 |
| "Perfect Brightness of Hope" |
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)
The word "strait" as used above means a narrow passageway. The Savior is teaching us that the way back to our heavenly home is narrow. There are specific things that we must do to qualify. We must have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, be baptized, receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost and endure faithfully to the end of our lives.
Nephi taught these principles in the Book of Mormon, in 1 Nephi chapter 31. In that chapter, Nephi says, "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" (Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 31:20).
Among the most important things to qualify for eternal life is the requirement to have "a perfect brightness of hope"--in other words, to have a positive attitude.
In response, many will respond by asking how we can have a positive attitude in a world where so many bad things happen to good people. For example, Jesus Christ, who is the only person who lived a perfect life, suffered more than anyone else who has ever or will ever live on earth.
In having a "perfect brightness of hope" we aren't expected to hope that all will go right in our lives. The invitation is to have a brightness of hope in the ultimate result of living a good life--in God's plan of salvation for mankind. Jesus Christ, though despised, rejected, spit upon, beaten, and crucified, is now exalted at the right hand of His Father. His love for His Father, His determination to be obedient to the end, and his brightness of hope in the ultimate outcome, saw Him through to victory.
We have many examples in life of the result of a positive attitude. Yesterday (January 2, 2015) Texas Christian University (TCU) played the University of Oregon in the Alamo Bowl. TCU's star quarterback, Trevone Boykin, wasn't there to play, because of having violated team rules. The TCU offense depended greatly on Boykin for success. Without him, TCU fell behind by a score of 31 - 0 in the first half. I'm sure that many watching stopped doing so at that point. However, in the second half, TCU came back to tie the game at 31-31 at the end of the fourth quarter. TCU ultimately prevailed by a score of 47-41 in the third overtime.
What is the lesson? In life as in eternity, it is vital that we have a positive attitude. We should keep doing our best, even when things aren't going well. We may make mistakes, but with the grace of the Savior, they need not be permanent. "A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief" (Proverbs 24:16). The key to victory is, armed with a brightness of hope, to keep rising again when life hands us a temporary defeat.
Through "feasting upon the word of Christ" and laying hold of His Grace, ultimate victory is assured. I know this is true. Jesus is the Christ, His is the way, with His help victory is assured!
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 trials and peace in troubled times.
You can read the Book of Mormon online at: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/title-page?lang=eng
To receive a free physical copy go to: churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/requests/free-book-of-mormon
Here is a link to the Book of Mormon app on iOS and Android: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/mobile-applications/book-of-mormon-app?lang=eng
A good reminder. I find myself being pessimistic as all evidence seems to point that way. There is tremendous value in centering ourselves on the Savior and if we do, we will have the hope and optimism the gospel represents.
ReplyDelete