I saw the scriptures in action today. One of my acquaintances said something harsh to another friend. Instead of replying with equally harsh words, the response was thoughtful and kind. It brought to mind the scripture that says, "A soft answer turneth away wrath" (Proverbs 15:1).
It occurs to me that a soft reply turns away angry feelings in both individuals--the one that receives an unkind communication and the one who was its source.
We live in a world in which all too often, coarse language and biting comments are greeted with even more caustic responses. This only leads to increasingly bitter feelings in the hearts of both parties. True followers of Jesus Christ, filled with charity, will respond softly and kindly to turn away the angry feelings of another.
Peace can come to the world one soft answer at a time.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
How Can I Know If There Is a God?
A friend of mine has studied many religions--Christian and others. He asked me how he can tell if there is a God.
This is one of the most important questions anyone could ask. Marion G. Romney, an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the Mormon Church) said, "No person is, nor can he be, justified in rejecting [the] teachings and commandments, which have been revealed by the Lord, on the basis that he does not know they are true, because everything the Lord does or says has within itself the evidence of its own authenticity, and every person is divinely endowed with the means to discover that evidence and know for himself that it is true" (Marion G. Romney, "The Way of Life," Ensign, May 1976, 81, https://www.lds.org/ensign/1976/05/the-way-of-life?lang=eng).
When Elder Romney made this statement, he was referring to John 7:14-17, which states:
“Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.
“And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
“Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/7?lang=eng)
What the Savior is saying in these verses is that if an individual wants to know the truth of His gospel, they must live the commandments. Doing so will bring the testimony that is sought.
The means by which that testimony will come is the witness of the Holy Ghost. As is stated in John 14:26, "The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things." As we live His commandments, and pray to know if His gospel is true, the Holy Ghost will bear a confirming witness to us.
In the Book of Mormon, a king among the Lamanite people didn't know if there was a God. He obtained the confirming witness that he sought, in response to this pleading prayer: "O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day" (Alma 22:18; http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/22?lang=eng).
In answer to this prayer, the king received a witness that what he had been taught was true. His answer came in a very dramatic way. Such a powerful witness of the truth is unusual. For most people, it comes through a quiet, peaceful, confirming feeling. For those who are sincere and have a desire, as did this king, the answer is sure to come. Perhaps it won't come all at once, but it certainly will come.
This is one of the most important questions anyone could ask. Marion G. Romney, an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the Mormon Church) said, "No person is, nor can he be, justified in rejecting [the] teachings and commandments, which have been revealed by the Lord, on the basis that he does not know they are true, because everything the Lord does or says has within itself the evidence of its own authenticity, and every person is divinely endowed with the means to discover that evidence and know for himself that it is true" (Marion G. Romney, "The Way of Life," Ensign, May 1976, 81, https://www.lds.org/ensign/1976/05/the-way-of-life?lang=eng).
When Elder Romney made this statement, he was referring to John 7:14-17, which states:
“Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.
“And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
“Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/7?lang=eng)
What the Savior is saying in these verses is that if an individual wants to know the truth of His gospel, they must live the commandments. Doing so will bring the testimony that is sought.
The means by which that testimony will come is the witness of the Holy Ghost. As is stated in John 14:26, "The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things." As we live His commandments, and pray to know if His gospel is true, the Holy Ghost will bear a confirming witness to us.
In the Book of Mormon, a king among the Lamanite people didn't know if there was a God. He obtained the confirming witness that he sought, in response to this pleading prayer: "O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day" (Alma 22:18; http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/22?lang=eng).
In answer to this prayer, the king received a witness that what he had been taught was true. His answer came in a very dramatic way. Such a powerful witness of the truth is unusual. For most people, it comes through a quiet, peaceful, confirming feeling. For those who are sincere and have a desire, as did this king, the answer is sure to come. Perhaps it won't come all at once, but it certainly will come.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Learning from Our Mistakes
"For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief" (Proverbs 24:16).
We all make mistakes. We are all human, and erring is part of the human condition. Only Jesus Christ lived a perfect life.
Therefore, when we do something we regret, we shouldn't be surprised or discouraged. We should pick ourselves up and learn from the mistake. Sometimes mistakes, when confronted in a positive way, can lead to great success.
For example, the story is told of an ice cream vendor who ran out of cups in which to put the ice cream. Obviously his sales stopped abruptly. Then he saw a vendor nearby who was selling waffles. He bought waffles from him and formed a cones from them and resumed selling ice cream. In fact his sales actually increased! When we have the right attitude, a problem can become a gold mine.
Of course, we should never intentionally sin. However, even with our best efforts to obey God's laws, we will fall pray to sin. As the scriptures tell us, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), and, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8). The key is to quickly recognize our sin, repent of it, learn the necessary lessons, so that we don't do it again.
Our efforts to repent and refrain from the sin shouldn't cease if we don't at first succeed. As stated in the first scripture quoted above, we should rise up again and seek God's help and blessing in overcoming our weaknesses. He wants us to succeed and will give His help in overcoming every weakness in our lives.
We all make mistakes. We are all human, and erring is part of the human condition. Only Jesus Christ lived a perfect life.
Therefore, when we do something we regret, we shouldn't be surprised or discouraged. We should pick ourselves up and learn from the mistake. Sometimes mistakes, when confronted in a positive way, can lead to great success.
For example, the story is told of an ice cream vendor who ran out of cups in which to put the ice cream. Obviously his sales stopped abruptly. Then he saw a vendor nearby who was selling waffles. He bought waffles from him and formed a cones from them and resumed selling ice cream. In fact his sales actually increased! When we have the right attitude, a problem can become a gold mine.
Of course, we should never intentionally sin. However, even with our best efforts to obey God's laws, we will fall pray to sin. As the scriptures tell us, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), and, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8). The key is to quickly recognize our sin, repent of it, learn the necessary lessons, so that we don't do it again.
Our efforts to repent and refrain from the sin shouldn't cease if we don't at first succeed. As stated in the first scripture quoted above, we should rise up again and seek God's help and blessing in overcoming our weaknesses. He wants us to succeed and will give His help in overcoming every weakness in our lives.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
"He Is Risen"
One of our family members shared a treasured Easter tradition
practiced by many Russian people, inspired by their Eastern Orthodox
religion. Instead of saying, "Hello" to one another, they say, "Christ
is Risen!" The response is, "Truly, He is Risen!" See Matthew 28:6, Mark 16:6.
What a wonderful greeting. In a world so often filled with despair, these are words of truth and hope. Because Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead, we shall also live again. The Apostle Paul put it this way, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:55).
Every person born on earth will rise again, because Christ rose from the grave. In all the history of the world, there is no event more important than the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Several years ago when my wife's sister passed away, she went to a mortuary to make funeral arrangements. Another family was there mourning the loss of a loved one. They were weeping bitter tears, with no hope of seeing their loved one again. How grateful my wife was for her sure testimony that there is life beyond the grave. Though she missed her sister deeply and still does, she has a "perfect brightness of hope" (2 Nephi 31:20) that she will see her sister again after this life.
I express my gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father who "so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
I know, through the whisperings of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind. He not only died and was resurrected to make it possible for all of us to live again. He also paid the price of our sins. If we have faith in Him, repent of our sins, and obey his commandments, we will not only be resurrected, but we will live with Him again.
I gladly add my testimony to countless others who have testified of the divinity of Jesus Christ down through the ages. I rejoice with all others this day who say, from their heart, "He is risen!" For, indeed, "Truly He is risen!"
What a wonderful greeting. In a world so often filled with despair, these are words of truth and hope. Because Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead, we shall also live again. The Apostle Paul put it this way, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:55).
Every person born on earth will rise again, because Christ rose from the grave. In all the history of the world, there is no event more important than the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Several years ago when my wife's sister passed away, she went to a mortuary to make funeral arrangements. Another family was there mourning the loss of a loved one. They were weeping bitter tears, with no hope of seeing their loved one again. How grateful my wife was for her sure testimony that there is life beyond the grave. Though she missed her sister deeply and still does, she has a "perfect brightness of hope" (2 Nephi 31:20) that she will see her sister again after this life.
I express my gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father who "so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
I know, through the whisperings of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind. He not only died and was resurrected to make it possible for all of us to live again. He also paid the price of our sins. If we have faith in Him, repent of our sins, and obey his commandments, we will not only be resurrected, but we will live with Him again.
I gladly add my testimony to countless others who have testified of the divinity of Jesus Christ down through the ages. I rejoice with all others this day who say, from their heart, "He is risen!" For, indeed, "Truly He is risen!"
The Scriptures, How Rare a Possession
I selected the title for this post because of an article that I read
many years ago, titled, “How Rare a Possession—The Scriptures,” .
Many of us take the scriptures for grated. For hundreds of years, the scriptures were only available to a few individuals. Most of those on planet earth had no access to God's written word. A few may have heard them read from time to time, but they couldn't hold them in their hands and read them on a daily basis. It is hard to imagine what that would be like.
We are blessed that there were a few courageous men who were determined to make the scriptures available to the common man. William Tyndale was one such individual. He knew that the scriptures would be a powerful influence for good in the lives of men and women, if they could read the scriptures for themselves on a daily basis. He said, "The nature of God’s word is, that whosoever read it, . . . it will begin immediately to make him every day better and better, till he be grown into a perfect man’” (Quoted in S. Michael Wilcox, Fire in the Bones: William Tyndale—Martyr, Father of the English Bible (2004), xv).
So strongly did Tyndale feel about providing a translation in English of the Holy Bible, that he dedicated his life to completing the work. In fact, he ultimately was executed for having defied the king of England--refusing to the end to renounce his work. His labors have been memorialized in the movie, "Fires of Faith" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLX-aFpRc5Q).
Tyndale's translation is said to have been a major contribution to the work done by a team of scholars commissioned by King James. "One estimate suggests the New Testament in the King James Version is 83% Tyndale's, and the Old Testament 76%" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Tyndale).
Do we really appreciate what a blessing it is to possess the scriptures? If we don't regularly read, ponder, and pray about the scriptures, are we any better off than those who didn't have them?
In the article that inspired the name of this post, President Spencer W. Kimball said, “I feel strongly that each of us must return to the scriptures…and let them work mightily within us, impelling us to an unwavering determination to serve the Lord" (Ensign, July 1985, 5; http://www.lds.org/ensign/1985/07/how-rare-a-possession-the-scriptures?lang=eng).
I have found that the statements of Tyndale and Kimball are true. As we read the scriptures daily and apply their teachings in our lives, we are strengthened in serving the Lord.
Below are a few citations that teach the importance of the scriptures:
"The holy scriptures . . . are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15).
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me (Jesus Christ)" (.John 5:39).
"Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4).
What are some scriptural references that have inspired and strengthened you?
I invite us all to make the scriptures part of every day--even if it is only for five minutes. As we study the scriptures in sincerity, we will feel their power in our lives. In a sometimes very troubling world, the scriptures will bring us peace and draw us closer to the divine. They will strengthen us against temptation. They will help us in making small and large decisions in our lives.
Because of the scriptures, I have an unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ. He is God's Only Begotten Son, the Savior and Redeemer of the World.
Many of us take the scriptures for grated. For hundreds of years, the scriptures were only available to a few individuals. Most of those on planet earth had no access to God's written word. A few may have heard them read from time to time, but they couldn't hold them in their hands and read them on a daily basis. It is hard to imagine what that would be like.
We are blessed that there were a few courageous men who were determined to make the scriptures available to the common man. William Tyndale was one such individual. He knew that the scriptures would be a powerful influence for good in the lives of men and women, if they could read the scriptures for themselves on a daily basis. He said, "The nature of God’s word is, that whosoever read it, . . . it will begin immediately to make him every day better and better, till he be grown into a perfect man’” (Quoted in S. Michael Wilcox, Fire in the Bones: William Tyndale—Martyr, Father of the English Bible (2004), xv).
So strongly did Tyndale feel about providing a translation in English of the Holy Bible, that he dedicated his life to completing the work. In fact, he ultimately was executed for having defied the king of England--refusing to the end to renounce his work. His labors have been memorialized in the movie, "Fires of Faith" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLX-aFpRc5Q).
Tyndale's translation is said to have been a major contribution to the work done by a team of scholars commissioned by King James. "One estimate suggests the New Testament in the King James Version is 83% Tyndale's, and the Old Testament 76%" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Tyndale).
Do we really appreciate what a blessing it is to possess the scriptures? If we don't regularly read, ponder, and pray about the scriptures, are we any better off than those who didn't have them?
In the article that inspired the name of this post, President Spencer W. Kimball said, “I feel strongly that each of us must return to the scriptures…and let them work mightily within us, impelling us to an unwavering determination to serve the Lord" (Ensign, July 1985, 5; http://www.lds.org/ensign/1985/07/how-rare-a-possession-the-scriptures?lang=eng).
I have found that the statements of Tyndale and Kimball are true. As we read the scriptures daily and apply their teachings in our lives, we are strengthened in serving the Lord.
Below are a few citations that teach the importance of the scriptures:
"The holy scriptures . . . are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15).
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me (Jesus Christ)" (.John 5:39).
"Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4).
What are some scriptural references that have inspired and strengthened you?
I invite us all to make the scriptures part of every day--even if it is only for five minutes. As we study the scriptures in sincerity, we will feel their power in our lives. In a sometimes very troubling world, the scriptures will bring us peace and draw us closer to the divine. They will strengthen us against temptation. They will help us in making small and large decisions in our lives.
Because of the scriptures, I have an unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ. He is God's Only Begotten Son, the Savior and Redeemer of the World.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
"Love at Home"
God is our Heavenly Father. Because He loves us, He has sent us to earth so that through our experiences, we can learn and grow. The environment in which this happens most powerfully is the family.
In Genesis 2:24 the first family on earth is established when Adam and Eve are married. Adam's inspired words apply to all mankind: "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." In these words, God defines marriage as between a man and a woman, sets it forth as a law, and commands unity between husband and wife. In Doctrine and Covenants 42:22 He gives a further key in establishing a firm foundation for the family, "Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else."
The foundation for a family in which children can thrive is a husband and wife that love one another with all their heart. Anything that diminishes the love between husband and wife compromises their ability to bless and love their children.
A useful illustration of this principle is the safety instruction given to airline passengers. In case of cabin depressurization parents are instructed to first put the oxygen mask on themselves and then on their children. Why? Because a parent impaired by oxygen deficit isn't able to give help to their children. Likewise, parents who don't love one another with all their heart will be less able to provide their children the love that they need.
This principle is taught by Jacob in the Book of Mormon. He was calling men to repentance for unfaithfulness to their wives. In doing so, He used the example of their avowed enemies, the Lamanites, who were faithful to their wives. He said: "Their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children" (Jacob 3:7).
Notice the order of his words. First the parents loved one another and second they loved their children. Because they loved one another, they were given greater power to love their children. It has been said that, "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother" (Author Unknown). Undoubtedly the reverse is true as well. The most important thing a mother can do for her children is to love their father.
This principle is also reinforced in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," "Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children" (http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng). Again, the order is the same as quoted above. Love for children naturally flows from and is strengthened by parental love.
So it isn't just a nice thing for husband and wife to love one another. Actually, God has commanded husbands and wives to love one another. From that love flows a deeper and more powerful love for their children.
I have seen from first-hand observation what happens to a family where love of children is placed first and love of husband and wife is neglected. A couple that I know poured their heart and soul into rearing their children. However, they failed to nurture their relationship as husband and wife. They spent little or no time communicating with one another. They didn't go on regular couple dates. They felt estranged from one another and ultimately ended their marriage. In the process, their treasured children suffered the pain that is divorce.
What can husband and wife do to cultivate a love for each other that grows with time? The following are some things that can make a difference:
For information on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the Mormon Church) use this link: http://mormon.org/.
In Genesis 2:24 the first family on earth is established when Adam and Eve are married. Adam's inspired words apply to all mankind: "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." In these words, God defines marriage as between a man and a woman, sets it forth as a law, and commands unity between husband and wife. In Doctrine and Covenants 42:22 He gives a further key in establishing a firm foundation for the family, "Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else."
The foundation for a family in which children can thrive is a husband and wife that love one another with all their heart. Anything that diminishes the love between husband and wife compromises their ability to bless and love their children.
A useful illustration of this principle is the safety instruction given to airline passengers. In case of cabin depressurization parents are instructed to first put the oxygen mask on themselves and then on their children. Why? Because a parent impaired by oxygen deficit isn't able to give help to their children. Likewise, parents who don't love one another with all their heart will be less able to provide their children the love that they need.
This principle is taught by Jacob in the Book of Mormon. He was calling men to repentance for unfaithfulness to their wives. In doing so, He used the example of their avowed enemies, the Lamanites, who were faithful to their wives. He said: "Their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children" (Jacob 3:7).
Notice the order of his words. First the parents loved one another and second they loved their children. Because they loved one another, they were given greater power to love their children. It has been said that, "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother" (Author Unknown). Undoubtedly the reverse is true as well. The most important thing a mother can do for her children is to love their father.
This principle is also reinforced in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," "Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children" (http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng). Again, the order is the same as quoted above. Love for children naturally flows from and is strengthened by parental love.
So it isn't just a nice thing for husband and wife to love one another. Actually, God has commanded husbands and wives to love one another. From that love flows a deeper and more powerful love for their children.
I have seen from first-hand observation what happens to a family where love of children is placed first and love of husband and wife is neglected. A couple that I know poured their heart and soul into rearing their children. However, they failed to nurture their relationship as husband and wife. They spent little or no time communicating with one another. They didn't go on regular couple dates. They felt estranged from one another and ultimately ended their marriage. In the process, their treasured children suffered the pain that is divorce.
What can husband and wife do to cultivate a love for each other that grows with time? The following are some things that can make a difference:
- Take time to talk with one another. Discuss how you are doing in rearing your children. Set goals and jointly track progress.
- Make time to be together outside the home. Establish a date night. It doesn't have to be an expensive activity. Going on a quiet walk together can give needed opportunity to grow in your love and appreciation for one another. For many years my wife and I have faithfully set aside one night of the week to go out together on a date.
- Serve one another. In marriage as in so many other things, the little things can be the big things. For example, on a daily basis, I make the bed and help my wife with the dishes.
- Don't believe the statement, "Love means never having to say you are sorry." It simply isn't true. Swallow your pride and say those words when they apply.
- Frequently tell your spouse, "I love you." They need to hear it, and you need to hear it. Over the years, though the words don't change, the feelings that they represent will deepen in a wonderful way.
For information on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the Mormon Church) use this link: http://mormon.org/.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Obedience to God's Laws Brings Freedom
In reviewing the sermons given in the October 2012 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called the Mormon Church), one of the statements that captured my attention is this one:
"It is exciting to realize that we can expand our freedom by perfecting our obedience" (D. Todd Christofferson, "You Are Free," Ensign, Mar. 2013, 40).
The reason this is such an interesting statement is that Satan wants us to believe that to obey God's laws limits our freedom. Korihor, one of several anti-Christs described in the Book of Mormon, said, "O ye that are bound down under a foolish and a vain hope, why do ye yoke yourselves with such foolish things? Why do ye look for a Christ? For no man can know of anything which is to come" (Alma 30:13).
It takes little thought to realize that in truth those who are "bound down" are those who choose to reject the loving invitation of Jesus Christ and instead choose to follow Satan.
Those who have chosen to consume harmful drugs know from bitter experience the terrible way they are bound to their addiction in a downward spiral. They become captives of their habit in a prison from which many never escape.
The same can be said of pornography. Jesus said, "Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). The Lord gave a similar warning through the Prophet Joseph Smith: "He that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out" (Doctrine and Covenants 42:23).
In spite of these and other warnings, many choose to consume the filth that is pornography. Many who fall prey to pornography find themselves with an addiction even more powerful than drugs. Having yielded themselves to Satan's lies, they are dragged "carefully down to hell." In their wake, they leave broken promises, broken hearts, and broken families.
Let me hasten to add that Jesus Christ can reach down and lift up those who have become the victims of the adversary's deceptions. Through the power of the Atonement, such individuals, when they have faith in the Redeemer of all mankind, repent of their sins, and walk in obedience to His commandments, can be rescued from their prison of addiction. It won't be easy, but it can be done. His promises are sure. He will never let us down, if we do our part. His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9) for all who exert their best efforts.
What Elder Christofferson says is true. When we bind ourselves to God through ever increasing obedience, we are given ever greater freedom. Freedom from addictions, freedom to grow and to develop and to become, little bit by little bit, day by day, more and more like our Heavenly Father and His Only Begotten Son. True freedom is found in obedience to God and His laws. To believe Satan's lies is to be "bound down by the chains of hell" (Alma 13:30).
As the Savior said to his followers: "If ye continue in my word (in other words if we are obedient), then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free" (John 8:31-32). This is my prayer for all of us--that we may have faith in the Savior, demonstrated by the repentance of our sins and our obedience to His commandments. He can then indeed make us truly free. Through Jesus Christ, "the prisoners shall go free" (Doctrine and Covenants 128:22).
"It is exciting to realize that we can expand our freedom by perfecting our obedience" (D. Todd Christofferson, "You Are Free," Ensign, Mar. 2013, 40).
The reason this is such an interesting statement is that Satan wants us to believe that to obey God's laws limits our freedom. Korihor, one of several anti-Christs described in the Book of Mormon, said, "O ye that are bound down under a foolish and a vain hope, why do ye yoke yourselves with such foolish things? Why do ye look for a Christ? For no man can know of anything which is to come" (Alma 30:13).
It takes little thought to realize that in truth those who are "bound down" are those who choose to reject the loving invitation of Jesus Christ and instead choose to follow Satan.
Those who have chosen to consume harmful drugs know from bitter experience the terrible way they are bound to their addiction in a downward spiral. They become captives of their habit in a prison from which many never escape.
The same can be said of pornography. Jesus said, "Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). The Lord gave a similar warning through the Prophet Joseph Smith: "He that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out" (Doctrine and Covenants 42:23).
In spite of these and other warnings, many choose to consume the filth that is pornography. Many who fall prey to pornography find themselves with an addiction even more powerful than drugs. Having yielded themselves to Satan's lies, they are dragged "carefully down to hell." In their wake, they leave broken promises, broken hearts, and broken families.
Let me hasten to add that Jesus Christ can reach down and lift up those who have become the victims of the adversary's deceptions. Through the power of the Atonement, such individuals, when they have faith in the Redeemer of all mankind, repent of their sins, and walk in obedience to His commandments, can be rescued from their prison of addiction. It won't be easy, but it can be done. His promises are sure. He will never let us down, if we do our part. His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9) for all who exert their best efforts.
What Elder Christofferson says is true. When we bind ourselves to God through ever increasing obedience, we are given ever greater freedom. Freedom from addictions, freedom to grow and to develop and to become, little bit by little bit, day by day, more and more like our Heavenly Father and His Only Begotten Son. True freedom is found in obedience to God and His laws. To believe Satan's lies is to be "bound down by the chains of hell" (Alma 13:30).
As the Savior said to his followers: "If ye continue in my word (in other words if we are obedient), then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free" (John 8:31-32). This is my prayer for all of us--that we may have faith in the Savior, demonstrated by the repentance of our sins and our obedience to His commandments. He can then indeed make us truly free. Through Jesus Christ, "the prisoners shall go free" (Doctrine and Covenants 128:22).
As you seek peace in your daily life, I commend to you reading daily in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Prayerfully reading this divine book will draw you nearer to Jesus Christ than any other book. As a companion scripture to the Bible, it will bring you peace and a nearness to the Savior that will bless your daily life with strength through trial and peace in troubled times. Here is a link to obtain a free copy of this book: churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/requests/free-book-of-mormon
Monday, February 25, 2013
Receiving Personal Inspiration
Perhaps the single most important thing we can do in this life is to
learn how to seek, hear, and follow the promptings of the Spirit. To
hear God's counsel to us and to follow it faithfully is to find the key
to happiness in this life and in the life to come.
Several scriptures teach us that communication from God to man is conveyed spirit to spirit--from the Spirit of God to our spirits. A few examples are listed below:
"There is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding" (Job 32:8).
"The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord" (Proverbs 20:27).
"…As many as are led by the Spirit of God . . . are the sons [and daughters] of God" (Romans 8:14).
"I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do" (1 Nephi 4:6).
"Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing—yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth…" (D&C 19:38).
“All those salient truths which come home so forcibly to the head and heart seem but the awakening of the memories of the spirit” (President Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. (1939), 13).
"I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground" (D&C 8:2-3).
We are all spirit children of a loving Heavenly Father. We lived with Him before coming to earth. He prepared a plan for our happiness. He taught us His plan, so that when we came to earth we could be successful. He wants us to become like Him. The only way to do so is to face the challenges of life on earth, our spirit bodies having been clothed in a mortal body.
To make this earthly experience a true opportunity to grow, through faith and obedience, a veil of forgetfulness was drawn over our minds. We cannot remember having been with God, nor can we vividly remember what He taught us. However, our Heavenly Father didn't leave us without the means by which to discern what is right and what is wrong. He blessed us each with a conscience, with prophets, and with the means to receive personal revelation.
When we go to God in prayer, He speaks to us spirit-to-spirit. In this wicked world, it is sometimes hard to sense the impressions that come to our spirits, but with faith in Jesus Christ and our best efforts we can do so.
How do we know whether or not a feeling that has come into in our heart or a thought that has come into our mind is from God? If it is communication from God, it will guide us to do something that is good, it will be in harmony with the Word of God found in the scriptures, it will be consistent with our responsibilities, and it will bring a feeling of peace. As Paul said to the Galatians, "...The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance"(Galatians 5:22-23).
As we earnestly strive to obtain and follow the guidance of the Spirit of God, we will find great happiness in this life and eternal life with God in the world to come. I know this is true, for the Spirit has confirmed to my soul that it is so.
Several scriptures teach us that communication from God to man is conveyed spirit to spirit--from the Spirit of God to our spirits. A few examples are listed below:
"There is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding" (Job 32:8).
"The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord" (Proverbs 20:27).
"…As many as are led by the Spirit of God . . . are the sons [and daughters] of God" (Romans 8:14).
"I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do" (1 Nephi 4:6).
"Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing—yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth…" (D&C 19:38).
“All those salient truths which come home so forcibly to the head and heart seem but the awakening of the memories of the spirit” (President Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. (1939), 13).
"I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground" (D&C 8:2-3).
We are all spirit children of a loving Heavenly Father. We lived with Him before coming to earth. He prepared a plan for our happiness. He taught us His plan, so that when we came to earth we could be successful. He wants us to become like Him. The only way to do so is to face the challenges of life on earth, our spirit bodies having been clothed in a mortal body.
To make this earthly experience a true opportunity to grow, through faith and obedience, a veil of forgetfulness was drawn over our minds. We cannot remember having been with God, nor can we vividly remember what He taught us. However, our Heavenly Father didn't leave us without the means by which to discern what is right and what is wrong. He blessed us each with a conscience, with prophets, and with the means to receive personal revelation.
When we go to God in prayer, He speaks to us spirit-to-spirit. In this wicked world, it is sometimes hard to sense the impressions that come to our spirits, but with faith in Jesus Christ and our best efforts we can do so.
How do we know whether or not a feeling that has come into in our heart or a thought that has come into our mind is from God? If it is communication from God, it will guide us to do something that is good, it will be in harmony with the Word of God found in the scriptures, it will be consistent with our responsibilities, and it will bring a feeling of peace. As Paul said to the Galatians, "...The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance"(Galatians 5:22-23).
As we earnestly strive to obtain and follow the guidance of the Spirit of God, we will find great happiness in this life and eternal life with God in the world to come. I know this is true, for the Spirit has confirmed to my soul that it is so.
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