Neal A. Maxwell, “A More Determined Discipleship,” Ensign, Feb 1979, 69–73
An address delivered at Brigham Young University, 10 October 1978
Remember, as Nephi and Jacob said, we must learn to endure “the crosses of the world” and yet to despise “the shame of it” (2 Ne. 9: 18; Jacob 1:8). To go on clinging to the iron rod in spite of the mockery and scorn that flow at us from the multitudes in that great and spacious building seen by Father Lehi, which is the “pride of the world” (1 Ne. 11:36)—is to disregard the shame of the world.
Elder Orson Hyde said of our life in the premortal world, “We understood things better there than we do in this lower world.” He also surmised as to the agreements we made there that “it is not impossible that we signed the articles thereof with our own hands,—which articles may be retained in the archives above, to be presented to us when we rise from the dead, and be judged out of our own mouths, according to that which is written in the books.” Just because we have forgotten, said Elder Hyde, “our forgetfulness cannot alter the facts.” (Journal of Discourses, 7:314–15.) Hence, the degree of detail involved in the covenants and promises we participated in at that time may be a more highly customized thing than many of us surmise. Yet, on occasion, even with our forgetting, there are inklings. President Joseph F. Smith said:
“But in coming here, we forgot all, that our agency might be free indeed, to choose good or evil, that we might merit the reward of our own choice and conduct. But by the power of the Spirit, in the redemption of Christ, through obedience, we often catch a spark from the awakened memories of the immortal soul, which lights up our whole being as with the glory of our former home” (Gospel Doctrine, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1977, pp. 13–14; italics added).
The truth about foreordination also helps us to taste of the deep wisdom of Alma, when he said we ought to be content with things that God hath allotted to each of us (see Alma 29:3–4) If, indeed, the things allotted to each of us have been divinely customized according to our ability and capacity, then for us to seek to wrench ourselves free of our schooling circumstances could be to tear ourselves away from carefully matched opportunities. To rant and to rail could be to go against divine wisdom, wisdom in which we may once have concurred before we came here. God knew beforehand each of our coefficients for coping and contributing.
President Henry D. Moyle said:
“I believe that we, as fellow workers in the priesthood, might well take to heart the admonition of Alma and be content with that which God hath allotted us. We might well be assured that we had something to do with our ‘allotment’ in our preexistent state. This would be an additional reason for us to accept our present condition and make the best of it. It is what we agreed to do.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1952, p. 71.)
By the way, the things “allotted” do not include a bad temper or deficiencies of a developmental variety.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
RS Lesson October 2009
Unselfish Service by Elder Dallin H. Oaks
prepared by Alison Jaehne
Service to God- ie: service to others ie: service for eternal gain
Elder Oaks tells us the story of a discouraged, young missionary many years ago, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, who felt he was wasting his time in England. His father wrote back and said, "Forget yourself and go to work." It is interesting to me that Elder Oaks used this experience because he had a very similar experience himself. I read about it on my mission. When I was on my mission, I had a companion who wouldn't work and I had some time to read a book by Elder Oaks that someone had left behind in our apartment. He told the story of when he was a new general authority, he felt inadequate and anxious about it. An older apostle, I think it was Elder Faust, told him, "Work for a condition where you will not be preoccupied with yourself and can give your ENTIRE CONCERN to the work of the Lord." That principle changed my life! I wrote it down and hung it on my wall. For the rest of my mission I knew that it was not humble of me, but actually selfish of me to get caught up in how inadequate I felt. My focus was on me, me, me and my problems and my struggles. It was an effective tool of the advesary to keep me from working effectively. When I focused on 'me' and my problems there was no way I could give my full concern to serving others and the holy work of the Lord. That quote shifted my whole way of thinking. I was able to catch myself when I started to complain and think, "Ok, maybe I can't do much, and this situation is bad, but what CAN I do to help?" When I asked Him what I could do, the Lord was able to inspire me to help in little ways that I was capable of. Even though I still had inadequacies, and situations were still really difficult, I began to notice little improvements in the areas where I focused my attention, which gave me great joy. My prayers were being answered!! I became a happier and a more effective missionary when I remembered to follow that quote. This principle works to improve my effectiveness as a wife and mother, an employee, in social settings, in my calling as a teacher and in everything I do.
Service to Self- ie: service for worldly conditions, ie: service to Mammon, ie: service to the Advesary. There are only two options: God and Mammon. Service to Self is actually service to Satan
Quoting C.S. Lewis, Elder Oaks says, "What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors was the idea that they could 'be like gods' --[meaning they] could set up on their own as if they had created themselves--be their own masters--invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside of God, apart from god. And out of that hopeless attempt has come...the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy." I love this part: Elder Oaks says, "A selfish person is more interested in pleasing man--especially himself--than in pleasing God. He looks only to his own needs and desires. He walks "in his own way, and after the image of his own God, [himself] whose image is in the likeness of the world. [earlier he mentions trendy actions including immodest dress as being in the likeness of the world.] Such a person becomes disconnected from the covenant promises of God...and from the friendships and assistance we all need in these tumultous times. In contrast, if we love and serve one another as the Savior taught, we remain connected to our covenants and to our associates."
Elder Oaks reminds us that we need to follow the Lord's standards and not to follow the world's standards. Let's look at how Elder Oaks compares them:
The World's Standards in this "me" generation ie: this is the likeness of the world
* What is in it for me?
* Entitlement thinking. I am entitled to________ because I am___________!
* [Be like everyone else who is selfishly trying to be like an idol for everyone else]
* Demand much, give little
* Something for Nothing: exorbitant CEO bonuses, gambling, widespread borrowing and consumerism. To his examples I add more examples of Something for Nothing: high-rolling money-making schemes, infidelity and pornography (which Shondell told me she sees in her practise as the two biggest causes of marital failure), premarital promiscuity, diet fads and pills, having the benefits of perfect parenting and having perfect kids without the pain of hard work and time and effort, having the benefits of a happy marriage without the needed service and sacrifice, having the benefits of the programs of the church without contributing or contributing only criticism
The Lord's Standards in all generations ie: this is the likeness of the Lord
* The Gospel Law of the Harvest: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also also reap." (Gal 6:7)
* It is by obedience to the law that blessings are predicated. (D&C 130:21)
* Jesus cautioned that Satan desires to sift us like wheat, (Luke 22:31) which means to make us common like all those around us. But Jesus taught that we who follow Him ought to be precious and unique: "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world" (Matt 5:13-14)
* Forget yourself and go to work (President Hinckley's father)
* We can do no great things, only small things with great love (Mother Teresa)
* The eternal principle: we are happier and more fulfilled when we act and serve for what we give, not for what we get.
* "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Matt 16:24)
* You can never love the Lord until you serve Him by serving his people. (President Thomas B. Monson)
I think one of the Savior's greatest examples of compassionate service is when He visited the Nephites. He called apostles and showed them how to baptize and organize His church. He gave them a sermon almost exactly like the Sermon on the Mount. He told them that He had to leave because He had an assignment from Heavenly Father to visit some other people. He told them to go home and pray and prepare themselves for when He would come back the next day. He looked at them and saw that they wanted Him to stay longer. That is when He called for all the sick to be brought and He healed them. That is when He called for all the children to be brought and that is when He prayed for them. Angels came and everyone saw and heard things so miraculous that It could not be written down. Jesus didn't just stay a couple of minutes longer when they wanted Him to, He stayed a long time and prayed for them and showed them incredible miracles. I hope that when our needy loved ones ask for a little more, we can treat them with love like the Savior did. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
prepared by Alison Jaehne
Service to God- ie: service to others ie: service for eternal gain
Elder Oaks tells us the story of a discouraged, young missionary many years ago, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, who felt he was wasting his time in England. His father wrote back and said, "Forget yourself and go to work." It is interesting to me that Elder Oaks used this experience because he had a very similar experience himself. I read about it on my mission. When I was on my mission, I had a companion who wouldn't work and I had some time to read a book by Elder Oaks that someone had left behind in our apartment. He told the story of when he was a new general authority, he felt inadequate and anxious about it. An older apostle, I think it was Elder Faust, told him, "Work for a condition where you will not be preoccupied with yourself and can give your ENTIRE CONCERN to the work of the Lord." That principle changed my life! I wrote it down and hung it on my wall. For the rest of my mission I knew that it was not humble of me, but actually selfish of me to get caught up in how inadequate I felt. My focus was on me, me, me and my problems and my struggles. It was an effective tool of the advesary to keep me from working effectively. When I focused on 'me' and my problems there was no way I could give my full concern to serving others and the holy work of the Lord. That quote shifted my whole way of thinking. I was able to catch myself when I started to complain and think, "Ok, maybe I can't do much, and this situation is bad, but what CAN I do to help?" When I asked Him what I could do, the Lord was able to inspire me to help in little ways that I was capable of. Even though I still had inadequacies, and situations were still really difficult, I began to notice little improvements in the areas where I focused my attention, which gave me great joy. My prayers were being answered!! I became a happier and a more effective missionary when I remembered to follow that quote. This principle works to improve my effectiveness as a wife and mother, an employee, in social settings, in my calling as a teacher and in everything I do.
Service to Self- ie: service for worldly conditions, ie: service to Mammon, ie: service to the Advesary. There are only two options: God and Mammon. Service to Self is actually service to Satan
Quoting C.S. Lewis, Elder Oaks says, "What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors was the idea that they could 'be like gods' --[meaning they] could set up on their own as if they had created themselves--be their own masters--invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside of God, apart from god. And out of that hopeless attempt has come...the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy." I love this part: Elder Oaks says, "A selfish person is more interested in pleasing man--especially himself--than in pleasing God. He looks only to his own needs and desires. He walks "in his own way, and after the image of his own God, [himself] whose image is in the likeness of the world. [earlier he mentions trendy actions including immodest dress as being in the likeness of the world.] Such a person becomes disconnected from the covenant promises of God...and from the friendships and assistance we all need in these tumultous times. In contrast, if we love and serve one another as the Savior taught, we remain connected to our covenants and to our associates."
Elder Oaks reminds us that we need to follow the Lord's standards and not to follow the world's standards. Let's look at how Elder Oaks compares them:
The World's Standards in this "me" generation ie: this is the likeness of the world
* What is in it for me?
* Entitlement thinking. I am entitled to________ because I am___________!
* [Be like everyone else who is selfishly trying to be like an idol for everyone else]
* Demand much, give little
* Something for Nothing: exorbitant CEO bonuses, gambling, widespread borrowing and consumerism. To his examples I add more examples of Something for Nothing: high-rolling money-making schemes, infidelity and pornography (which Shondell told me she sees in her practise as the two biggest causes of marital failure), premarital promiscuity, diet fads and pills, having the benefits of perfect parenting and having perfect kids without the pain of hard work and time and effort, having the benefits of a happy marriage without the needed service and sacrifice, having the benefits of the programs of the church without contributing or contributing only criticism
The Lord's Standards in all generations ie: this is the likeness of the Lord
* The Gospel Law of the Harvest: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also also reap." (Gal 6:7)
* It is by obedience to the law that blessings are predicated. (D&C 130:21)
* Jesus cautioned that Satan desires to sift us like wheat, (Luke 22:31) which means to make us common like all those around us. But Jesus taught that we who follow Him ought to be precious and unique: "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world" (Matt 5:13-14)
* Forget yourself and go to work (President Hinckley's father)
* We can do no great things, only small things with great love (Mother Teresa)
* The eternal principle: we are happier and more fulfilled when we act and serve for what we give, not for what we get.
* "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Matt 16:24)
* You can never love the Lord until you serve Him by serving his people. (President Thomas B. Monson)
I think one of the Savior's greatest examples of compassionate service is when He visited the Nephites. He called apostles and showed them how to baptize and organize His church. He gave them a sermon almost exactly like the Sermon on the Mount. He told them that He had to leave because He had an assignment from Heavenly Father to visit some other people. He told them to go home and pray and prepare themselves for when He would come back the next day. He looked at them and saw that they wanted Him to stay longer. That is when He called for all the sick to be brought and He healed them. That is when He called for all the children to be brought and that is when He prayed for them. Angels came and everyone saw and heard things so miraculous that It could not be written down. Jesus didn't just stay a couple of minutes longer when they wanted Him to, He stayed a long time and prayed for them and showed them incredible miracles. I hope that when our needy loved ones ask for a little more, we can treat them with love like the Savior did. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Friday, September 25, 2009
RS Lesson Sept 2009
Adversity by Elder Henry B. Eyring, Faith and The Power of Covenants by Elder D. Todd Cristofferson
taught by Alison Jaehne
For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments…and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. Ye cannot behold you’re your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation [adversity]. For after much tribulations come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; (D&C 58:1-4) Therefore, be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy. (D&C 98:14) Adversity proves our faithfulness in keeping our covenants. Adversity can increase our faith or adversity will increase our doubt; it is our choice.
Faith is- Assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen
Trust, which is- assured reliance on the character, ability, strength or truth of someone
Allegiance to duty
Fidelity to promises
Sincerity
Loyalty
Confidence, which is- a firm belief in the integrity, ability, effectiveness or genuineness of someone
Doubt is- the thought that one does not know the truth, or the trustworthiness of someone; doubt is the opposite of trust, confidence and faith
To be able to exercise faith in God, three things are necessary to know:
1. that He actually exists. It is difficult to place confidence in someone who does not even exist.
2. that He is perfect in His character and in His attributes. Trust is a firm belief in the integrity, ability, effectiveness or genuineness of someone. It would be difficult to have faith in someone who is not capable of saving us, and hard to trust our salvation in someone who does not posses necessary saving attributes like knowledge, justice, mercy, truth and power (described in 2Ne 9)
3. that the course of life which one is pursuing is according to His will. This knowledge helps us to endure the trials to our faith and the ups and downs in life which might dampen our courage, cause doubts and weaken our faith. The idea that it is possible to pursue a course in life that is agreeable to God’s will, gives a person the strength and desire to sacrifice all for God. Only those who are willing to sacrifice everything are worthy to live with God. This knowledge of pursuing the right course of life is how the early saints were able to endure the loss of everything they went through. (from the Lectures on Faith quoted by Elder D. Todd Cristofferson )
Elder Cristofferson also teaches:
How can we know we are pursuing a course of life that is pleasing to God's will? We make and keep covenants with Him. How can we access God’s power to help us in our trials? We access God’s power through our covenants. Those who make and keep covenants with God find peace and strength and joy even during their trials. Covenants we make- baptismal, temple, oath and covenant of the priesthood, new and everlasting covenant, from the dictionary definition of Testament- Late Latin testamentum means covenant with God. God has made a covenant, He has given us the scriptures, we have an obligation in that covenant to search, learn from and obey them. Mosiah 18: 9, 27-29. We covenant to comfort and mourn with those who need it. We are to give to the poor, even if we are poor as Elder Eyring teaches us from Alma 34. We are to help others in their suffering, even if we ourselves are suffering. Elder Eyring gives great examples of needy saints who helped others.
Example of Job- When Joseph Smith was suffering in Liberty Jail, he asked the Lord where is thy pavilion and how long will the saints have to suffer? The Lord answered, “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do stand by thee…Thou art not yet as Job; thy friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job.” (D&C 121:1-7)
Let’s compare Job with the 3 things necessary to know to exercise faith.
1. Job knew that God exists: I know that my redeemer liveth (Job 19:25)
2. Job knew of God’s perfect character and power and Job never questioned God’s intentions or reasoning: The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (Job 1:21)
3. Job knew that his course of life was pleasing to God because he made and kept covenants with God: Before he lost everything, he was extremely wealthy and respected by all. Job sought out and gave to the poor. Job sought out those he could comfort and bless just like we covenant to do in Mosiah 18:9.
Conclusion- As we seek to serve and comfort others, we do the Lord’s work and carry out the mission of Jesus Christ. As we serve others with a pure heart, we learn more about the character of Jesus and Heavenly Father. As we learn more about their perfect character and their love for us, we have greater faith. Greater faith can lift us above our trials. Through making and keeping our covenants, we qualify for help and special blessings, even miracles. Like Alma (36:3) told his son Helaman, I do know that whoever will put their trust in God will be supported in their trials and their troubles and their afflictions. Heavenly Father has supported me and helped me thousands of times as I try to fulfill my responsibilities as a mother, a wife, a friend, a missionary, in my callings and with every little problem I take to Him in prayer. I know He cares and wants us to succeed in our righteous pursuits. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
taught by Alison Jaehne
For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments…and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. Ye cannot behold you’re your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation [adversity]. For after much tribulations come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; (D&C 58:1-4) Therefore, be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy. (D&C 98:14) Adversity proves our faithfulness in keeping our covenants. Adversity can increase our faith or adversity will increase our doubt; it is our choice.
Faith is- Assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen
Trust, which is- assured reliance on the character, ability, strength or truth of someone
Allegiance to duty
Fidelity to promises
Sincerity
Loyalty
Confidence, which is- a firm belief in the integrity, ability, effectiveness or genuineness of someone
Doubt is- the thought that one does not know the truth, or the trustworthiness of someone; doubt is the opposite of trust, confidence and faith
To be able to exercise faith in God, three things are necessary to know:
1. that He actually exists. It is difficult to place confidence in someone who does not even exist.
2. that He is perfect in His character and in His attributes. Trust is a firm belief in the integrity, ability, effectiveness or genuineness of someone. It would be difficult to have faith in someone who is not capable of saving us, and hard to trust our salvation in someone who does not posses necessary saving attributes like knowledge, justice, mercy, truth and power (described in 2Ne 9)
3. that the course of life which one is pursuing is according to His will. This knowledge helps us to endure the trials to our faith and the ups and downs in life which might dampen our courage, cause doubts and weaken our faith. The idea that it is possible to pursue a course in life that is agreeable to God’s will, gives a person the strength and desire to sacrifice all for God. Only those who are willing to sacrifice everything are worthy to live with God. This knowledge of pursuing the right course of life is how the early saints were able to endure the loss of everything they went through. (from the Lectures on Faith quoted by Elder D. Todd Cristofferson )
Elder Cristofferson also teaches:
How can we know we are pursuing a course of life that is pleasing to God's will? We make and keep covenants with Him. How can we access God’s power to help us in our trials? We access God’s power through our covenants. Those who make and keep covenants with God find peace and strength and joy even during their trials. Covenants we make- baptismal, temple, oath and covenant of the priesthood, new and everlasting covenant, from the dictionary definition of Testament- Late Latin testamentum means covenant with God. God has made a covenant, He has given us the scriptures, we have an obligation in that covenant to search, learn from and obey them. Mosiah 18: 9, 27-29. We covenant to comfort and mourn with those who need it. We are to give to the poor, even if we are poor as Elder Eyring teaches us from Alma 34. We are to help others in their suffering, even if we ourselves are suffering. Elder Eyring gives great examples of needy saints who helped others.
Example of Job- When Joseph Smith was suffering in Liberty Jail, he asked the Lord where is thy pavilion and how long will the saints have to suffer? The Lord answered, “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do stand by thee…Thou art not yet as Job; thy friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job.” (D&C 121:1-7)
Let’s compare Job with the 3 things necessary to know to exercise faith.
1. Job knew that God exists: I know that my redeemer liveth (Job 19:25)
2. Job knew of God’s perfect character and power and Job never questioned God’s intentions or reasoning: The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (Job 1:21)
3. Job knew that his course of life was pleasing to God because he made and kept covenants with God: Before he lost everything, he was extremely wealthy and respected by all. Job sought out and gave to the poor. Job sought out those he could comfort and bless just like we covenant to do in Mosiah 18:9.
Conclusion- As we seek to serve and comfort others, we do the Lord’s work and carry out the mission of Jesus Christ. As we serve others with a pure heart, we learn more about the character of Jesus and Heavenly Father. As we learn more about their perfect character and their love for us, we have greater faith. Greater faith can lift us above our trials. Through making and keeping our covenants, we qualify for help and special blessings, even miracles. Like Alma (36:3) told his son Helaman, I do know that whoever will put their trust in God will be supported in their trials and their troubles and their afflictions. Heavenly Father has supported me and helped me thousands of times as I try to fulfill my responsibilities as a mother, a wife, a friend, a missionary, in my callings and with every little problem I take to Him in prayer. I know He cares and wants us to succeed in our righteous pursuits. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
RS Lesson July and August 2009
The Way of the Disciple by President Dieter F. Uchdorf and
Bring Souls Unto Me by Elder L. Tom Perry
taught by Alison Jaehne
Next month on the fourth Sunday, I won't be teaching because we have the opportunity and privilege of witnessing the dedication of the Oquirh Mountain Temple Open House. I love both of the assigned conference messages for this month and next, so I will talk about each. The talks do correlate, because it takes a disciple of Jesus Christ to proclaim His message and being a disciple involves the duty to share His message.
The Way of the Disciple- The Bible dictionary says that a disciple is, "a pupil or learner... all followers of Jesus Christ." "The word disciple comes from Latin a 'learner'. A disciple of Christ is one who is learning to be like Christ--learning to think, to feel, and to act like he does. To be a true disciple, to fulfill that learning task, is the most demanding regimen known to man. No other discipline compares . . . in either requirements or rewards. It involves the total transformation of a person from the state of the natural man to that of [a] saint, one who loves the Lord and serves with all of his heart, might, mind, and strength" (Chauncey C. Riddle, "Becoming a Disciple," Ensign, Sept. 1974, 81). Elder Uchdorf says, "The more we are filled with the Spirit of God, the more we extend ourselves to others. We become peacemakers in our homes and families, we help our fellowmen everywhere, and we reach out in merciful acts of kindness, forgiveness, grace, and long-suffering patience....This is the peaceable way of the follower of Jesus Christ.
The Path of Patience - it is not a quick fix or an overnight cure...Brothers and sisters, we have to stay with it. We don’t acquire eternal life in a sprint—this is a race of endurance. We have to apply and reapply the divine gospel principles. Day after day we need to make them part of our normal life. Discipleship is a journey. We need the refining lessons of the journey to craft our character and purify our hearts. By patiently walking in the path of discipleship, we demonstrate to ourselves the measure of our faith and our willingness to accept God’s will rather than ours. It is not enough merely to speak of Jesus Christ or proclaim that we are His disciples. It is not enough to surround ourselves with symbols of our religion. Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We cannot expect to experience the blessings of faith by standing inactive on the sidelines any more than we can experience the benefits of health by sitting on a sofa watching sporting events on television and giving advice to the athletes. And yet for some, “spectator discipleship” is a preferred if not a primary way of worshipping. Ours is not a secondhand religion. We cannot receive the blessings of the gospel merely by observing the good that others do. We need to get off the sidelines and practice what we preach.
The Way Is Open to All- The first step on the path of discipleship begins, luckily enough, in the exact place where we stand! We do not have to prequalify to take that first step. It doesn’t matter if we are rich or poor. There is no requirement to be educated, eloquent, or intellectual. We do not have to be perfect or well-spoken or even well-mannered. [to be a disciple or to be a member missioanry] You and I can walk in the path of discipleship today. Let us be humble; let us pray to our Father in Heaven with all our heart and express our desire to draw close to Him and learn of Him. Have faith. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened. Serve the Lord by serving others. Become an active participant in your ward or branch. Strengthen your family by committing to live the principles of the gospel. Be of one heart and of one mind in your marriage and in your family."
Bring Souls Unto Me- Elder L. Tom Perry tells of seeing a lost sheep stuck on the cliffs in the Provo canyon. He saw the search and rescue team trying to reach the sheep. Knowing how cornered animals react to strangers, he wondered how they would attempt to calm the sheep which would probably struggle to get away could even jump off the cliff. He wondered where the shepherd who knew the sheep was. The shepherd had the best chance of anyone to aproach the sheep without startling it. The search and rescue team are like the missionaries and we are like the sheperds who know personally the sheep who are lost and need to be rescued. Elder Perry gives us three topics to testify of when we open our mouths to be a missionary. I went on a mission to Las Vegas and I like to think that I am a good member missionary, but I don't feel very good at opening my mouth to testify or preach. On my mission, I attended a RS lesson on missionary work where I came away feeling guilty about not doing enough and I was on a full-time mission!!! I will not do that today, I will talk about how I focus my missionary efforts. I have seen over the 18 years (oh no!) since my mission that my efforts to love have contributed to a few conversions and positive feelings about the church.
President Gordon B. Hinckley echoed the message of today: “My heart reaches out to you missionaries. You simply cannot do it alone and do it well. You must have the help of others. ... Now, my brethren and sisters, we can let the missionaries try to do it alone, or we can help them. If they do it alone, they will knock on doors day after day and the harvest will be meager. Or as members we can assist them in finding and teaching investigators. … Brothers and sisters... I invite you to become a vast army with enthusiasm for this work and a great overarching desire to assist the missionaries in the tremendous responsibility they have to carry the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.” Let me note a number of things we can do to respond to that call [to be member missionaries]. You will recognize how many of them you are already doing. Above all else we can live the gospel. Surely there is no more powerful missionary message we can send to this world than the example of a loving and happy Latter-day Saint life. The manner and bearing, the smile and kindness of a faithful member of the Church brings a warmth and an outreach which no missionary tract or videotape can convey. People do not join the Church because of what they know. They join because of what they feel, what they see and want spiritually... Your faith, your happiness, the very look on your face is enough to quicken the honest in heart... But perhaps even more important than speaking is listening. These people are not lifeless objects disguised as a baptismal statistic. They are children of God, our brothers and sisters, and they need what we have. Be genuine. Reach out sincerely. Ask these friends what matters most to them. What do they cherish, and what do they hold dear? And then listen. I promise you that something in what they say will always highlight a truth of the gospel about which you can bear testimony and about which you can then offer more. Elder Russell Nelson told me once that one of the first rules of medical inquiry is “Ask the patient where it hurts. The patient,” he said, “will be your best guide to a correct diagnosis and eventual remedy.” If we listen with love, we won’t need to wonder what to say. It will be given to us—by the Spirit and by our friends." (“Witnesses unto Me” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)
The principle of Personal Ministering- "At the conclusion of a Utah Board of Higher Education meeting, Elder Neal A. Maxwell submitted his resignation, saying that he did not have time for a personal ministry. Most of the board members assumed he was referring to his apostleship. However, he corrected them, saying it was not his calling as an Apostle, but his personal ministry to the many people to whom he felt a responsibility to comfort. How do we find out what our personal ministry is?...The Holy Ghost is the key to our personal ministry." (Bonnie D. Parkin Personal Ministering Fall 2006 RS Open House) Who are we responsible for in our own personal ministry? 1. family - "I repeat, our success, individually and as a Church, will largely be determined by how faithfully we focus on living the gospel in the home. Only as we see clearly the responsibilities of each individual and the role of families and homes can we properly understand that priesthood quorums and auxiliary organizations, even wards and stakes, exist primarily to help members live the gospel in the home. Then we can understand that people are more important than programs, and that Church programs should always support and never detract from gospel-centered family activities. . . .All should work together to make home a place where we love to be, a place of listening and learning, a place where each member can find mutual love, support, appreciation, and encouragement."("Living the Gospel in the Home," Ensign, May 1978, 101). " For some of you, this takes an incredible amount of time and effort!! Don't feel guilty! This is your missionary calling and where most of your efforts should be focused!
others in our personal ministry- 2.callings 3.visiting teaching 4.neighbors 5. work associations and all other various short and long-term associations We need to rely on the Spirit to know who to help and how to help them so that we don't try to run faster than we have strength. When there is someone in my personal ministry who I have not been able to get to, and I see that someone else has helped them, I am so grateful and I feel so close to that person! I love to talk about those associations and praise those who are working to help those that I am also trying to help. That is where my excitement and joy in missionary work comes from! That is the gospel in action! We all have personal ministry connections in our ward and in our neighborhoods that bring us closer together as we work together to make everyone feel loved and included. That is the one goal we can control. We can't make anyone embrace the gospel! But we can do our part to ensure that anyone who walks through the chapel doors or attends our parties or lives in our neighborhoods, feels love and acceptance from the people in our church. We can make everyone feel loved and included! That, for sure, is our personal duty as a disciple of Jesus Christ. That is being a member missionary! Above that, as we focus on loving, the Spirit will guide us to the specific ways we can help and specific ways to open our mouths. Without that love, it doesn't matter what truths we speak, it won't touch anyone's heart. With that love, it doesn't matter what we say, we will contribute to warm feelings, which can open hearts.
I learned on my mission that being a disciple and loving others is the best way to be a missionary. The full-time missioanries get transferred, but we are here to stay. We can embrace everyone with our love! That is the gospel in action! I am sorry that I am going to do this to you, but I am going to say something that may cause the Spirit to poke you and then you will responsible for the prompting. :-) We have until next Saturday to go to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House. Do you know someone you can invite to go with you to see the temple? You could say, "I am going to the open house this week, would you like to see inside a temple?" That is the most effective way to invite someone. Don't just hand them a pamphlet, offer to take them. Take your families. Sorry to put that kind of pressure on you, but think of the joy and blessings you will get if you actually take someone through the Open House! That is the gospel in action! I love the gospel with all my heart and I feel closer to Heavenly Father when I try to follow it. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Bring Souls Unto Me by Elder L. Tom Perry
taught by Alison Jaehne
Next month on the fourth Sunday, I won't be teaching because we have the opportunity and privilege of witnessing the dedication of the Oquirh Mountain Temple Open House. I love both of the assigned conference messages for this month and next, so I will talk about each. The talks do correlate, because it takes a disciple of Jesus Christ to proclaim His message and being a disciple involves the duty to share His message.
The Way of the Disciple- The Bible dictionary says that a disciple is, "a pupil or learner... all followers of Jesus Christ." "The word disciple comes from Latin a 'learner'. A disciple of Christ is one who is learning to be like Christ--learning to think, to feel, and to act like he does. To be a true disciple, to fulfill that learning task, is the most demanding regimen known to man. No other discipline compares . . . in either requirements or rewards. It involves the total transformation of a person from the state of the natural man to that of [a] saint, one who loves the Lord and serves with all of his heart, might, mind, and strength" (Chauncey C. Riddle, "Becoming a Disciple," Ensign, Sept. 1974, 81). Elder Uchdorf says, "The more we are filled with the Spirit of God, the more we extend ourselves to others. We become peacemakers in our homes and families, we help our fellowmen everywhere, and we reach out in merciful acts of kindness, forgiveness, grace, and long-suffering patience....This is the peaceable way of the follower of Jesus Christ.
The Path of Patience - it is not a quick fix or an overnight cure...Brothers and sisters, we have to stay with it. We don’t acquire eternal life in a sprint—this is a race of endurance. We have to apply and reapply the divine gospel principles. Day after day we need to make them part of our normal life. Discipleship is a journey. We need the refining lessons of the journey to craft our character and purify our hearts. By patiently walking in the path of discipleship, we demonstrate to ourselves the measure of our faith and our willingness to accept God’s will rather than ours. It is not enough merely to speak of Jesus Christ or proclaim that we are His disciples. It is not enough to surround ourselves with symbols of our religion. Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We cannot expect to experience the blessings of faith by standing inactive on the sidelines any more than we can experience the benefits of health by sitting on a sofa watching sporting events on television and giving advice to the athletes. And yet for some, “spectator discipleship” is a preferred if not a primary way of worshipping. Ours is not a secondhand religion. We cannot receive the blessings of the gospel merely by observing the good that others do. We need to get off the sidelines and practice what we preach.
The Way Is Open to All- The first step on the path of discipleship begins, luckily enough, in the exact place where we stand! We do not have to prequalify to take that first step. It doesn’t matter if we are rich or poor. There is no requirement to be educated, eloquent, or intellectual. We do not have to be perfect or well-spoken or even well-mannered. [to be a disciple or to be a member missioanry] You and I can walk in the path of discipleship today. Let us be humble; let us pray to our Father in Heaven with all our heart and express our desire to draw close to Him and learn of Him. Have faith. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened. Serve the Lord by serving others. Become an active participant in your ward or branch. Strengthen your family by committing to live the principles of the gospel. Be of one heart and of one mind in your marriage and in your family."
Bring Souls Unto Me- Elder L. Tom Perry tells of seeing a lost sheep stuck on the cliffs in the Provo canyon. He saw the search and rescue team trying to reach the sheep. Knowing how cornered animals react to strangers, he wondered how they would attempt to calm the sheep which would probably struggle to get away could even jump off the cliff. He wondered where the shepherd who knew the sheep was. The shepherd had the best chance of anyone to aproach the sheep without startling it. The search and rescue team are like the missionaries and we are like the sheperds who know personally the sheep who are lost and need to be rescued. Elder Perry gives us three topics to testify of when we open our mouths to be a missionary. I went on a mission to Las Vegas and I like to think that I am a good member missionary, but I don't feel very good at opening my mouth to testify or preach. On my mission, I attended a RS lesson on missionary work where I came away feeling guilty about not doing enough and I was on a full-time mission!!! I will not do that today, I will talk about how I focus my missionary efforts. I have seen over the 18 years (oh no!) since my mission that my efforts to love have contributed to a few conversions and positive feelings about the church.
President Gordon B. Hinckley echoed the message of today: “My heart reaches out to you missionaries. You simply cannot do it alone and do it well. You must have the help of others. ... Now, my brethren and sisters, we can let the missionaries try to do it alone, or we can help them. If they do it alone, they will knock on doors day after day and the harvest will be meager. Or as members we can assist them in finding and teaching investigators. … Brothers and sisters... I invite you to become a vast army with enthusiasm for this work and a great overarching desire to assist the missionaries in the tremendous responsibility they have to carry the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.” Let me note a number of things we can do to respond to that call [to be member missionaries]. You will recognize how many of them you are already doing. Above all else we can live the gospel. Surely there is no more powerful missionary message we can send to this world than the example of a loving and happy Latter-day Saint life. The manner and bearing, the smile and kindness of a faithful member of the Church brings a warmth and an outreach which no missionary tract or videotape can convey. People do not join the Church because of what they know. They join because of what they feel, what they see and want spiritually... Your faith, your happiness, the very look on your face is enough to quicken the honest in heart... But perhaps even more important than speaking is listening. These people are not lifeless objects disguised as a baptismal statistic. They are children of God, our brothers and sisters, and they need what we have. Be genuine. Reach out sincerely. Ask these friends what matters most to them. What do they cherish, and what do they hold dear? And then listen. I promise you that something in what they say will always highlight a truth of the gospel about which you can bear testimony and about which you can then offer more. Elder Russell Nelson told me once that one of the first rules of medical inquiry is “Ask the patient where it hurts. The patient,” he said, “will be your best guide to a correct diagnosis and eventual remedy.” If we listen with love, we won’t need to wonder what to say. It will be given to us—by the Spirit and by our friends." (“Witnesses unto Me” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)
The principle of Personal Ministering- "At the conclusion of a Utah Board of Higher Education meeting, Elder Neal A. Maxwell submitted his resignation, saying that he did not have time for a personal ministry. Most of the board members assumed he was referring to his apostleship. However, he corrected them, saying it was not his calling as an Apostle, but his personal ministry to the many people to whom he felt a responsibility to comfort. How do we find out what our personal ministry is?...The Holy Ghost is the key to our personal ministry." (Bonnie D. Parkin Personal Ministering Fall 2006 RS Open House) Who are we responsible for in our own personal ministry? 1. family - "I repeat, our success, individually and as a Church, will largely be determined by how faithfully we focus on living the gospel in the home. Only as we see clearly the responsibilities of each individual and the role of families and homes can we properly understand that priesthood quorums and auxiliary organizations, even wards and stakes, exist primarily to help members live the gospel in the home. Then we can understand that people are more important than programs, and that Church programs should always support and never detract from gospel-centered family activities. . . .All should work together to make home a place where we love to be, a place of listening and learning, a place where each member can find mutual love, support, appreciation, and encouragement."("Living the Gospel in the Home," Ensign, May 1978, 101). " For some of you, this takes an incredible amount of time and effort!! Don't feel guilty! This is your missionary calling and where most of your efforts should be focused!
others in our personal ministry- 2.callings 3.visiting teaching 4.neighbors 5. work associations and all other various short and long-term associations We need to rely on the Spirit to know who to help and how to help them so that we don't try to run faster than we have strength. When there is someone in my personal ministry who I have not been able to get to, and I see that someone else has helped them, I am so grateful and I feel so close to that person! I love to talk about those associations and praise those who are working to help those that I am also trying to help. That is where my excitement and joy in missionary work comes from! That is the gospel in action! We all have personal ministry connections in our ward and in our neighborhoods that bring us closer together as we work together to make everyone feel loved and included. That is the one goal we can control. We can't make anyone embrace the gospel! But we can do our part to ensure that anyone who walks through the chapel doors or attends our parties or lives in our neighborhoods, feels love and acceptance from the people in our church. We can make everyone feel loved and included! That, for sure, is our personal duty as a disciple of Jesus Christ. That is being a member missionary! Above that, as we focus on loving, the Spirit will guide us to the specific ways we can help and specific ways to open our mouths. Without that love, it doesn't matter what truths we speak, it won't touch anyone's heart. With that love, it doesn't matter what we say, we will contribute to warm feelings, which can open hearts.
I learned on my mission that being a disciple and loving others is the best way to be a missionary. The full-time missioanries get transferred, but we are here to stay. We can embrace everyone with our love! That is the gospel in action! I am sorry that I am going to do this to you, but I am going to say something that may cause the Spirit to poke you and then you will responsible for the prompting. :-) We have until next Saturday to go to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House. Do you know someone you can invite to go with you to see the temple? You could say, "I am going to the open house this week, would you like to see inside a temple?" That is the most effective way to invite someone. Don't just hand them a pamphlet, offer to take them. Take your families. Sorry to put that kind of pressure on you, but think of the joy and blessings you will get if you actually take someone through the Open House! That is the gospel in action! I love the gospel with all my heart and I feel closer to Heavenly Father when I try to follow it. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
RS Lesson June 2009
Honorably Hold a Name and Standing by Elder David A. Bednar, taught by Alison Jaehne
---When we renew our baptismal covenants by taking the sacrament, we do not witness that we take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, rather, we witness that we are willing to do so.
---The fact that we only witness to our willingness suggests that something else must happen before we actually take that sacred name upon us. The baptismal covenant clearly contemplates future events and looks forward to the temple.
---The process of taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, which is commenced in the waters of baptism, is continued and enlarged in the temple.
---Dedicatory prayer in Kirtland temple: “We ask thee, Holy Father, to establish the people that shall worship, and honorably hold a name and standing in this thy holy house, to all generations…that no weapon formed against them shall prosper; that he who diggeth a pit for them shall fall into the same himself; that no combination of wickedness shall have power to rise up and prevail over thy people upon whom thy name shall be put in this house…” There is protection in holding a name and standing in the temple.
---"When a man and woman have received their endowments and sealings and then had children born [or sealed] to them afterwards, those children are legal heirs to the kingdom and to all its blessings and promises, and they are the only ones that are, on this earth." Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 11:18.
Divine Purpose of Gathering
---Purpose of gathering the saints- to build temples for celestial ordinances
---Relationship of gathering and building temples is highlighted in Alma 26:5 …behold your sheaves, they shall be gathered into garners that they not be beaten down by the storm at the last day, but when the storm cometh they shall be gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them.
Sheaves- the quantity of a plant material bound together
Garner- to bring together in one place, to gather into storage, to acquire by effort
---The sheaves in this analogy represent newly baptized members of the Church. The garners are the holy temples. Elder Neal A. Maxwell explained: “Clearly, when we baptize, our eyes should gaze beyond the baptismal font to the holy temple. The great garner into which the sheaves should be gathered is the holy temple”
In Temple Worship we find Purity, Power, Promises, Protection and Personal Strength and Personal Revelation
---An investigator on my mission complained about the noise level in our Sacrament Meetings and said he preferred the quiet serene atmosphere in his Catholic church to worship in. We were able to explain how our church services were for all, even children, and the temple is where we can worship in the serene quiet atmosphere. In the temple we find greater purity.
---Elder Bednar asked many former General Authorites who later became temple presidents what they learned. Their answers had a consistent theme which focused upon the protecting power of the ordinances and covenants available in the temple: “I have come to understand better the protection available through our temple covenants and what it means to make an acceptable offering of temple worship. There is a difference between [those] who occasionally rush into the temple to go through a session and those who faithfully and consistently worship in the temple.”
---Elder Richard G. Scott talked in conference, about worshipping in the temple and told some personal stories of receiving strength when two of his children died as babies and when his wife died. He said,"What I am trying to teach is that when we keep the temple covenants we have made and when we live righteously in order to maintain the blessings promised by those ordinances, then come what may, we have no reason to worry or feel despondent."
The Voice of the Shepherd is Calling Us to the Temple
---Elder Bednar asked his temple worker friend who had been a stake president how to be a better stake president. His friend wished he had been a temple worker first because it expanded his vision. He said, “I would do a better job of shepherding the saints to the house of the Lord.”
---Elder F. Michael Watson’s talk was called, “His Servants, the Prophets.” He reminded us of past prophets and what they taught us and he quoted from the D&C 1:37-38, “…whether by my voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”
---Elder L.Tom Perry told a story of seeing a lost sheep in Provo Canyon that caused a traffic jam. He quoted Alma 5:59-60, “And now I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are his sheep…”
Conclusion
The good shepherd is gently calling after us and gathering His sheep into the fold. The temple is the gathering place, or the garner, with the purity, power and protection from the storm in the last days. My temple recommend is one of my most prized possessions. Something or anything could happen to every other possession I have to take them away from me. My temple recommend is the one thing that I have complete control over and no one can take it away from me. I feel so blessed to have it. The Spirit has witnessed to me of the great advantage and power that the sealing ordinance gives to children born in the covenant. Other children in the world don't have the spiritual advantage and powers that children who are "legal heirs to the kingdom and all its blessings and promises" do. I don't know how exactly, I just know there is great power and blessings in the sealing for them and in being sealed to the family of God. Lorenzo Snow said in the Deseret Weekly News 54:481, March 13, 1897, "When two Latter-day Saints are united together in marriage, promises are made to them concerning their offspring that reach from eternity to eternity." What a wonderful gift we give to our children through our temple attendance.
May we listen to the voice of the shepherd calling us to the temple. We can improve our attendance and or our worship there. In the special Temple issue of the Ensign, a couple told of how they were able to help their wayward children and receive specific help many times by fasting before going to the temple, praying for that child at the appropriate times, and consecrating their service by praying together afterwards in their car in the parking lot. May we turn to the temple for strength. I know that we will find peace and reverence in the temple and answers to our problems to help us in our lives. I have, many times. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
---When we renew our baptismal covenants by taking the sacrament, we do not witness that we take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, rather, we witness that we are willing to do so.
---The fact that we only witness to our willingness suggests that something else must happen before we actually take that sacred name upon us. The baptismal covenant clearly contemplates future events and looks forward to the temple.
---The process of taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, which is commenced in the waters of baptism, is continued and enlarged in the temple.
---Dedicatory prayer in Kirtland temple: “We ask thee, Holy Father, to establish the people that shall worship, and honorably hold a name and standing in this thy holy house, to all generations…that no weapon formed against them shall prosper; that he who diggeth a pit for them shall fall into the same himself; that no combination of wickedness shall have power to rise up and prevail over thy people upon whom thy name shall be put in this house…” There is protection in holding a name and standing in the temple.
---"When a man and woman have received their endowments and sealings and then had children born [or sealed] to them afterwards, those children are legal heirs to the kingdom and to all its blessings and promises, and they are the only ones that are, on this earth." Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 11:18.
Divine Purpose of Gathering
---Purpose of gathering the saints- to build temples for celestial ordinances
---Relationship of gathering and building temples is highlighted in Alma 26:5 …behold your sheaves, they shall be gathered into garners that they not be beaten down by the storm at the last day, but when the storm cometh they shall be gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them.
Sheaves- the quantity of a plant material bound together
Garner- to bring together in one place, to gather into storage, to acquire by effort
---The sheaves in this analogy represent newly baptized members of the Church. The garners are the holy temples. Elder Neal A. Maxwell explained: “Clearly, when we baptize, our eyes should gaze beyond the baptismal font to the holy temple. The great garner into which the sheaves should be gathered is the holy temple”
In Temple Worship we find Purity, Power, Promises, Protection and Personal Strength and Personal Revelation
---An investigator on my mission complained about the noise level in our Sacrament Meetings and said he preferred the quiet serene atmosphere in his Catholic church to worship in. We were able to explain how our church services were for all, even children, and the temple is where we can worship in the serene quiet atmosphere. In the temple we find greater purity.
---Elder Bednar asked many former General Authorites who later became temple presidents what they learned. Their answers had a consistent theme which focused upon the protecting power of the ordinances and covenants available in the temple: “I have come to understand better the protection available through our temple covenants and what it means to make an acceptable offering of temple worship. There is a difference between [those] who occasionally rush into the temple to go through a session and those who faithfully and consistently worship in the temple.”
---Elder Richard G. Scott talked in conference, about worshipping in the temple and told some personal stories of receiving strength when two of his children died as babies and when his wife died. He said,"What I am trying to teach is that when we keep the temple covenants we have made and when we live righteously in order to maintain the blessings promised by those ordinances, then come what may, we have no reason to worry or feel despondent."
The Voice of the Shepherd is Calling Us to the Temple
---Elder Bednar asked his temple worker friend who had been a stake president how to be a better stake president. His friend wished he had been a temple worker first because it expanded his vision. He said, “I would do a better job of shepherding the saints to the house of the Lord.”
---Elder F. Michael Watson’s talk was called, “His Servants, the Prophets.” He reminded us of past prophets and what they taught us and he quoted from the D&C 1:37-38, “…whether by my voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”
---Elder L.Tom Perry told a story of seeing a lost sheep in Provo Canyon that caused a traffic jam. He quoted Alma 5:59-60, “And now I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are his sheep…”
Conclusion
The good shepherd is gently calling after us and gathering His sheep into the fold. The temple is the gathering place, or the garner, with the purity, power and protection from the storm in the last days. My temple recommend is one of my most prized possessions. Something or anything could happen to every other possession I have to take them away from me. My temple recommend is the one thing that I have complete control over and no one can take it away from me. I feel so blessed to have it. The Spirit has witnessed to me of the great advantage and power that the sealing ordinance gives to children born in the covenant. Other children in the world don't have the spiritual advantage and powers that children who are "legal heirs to the kingdom and all its blessings and promises" do. I don't know how exactly, I just know there is great power and blessings in the sealing for them and in being sealed to the family of God. Lorenzo Snow said in the Deseret Weekly News 54:481, March 13, 1897, "When two Latter-day Saints are united together in marriage, promises are made to them concerning their offspring that reach from eternity to eternity." What a wonderful gift we give to our children through our temple attendance.
May we listen to the voice of the shepherd calling us to the temple. We can improve our attendance and or our worship there. In the special Temple issue of the Ensign, a couple told of how they were able to help their wayward children and receive specific help many times by fasting before going to the temple, praying for that child at the appropriate times, and consecrating their service by praying together afterwards in their car in the parking lot. May we turn to the temple for strength. I know that we will find peace and reverence in the temple and answers to our problems to help us in our lives. I have, many times. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
RS Lesson May 2009
Please read: Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually" by Elder Robert D. Hales in May 2009 Ensign
taught by Alison Jaehne in Relief Society May 24, 2009
What is a provident provider? It sounds redundant, like a giving giver or a mothering mother. The definition of provident provider ? A provider is obviously one who provides. When we think of the root word 'provide' we think it means 'to pay the living expenses of.' But it does have more meanings. To provide is to make preparations to meet a need, to supply something for sustenance or support. Here is what I found interesting: In the Latin origin of the word, 'providere' means pro- forward and videre- to see. To see forward. Before the translation, the word provide literally means to see ahead. The definition of provident means to make provisions for the future, being prudent, frugal, and saving. Provision comes from the same root word as provide; it is the act of providing, the fact or state of being prepared beforehand, a stock of needed materials or supplies. 'Provident' is being careful in the management of money and resources; it means having or showing awareness of and preparation for the future.
What do we know about the future from the prophets and the scriptures? It will be difficult. We will be tested. Wars. Calamities. Diseases. I personally think that this swine flu scare is a loving warning from Heavenly Father to help us to be prepared for future events. It is highly possible that something could happen that could keep us in our homes for weeks at a time. Are we ready? I received an email from a preparedness advocate that said we need to prepare for a real flu epidemic. It would be risky to go out in public. We need enough toilet paper for all the flu victims in our family and garbage bags to carry out the infected waste. The hospitals would be overloaded and only the sickest would be there and they would get even sicker there. Our homes might need to be like mini hospitals with clean and sick areas. We need enough diapers and cleaning supplies to keep it sanitary and gloves and masks to keep from getting sick. Here is where I put in a plug for Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching: What if our only contact with the church for a time is through VT and HT? Do we know and love the people we VT? The VT and HT program is a wonderful communication system. In about nine phone calls down the levels of leadership, the prophet himself could get a message into each of our homes in a very short period of time. He calls the Twelve, who call the area reps, who call the stake presidents, who call the bishops, who call councilors who call the ward presidents who call the VT and HT supervisors who call the visiting teacher and home teachers who already call and visit our homes once a month. This is hypothetical, but it could happen. Even Salt Lake City had a tornado. I watched a TV program about a family with 18 kids in Arkansas who in January, suffered a devastating 5 day ice storm which knocked out their electricity for about three weeks. At the peak of the damage, 600,000 homes were without power. Many homes and businesses were without power for a month! Are we prepared to live without electricity? We need to be prepared and self-reliant temporally and spiritually.
At the opening of this century, President Joseph F. Smith explained the importance of temporal salvation and its relationship to spiritual salvation: “You must continue to bear in mind that the temporal and spiritual are blended. They are not separate. One cannot be carried on without the other, so long as we are here in mortality. … The Latter-day Saints believe not only in the gospel of spiritual salvation, but also in the gospel of temporal salvation. We have to look after the cattle, … the gardens and the farms, … and other necessary things for the maintenance of ourselves and our families in the earth. … We do not feel that it is possible for men to be really good and faithful Christian people unless they can also be good, faithful, honest and industrious people. Therefore, we preach the gospel of industry, the gospel of economy, the gospel of sobriety.” (Gospel Doctrine, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1939, p. 208)
I wanted to point out that we have complete control over our spiritual state but as women, we don't always have complete control over our abilities as a temporal provider: In the words of the Lord: “Women have claim on their husbands for their maintenance, until their husbands are taken...All children have claim upon their parents for their maintenance until they are of age.” (D&C 85:2, 4.) We are usually dependent on our husbands for the money they make and spend. It is a team effort. We are part of the team, however strong or weak that is. Are we doing our part? Do we encourage lavish spending, especially on ourselves and our homes? Are we learning how to do more with less? Do we know how to cook with food storage and make it delicious? Do we pray for our team and offer encouragement and support or do we complain that there is not enough? Regardless of how much money our spouse makes or how he spends the family money, we are responsible to be stewards over our earthly blessings, in whatever condition we are in. While our free agency applies to all facets of life, with respect for temporal affairs the Lord makes this specific elaboration: “For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings, which I have made and prepared for my creatures...For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.” (D&C 104:13, 17) (Marion G. Romney, “Principles of Temporal Salvation,” Ensign, Apr 1981)
"All of us are responsible to provide for ourselves and our families in both temporal and spiritual ways. To provide providently, we must practice the principles of provident living: 1) joyfully living within our means, [the joyful part is a spiritual condition] 2) being content with what we have, [spiritual] 3) avoiding excessive debt, [temporal] and 4) diligently saving and preparing for rainy-day emergencies.[temporal] When we live providently, we can provide for ourselves and our families and also follow the Savior’s example to serve and bless others." (Elder Hales) The spiritual principles of being a provident provider are completely within our control. If there is a time when we might need help temporally, we can still be a giant spiritually and help those who help us. What are the principles we are teaching our children by our example?
"Brothers and sisters, as did President Monson, our children are growing up in times of economic uncertainty. Just as our grandparents and great-grandparents learned vital lessons through economic adversity, what we learn now, in our present circumstances, can bless us and our posterity for generations to come." What economic lessons have we learned from our grandparents? Waste not want not. Be grateful for every morsel of food you have. etc.
"Today I speak to all whose freedom to choose has been diminished by the effects of ill-advised choices of the past. I speak specifically of choices that have led to excessive debt and addictions to food, drugs, pornography, [He puts debt and all addictions together in a category of excess behavior] and other patterns of thought and action that diminish one’s sense of self-worth. All of these excesses affect us individually and undermine our family relationships. Of course some debt incurred for education, a modest home, or a basic automobile may be necessary to provide for a family. Unfortunately however, additional debt is incurred when we cannot control our wants and addictive impulses. And for both debt and addiction, the hopeful solution is the same—we must turn to the Lord and follow His commandments. We must want more than anything else to change our lives so that we can break the cycle of debt and our uncontrolled wants. I pray that in the next few minutes, and throughout this conference, you will be filled with hope in our Savior, Jesus Christ, and find hope in the doctrines of His restored gospel. Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions, are part of our test in mortality. Let me assure you that your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. Through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good (see D&C 122:7). Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). We must remember that the adversary knows us extremely well. He knows where, when, and how to tempt us. If we are obedient to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can learn to recognize the adversary’s enticements. Before we yield to temptation, we must learn to say with unflinching resolve, “Get thee behind me, Satan” (Matthew 16:23). Our success is never measured by how strongly we are tempted but by how faithfully we respond. We must ask for help from our Heavenly Father and seek strength through the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ. In both temporal and spiritual things, obtaining this divine assistance enables us to become provident providers for ourselves and others." (Elder Hales)
Elder Hales gives two lessons in provident living that could help us to overcome the patterns of debt and addiction to temporal, worldly things. One lesson he learned when he and his wife were poor. He encouraged her to buy a pretty dress. When she saw the price tag, she quickly walked out of the store. The words she said, "We can't afford it," went straight to his heart as words of love. She must have said it in a loving way! The other lesson he learned was when they had more money and he wanted to buy her an expensive coat. Being a loving and dedicated Relief Society President at the time, she said, "Where would I wear it?" Then she taught Elder Hales a valuable lesson, she looked into his eyes and sweetly asked, "Are you buying this for me or for you?" In other words, she was asking, "Is the purpose of this gift to show me that you love me or to show me that you are a good provider or to prove something to the world?" Elder Hales pondered his motives and realized he was thinking less about her and their family and more about himself. What are our true motives in wanting to buy and own worldly things? What is our motivation for anything we do? Even in teaching this lesson, what are my motives? Am I trying to impress you with my knowledge and my good looks and my wit? ha ha. Or am I focused on being a righteous vehicle through which the Spirit can convey the right message to you? The Lord knows, and we will be held accountable for the conditions of our hearts.
"The world tells us that those who have more worldly possessions are somehow better than everyone else. Is that true? The Lord says he is no respecter of persons and we are guilty of evil thoughts if we respect a man in fine clothing and treat him better than a man in rags. (James 2:1-9) Let every man esteem his brother as himself...I say unto you be one, and if ye are not one ye are not mine. (D&C 38:25-27) ...Perhaps we can best state these mutual responsibilities in this manner: The immediate family is obligated to help each other; the extended family has the opportunity to help each other. And when our vision of Christlike love matures, we will joyfully take advantage of the opportunities to help others temporally and spiritually... In addition to help for the needy among us, it is important to remember that all of us have need of the welfare program and one fundamental reason is because our Father is trying to teach us many important eternal truths—the most fundamental of which is love or charity. There is growth incalculable to the human soul when it steps outside of itself and concerns itself with others. Since that is the major work of our Father in Heaven—to work joyously for the advancement and progression of others—how could we think to receive all that he has unless we implement deeply into our own lives his motivations of love, thereby truly becoming his sons and daughters?" (Marion G. Romney, “Principles of Temporal Salvation,” Ensign, Apr 1981) This wonderful talk by Marion G. Romney explains how we are responsible to take care of our families and must turn to them for help before we turn to the Bishop.
I know that these principles are true. I felt the joy of hard work and of self-reliance as well as the joy of giving. I have felt truly blessed in my life as I strive to live by these principles. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
taught by Alison Jaehne in Relief Society May 24, 2009
What is a provident provider? It sounds redundant, like a giving giver or a mothering mother. The definition of provident provider ? A provider is obviously one who provides. When we think of the root word 'provide' we think it means 'to pay the living expenses of.' But it does have more meanings. To provide is to make preparations to meet a need, to supply something for sustenance or support. Here is what I found interesting: In the Latin origin of the word, 'providere' means pro- forward and videre- to see. To see forward. Before the translation, the word provide literally means to see ahead. The definition of provident means to make provisions for the future, being prudent, frugal, and saving. Provision comes from the same root word as provide; it is the act of providing, the fact or state of being prepared beforehand, a stock of needed materials or supplies. 'Provident' is being careful in the management of money and resources; it means having or showing awareness of and preparation for the future.
What do we know about the future from the prophets and the scriptures? It will be difficult. We will be tested. Wars. Calamities. Diseases. I personally think that this swine flu scare is a loving warning from Heavenly Father to help us to be prepared for future events. It is highly possible that something could happen that could keep us in our homes for weeks at a time. Are we ready? I received an email from a preparedness advocate that said we need to prepare for a real flu epidemic. It would be risky to go out in public. We need enough toilet paper for all the flu victims in our family and garbage bags to carry out the infected waste. The hospitals would be overloaded and only the sickest would be there and they would get even sicker there. Our homes might need to be like mini hospitals with clean and sick areas. We need enough diapers and cleaning supplies to keep it sanitary and gloves and masks to keep from getting sick. Here is where I put in a plug for Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching: What if our only contact with the church for a time is through VT and HT? Do we know and love the people we VT? The VT and HT program is a wonderful communication system. In about nine phone calls down the levels of leadership, the prophet himself could get a message into each of our homes in a very short period of time. He calls the Twelve, who call the area reps, who call the stake presidents, who call the bishops, who call councilors who call the ward presidents who call the VT and HT supervisors who call the visiting teacher and home teachers who already call and visit our homes once a month. This is hypothetical, but it could happen. Even Salt Lake City had a tornado. I watched a TV program about a family with 18 kids in Arkansas who in January, suffered a devastating 5 day ice storm which knocked out their electricity for about three weeks. At the peak of the damage, 600,000 homes were without power. Many homes and businesses were without power for a month! Are we prepared to live without electricity? We need to be prepared and self-reliant temporally and spiritually.
At the opening of this century, President Joseph F. Smith explained the importance of temporal salvation and its relationship to spiritual salvation: “You must continue to bear in mind that the temporal and spiritual are blended. They are not separate. One cannot be carried on without the other, so long as we are here in mortality. … The Latter-day Saints believe not only in the gospel of spiritual salvation, but also in the gospel of temporal salvation. We have to look after the cattle, … the gardens and the farms, … and other necessary things for the maintenance of ourselves and our families in the earth. … We do not feel that it is possible for men to be really good and faithful Christian people unless they can also be good, faithful, honest and industrious people. Therefore, we preach the gospel of industry, the gospel of economy, the gospel of sobriety.” (Gospel Doctrine, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1939, p. 208)
I wanted to point out that we have complete control over our spiritual state but as women, we don't always have complete control over our abilities as a temporal provider: In the words of the Lord: “Women have claim on their husbands for their maintenance, until their husbands are taken...All children have claim upon their parents for their maintenance until they are of age.” (D&C 85:2, 4.) We are usually dependent on our husbands for the money they make and spend. It is a team effort. We are part of the team, however strong or weak that is. Are we doing our part? Do we encourage lavish spending, especially on ourselves and our homes? Are we learning how to do more with less? Do we know how to cook with food storage and make it delicious? Do we pray for our team and offer encouragement and support or do we complain that there is not enough? Regardless of how much money our spouse makes or how he spends the family money, we are responsible to be stewards over our earthly blessings, in whatever condition we are in. While our free agency applies to all facets of life, with respect for temporal affairs the Lord makes this specific elaboration: “For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings, which I have made and prepared for my creatures...For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.” (D&C 104:13, 17) (Marion G. Romney, “Principles of Temporal Salvation,” Ensign, Apr 1981)
"All of us are responsible to provide for ourselves and our families in both temporal and spiritual ways. To provide providently, we must practice the principles of provident living: 1) joyfully living within our means, [the joyful part is a spiritual condition] 2) being content with what we have, [spiritual] 3) avoiding excessive debt, [temporal] and 4) diligently saving and preparing for rainy-day emergencies.[temporal] When we live providently, we can provide for ourselves and our families and also follow the Savior’s example to serve and bless others." (Elder Hales) The spiritual principles of being a provident provider are completely within our control. If there is a time when we might need help temporally, we can still be a giant spiritually and help those who help us. What are the principles we are teaching our children by our example?
"Brothers and sisters, as did President Monson, our children are growing up in times of economic uncertainty. Just as our grandparents and great-grandparents learned vital lessons through economic adversity, what we learn now, in our present circumstances, can bless us and our posterity for generations to come." What economic lessons have we learned from our grandparents? Waste not want not. Be grateful for every morsel of food you have. etc.
"Today I speak to all whose freedom to choose has been diminished by the effects of ill-advised choices of the past. I speak specifically of choices that have led to excessive debt and addictions to food, drugs, pornography, [He puts debt and all addictions together in a category of excess behavior] and other patterns of thought and action that diminish one’s sense of self-worth. All of these excesses affect us individually and undermine our family relationships. Of course some debt incurred for education, a modest home, or a basic automobile may be necessary to provide for a family. Unfortunately however, additional debt is incurred when we cannot control our wants and addictive impulses. And for both debt and addiction, the hopeful solution is the same—we must turn to the Lord and follow His commandments. We must want more than anything else to change our lives so that we can break the cycle of debt and our uncontrolled wants. I pray that in the next few minutes, and throughout this conference, you will be filled with hope in our Savior, Jesus Christ, and find hope in the doctrines of His restored gospel. Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions, are part of our test in mortality. Let me assure you that your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. Through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good (see D&C 122:7). Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). We must remember that the adversary knows us extremely well. He knows where, when, and how to tempt us. If we are obedient to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can learn to recognize the adversary’s enticements. Before we yield to temptation, we must learn to say with unflinching resolve, “Get thee behind me, Satan” (Matthew 16:23). Our success is never measured by how strongly we are tempted but by how faithfully we respond. We must ask for help from our Heavenly Father and seek strength through the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ. In both temporal and spiritual things, obtaining this divine assistance enables us to become provident providers for ourselves and others." (Elder Hales)
Elder Hales gives two lessons in provident living that could help us to overcome the patterns of debt and addiction to temporal, worldly things. One lesson he learned when he and his wife were poor. He encouraged her to buy a pretty dress. When she saw the price tag, she quickly walked out of the store. The words she said, "We can't afford it," went straight to his heart as words of love. She must have said it in a loving way! The other lesson he learned was when they had more money and he wanted to buy her an expensive coat. Being a loving and dedicated Relief Society President at the time, she said, "Where would I wear it?" Then she taught Elder Hales a valuable lesson, she looked into his eyes and sweetly asked, "Are you buying this for me or for you?" In other words, she was asking, "Is the purpose of this gift to show me that you love me or to show me that you are a good provider or to prove something to the world?" Elder Hales pondered his motives and realized he was thinking less about her and their family and more about himself. What are our true motives in wanting to buy and own worldly things? What is our motivation for anything we do? Even in teaching this lesson, what are my motives? Am I trying to impress you with my knowledge and my good looks and my wit? ha ha. Or am I focused on being a righteous vehicle through which the Spirit can convey the right message to you? The Lord knows, and we will be held accountable for the conditions of our hearts.
"The world tells us that those who have more worldly possessions are somehow better than everyone else. Is that true? The Lord says he is no respecter of persons and we are guilty of evil thoughts if we respect a man in fine clothing and treat him better than a man in rags. (James 2:1-9) Let every man esteem his brother as himself...I say unto you be one, and if ye are not one ye are not mine. (D&C 38:25-27) ...Perhaps we can best state these mutual responsibilities in this manner: The immediate family is obligated to help each other; the extended family has the opportunity to help each other. And when our vision of Christlike love matures, we will joyfully take advantage of the opportunities to help others temporally and spiritually... In addition to help for the needy among us, it is important to remember that all of us have need of the welfare program and one fundamental reason is because our Father is trying to teach us many important eternal truths—the most fundamental of which is love or charity. There is growth incalculable to the human soul when it steps outside of itself and concerns itself with others. Since that is the major work of our Father in Heaven—to work joyously for the advancement and progression of others—how could we think to receive all that he has unless we implement deeply into our own lives his motivations of love, thereby truly becoming his sons and daughters?" (Marion G. Romney, “Principles of Temporal Salvation,” Ensign, Apr 1981) This wonderful talk by Marion G. Romney explains how we are responsible to take care of our families and must turn to them for help before we turn to the Bishop.
I know that these principles are true. I felt the joy of hard work and of self-reliance as well as the joy of giving. I have felt truly blessed in my life as I strive to live by these principles. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
RS Lesson April 2009
A Return To Virtue by Sister Elaine S. Dalton, taught by Alison Jaehne
Virtue “is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards.” It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. It is nurtured in the home. It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions. Virtue is a word we don’t hear often in today’s society, but the Latin root word virtus means strength. Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength. They are confident because they are worthy to receive and be guided by the Holy Ghost. President Monson has counseled: “You be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone...."
Could it be that we have been slowly desensitized into thinking that high moral standards are old-fashioned and not relevant or important in today’s society? As Elder Hales has just reminded us, Lehonti in the Book of Mormon was well positioned on the top of a mountain. He and those he led were “fixed in their minds with a determined resolution” that they would not come down from the mount. It only took the deceitful Amalickiah four tries, each one more bold than the previous, to get Lehonti to “come down off from the mount.” And then having embraced Amalickiah’s false promises, Lehonti was “poisoned by degrees” until he died. Not just poisoned, but “by degrees.” Could it be that this may be happening today? Could it be that first we tolerate, then accept, and eventually embrace the vice that surrounds us? Could it be that we have been deceived by false role models and persuasive media messages that cause us to forget our divine identity? Are we too being poisoned by degrees? What could be more deceptive than to entice women, young and old, you and me, to be so involved in ourselves, our looks, our clothes, our body shape and size that we lose sight of our divine identity and our ability to change the world through our virtuous influence? A return to virtue must begin individually in our hearts and in our homes.
What can each of us do to begin our return to virtue? The course and the training program will be unique to each of us. I have derived my personal training program from instructions found in the scriptures: “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly.” [The root word of garnish means 'to warn, to take heed'. To garnish means to 'take over' as in garnishing wages. And to garnish means 'to enhance and adorn with decorative or savory touches, to beautify'. So we can embellish our thoughts unceasingly with beautifying virtues]
Many people do not fully understand the meaning of virtue. One commonly understood meaning is to be chaste or morally clean, but virtue in its fuller sense encompasses all traits of righteousness that help us form our character. May I suggest 10 virtues that each of you can pursue in your quest for excellence and happiness: Faith, Honesty, Chastity, Humility, Self-Discipline, Fairness, Moderation, Cleanliness, Courage, and Grace. We frequently find that the influence of good women is underrated. It is an influence that is often subtle but yet has tremendous consequences. One woman can make a great difference for a whole nation. As the Prophet Joseph Smith told us, “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue” (History of the Church, 5:134–35). ( Elder James E. Faust The Virtues of Righteous Daughters of God Ensign may 2003)
The Apostle Paul taught that divine doctrines, such as these of identity and priority, are to be written “not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart” (2 Cor. 3:3). The importance of an inward commitment to the Lord is symbolized as we partake of the sacrament. Contrast it to other promises made in life, usually symbolized by an outward sign, such as a raised hand or a written signature. The Lord has invited us to symbolize our covenant with Him by a sign that is inward as well as outward. When the sacred emblems of His flesh and blood are administered to us, we are invited to take them into our bodies. As we do, His atoning sacrifice literally becomes a part of our own identity. The Savior stated simply: “What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Ne. 27:27). Your most sincere sign of adoration of Jesus is your emulation of Him. You know of Him. You know of His divine parentage. You know of His mission and ministry in mortality. You know of Him, not by direct visitation but through the testimony of the Holy Ghost. “The testimony of the Holy Ghost is the strongest testimony that can be given. It is better than a personal visit.” (Elder Russell M. Nelson Identity, Priority and Blessings Ensign Aug 2001)
Quotes from the Visiting Teaching Lesson in 2003- President Gordon B. Hinckley: “I feel to invite women everywhere to rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. I hope you will not nag yourselves with thoughts of failure. … I hope you will simply do what you can do in the best way you know. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 696).
Margaret D. Nadauld, Young Women general president: “The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. … There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity” (“The Joy of Womanhood,” Liahona, January 2001, 18).
President Gordon B. Hinckley: “We cannot hope to influence others in the direction of virtue unless we live lives of virtue. The example of our living will carry a greater influence than will all the preaching in which we might indulge. We cannot expect to lift others unless we stand on higher ground ourselves. … The home is the cradle of virtue, the place where character is formed and habits are established” (“Opposing Evil,” Ensign, November 1975, 38–39).
President James E. Faust: “The Prophet Joseph … said, ‘If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates.’ … Hold your soul very still, and listen to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. Follow the noble, intuitive feelings planted deep within your souls by Deity in the previous world” (Ensign, May 1998, 97).
Sister Dalton testified that she believes that one virtuous young woman or man can change the world. I believe that we can change the little worlds we have here in Farmington by increasing the virtue in our hearts and through living virtuous principles and being joyful role models of our divine identity. Heavenly Father and Jesus have invited us to become one with them. We can become virtuous like them. The world tells us that the highest degrees of achievement can only be won by those who are the smartest and fastest and most talented. The Lord's plan is different. All mankind may be saved through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. (The Way Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge Ensign Nov 2008) I know that this is true because the Spirit has touched my heart. I know that we can influence our families and others for good as we strive to increase our virtue and find joy in it. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Virtue “is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards.” It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. It is nurtured in the home. It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions. Virtue is a word we don’t hear often in today’s society, but the Latin root word virtus means strength. Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength. They are confident because they are worthy to receive and be guided by the Holy Ghost. President Monson has counseled: “You be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone...."
Could it be that we have been slowly desensitized into thinking that high moral standards are old-fashioned and not relevant or important in today’s society? As Elder Hales has just reminded us, Lehonti in the Book of Mormon was well positioned on the top of a mountain. He and those he led were “fixed in their minds with a determined resolution” that they would not come down from the mount. It only took the deceitful Amalickiah four tries, each one more bold than the previous, to get Lehonti to “come down off from the mount.” And then having embraced Amalickiah’s false promises, Lehonti was “poisoned by degrees” until he died. Not just poisoned, but “by degrees.” Could it be that this may be happening today? Could it be that first we tolerate, then accept, and eventually embrace the vice that surrounds us? Could it be that we have been deceived by false role models and persuasive media messages that cause us to forget our divine identity? Are we too being poisoned by degrees? What could be more deceptive than to entice women, young and old, you and me, to be so involved in ourselves, our looks, our clothes, our body shape and size that we lose sight of our divine identity and our ability to change the world through our virtuous influence? A return to virtue must begin individually in our hearts and in our homes.
What can each of us do to begin our return to virtue? The course and the training program will be unique to each of us. I have derived my personal training program from instructions found in the scriptures: “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly.” [The root word of garnish means 'to warn, to take heed'. To garnish means to 'take over' as in garnishing wages. And to garnish means 'to enhance and adorn with decorative or savory touches, to beautify'. So we can embellish our thoughts unceasingly with beautifying virtues]
Many people do not fully understand the meaning of virtue. One commonly understood meaning is to be chaste or morally clean, but virtue in its fuller sense encompasses all traits of righteousness that help us form our character. May I suggest 10 virtues that each of you can pursue in your quest for excellence and happiness: Faith, Honesty, Chastity, Humility, Self-Discipline, Fairness, Moderation, Cleanliness, Courage, and Grace. We frequently find that the influence of good women is underrated. It is an influence that is often subtle but yet has tremendous consequences. One woman can make a great difference for a whole nation. As the Prophet Joseph Smith told us, “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue” (History of the Church, 5:134–35). ( Elder James E. Faust The Virtues of Righteous Daughters of God Ensign may 2003)
The Apostle Paul taught that divine doctrines, such as these of identity and priority, are to be written “not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart” (2 Cor. 3:3). The importance of an inward commitment to the Lord is symbolized as we partake of the sacrament. Contrast it to other promises made in life, usually symbolized by an outward sign, such as a raised hand or a written signature. The Lord has invited us to symbolize our covenant with Him by a sign that is inward as well as outward. When the sacred emblems of His flesh and blood are administered to us, we are invited to take them into our bodies. As we do, His atoning sacrifice literally becomes a part of our own identity. The Savior stated simply: “What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Ne. 27:27). Your most sincere sign of adoration of Jesus is your emulation of Him. You know of Him. You know of His divine parentage. You know of His mission and ministry in mortality. You know of Him, not by direct visitation but through the testimony of the Holy Ghost. “The testimony of the Holy Ghost is the strongest testimony that can be given. It is better than a personal visit.” (Elder Russell M. Nelson Identity, Priority and Blessings Ensign Aug 2001)
Quotes from the Visiting Teaching Lesson in 2003- President Gordon B. Hinckley: “I feel to invite women everywhere to rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. I hope you will not nag yourselves with thoughts of failure. … I hope you will simply do what you can do in the best way you know. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 696).
Margaret D. Nadauld, Young Women general president: “The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. … There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity” (“The Joy of Womanhood,” Liahona, January 2001, 18).
President Gordon B. Hinckley: “We cannot hope to influence others in the direction of virtue unless we live lives of virtue. The example of our living will carry a greater influence than will all the preaching in which we might indulge. We cannot expect to lift others unless we stand on higher ground ourselves. … The home is the cradle of virtue, the place where character is formed and habits are established” (“Opposing Evil,” Ensign, November 1975, 38–39).
President James E. Faust: “The Prophet Joseph … said, ‘If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates.’ … Hold your soul very still, and listen to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. Follow the noble, intuitive feelings planted deep within your souls by Deity in the previous world” (Ensign, May 1998, 97).
Sister Dalton testified that she believes that one virtuous young woman or man can change the world. I believe that we can change the little worlds we have here in Farmington by increasing the virtue in our hearts and through living virtuous principles and being joyful role models of our divine identity. Heavenly Father and Jesus have invited us to become one with them. We can become virtuous like them. The world tells us that the highest degrees of achievement can only be won by those who are the smartest and fastest and most talented. The Lord's plan is different. All mankind may be saved through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. (The Way Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge Ensign Nov 2008) I know that this is true because the Spirit has touched my heart. I know that we can influence our families and others for good as we strive to increase our virtue and find joy in it. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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