.
In the fall of 2005 I was suddenly hit with a trial that changed every part of my life. It isn’t important to mention what the trial was, but it affected me so deeply that I didn’t know how to go on with my life. I was alone with no one to turn to but the Lord. Once again in hindsight, I feel that the Lord grabbed my attention in the only way I would listen, and proceeded to make me the person He wanted me to be. I needed to change, and the change was more drastic than I had ever imagined. Once again, His tender mercy plucked me from a life of mediocrity in the church, to one of total immersion and commitment.
Here I sit, nearly six years later, contemplating the blessings that have become mine due to a loving Heavenly Father that chose to select me for chastisement. I have learned what it means in Doctrine and Covenants 121:45 to have my “confidence was strong in the presence of God.” I know what it means to “hunger and thirst after righteousness.” I have learned why the Holy Ghost is known as the Comforter.
In the past 6 years I have had many trials. I’ve learned that when we begin to get a handle on withstanding one type of temptation, Satan is right behind with another. The closer we grow to the Lord, the more personal becomes the temptation. I have learned that Satan will do all in his power to destroy marriages and families. I’ve learned that there are countless ways for our hearts to be broken. I’ve learned that President Benson was right when he stated that the Lord will have a humble people… they can either choose to be humble, or can be compelled.
Although there have been many trials, there have been many blessings. I wouldn’t trade anything I have been through (although I wouldn’t want to relive any of it). I know that our trials are evidence of God's mercy. I have gained an unshakable testimony of the Savior. I have become immovable in my conviction of the restoration. I have learned that the Lord’s house is the source of great instruction. I have begun to see glimpses of Eternity and our part in it. I have learned that the Lord will reveal the “mysteries” of heaven to those who ask. I have come to know that D&C 93:1is indeed true:
“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”.
I know God lives and loves me.
Showing posts with label Doctrine and Covenants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Doctrine and Covenants. Show all posts
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wheat and Tares
I was really struck by a simple phrase that I read this morning. I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. The sentence is this: “When the wheat is fully ripe, the Lord will return.”(The Second Comforter, Denver Snuffer). I’m not quite sure why this phrase had such impact on me, but it has. I hope to be able to share my thoughts on this topic.
In Matthew 13 we read the parable of the wheat and the tares. It reads as follows:
“24¶Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”
I have obviously read this parable many times in my life. I feel like I have even understood what it says, but I guess I never really understood my role as being the wheat.
I have always known that we live in the last days, and that Christ will soon come. Somehow, however, I have confused the events that would actually lead to the second coming. When we read about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, it came because of the wickedness of these two cities. The Book of Mormon is full of stories where the wicked were destroyed. I have always believed that Christ would come when the world was so wicked that He would destroy it. I think that perhaps I have misunderstood this until now.
The parable tells us wait until the harvest, gather the tares and burn them, then gather the wheat. Obviously the wheat must be ripe before it is gathered. So what do we need to do, as the wheat, in order to become ripe?
We often hear the term “the Stakes of Zion” and that Zion is “ the pure in heart”. Section 97 of the Doctrine and Covenants says the following:
18And, now, behold, if Zion do these things she shall prosper, and spread herself and become very glorious, very great, and very terrible.
19And the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say: Surely Zion is the city of our God, and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there;
20And he hath sworn by the power of his might to be her salvation and her high tower.
21Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART; therefore, let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn.
22For behold, and lo, vengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly as the whirlwind; and who shall escape it?
23The Lord’s scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof shall vex all people; yea, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come;
24For the indignation of the Lord is kindled against their abominations and all their wicked works.
25Nevertheless, Zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her.
26But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works, with sore affliction, with pestilence, with plague, with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire.
If Zion is indeed defined as “the pure in heart” then it seems quite clear what we must do to establish Zion in our own lives: We must become pure in heart! A statement undoubtedly easier said than done. In John Pontius’s book “The Triumph of Zion”, one of the most influential books I have read, he states that Zion is an “individual matter” and can be achieved long before the actual city of Zion is established. Related to this, President Spencer W. Kimball said “When Satan is bound in a single home – when Satan is bound in a single life – the Millennium has already begun in that home, in that life.” Zion must be established before the Second Coming.
The pure in heart (D&C 97:21). Zion also means a place where the pure in heart live. The city built by Enoch and his people that was eventually taken to heaven because of righteousness was named Zion (D&C 38:4; Moses 7:18–21, 69). In the latter-days a city named Zion will be built near Jackson County, Missouri (United States of America), to which the tribes of Israel will gather (D&C 103:11–22; 133:18). The Saints are counseled to build up Zion wherever they are living in the world. A few scriptures on the topic:
• The city of David was called Zion, 1 Kgs. 8:1
• Out of Zion shall go forth the law, Isa. 2:2–3 (Micah 4:2; 2 Ne. 12:2–3).
• The Redeemer shall come to Zion, Isa. 59:20
• I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you
to Zion, Jer. 3:14
• In mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, Joel 2:32 (Obad. 1:17).
• Blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion, 1 Ne. 13:37
• The daughters of Zion are haughty, 2 Ne. 13:16 (Isa. 3:16).
• Wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!, 2 Ne. 28:19–25
• Seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion, D&C 6:6 (D&C 11:6).
• Him have I inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good,
D&C 21:7
• The New Jerusalem shall be called Zion, D&C 45:66–67
• Independence, Missouri, is the place for the city of Zion, D&C 57:1–3
• A scourge remaineth upon the children of Zion until they repent, D&C 84:58
• The Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and
one mind, Moses 7:18–19
• Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent,
A of F 1:10
Denver Snuffer also makes the following comments: “The Millennium will happen as people prepare themselves for it.It would do little good to have the Lord return if there were not people prepared for His presence awaiting Him. If that were to occur before people are prepared, the whole earth would be wasted at His coming.”
In my own life, as I have earnestly tried to change my life, and to allow the Spirit to bring about “the mighty change” spoken of in the scriptures, I have been drawn to people with similar interests. From my perspective I see Zion being established in the hearts of people everywhere. I see an increase in spirituality and in people striving to do what is right. At the same time I see the ways of the world going in the opposite direction. I am offended by things I see on television and on the internet.
A dear friend told me he had lunch with a former Bishop and recently released Stake President. The Stake President told him that out of 22 missionaries that went out in recent months, 8 are home prematurely because they lied about their worthiness. This same president said that affairs and immorality were increasing in his stake. I am sure they are in mine and others as well, but righteousness and goodness are as well. It appears the Wheat and the Tares are growing together, even in the church. God’s promises are sure, Zion will prevail. It is our duty to choose which side we will take. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15) May we all strive to establish Zion in our own lives!
In Matthew 13 we read the parable of the wheat and the tares. It reads as follows:
“24¶Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”
I have obviously read this parable many times in my life. I feel like I have even understood what it says, but I guess I never really understood my role as being the wheat.
I have always known that we live in the last days, and that Christ will soon come. Somehow, however, I have confused the events that would actually lead to the second coming. When we read about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, it came because of the wickedness of these two cities. The Book of Mormon is full of stories where the wicked were destroyed. I have always believed that Christ would come when the world was so wicked that He would destroy it. I think that perhaps I have misunderstood this until now.
The parable tells us wait until the harvest, gather the tares and burn them, then gather the wheat. Obviously the wheat must be ripe before it is gathered. So what do we need to do, as the wheat, in order to become ripe?
We often hear the term “the Stakes of Zion” and that Zion is “ the pure in heart”. Section 97 of the Doctrine and Covenants says the following:
18And, now, behold, if Zion do these things she shall prosper, and spread herself and become very glorious, very great, and very terrible.
19And the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say: Surely Zion is the city of our God, and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there;
20And he hath sworn by the power of his might to be her salvation and her high tower.
21Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART; therefore, let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn.
22For behold, and lo, vengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly as the whirlwind; and who shall escape it?
23The Lord’s scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof shall vex all people; yea, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come;
24For the indignation of the Lord is kindled against their abominations and all their wicked works.
25Nevertheless, Zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her.
26But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works, with sore affliction, with pestilence, with plague, with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire.
If Zion is indeed defined as “the pure in heart” then it seems quite clear what we must do to establish Zion in our own lives: We must become pure in heart! A statement undoubtedly easier said than done. In John Pontius’s book “The Triumph of Zion”, one of the most influential books I have read, he states that Zion is an “individual matter” and can be achieved long before the actual city of Zion is established. Related to this, President Spencer W. Kimball said “When Satan is bound in a single home – when Satan is bound in a single life – the Millennium has already begun in that home, in that life.” Zion must be established before the Second Coming.
The pure in heart (D&C 97:21). Zion also means a place where the pure in heart live. The city built by Enoch and his people that was eventually taken to heaven because of righteousness was named Zion (D&C 38:4; Moses 7:18–21, 69). In the latter-days a city named Zion will be built near Jackson County, Missouri (United States of America), to which the tribes of Israel will gather (D&C 103:11–22; 133:18). The Saints are counseled to build up Zion wherever they are living in the world. A few scriptures on the topic:
• The city of David was called Zion, 1 Kgs. 8:1
• Out of Zion shall go forth the law, Isa. 2:2–3 (Micah 4:2; 2 Ne. 12:2–3).
• The Redeemer shall come to Zion, Isa. 59:20
• I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you
to Zion, Jer. 3:14
• In mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, Joel 2:32 (Obad. 1:17).
• Blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion, 1 Ne. 13:37
• The daughters of Zion are haughty, 2 Ne. 13:16 (Isa. 3:16).
• Wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!, 2 Ne. 28:19–25
• Seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion, D&C 6:6 (D&C 11:6).
• Him have I inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good,
D&C 21:7
• The New Jerusalem shall be called Zion, D&C 45:66–67
• Independence, Missouri, is the place for the city of Zion, D&C 57:1–3
• A scourge remaineth upon the children of Zion until they repent, D&C 84:58
• The Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and
one mind, Moses 7:18–19
• Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent,
A of F 1:10
Denver Snuffer also makes the following comments: “The Millennium will happen as people prepare themselves for it.It would do little good to have the Lord return if there were not people prepared for His presence awaiting Him. If that were to occur before people are prepared, the whole earth would be wasted at His coming.”
In my own life, as I have earnestly tried to change my life, and to allow the Spirit to bring about “the mighty change” spoken of in the scriptures, I have been drawn to people with similar interests. From my perspective I see Zion being established in the hearts of people everywhere. I see an increase in spirituality and in people striving to do what is right. At the same time I see the ways of the world going in the opposite direction. I am offended by things I see on television and on the internet.
A dear friend told me he had lunch with a former Bishop and recently released Stake President. The Stake President told him that out of 22 missionaries that went out in recent months, 8 are home prematurely because they lied about their worthiness. This same president said that affairs and immorality were increasing in his stake. I am sure they are in mine and others as well, but righteousness and goodness are as well. It appears the Wheat and the Tares are growing together, even in the church. God’s promises are sure, Zion will prevail. It is our duty to choose which side we will take. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15) May we all strive to establish Zion in our own lives!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Our Earthly Mission
As with most Latter-day-Saints, this past Sunday was Fast Sunday, the day set aside each month where faithful members of the church abstain from eating for 24 hours. The purpose of this fast is two-fold; it is a time to put off the natural man and rely more upon the spirit, and it is a time to donate money to those in need by contributing to the church, the money saved by skipping meals. Those who fast meaningfully and with purpose are blessed with greater spirituality and their faith is strengthened.
We are encouraged to fast with a purpose. This generally means that we keep an issue or a person forefront in our hearts and minds while fasting and ask Heavenly Father for increased help in behalf of this need. It is common to fast in behalf of someone who is sick or to fast while seeking help with a particular need or problem. Fasting without a purpose is really just going hungry.
This past Sunday I had several things I was fasting for. I always ask Heavenly Father for help in becoming more humble and being more receptive to his spirit. I always fast in behalf of my children, that they too can be more receptive of the things of the spirit. This time, however, I fasted for several others as well. I fasted in behalf of a child in my Ward that is struggling with controlling epilepsy. His parents are beside themselves with worry as they strive to help their little boy. I fasted in behalf of my niece whose husband recently passed away leaving her to care for her four children without him. I fasted in behalf of the young son of a niece who seems to have an unexplained illness. And finally I fasted in behalf of a dear friend who is really suffering from the result of sin in his life. All these are real needs that have been in my thoughts and prayers continuously.
The reason I mention these things is because they are all examples of how this life is really hard and full of difficult challenges. It is amazing that all these difficult circumstances, along with many more, are going on in the tiny circle of people that I know and love. No one is exempt from the difficulties of this life. More importantly, none of have really any control of what happens to us here. God only is in control.
I am certain that most of you have already heard of or seen the letter from Sister Lisa Laylock that was recently published in Meridian Magazine. Sister Laylock and her husband President Larry Laylock are currently presiding over the Santiago Chile East Mission. About two weeks prior to the recent Chilean earthquake, Sister Laylock had a dream warning her of the earthquake. President and Sister Laylock spent the next two weeks preparing their missionaries for the earthquake. She wrote “We learned an important lesson: our preparation helped us to avoid panic and fear, but the Lord, in His wisdom, allowed us to experience enough discomfort to know that He has all power. He is in charge. We are nothing without Him. We are dependent upon Him for every breath we take. Only He can save us from death and destruction. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is our perfect example. If we follow Him, we will be saved through obedience to the laws and ordinances of His Gospel.”
I too have learned from personal experience that I am not in control. I have previously written a blog that dealt with a serious accident with my oldest daughter. No matter how much we want to protect our children and those we love, we don’t really have the power to do so. All we are and all we have rests in God’s hands.
As we try to be in control, we should be reminded of the scripture found in Doctrine and Covenants 121: 33 “How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty…” I have often thought of how the Lord must see us as “puny armed” as we try to be in control.
One question I have often asked myself throughout my life is “why do I make life harder than it already is?” Life is already full of difficult challenges, so why do we make it worse? We have already established that there are many awful things that we are subjected to in this life that we have no control over, however, many difficulties in this life are brought on by carelessness, disobedience and rebellion.
A wise and dear friend has shared an analogy of life that he feels came to him by revelation: I believe he is right. He once told me that this life experience is very similar to preparing for, serving, and coming home from a full-time mission. We anticipate it and prepare for it for many years. We know the rules before we go and generally know what will be expected of us while there. We go for a specific purpose. We have people that have gone before us to help us while there. When we depart for it our family and friends are there to see us off. While serving we are confronted by many challenges that we didn’t anticipate and that may be very difficult. Some dedicate themselves and are faithful and hard working. Others try to do as little as possible and slide through with as little effort as possible. Some become ill but recover. Others become ill and need to come home. Some are in accidents and may be injured. Some may be killed. Some give up and go home early. Some make poor choices and are constantly in trouble. Others rebel and are sent home early. Some barely make it through; others are faithful through the end. Under most scenarios, when we return home there is a celebration. Family and friends are there to greet us. We are able to rest briefly knowing we have served well.
The most difficult missionaries seem to be those that are rebellious; those that are constantly and knowingly breaking the rules. They want to get away with as much as possible without getting sent home. They make foolish and often dangerous choices. They simply don’t want to leave the world behind.
Most of us who have served missions know missionaries that were described by one of these examples (I am sure there are fewer rebellious ones now since the “bar” has been raised). I had one as a companion. It was very difficult.
Similarly in life we have many eternal brothers and sisters that have many difficulties because of foolish choices. Some cut their lives short by participating in extreme and dangerous activities. Others are openly rebellious (all of us are rebellious to some extent) and are involved in disobeying the law of chastity or some other immoral or perverted activity. Sometimes we are injured in accidents that are no fault of our own: Other times our accidents are consequences of our actions. Sometimes we become ill by no fault of our own, other times we bring illnesses upon us by not taking care of ourselves. This may include smoking, drinking, unhealthy eating, or other unhealthy actions.
Thankfully we have a Heavenly Father that loves us and has prepared a way for us to return to Him… no matter what kind of missionary we have been. I have learned through the crucible of my own life that “wickedness never was happiness,” and that true joy and happiness only comes by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
I have learned through my own experience and can therefore testify with authority that the atonement of Jesus Christ is real. We can be forgiven of our wickedness and our sins. Even those we were openly rebellious about, if we will turn from our rebellion and turn to Christ. We must forsake our rebellious nature and ask our Savior to change our hearts. By so doing, we will one day be greeted with the words “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
We are encouraged to fast with a purpose. This generally means that we keep an issue or a person forefront in our hearts and minds while fasting and ask Heavenly Father for increased help in behalf of this need. It is common to fast in behalf of someone who is sick or to fast while seeking help with a particular need or problem. Fasting without a purpose is really just going hungry.
This past Sunday I had several things I was fasting for. I always ask Heavenly Father for help in becoming more humble and being more receptive to his spirit. I always fast in behalf of my children, that they too can be more receptive of the things of the spirit. This time, however, I fasted for several others as well. I fasted in behalf of a child in my Ward that is struggling with controlling epilepsy. His parents are beside themselves with worry as they strive to help their little boy. I fasted in behalf of my niece whose husband recently passed away leaving her to care for her four children without him. I fasted in behalf of the young son of a niece who seems to have an unexplained illness. And finally I fasted in behalf of a dear friend who is really suffering from the result of sin in his life. All these are real needs that have been in my thoughts and prayers continuously.
The reason I mention these things is because they are all examples of how this life is really hard and full of difficult challenges. It is amazing that all these difficult circumstances, along with many more, are going on in the tiny circle of people that I know and love. No one is exempt from the difficulties of this life. More importantly, none of have really any control of what happens to us here. God only is in control.
I am certain that most of you have already heard of or seen the letter from Sister Lisa Laylock that was recently published in Meridian Magazine. Sister Laylock and her husband President Larry Laylock are currently presiding over the Santiago Chile East Mission. About two weeks prior to the recent Chilean earthquake, Sister Laylock had a dream warning her of the earthquake. President and Sister Laylock spent the next two weeks preparing their missionaries for the earthquake. She wrote “We learned an important lesson: our preparation helped us to avoid panic and fear, but the Lord, in His wisdom, allowed us to experience enough discomfort to know that He has all power. He is in charge. We are nothing without Him. We are dependent upon Him for every breath we take. Only He can save us from death and destruction. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is our perfect example. If we follow Him, we will be saved through obedience to the laws and ordinances of His Gospel.”
I too have learned from personal experience that I am not in control. I have previously written a blog that dealt with a serious accident with my oldest daughter. No matter how much we want to protect our children and those we love, we don’t really have the power to do so. All we are and all we have rests in God’s hands.
As we try to be in control, we should be reminded of the scripture found in Doctrine and Covenants 121: 33 “How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty…” I have often thought of how the Lord must see us as “puny armed” as we try to be in control.
One question I have often asked myself throughout my life is “why do I make life harder than it already is?” Life is already full of difficult challenges, so why do we make it worse? We have already established that there are many awful things that we are subjected to in this life that we have no control over, however, many difficulties in this life are brought on by carelessness, disobedience and rebellion.
A wise and dear friend has shared an analogy of life that he feels came to him by revelation: I believe he is right. He once told me that this life experience is very similar to preparing for, serving, and coming home from a full-time mission. We anticipate it and prepare for it for many years. We know the rules before we go and generally know what will be expected of us while there. We go for a specific purpose. We have people that have gone before us to help us while there. When we depart for it our family and friends are there to see us off. While serving we are confronted by many challenges that we didn’t anticipate and that may be very difficult. Some dedicate themselves and are faithful and hard working. Others try to do as little as possible and slide through with as little effort as possible. Some become ill but recover. Others become ill and need to come home. Some are in accidents and may be injured. Some may be killed. Some give up and go home early. Some make poor choices and are constantly in trouble. Others rebel and are sent home early. Some barely make it through; others are faithful through the end. Under most scenarios, when we return home there is a celebration. Family and friends are there to greet us. We are able to rest briefly knowing we have served well.
The most difficult missionaries seem to be those that are rebellious; those that are constantly and knowingly breaking the rules. They want to get away with as much as possible without getting sent home. They make foolish and often dangerous choices. They simply don’t want to leave the world behind.
Most of us who have served missions know missionaries that were described by one of these examples (I am sure there are fewer rebellious ones now since the “bar” has been raised). I had one as a companion. It was very difficult.
Similarly in life we have many eternal brothers and sisters that have many difficulties because of foolish choices. Some cut their lives short by participating in extreme and dangerous activities. Others are openly rebellious (all of us are rebellious to some extent) and are involved in disobeying the law of chastity or some other immoral or perverted activity. Sometimes we are injured in accidents that are no fault of our own: Other times our accidents are consequences of our actions. Sometimes we become ill by no fault of our own, other times we bring illnesses upon us by not taking care of ourselves. This may include smoking, drinking, unhealthy eating, or other unhealthy actions.
Thankfully we have a Heavenly Father that loves us and has prepared a way for us to return to Him… no matter what kind of missionary we have been. I have learned through the crucible of my own life that “wickedness never was happiness,” and that true joy and happiness only comes by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
I have learned through my own experience and can therefore testify with authority that the atonement of Jesus Christ is real. We can be forgiven of our wickedness and our sins. Even those we were openly rebellious about, if we will turn from our rebellion and turn to Christ. We must forsake our rebellious nature and ask our Savior to change our hearts. By so doing, we will one day be greeted with the words “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
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