Thoughts on Faith, Choice, and the name "Israel"

 Here are a few thoughts that I've written down over the past several weeks.

Sep 2020:

To my children:

    There is nothing so important in this life as the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is solely because of God's desire for our Eternal happiness that we have this life to live.  If I have but one desire for you it is that you would nurture a testimony of the gospel Truth: of Christ and His Atonement.

    Treat your faith as the tenderest of plants or as the sickliest, smallest lamb--it needs daily, often hourly, nourishment and care.  It must be regularly strengthened and fortified.  You may pass through various stages in your life and in your faith.  Sometimes the trials of life may shake your faith and it is all you can do to maintain the smallest shred of faith; do so, and you will find that in the darkness of your trials your faith grew unseen into a weather-strengthened oak (or at least into a sturdy sapling).  Sometimes temptation and sin will seek to lure you away, or lull you to sleep such that you cease daily to nourish your faith. Beware this subtle weakening: always nourish your faith daily, for not only will your faith be strengthened, but you will find that this holy habit will be key to your escape from sin and temptation and even addiction.  At times life will be easy (relatively speaking) and faith will be a joy.  Be most aware of those time!  For this is when you can fool yourself into believing that you "have arrived," that all your work has paid off, and that you can relax.  It is not so! Even the sturdiest oak of faith needs constant nourishment and can be toppled by lack of care.

6 Sep 2020:

On Choice

When we seek the Lord's guidance between two choices and He answers that it is up to us, perhaps it's not so much about the choice, but rather a test of our goals and priorities.  For when we receive such an answer, it is natural for us to evaluate further the merits and detriments of each choice.  In doing so we generally need to know or have a general idea of our goals and desires, for it is in the framework of those goals and desires that we evaluate the desirability of each choice.

11 Oct 2020:

Israel: Let God Prevail

This thought was prompted by a ward member's talk in sacrament referencing President Nelson's Oct 2020 address in which he shared an insight he recently received into an interpretation of the name Israel.  He said that the Hebrew interpretation was "Let God Prevail" and that this represented a willingness to let God prevail in our individual lives; and that the Hebrew interpretation was critical to this understanding of Israel denoting that willingness.

I came at it backwards to see what I could find.  That is, I started with the English phrase and worked towards every possible understanding.

In English the phrase "Let God prevail" can be read in several ways.

1st, as an imperative, a command.  In this form, the name of Israel is a command to let God prevail.  Being part of Israel is then an agreement to obey this commandment.  This idea is born out in scripture: the Lord "loveth those who will have him to be their God." (1 Nephi 17:40; see also Ephesians 2:11-13, Exodus 24:7, Topical Guide: Obedience, and Bible Dictionary: Israel)

2nd, as a request.  In this sense, Israel is a plea to accept the Lord and His Gospel.  This is the purpose of missionary work: to invite all men to come unto Christ.

3rd, as an exclamation. I imagine here an exultant cry of "Israel!"  A joyous proclamation of God's prevalence and the goodness that comes of living God's commands.

4th, as a statement.  This would be an acceptance, or willingness to allow God to prevail in our own lives.  This one isn't as much of a grammatical interpretation like the first 3.  Rather, it is an implication of using or accepting Israel in the ways described.  In doing so, you are personally willing to let God prevail and willing God to prevail in your own life.

New name... again

This blog started as a proselyting and teaching tool while I was a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I originally named it “Go ye into all the world...” to reflect my calling to teach the gospel. This title of course came from Christ’s command to His Apostles after His resurrection. The particular scripture reference is Mark 16:15.  (See also Matthew 28:19-20 and 3 Nephi 11:41.)

When I returned home I had planned on continuing to post on this blog as a way of sharing my testimony and thoughts relating to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I correspondingly renamed this blog “Be thou an example...” from Paul's first epistle to Timothy chapter 4, verse 12.  Paul counseled Timothy to be "an example of the believers" despite his youth.  Similarly, I wanted to use this blog for the same purpose.  However, as can be seen by the minimal number of posts over the last 8 years, I have not been the best at structured, regular writing and posting.

Now, nearly a decade later, I'm considering a new structure to my posts.  I realized that I often have insights either during personal or family scripture study, or during church each week.  There are many of these that are not too personal to share.  Also, I've been praying for a way to share the gospel online and one of these recent Sundays I felt the distinct impression that perhaps part of the reason for some of the insights I find is to share them.

In addition to this desire to share the gospel, I've always had in the back of my mind the idea of writing out the most important things I would want to tell my future children and grandchildren.  In line with this, I'll be using this blog to place my thoughts and insights on the gospel, as that is the most important thing in life that I can share with my posterity.

With a new purpose comes a new name: "That our children may know...."  This comes from The Book of Mormon, in particular 2 Nephi 25:26 quoted here:

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

I know that this is truth.  I know that Christ is the ultimate solution.  I know that we will all sin, but that Christ will redeem us if we will but turn to Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit.  There is nothing so important in life as this.

May the peace of Christ and His Atonement abide with you always.

How to Deal With Offense and Contention

It has been my experience that when people get offended it is due to a misunderstanding or miscommunication.  Also, when we face strife and contention pride is a major component.  If we can learn to exercise patience and humility, if we strive to harbor understanding, then we can leave behind much of the pain, suffering, and sorrow of our day-to-day lives.

This post will focus on offense, but the principles are universal and can help us with contention as well.

I've given quite some thought to this.  More than that, I've tried to apply certain principles to my own life.  Mainly I ask myself some questions at times when I could be possibly offended.  Usually the result is that I come up with several harmless alternatives for the reasons behind the offense.  I can forgive the possible fault and move on.  Often in the course of this I experience a moment of wry humor in the recognition of what I like to call the "human condition."  Basically, we are all human and thus we are all prone to mistakes.

We've all said or done something that we've regretted. Or we said or did it in a way that didn't convey our intentions as well as we would have liked.  What one person may consider an unpardonable slip in speech or action may be a weakness of another.  Also simple differences in our nurture and our environment instill in us differences of opinion and expression.  Misunderstanding comes quickly when we assume that we  know the thoughts behind a person's words or deeds and that our judgement is perfect.  Simply remembering that there may be more behind an action--things that we do not or cannot see, or a simple mistake--should be enough to help us pause.

When we pause in our judgements, let us use a few simple mechanisms to evaluate the perceived offense.  These mechanisms, expressed in writing, take the form of a list of questions.  However, by force of time and habit they become more a part of our character than an external checklist.

• First, could I see myself making the same statements or doing the same thing under any conceivable set of situations, even those beyond what I have experienced myself?
• Now, what are some other possible explanations for the offending act or word?
• Is this simply a case where the person could not find a better way to express themselves?  Or did they perhaps forget the expression that they wanted and had to make due with a less-effective substitute?
• Has the potential offender ever been in this situation before?  Could that affect how they might act?  Could that affect the possibility of being misunderstood and giving offense?
• Did I expect the person to be offensive in that way? And do I really, honestly think that they were intending to be offensive?
• Have I ever been misunderstood?
• Have I ever inadvertently given offense?
• And, not least of all, does it really matter?
• Is it worth getting offended over?
• Is it worth a reaction on my part?
• Would it be beneficial take up a defense, to criticize, or to correct in response?
• Is there another, more appropriate response that I could give, rather than to become offended?
• Basically, what is the truth behind the statement or action?  Was the truth spoken?  Am I the one at fault for being out of line with the truth?

Premeditation on how to avoid or prevent offense and on how to promote understanding is also worthwhile.  How can I make sure that I don't get offended? (Whether or not offense was meant to be taken.)  What can I do when I do feel offended?  Why do I usually get offended?  What are some causes of offense in general?

My answer to that last question is where I started this blog.  Misunderstanding and pride.  The same approach applies perfectly to resolving both misunderstanding and pride:  What led to the conflict?  Was it meant that way?  Is it worth it?  Am I in opposition to the truth?

There is a principle of humility and meekness in the ongoing effort to evaluate and understand offenses and contention.  This is especially true when we are willing to ask "Am I at fault?" and to confess, if only to ourselves, our own guilt.  Since humility and meekness are opposite of pride and unbridled passion, then as we cultivate the former the latter will fade.

Of use may be an address given by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin entitled "Come What May and Love It."  He applies a set of principles to enduring trials in life.  The same can be used in the context of what we have been discussing here.  Portions of the address were used to create the following video which highlights the main points.





What I've Learned on My Mission

I want to start with a "Thank You!" to everyone in New York!  Thank you for two wonderful years in your service.  I hope our friendships can continue on and grow, even as we are miles apart.

So, what have I learned during these 24 months away from home?

Several things stand out as of prime importance.

First, we must develop faith, hope, and charity as Paul has taught.  If we have nothing to believe in, no hope for life after death, then our life becomes dark and we are inclined to cynicism.  Such an attitude does not lend itself to the Charity and love that should fill our souls.  "Believe in God; believe that he is... believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend." (Mosiah 4:9)  "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (2 Nephi 31:20)

Second, selfless service is paramount in putting off the natural man, becoming like Christ, and becoming fully converted to His gospel.  Conversion comes as we honestly and consistently live the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The central doctrine of His gospel is His Atonement and selfless sacrifice for us.  This sacred service to us would not have been possible if Christ weren't who He was.  When the selfish natural man in each of us would have turned inward, Christ always turned outward.  For example, despite the pains, abandonment, sorrow, and persecutions of His suffering in the Garden and on the cross, Christ still spoke to the Father on behalf of the Roman soldiers who had treated Him so cruely: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)  If you or I were in such a situation we would be more likely to curse our enemies than to bless them; or at the least not spare a thought for them as we focused on our own recent troubles.
   So how do we change our nature and come to love our enemies and pray for those that despitefully use us? (see Matthew 5:44)  We turn outward as the Savior did and serve without thought of personal reward or gain.  As we lose ourselves for the gospel's sake and for Christ's sake, we will find ourselves. (see Matthew 16:24-25)  We will not find ourselves if we set out to accomplish it.  We will only find ourselves as we lose ourselves in others; and we won't be looking for it to happen.

Third, ultimately it is only the gospel that can solve all our problems and save us.  There are so many problems, so many heartaches and troubles in this world.  Society runs around looking for new and novel ideas to problems that humanity has been faced with since the fall of Adam and Eve.  There is no greater or more powerful answer to all our concerns than the very answer that was given to our First Parents.  Christ and His gospel remain the only way to fully solve every social, civil, and personal problem.  In the gospel we not only find the virtues that are the basis of a sound and happy life, but also the principles of righteous living that bring the blessings of God to us and our families, nations, and world.

Lastly, I know that God the Father is our loving Heavenly Father.  He knows us each individually and desires our happiness and salvation.
   I know Jesus Christ is His Son, our Savior.  His Atonement can cleanse and heal us from the deepest sins and wounds, if we are willing to change what we need to and live His gospel.
   I know the Spirit of the Lord can speak to each of us.  He has spoken to me from time to time.  We can know what we need to know and do.  We can be comforted and encouraged in our daily struggles.
   I know that the church and kingdom of God are on the earth again.  God has restored everything necessary for the salvation of all His children.  We have again among us living prophets and apostles who speak the mind and will of God.  There is consistency and safety in their words because they are God's words.

Please:
   Study the scriptures.
   Pray with full sincerity of heart.
   Keep God's commandments.
   Selflessly serve others.
   and Believe.

Then you will recieve what you ask for, find what you seek, and doors will be opened when you knock.  I promise, in the name of Jesus Christ, that this is true.

Baptism and Confirmation

Each of us deals with the challenges of life.  We try to learn and make correct choices about how to live our life.  We follow the dictates of our conscience.  However, each of us falls short and makes a wrong choice from time to time.  Actually we all slip up daily, if even only in one small thought.  These sins and mistakes create a burden of guilt and shame in our souls.

We need relief from this shame and guilt.  Repentance is the cost of this freedom.  As we repent, we recognize our mistakes and change our actions to avoid the same transgressions in the future.  As we make the necessary changes in our lives we are led to make a covenant (promise) with God.  We desire to always remember Christ, take upon us the name of Christ, and keep His commandments. (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 77, 79)  We also desire to help and lift and serve everyone around us. (see Mosiah 18:8-10)

This covenant is available through the ordinances of baptism and confirmation.  Baptism cleanses us from our sins.  Confirmation gives us the gift of the Holy Ghost (the Spirit).  The Lord covenants that He will bless us with His Spirit's presence always as we keep our promises to him.  The Spirit will guide and direct us in making righteous choices throughout our lives.

This pattern of repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost is what the Apostle Peter taught on the day of Pentecost.  As the people of Jerusalem heard the Apostles preach "they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"  Peter replied "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."(Acts 2:37-39)

I know that this is the gate by which all must enter to gain eternal life.  I know of the peace that comes as I strive to keep my life clean and fulfil the covenants I made at baptism.  God does love us.  That is why He makes covenants with us that will bring us greater peace, joy, and safety in this life.

Endure to the End

Once we have been baptized and confirmed we need to continue on the path to Eternal Life.  We must "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men."  We are promised that if we "endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (2 Nephi 31:20)

We "endure to the end" by continually exercising faith, repenting, keeping our commitments and covenants, and following the Spirit's guidance.  In order to have the Spirit's guidance in our lives we must repent of our sins and strive to remain free from sin.  When we are baptized we are completely cleansed from our sins and we promise to keep the commandments.  If we mess up and fall short, we must repent.  We can become clean again and renew the covenant made at baptism by partaking of the the sacrament.

This pattern of faith, repentance, making and keeping covenants, and following the Spirit becomes a way of life.  We draw closer to God and find greater happiness, peace, and joy in our daily lives.  This lifestyle will lead us to Eternal Life in God's presence.



The Gift of the Holy Ghost

Baptism by immersion is incomplete without the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  Christ taught "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)  The Gift of the Holy Ghost is the baptism of fire: being "born... of the Spirit."

This gift must be given by those who have the authority of God, His priesthood.  One or more priesthood holders lay their hands on the head of the person and confirm him or her a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  They also confer the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost allows us to have the guidance of the Spirit at all times.  The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, and as long as we are living righteously we can have Him with us.  He will help us understand and learn truth.  He will guide us by feelings in our hearts and thoughts in our minds. (Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3)  He will bring us peace and comfort. (John 14:26-27)  He can teach us all things.  He can bring us the "fruit of the Spirit." (Galatians 5:22-23)

Through the Gift of the Holy Ghost we can find the strength and the conviction to continue on the right path through the rest of our lives.

Baptism, Our First Covenant

Faith and repentance lead us to baptism.  As we change our lives we want to keep all God's commandments.  Baptism is a commandment. (see John 3:5 and 2 Nephi 9:23)  This effort to keep all of God's commandments brings us closer to Him.



Baptism brings us closer to God in a couple ways.  First, we are cleansed of all our former guilt and sins and we have a fresh start.  Secondly, we make sacred promises with God called covenants.

When repentance has been sincere, baptism removes all our former guilt and shame.  We are forgiven and cleansed of all prior sins and trespasses against God.  We have come with a broken heart and a sincere desire to learn and God's will for us.  He in turn has blessed us with peace and healing.  With baptism He offers us greater blessings in the future as we continue to improve our lives and follow closer to His will every day.

God makes these blessings available through sacred promises or covenants.  At baptism we make a covenant with God to serve Him and keep His commandments throughout our lives.  As a blessing of fulfilling this promise, God will pour out His Spirit more abundantly upon us. (see Mosiah 18:10)

After baptism we have the opportunity each week at church to renew this covenant.  We do this by partaking of the sacrament.  We once again promise to take upon us the name of Christ, and always remember him and keep his commandments.  The promised blessing that we may always have his Spirit to be with us is also renewed. (D&C 20:77, 79)

Repentance

Repentence follows faith in Jesus Christ.  Repentance is necessary because “no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven” (Alma 11:37).  Because we "trust in the Lord", we change our lives to follow His commandments (Proverbs 3:5-6).

In order to change and repent, we must recognize that what we have done offends God.  We must recognize that we have sinned.  This recognition brings true remorse or "godly sorrow" (2 Corinthians 7:10).  We feel sorry not because we've been caught, but because we know that we have broken God's commandments.

We must always confess our sin to the Lord through prayer.  In cases of serious sin we should confess our sins to our local priesthood leaders.  We should seek their counsel and guidance as we strive to be clean again.

As we work towards being forgiven by God, we must seek the forgiveness of those we may have hurt by our actions.  We should seek to make restitution with them; we should repay or repair what we can.

After all this, the truly repentant person will forsake his sin and strive to never return to it or repeat it again.  "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13; see also Doctrine and Covenants 58:43).

As we strive to leave our sins behind, we will need to fill our time with good things.  In order to receive and keep the strength we need to avoid and resist temptationa and sin, we should keep the commandments of God.  We should live righteously. (see Doctrine and Covenants 1:32)

We have the Lord's promise that as we sincerely repent we can be made clean.  "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18; see also Doctrine and Covenants 58:42)

As the prodigal son returning to his father, through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, we can return to our Father.

Faith in Jesus Christ

What is faith?

It is an abiding trust that the Lord can fulfill His promises to us.  Faith is active.  As we trust the Lord we want to do what He has asked us to do.

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)  "Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen... for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (Ether 12:6)

When we act in faith and follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, we will know that what we are doing is right.  As Christ promised: "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:17)

As we truly have faith in Christ, we will want to change those things in our life that give offense to God.  We will want to repent of our sins.

God's Love for All His Children

We are all children of a loving Heavenly Father.  Because of that love He has always called Prophets to testify of His Son.  Christ Himself came to minister among men.  A record of His life, death, and resurrection is contained in the Holy Bible.  The Bible testifies of Christ's divinity.

Another record is now available in our day.  This record is the Book of Mormon.  It is another testament of Jesus Christ.  It tells of God's dealings with His children in the Americas.  God called prophets among them.  These prophets testified of Christ's life, death, and resurrection.  They also prophecied that Christ would visit God's children in the Americas after His resurrection.

The testimonies of Christ that are contained in the Book of Mormon have changed my life.  I know of God's love for every person in every nation: that includes me.  I know I am loved and watched over by a Father of infinite wisdom, compassion, and mercy.  I know that Christ did feel my every sorrow and heartache. More importantly I know that if I follow the Savior I can return to my Father.

I also know that God has still called living prophets in our day.  If that were not so, then the Book of Mormon would never have come forth.  If God had not called a prophet today, His priesthood power would be absent from the earth.  But I know that He has restored all things pertaining to His church and gospel.

God loves all His children.  Prophets spoke of Christ.  Prophets still speak of Christ.  We have two witnesses to these truths, namely, The Holy Bible and The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

Through Christ We Can Be Cleansed from Sin

It is through Christ's Atonement--His suffering, death and resurrection--that we can be "clean every whit" from our errors, transgressions, and mistakes. (John 13:6-10)

Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.  His gospel shows us the way to live so that we can return to our loving, Heavenly Father.

I know this because I have seen the effects of living in His way.  I know by the power of the Holy Ghost that Christ's words are true.  I know He is "the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6)

We Believe: Being

"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things." (Articles of Faith 1:13)

I know that as we seek out good and virtuous things in life, there will be a greater measure of peace and happiness.  When bad things happen, when trials and troubles come, we'll be able to "endure" them.

   Our Heavenly Father's plan for us not only shows us good and virtuous paths in life, but it shows us the best path in life.  That path begins with Faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice.  As we continue we will want to repent of our sins, change our lives, and live more like Christ lived.  We will want to follow His example and be Baptized by immersion and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  Then as we strive to live His commandments and continue in repentence we will be able to Endure faithfully to the End.

I know God is our Father and that He loves us.  I know Christ died for our sakes.  I know there is a plan and I am eternally grateful for it.  We can return to live with our Father after this life.

We Believe: Revelation

"We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God." (Articles of Faith 1:9)

As recorded in Amos 3:7 "the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."  God "is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (1 Nephi 10:18)  He has always revealed the Gospel through the prophets.  Every prophet prophecied of Christ and taught His gospel as it had been revealed to them.

   In our day the fulness of the Gospel of Christ has been revealed through modern-day prophets.  This revelation has included our Heavenly Father's plan for us, His children.  Also, we have come to learn more of the true character of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

   God will continue to reveal truth for our day through His Prophets.  We can know that the words they speak are the words of God if we will "ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost." (Moroni 10:4)

We Believe: The Gospel of Jesus Christ

"We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Articles of Faith 1:4)


The Gospel and Doctrine of Christ is most simply defined as: Faith, Repentance, Baptism, the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End.

  The first steps of coming unto Christ and working out our own salvation are clear.  But after these initial steps, there is still more that we must do.
   "And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

  "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (2 Nephi 31:19-20)

   We must "press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end."  Enduring to the end entails continuing in faith, repenting daily, making covenants with God, renewing those covenants by taking the sacrament weekly, and listening to and following the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

As you live the way the Lord has asked, you will find the strength to do what you need to do and to be who you need to be.  The Lord's promise is sure. (see 1 Nephi 3:7)

We Believe: All People can be Saved

"We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." (Articles of Faith 1:3)


Because God is our loving Heavenly Father He wants each of us to return to live with Him.  He has given us the way to do that.  Through Faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, Repentence, Baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End we can all be found worthy to enter God's presence and live with Him forever.

   Faith is a principle of action.  We show our faith to the Lord by doing what He has asked.  As we obey, we are blessed with greater faith and greater opportunities to show the Lord that we will follow Him.
   As we exercise faith we feel the need to change those parts of our lives that are not in harmony with Christ's teachings.  We feel Godly sorrow for our sin.  This sorrow comes not from being caught in our actions or from being hurt by our actions, but from a realization that our actions have displeased God and are contrary to His will.  As this realization comes, we must confess to the Lord that we have sinned and ask for His forgiveness.  If our sins have harmed others, we must do what we can to repay them.  Repentance is not sincere or complete if we intend on repeating our sinful actions.  We must forsake our sins completely.
   Baptism naturally follows the change in life that is represented by repentance.  Through baptism by immersion by someone holding the Priesthood authority of God we can be completely cleansed from all of our past sins.
   The baptism of water must be followed by the "baptism of fire" to be complete. (2 Nephi 31:13)  This is receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.  The Spirit's influence can be felt in anyone's life, but the full presence and guidance of the Holy Ghost only comes to those who receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost and live worthy of the Spirit's presence.  Those who do this can have the Spirit as a constant companion.

   As we continue through our lives we need to endure to the end.  All of us will sin and fall short though.  Every day we need to act in faith and repent of our sins.  Every week we have the opportunity of partaking of the sacrament to renew our baptismal covenants and to be cleansed from our sins again.  As we do these things, the Holy Ghost will stay with us and guide us and teach us in all things.

At the Judgement, the Grace of Christ can make up the difference between our own best efforts and what is required to enter God's Kingdom.  We can all live with God again.

The Family: Essential

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about families.  Where we came from, why we are here and where we are going all come back to the eternal importance of the family.

   Before we came to Earth we lived with God as spirits.  He was and is the perfect, loving Father of our spirits.  He wanted us to be like Him and have all the joy and happiness that He has.  In order for that to happen we needed to experience mortal life and work together in families here on Earth.  So God created the Earth and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

   In the Garden, Adam and Eve were commanded not to partake of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (Genesis 2:17)  But eventually they were tempted and partook of the fruit.  Because of this transgression they were cast out of the Garden of Eden.  But, at the same time, they were now able to have children and extend the blessings of mortality to the rest of God's spirit children: us.

   Having fallen, mankind would die.  We cannot save ourselves from death.  But God, knowing all things, provided a Savior for us.  This Savior was Jesus Christ.  (1 Corinthians 15:21-22)  Through His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, His death on the cross, and His Resurrection on the third day it is possible for us to return to our Heavenly Father.  Being able to regain our bodies and live again, we are also able to be with our families and those we love eternally.

I know that in the family unit is found the most joy, peace, strength and happiness that any organization or institution on this earth can offer.

Who is God and how does he show that he cares?

God is our loving Heavenly Father.  He is literally the father of our Spirits.  He is a perfect Father who wants us to be truly happy.  He wants us to have all that He has.  (Doctrine and Covenants 84:38)
   He has a body of flesh and bones. (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22)  We were created in His image. (Genesis 1:26-27)

He shows His love for us by allowing us the privilege of being in families here on Earth.  I understand that many people do not have the best family life.  But that does not keep you from having your own family and learning to love them.  "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ." (The Family: A Proclamation to the World)
   As we learn of Christ and teach of Him to our families we will have greater peace and less strife at home.  Whether we teach through discussion or only by example, we can have an impact on our life situation.
   Giving us the Gospel is how God shows that He cares about us.

I have always had a "functional" family.  But that does not mean we always got along.  However, as I understand more about Christ and His life, I find it easier to love my siblings and parents.  Things they do don't bother me as much.  I am more willing to listen to suggestions from younger siblings and I try not to criticize them.  I understand that my parents are trying to do what is best for me because they really do love me.

I know our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy now and forever.  I know he has established the family unit to provide that happiness.  I know that when the teachings of Christ are taught in the home there is a lasting impact that is not forgotten.
   "Learn of [Christ], and listen to [His] words; walk in the meekness of [His] Spirit, and you shall have peace in [Him]." (Doctrine and Covenants 19:23)