Come unto Christ. To me, this is the main message of the Book of Mormon. It constantly invites me, both directly and indirectly, to come unto Christ. As I have read the Book of Mormon this time, I have searched specifically for principles that I can apply to ‘Come unto Christ’ by becoming a better husband and father. As I have searched for these principles, I have found them. I have felt guidance and inspiration in my life as to things I can change to become more like Christ. As I have tried to exercise faith by acting upon these promptings, I have received strength from Christ to continue to overcome some of my weaknesses and pride and to become a little closer to, and more like, Him.
I love these last few verses of Moroni. They are so beautiful, profound, and moving. They provide the framework for us to reach our true potential - to become holy, without spot. And it all begins by coming unto Christ. I testify that the Book of Mormon contains the word of God. If we search its pages, we can learn more fully what it means for us individually to come unto Christ.
Earlier in this same chapter (vs. 3-5), Moroni taught how one can know whether the teachings in the Book of Mormon are true. In reading the Book of Mormon, I have tried to remember how merciful the Lord has been unto the children of men. I have observed His deliverance, both temporally and spiritually, through numerous accounts in its pages. I have tried to remember His deliverance of me on numerous occasions in my life. I have pled for His deliverance in my current needs. I have tried to ask with a sincere heart, and with real intent - I have tried to be diligent in acting upon the promptings that I have received as I have studied this book. And as I have done so, I have had the truthfulness of its teachings manifest to me by the power of the Holy Ghost. This has come through thoughts and feelings. But even more importantly, it has come through increased power to change my heart and my behavior. It has blessed me and my family.
Joseph Smith either translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God, or he somehow fraudulently produced this book. In my view, someone could not have fraudulently produced a book that helps me feel the Spirit so strongly and that has such power to bring me to Christ. There are real and conflicting forces in the world. Some seek to draw me to Christ and to help me become more like Him and entice me to true happiness and joy. Others seek to draw me inward, and to make me selfish and prideful. They seek to make me miserable. The Book of Mormon draws me to Christ and teaches me principles of happiness so powerfully and clearly that I know it is from God. As I have pondered, prayed and practiced, I have also received spiritual witnesses in my heart that these things are true and are of God, and are the way for me to achieve my full potential. I am so thankful for the Book of Mormon and for its invitation to ‘Come unto Christ’!
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Ether 6:4 "they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God"
The Lord promised Jared and his brother that He would lead their people to a promised land. After much preparation, they got into their vessels and trusted in the Lord to deliver them to the promised land. Getting into these vessels was an act of great faith. We learn little about these barges in this account. I do not know how they were able to steer, or guide them. They had a limited supply of food. They were completely reliant upon the Lord for their lives and for their ability to reach their destination. If the Lord did not help them, they easily could have perished. And how did the Lord help them reach their destination? By providing furious winds and letting them be tossed upon the waves of the sea. It was not an easy journey, but because of their faith, they did reach the promised land.
What journey am I on? What is my destination? How do I get in my vessel and commend myself unto the Lord? My promised land is the celestial kingdom of God. My journey is to become fully converted to Christ. Like these people, I am completely reliant upon the Lord to reach my destination. I cannot change my own heart. Only by exercising faith in the Lord, and keeping His commandments can I hope to reach my destination. I do not get into a physical ship that I cannot control. But I must place my trust in God. I must give up my pride and let Him know that I am willing to follow Him with my whole heart. The love of God is what changes my heart. And I must invite that love in by accepting Christ and exercising faith in Him. That is my journey. And by furious winds and being tossed upon the waves of the sea, I too, can reach my promised land.
What journey am I on? What is my destination? How do I get in my vessel and commend myself unto the Lord? My promised land is the celestial kingdom of God. My journey is to become fully converted to Christ. Like these people, I am completely reliant upon the Lord to reach my destination. I cannot change my own heart. Only by exercising faith in the Lord, and keeping His commandments can I hope to reach my destination. I do not get into a physical ship that I cannot control. But I must place my trust in God. I must give up my pride and let Him know that I am willing to follow Him with my whole heart. The love of God is what changes my heart. And I must invite that love in by accepting Christ and exercising faith in Him. That is my journey. And by furious winds and being tossed upon the waves of the sea, I too, can reach my promised land.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Mormon 1:1. "I, Mormon, make a record of the things which I have both seen and heard"
We, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are often referred to as 'Mormons'. My understanding is that this nickname started out as a derogatory term for those who believed in the Book of Mormon. I imagine that most outside our faith have little understanding of what is behind that name ‘Mormon’.
The prophet Mormon authored, edited and compiled the Book of Mormon. We learn in Mormon chapter 2, that, like Nephi, Mormon was large in stature. I imagine this is likely speaking both spiritually and physically. Probably also in reputation. It is interesting that even though most everyone around him was wicked, they apparently respected and appreciated the righteousness of Mormon. Most people who call us ‘Mormons’ likely have no idea that it is after this amazing man. I want to be more like Mormon. He is a lower light that guides me to the Savior. Like him, we can sometimes feel alone in our beliefs, but we can be valiant and strong.
In 3 Nephi 5:12, we learn that Mormon was named after the land of Mormon, which we learned of in Mosiah chapter 18. In the beginning of Mosiah 18, the land of Mormon wasn't made to sound like a very desirable place. It was in the borders of the land. It was infested with wild beasts. It was given its name by the wicked king who sought to kill Alma and those who believed. However, by the end of the chapter, it became a beautiful place to the people who went there to learn of Christ. It was the place they began to follow their Savior. It was the place they made covenants with Him to become His children. They loved the land of Mormon.
So when we are called ‘Mormons’, we are being called after this prophet, who was called after this place where many came to be converted to the Lord. We are a people that also desire to be converted to the Lord, and we have authority to administer the ordinances that are associated with the covenants and the power that make this possible. Like the land of Mormon, we may seem undesirable to some, but for those who truly desire to become like their Savior, we invite them to come and see what the Mormons have to offer!
Of course, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we do not follow Mormon, we follow Christ - thus the name of the church. However, it is also an honor to be associated with this great prophet and this land where long ago many came unto Christ and entered into covenants to become His followers and become like Him. When I am called a Mormon, this is what I feel it represents - that I am one that, like Mormon, Alma and the people at the waters of Mormon, seeks Christ, makes covenants with Him, and tries to be more fully converted to Him.
The prophet Mormon authored, edited and compiled the Book of Mormon. We learn in Mormon chapter 2, that, like Nephi, Mormon was large in stature. I imagine this is likely speaking both spiritually and physically. Probably also in reputation. It is interesting that even though most everyone around him was wicked, they apparently respected and appreciated the righteousness of Mormon. Most people who call us ‘Mormons’ likely have no idea that it is after this amazing man. I want to be more like Mormon. He is a lower light that guides me to the Savior. Like him, we can sometimes feel alone in our beliefs, but we can be valiant and strong.
In 3 Nephi 5:12, we learn that Mormon was named after the land of Mormon, which we learned of in Mosiah chapter 18. In the beginning of Mosiah 18, the land of Mormon wasn't made to sound like a very desirable place. It was in the borders of the land. It was infested with wild beasts. It was given its name by the wicked king who sought to kill Alma and those who believed. However, by the end of the chapter, it became a beautiful place to the people who went there to learn of Christ. It was the place they began to follow their Savior. It was the place they made covenants with Him to become His children. They loved the land of Mormon.
So when we are called ‘Mormons’, we are being called after this prophet, who was called after this place where many came to be converted to the Lord. We are a people that also desire to be converted to the Lord, and we have authority to administer the ordinances that are associated with the covenants and the power that make this possible. Like the land of Mormon, we may seem undesirable to some, but for those who truly desire to become like their Savior, we invite them to come and see what the Mormons have to offer!
Of course, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we do not follow Mormon, we follow Christ - thus the name of the church. However, it is also an honor to be associated with this great prophet and this land where long ago many came unto Christ and entered into covenants to become His followers and become like Him. When I am called a Mormon, this is what I feel it represents - that I am one that, like Mormon, Alma and the people at the waters of Mormon, seeks Christ, makes covenants with Him, and tries to be more fully converted to Him.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
3 Nephi 17:5 - "they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them"
In 3 Nephi 17, as Jesus was about to leave the Nephites, the multitude looked at him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them. As I read this account, I wondered how I would have felt if I were there. Of course it seems like I would always want Jesus to tarry longer with me. But as I thought more deeply and honestly about this question, I realized that I have plenty of opportunities to invite Jesus to tarry with me right now. Do I take those opportunities to have the Lord tarry with me a little longer now? How do I desire to spend my time? Am I eager to delve into the scriptures to tarry with the Lord? Am I eager to pray and tarry with the Lord? Am I eager to attend my church meetings and to worship in the temple to tarry with the Lord? I have so many opportunities to invite the Lord to tarry with me. When I get distracted, or waste my time in trivial matters, I am showing where my true desires are. I do not need to wait for physical manifestations of the Lord to invite him to tarry with me. This should be the desire of my heart on a daily basis.
The Nephites desires to have Jesus tarry a little longer with them led to incredible blessings. Chapter 17 is a very tender chapter. Jesus healed every one of the sick that were brought to him. He blessed each of the children, one by one. He wept with the people. They were overcome with joy because of his tarrying with them. I believe that Jesus desires to bless each one of God's children. We need to desire and invite him to tarry with us to receive his blessings.
The Nephites desires to have Jesus tarry a little longer with them led to incredible blessings. Chapter 17 is a very tender chapter. Jesus healed every one of the sick that were brought to him. He blessed each of the children, one by one. He wept with the people. They were overcome with joy because of his tarrying with them. I believe that Jesus desires to bless each one of God's children. We need to desire and invite him to tarry with us to receive his blessings.
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