Knowing God Through Covenant Action

In the time of the New Testament, Jewish weddings often began in the evening. After the groom had paid the price for betrothal, he could spend a year or more preparing a bridal chamber. On the evening when the chamber was completed, and without any other warning about the day or time when the wedding was prepared, a trumpet and a shout heard across a small town would tell the bride that the groom was on his way to fetch her. Ten bridesmaids, hearing the trumpet, would gather outside the bride's home with lamps glowing to light the groom's path inside. The bride would then be collected and carried on a litter as the groom led a procession back to the his home for a seven-day wedding feast.

In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the wedding trumpet sounds at midnight, long after anyone would have expected. The bridesmaids, who are all asleep, scramble to get to their places. In the process, five of the bridesmaids realize they are out of oil and miss the procession to the wedding feast entirely. Procuring oil at that time of night was nearly impossible, but when they finally had what they needed they went to the groom's home to join the wedding feast. To their surprise, they were turned away because, as the groom explained, "Ye know me not" (JST Matthew 25:11).

Of course, we are represented by the bridesmaids in the parable and the Lord is the groom. We can prepare for his second coming as we reflect his light and walk a procession of covenants that lead us back to him. To enter into his kingdom and the place prepared for us and his church, we must come to know "the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [he] hath sent" (John 17:3).

We learn about God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, through scripture study and the words of living prophets. These are the map. As we follow their counsel, we will find the treasure of truly knowing God through our actions.

We become familiar to him as we serve others (Mosiah 2:17). As we exercise the faith to repent and make covenants, we become his sheep and are known of him and learn to recognize his voice (Mosiah 26:21-27, John 10:14). In doing the Lord's will, which we often learn through quiet revelations to our mind and heart, we prepare our light for the procession back to His heavenly kingdom (Mosiah 5:13-15, 3 Nephi 14:21-23).

We do not know the day nor the hour when the Son of God will return; but through faithful, covenant action we can be prepared to hear his voice and be known of him.

Stories of the Old Testament

This post is composed mostly of other posts on this blog and was written as a sacrament meeting talk to follow the ward primary program and given on September 11, 2022.

Although it was written thousands of years ago, the lessons of the Old Testament are as relevant for you and I today as they were for the people who lived upon its pages. Through these ancient writings we are privileged to observe the lives of the faithful in a very different time, a very different place, and a very different culture. Yet, in their experiences we can identify eternal principles that can guide us as we strive to be faithful in our time, in this place, and surrounded by the society that exists today.

For example, one of the first stories every primary child learns is about Noah and the ark. In Noah’s time, the sons of men were not honoring the covenants the Lord had given them, particularly the marriage covenant, and the “thoughts of [their] heart[s] [were] only evil continually” (Genesis 5:2, 5). Noah was righteous and “found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 5:8). The Lord gave the people 120 years to repent and sent Noah to preach to them.

The people did not repent despite a lifetime of opportunity. What follows in the scriptures is a great chiasm describing the building of the ark, a promised covenant, gathering food and animals, a forty-day flood, waiting 150 days for the waters to subside (symbolic of the completion of a priestly blessing), then the abatement of the flood, the commandment to leave the ark, finding food in the new land, receiving a covenant with a token, and the end of the ark.

We often associate Noah’s experience with baptism. The earth was immersed in water and the Lord made a covenant with all of mankind in the process. Perhaps this is also why the story resonates so well with our children. It is fun to recount the many animals that gathered on the ark, but the spirit also testifies in its retelling of the baptism ordinance we all need to return to our eternal home.

The lesson that the author of Genesis most wanted us to learn, embedded in the very center of the chiasm, is this sentence: “And God remembered Noah, and every living thing” (Genesis 8:1).

Even when the Lord shut Noah and his family in the ark (Genesis 7:16), he did not leave them in the dark. The scriptures speak of a window, though some rabbis believe that the window was really a precious stone that shone in the ark. This insight reminds me that even when I feel like I am helpless and in the deepest of waters, the Lord will always send his light to comfort me. He will remember you and I and he is the in “the details of the details of the details of our lives” (Elder Chi Hong Wong, April 2021).

My favorite Old Testament biography is the account of Abraham. At the tender age of 75, Abraham found himself on an altar about to be sacrificed to an idol god. At the last moment, an angel appeared, untied him from the altar and helped him escape.

In perhaps the greatest understatement in scripture, Abraham reflected that he “saw that it was needful… to obtain another place of residence.” Abraham’s insight about preventing future abuse was also a resolve to spend more time seeking for the things of God. He had been faithful—that’s how he ended up on an altar in the first place—yet he reflected that he desired “greater happiness and peace and rest” that he knew he could receive by seeking “the blessings of the fathers.” These blessings included knowledge, a greater capacity to obey the commandments, being the father of many nations, and being a holder of the priesthood (Abraham 1:1-2).

With renewed resolve, and over many years of diligent preparation, Abraham’s search ultimately led him to the temple and the covenants that each of us can make in the House of the Lord. Along the way he made smaller covenants and his faith was tested and expanded. He moved his family several times, risked his life in Egypt, endured famines, knew prosperity, resisted the evils of Sodom and Gomorrah, rescued his nephew from a foreign army, paid tithing, experienced the disappointment of infertility, and dealt with many emotional and relationship challenges. Through it all, Abraham “believed in the Lord; and the Lord counted it unto him for righteousness” (JST Genesis 15:12).

It is important to note that Abraham’s covenant was not made in isolation. Genesis 17 clearly shows that Abraham’s wife, Sarah, also covenanted with the Lord. She also endured these many tribulations and was blessed, through her covenant, that she would be the mother of nations and kings. Her temple experience also included the very personal promise that, though she had been barren 100 years, she would yet have her desire to give birth to a son. It was her covenant, together with Abraham’s, that secured covenant blessings for her posterity who were born into that covenant.

For Abraham, fulfilling the terms of his covenant required more than thirty years of additional tests and trials. He fought an uphill battle to save the wicked city of Sodom, experienced the loss of members of his family, and was compelled to exile his second wife and oldest son. Then Abraham, who had nearly been sacrificed to idols by his own father, who wanted posterity most of all and had worked for decades to have that blessing, was asked to do the unthinkable. He was asked to sacrifice Isaac, his son of miraculous birth, the symbol of his covenant posterity and the son Abraham called his “beloved.”

The Lord has said that, if we are to receive blessings and glory like Abraham, we must also “be chastened and tried, even as Abraham” (D&C 101:4-5). President John Taylor taught these words that he heard from the Prophet Joseph Smith:

You will have all kinds of trials to pass through. And it is quite as necessary for you to be tried as it was for Abraham and other men of God, and God will feel after you, and He will take hold of you and wrench your very heart strings, and if you cannot stand it you will not be fit for an inheritance in the Celestial Kingdom of God… If God had known any other way whereby he could have touched Abraham’s feelings more acutely and more keenly he would have done so (Journal of Discourses, 24:197; 24:264).

In giving his will to the Lord, and being refined by Him, Abraham found the blessings of happiness, peace, posterity, and priesthood that he desired. He undoubtedly learned about how to deal with family problems, how to follow spiritual promptings, and the importance of love, humility, sacrifice and obedience. He learned that there is not anything that is too hard for the Lord (Genesis 18:14) and that the Lord will keep His promises. I don’t often enjoy the trials in my life, but I hope that I can have the faith of Abraham to seek the blessings I desire, keep the covenants I have made, and learn to be a little better along the way.

Another temple experience, not unlike Abraham’s, begins in the ancient city of Babel, a predecessor to Babylon in modern-day Iraq. A play on the Hebrew balal, which means “to mix or confound,” ancient tradition states that Babel was known as “the gate of God.” Here at the symbolic gates of heaven, Nimrod, the power-hungry grandson of Ham and great-grandson of Noah, sought to build a tower to reach the heavens.

By virtue of its goal, Nimrod’s tower was likely some version of a temple. Aware of the floods that had previously destroyed the wicked, the Tower of Babel was built high and thick and from bricks and mortar so as to be watertight. Its construction was a mockery of God, to whom Nimrod preached it was cowardice to submit, and many traditions hold that it was Nimrod’s satanic desire to use the tower to break into heaven, dethrone God, avenge mankind of the flood that destroyed it, and place himself as the new ruler of the heavens and of earth.

It was in this wicked society that a man named Jared and his brother pleaded with the Lord for unity, or at-one-ment, for their family and a small band of believers. The Lord answered each prayer with compassion and, when the Brother of Jared had cried “this long time,” the Lord ultimately promised to go before the Brother of Jared’s face, deliver him and his friends from the evil around them, lead them to a promised land, and make Jared and his brother the heads of a great nation (Ether 1:33-43).

Of course, the story of the Jaredites is recorded in the Book of Mormon, but this story very much reflects the Old Testament time period in which it occurred. Intertwined with the Lord’s promises for temporal and political blessings for the Jaredites are the core elements of what we now call the Abrahamic Covenant: knowledge, priesthood, posterity, and a promised land. In other words, because the Jaredites had faithfully rejected the false doctrines of the world and its heretical temple, the Lord covenanted to reveal the doctrines of the gospel and bring them back into his presence through authorized temple ordinances.

Preparation to receive the promised blessings lasted for many years. The Jaredites were tested and refined as they wandered in the wilderness, built barges on several occasions to cross many waters, endured trials and chastisement, collected animals and seeds, and lived four years in tents on the seashore. As the Jaredites’ obedience and sacrifice increased, so did their privileges with the Lord.

“And it came to pass that the Lord did go before them, and did talk with them as he stood in a cloud, and gave directions whither they should travel… being directed continually by the hand of the Lord” (Ether 2:5-6).

“And it came to pass… that the Lord came again unto the brother of Jared, and stood in a cloud and talked with him. And for the space of three hours did the Lord talk with the brother of Jared” (Ether 2:14).

Finally, the Jaredites were ready to construct the barges that would carry them across the ocean; and the Brother of Jared was prepared for the greater light and knowledge the Lord promised to give him. The Brother of Jared’s prayers led him to the top of a particularly high mountain, where he appealed for the Lord’s approval and redemption in the same way that a high priest entering an ancient temple symbolically was redeemed from the Fall in order to enter the presence of God. Once admitted, like Moses on Mount Sinai, the Brother of Jared asked the Lord to touch the stones with his finger that they may have light. I wonder where he got that idea.

The Lord grants the Brother of Jared’s request and then, the scripture records, “there never were greater things made manifest than those which were made manifest unto the brother of Jared” (Ether 4:4). Having received this instruction, “he could not be kept from beholding within the veil… and he had faith no longer, for he knew, nothing doubting” (Ether 3:19).

As the Lord inquired of the Brother of Jared, so he inquires of us: “What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?” Are we willing to reject the false philosophies of the world, the secularism and selfishness and tribalism, to pursue unity and at-one-ment for our families and our small band of believers here in Mariposa?

If so, the Lord has promised that “inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am—not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual” (D&C 67:10).

Elder Bruce R. McConkie once taught that “a prophet is one who has the testimony of Jesus, who knows by the revelations of the Holy Ghost to his soul that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. In addition to this divine knowledge, many [Old Testament prophets] lived in special situations or did particular things that singled them out as types and patterns and shadows of that which was to be in the life of him who is our Lord” (The Promised Messiah, p. 448).

Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son. Moses was sent from the presence of the Lord to deliver his people. We also see a shadow of the Savior in the life and mission of the prophet Joseph.

Joseph was the favored son of his father. He was rejected by his brothers, the Israelites, and sold into the hands of the Gentiles for the average price of a slave his age. Judah, whose descendants would become the Jews, was the one who proposed the sale. In their very attempt to destroy Joseph, his brothers actually set up the conditions that would bring about their eventual temporal salvation.

Joseph began his mission to prepare salvation for Israel at age thirty and was eventually raised to an exalted position in Egypt where everyone bowed the knee to him. In the end, Joseph, by virtue of being sold—provided bread for Israel, forgave his brothers, and delivered them from death while returning their money to their sacks.

Likewise, Jesus Christ was and is the only begotten Son of God in the flesh. He was also rejected by the Israelites and sold into the hands of the Gentile-Romans for the average price of a slave his age. Judas, the Greek spelling of Judah, was the one who sold him.

Jesus began his ministry when he was thirty years old. He was raised by the Romans and crucified, whereby he completed the atoning sacrifice and became the Deliverer and Redeemer of all mankind.

Jesus taught: “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:51). We are saved by his grace, after all we can do; yet he offers this forgiveness and salvation without money and without price.

Certainly there are many other examples we can learn from in the Old Testament. I wish that I could have the wisdom of Eve, Esther’s courage, Job’s willingness to consecrate, Elijah’s confidence in the Lord, Isaac’s patience, and Joshua’s loyalty. I want to reject sinful thoughts, philosophies and actions like Noah, Abraham, the Brother of Jared and Joseph.

I want to have Joseph’s faith that the Lord will keep his promises even when it doesn’t seem possible. Like Abraham, I recognize that, though I have been pretty faithful, and have spent some time on metaphorical altars, I need to seek more diligently to keep my covenants and obtain the promises that I have been given. I hope that my life reflects, in some small way, the example of the Savior and that his image can be seen in my countenance.

The Old Testament challenges each of us to endure trials and wickedness to follow the Lord. It also shows us how keeping our covenants and following the prophet can help us with these challenges.

The prophet in our day, President Russell M. Nelson, has asked us to study every day in the scriptures. He has provided the Come, Follow Me curriculum and promised that it has “the potential to unleash the power of families” and, through our diligence, will decrease the influence of the adversary in our lives. He has warned that, “in the coming days it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”

If you have not yet begun studying the Old Testament with Come, Follow Me in your family, go home today and open it up. Start fresh with the new week and seek for the blessings and strength that is there for you. If you’re not sure if you have enough faith, start to act as if you do—especially studying in the scriptures and praying each day—and I promise there will be a power that will come into your life that will be undeniable. You can know, or know again, that God remembers you and has provided light for you in the darkness.

Ancient Antichrists with Modern Arguments

Recently, in a fit of insomnia, I scrolled through my social media feeds waiting for the return of sleep. A news article caught my attention. I read the article and then, in a lapse of judgment I can blame only on my fatigue, I read the comments as well.

The article detailed the decline of religious faith among youth and young adults. Most of the comments cheered for a demise of religion in general with a few repeated arguments. We don't need religion, some comments asserted, because it is just myths and magic now refuted by science. Surely we are smarter now than previous generations, some argued, and capable of spirituality without going to church. Others pointed out that many churches have not evolved with the times and preach doctrines that are unpopular, outmoded, or politically incorrect. Besides, a chorus of commenters cried, people at church, including some leaders, can be overly political, hypocritical or unkind. If we can be happy and successful without a church or faith, the commenters questioned, why waste time, effort and belief on religion?

As I scrolled the hundreds of comments like these, I noticed that those opposed to religion each had several "likes". The few brave souls willing to express faith or support for religion, however imperfectly at times, were quickly and aggressively opposed with dozens of comments attacking them and their position. At least online, the masses appeared to agree that religion is at least unnecessary and likely much worse.

Of course, this is hardly the first time religion has been called into question. The people in Noah's time took a hard pass on religion despite his preaching for one hundred years. Abraham negotiated with the Lord to save the city of Sodom if he could find ten righteous among them; yet, the city had abandoned all religious principle and was ultimately destroyed.

Perhaps most relevant to the arguments I encountered in the comment section of that online article are the three antichrists we study in the Book of Mormon. Although each lived thousands of years ago, they made the very same arguments in their time that I read online in ours.

Sherem was the first to be called an antichrist in the Book of Mormon. Jacob must have found his brief encounter with Sherem particularly valuable or compelling because it is included after Jacob had written his farewell at the end of the previous chapter.

Sherem was well educated and good with words. The scriptures say that Sherem "preached many things which were flattering to the people; and this he did that he might overthrow the doctrine of Christ" (Jacob 7:2). Sherem convinced many people that no one could actually know that Christ would come in the future and so it was unnecessary to keep the commandments or the law of Moses in the present. When he eventually met Jacob, Sherem demanded scientific evidence-- a sign of some sort-- to prove the reality of Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost by which Jacob testified he knew of the everlasting reality of Christ.

More than three hundred years later, Alma began his record with the account of a strong man named Nehor who "began bearing down against the church" (Alma 1:3). Nehor taught what was popular: that "all mankind should be saved... and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice, for the Lord had created all men, and... all men should have eternal life" (Alma 1:4). Many people believed Nehor and began to follow him, give him money, and attend the church he established.

On one occasion, while traveling, Nehor encountered a teacher of the church of Christ and "began to contend with him sharply, that he might lead away the people of the church" (Alma 1:7). The teacher was an elderly man, a war hero from decades earlier, whose name was Gideon. When Gideon withstood Nehor's teachings, "admonishing him with the words of God," Nehor became irate and murdered Gideon.

Nehor paved the way for many others "who loved the vain things of the world... [and] went forth preaching false doctrines... for the sake of riches and honor. Nevertheless, they durst not lie, if it were known, for fear of the law... therefore they pretended to preach according to their belief" (Alma 1:16-17). These false teachers lived what they might have termed a "high life" of indulgence with expensive clothing, whoredoms, and the appearance of happiness. They were also very proud, as Nehor was, "and began to contend warmly with their adversaries, even unto blows" (Alma 1:22).

Just as the spread of popular doctrines and philosophies in our day has led many people who had been faithful to be excommunicated, remove their records or stop their activity in the Church, Alma writes that false doctrines were "a cause of much affliction to the church" as "the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted out, that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And also many withdrew themselves from among them" (Alma 1:24).

One of those anxious to follow in the steps of Nehor was a man named Korihor. Korihor taught that religion was foolish and vain. Like Sherem, Korihor taught that "no man can know of anything which is to come... ye cannot know of things which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there shall be a Christ" (Alma 30:13-15). So-called prophecies were the foolish traditions of past generations. Remission of sin was the effect of a frenzied mind and the indoctrination of foolish traditions that led people away from reality. "Every man fared in this life according to the management of the creature," Korihor taught, "therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and... every man conquered according to his strength; and whatsoever a man did was no crime" (Alma 30:17).

Sherem, Nehor and Korihor all had many followers. They became wealthy and did whatever wickedness they desired. Each had an opportunity to validate their philosophies by their own lives. Yet, none of these ancient antichrists could withstand the power of the word of God.

Jacob writes that Sherem sought to shake his faith, "notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken" (Jacob 7:5). Jacob does not say that he was very unlikely to be shaken or probably not going to be shaken-- he knew the truth and could not be shaken.

As Sherem confronted Jacob, "the Lord God poured in his Spirit into [Jacob's] soul, insomuch that [he] did confound [Sherem] in all his words" (Jacob 7:8). Jacob turned Sherem to the scriptures to refute the claim there would be no Christ and testified of the things he had learned through the Holy Ghost. Sherem changed the subject, pressing instead for physical evidence.

Finally, Jacob left it in the hands of God to show Sherem a sign. Immediately, Sherem was overwhelmed by the power of God and fell to the earth. Jacob states that Sherem was "nourished for the space of many days," denied all he had taught in front of the people, confessed his own deception and knowledge of Christ, and then "gave up the ghost." A multitude observing this deathbed confession were then overcome themselves, in answer to Jacob's prayer, and the "peace and the love of God was restored again among the people; and they searched the scriptures, and hearkened no more to the words of this wicked man" (Jacob 7:23).

Gideon admonished Nehor with the words of God. Though Gideon was killed by Nehor's wrath, Nehor was also sentenced to die for his crime. On top of the hill Manti, Nehor acknowledged that what he taught was contrary to the word of God and then died in disgrace (Alma 1:15). Nehor's followers persisted in apostasy and persecuting the faithful, but the righteous, who did not set their hearts upon riches, began to be very wealthy and dramatically increased their ability to care for those need.

Korihor, it turns out, was also only pretending to preach according to his belief. Like Sherem, Korihor ultimately confronted Alma, the prophet of his time, and demanded to see a sign. Alma testified: "The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form to witness that there is a Supreme Creator" (Alma 30:44). 

Alma told Korihor that he had signs enough between the testimonies of his brethren and the evidence of the natural world, but Korihor continued to press for a miraculous sign. Finally, Alma consented and Korihor was overwhelmed by the power of God and became unable to speak. Asked if he would continue to dispute the reality of God, Korihor confessed in writing that he had known there was a God all along. He had taught doctrines that were "pleasing to the carnal mind" and began to think they were true when he saw how many others believed what he was teaching. Whatever wealth Korihor achieved by priestcraft, the last we read of this third antichrist is of him being trampled while begging for food.

In a social media world, there are many deceptive and seductive voices in the world today. Many of the most popular voices make sinful choices appear glamourous and desirable. As in ancient times, the living prophet of our day has warned us about these voices and admonished us to become as unshakeable as Jacob:

If most of the information you get comes from social or other media, your ability to hear the whisperings of the Spirit will be diminished. If you are not also seeking the Lord through daily prayer and gospel study, you leave yourself vulnerable to philosophies that may be intriguing but are not true. Even Saints who are otherwise faithful can be derailed by the steady beat of Babylon's band.

My brothers and sisters, I plead with you to make time for the Lord! Make your own spiritual foundation firm and able to stand the test of time by doing those things that allow the Holy Ghost to be with you always.

Never underestimate the profound truth that "the Spirit speaketh... of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be." It will show unto you all things what ye should do.

Even more directly, President Nelson has warned that "in the coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting and constant influence of the Holy Ghost". That constant influence is a result of our faithful and consistent study of the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, and the divine communion that comes with sincere prayer.

It is true that members and leaders of the Church are imperfect and must continue striving to be better. You and I may also have legitimate questions or concerns about Church doctrines or historical figures and events. In these moments, when the Lord may feel far away, it is even more important to make time for the Lord! As we seek Him through gospel study and prayer, He will bless us with His spirit and the revelations we need to avoid the intriguing but false philosophies promoted by modern antichrists on social media and in the comments that you already know you really shouldn't read.

The Parable of the Gems

With a new year comes new hope, new Sunday school curriculum and new resolutions to read and study the scriptures the way we know we should be. This parable, adapted from the LDS Church Education System training for seminary and institute instructors, may help with that last part:



There once was a young woman who dreamed she was walking along a quiet and secluded beach searching for gems in the sand. As she knelt down and began raking her finger slowly through the warm surface, the tiny grains of sand glittered invitingly in the sunlight. Before long, she noticed a colorful gem and picked it up. 

Not wanting to lose it, the young woman carefully stuck the sparkling gem in her pocket for safekeeping. Eagerly returning to her search, she quickly discovered more gems resting just beneath the surface. As she collected the gems, she began to wonder if there were more gems hidden deeper in the sand. Determined to find out, she began to dig. With effort, time and patience, she was rewarded again and again with breathtaking jewels.

Each time she found a new gem, the young woman held it under the sunlight and studied it carefully. She turned each one over in her fingers, exploring its many shapes and facets. She thoughtfully and patiently examined the gems she had found and soon began to appreciate the unique qualities and characteristics of each one. Feelings of attachment to her new-found treasures began to grow within her.

After searching for a while, the young woman gathered her gems together and held them up to the sunlight. She was filled with awe as the light danced off the gems in a rainbow of colors. As the young woman sat appreciating the beauty of the gems, she looked up and saw her father approaching. Smiling warmly, he said, "I've been watching you dig in the sand. What did you find?"

The young woman eagerly displayed the handful of gems. Her father then asked, "Now, what will you do with your treasures?"

When we open the scriptures, it is as though we were standing on the beach with the young woman. The context and content of the scriptures are the warm sand beneath our feet.

While it can be pleasant just to read the stories in the scriptures, we won't find any gems until we start to dig. As we look for details in the context and content of the scriptures, we'll find valuable principles to guide our lives and enlighten our understanding. Elder Richard G. Scott taught, "As you seek spiritual knowledge, search for principles. Carefully separate them from the detail used to explain them. Principles are concentrated truth, packaged for application to a wide variety of circumstances. A true principle makes decisions clear even under the most confusing and compelling circumstances" (Aquiring Spiritual Knowledge, October 1993).

Some principles will be easy to find. As we read the Parable of the Good Samaritan, for example, we will notice the obvious message that we should be kind to all of God's children. Other principles will require us to dig deeper. Questions will help us in our search. Who is the certain man in that parable? Why did the Savior specify that he was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho? Did it have to be a Samaritan? What is the significance of the Samaritan's offer to pay any cost to heal the man? (Read more about this topic here.)

When we find true principles, we can hold them up to the light of the gospel to continue exploring their truths and implications. It may help to write those principles as short statements in the margins of our scriptures or in a study journal. As we expand our understanding beyond the context where the principle was found, we will be able to see how each principle applies to our past and present experiences. More importantly, we can begin to feel the truthfulness of each one.

Finally, after each exciting session of digging on the beach, we will have the opportunity to ask ourselves how we can use and apply what we have learned. When we are diligent in applying the principles of the gospel to our lives, we will have more experiences we can use to reinforce our testimonies and add light to future study sessions.

Our scripture study will be enriched as we seek to understand the context and content of the sections we read, identify doctrines and principles, and then work to better understand, feel and apply those principles. We may also find that we're better motivated to continue studying because we will see those principles changing our lives and it will be fun-- like digging in the sand at the beach.

You Are What You Eat

Most cells in your body have an expiration date. A stomach cell only lives for a couple of days, skin cells last about a month, and red blood cells are with you about four months. Cells in your pancreas are hard at work regulating your blood sugar for about a year. Bone cells hang on for 25 - 30 years. Only very few-- like the cells that make the lens in your eye or the muscle of your heart-- last a lifetime.

So you don't fall to pieces, your body is constantly replacing, healing and regenerating cells that are injured, dead, or just worn out from helping you do what you do. This perpetual renovation means that the cells and molecules that make your physical self are seldom all the same from one moment to the next. You are always changing. And you're constantly deciding-- subconsciously or not-- what it is you're changing to be.

That's because your body gathers its building materials, be they for your liver or your toenails, from the nutrients in your food. In this way, we literally become what we have chosen to eat. A low-nutrient diet forces our body to improvise and we end up with the biological equivalent of a house made from cardboard and packing tape. Healthy eating gives our bodies what they need to build something a little stronger and more efficient.

For thousands of years, part of healthy eating has been whole-grain breads. Interestingly, bread also plays a significant role in many Bible stories and observances. Unleavened bread remains an important culinary and symbolic part of the Passover; it was bread from heaven, called Manna, that fed the Israelites in the desert after they escaped from the Egyptians; ravens brought bread to Elijah when he was hiding from the queen; and the widow of Zaraphath had an endless supply of oil and meal to make bread after feeding the prophet the last of what she had.

In the New Testament, Satan tempted Christ in the desert to turn rocks into bread and Christ broke bread to introduce the ordinance of the Sacrament to his apostles. There are dozens more examples, but none so impressive as when Christ used five loaves of bread and a few fish to feed 5,000 people on the coasts of Galilee. Some scholars believe that it was actually closer to 15,000 including women and children. Regardless of the number, it caught the people's attention.

Most of the thousands of people who were fed on this occasion had walked 5-7 miles along the coast of the Sea of Galilee to meet Christ on the other side. The Savior had left the city by boat that morning after hearing his friend and cousin, John the Baptist, had been murdered. He had gone to be alone, but when he saw the crowd of people he had compassion on them and ministered the rest of the day to them.

When evening came, Christ encouraged the people to stay rather than making the long walk back to the city to find food. He broke five loaves of bread and a few fishes into pieces and had his disciples distribute the pieces to the crowd. After all had eaten, there were more than five loaves of bread and a few fishes left over. It was a miracle!

The first reaction of those present was to testify that "this is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world" (John 6:14), but that reality means different things to different people. This crowd was hoping it would mean a lot of free meals. "When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone" (John 6:15).

Human nature has hardly changed in two thousand years. The masses today often choose not only their religious and political leaders but also their furniture store and orthodontist based on the "free bread" that can be offered. At first glance, it may even seem that Christ avoided a great opportunity here. The people wanted him to be their king! How much easier would it be to share his message as a king than as a carpenter?!

Christ explained his refusal the next day when the crowd found him in the city. "Verily, verily, I say unto you," he said, "Ye seek me, not because ye desire to keep my sayings, neither because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled" (John 6:26). The Jews wanted a temporal Messiah that would free them from Rome and put food in their bellies; Christ had come with the much greater mission to free us all from sin and death and put the gospel in our hearts so we could one day be like him.

His mission wasn't concerned with votes or consensus or popular opinion, but rather commitment and devotion and discipleship. Followers without faith aren't any better than if they hadn't followed at all.

Addressing the crowd's focus on their next meal, he concluded his explanation with an admonition to, "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you" (John 6:27). Said another way, it's not the pot luck after church that nourishes our souls but the feast upon the Word that happens during church, at home and wherever else we choose to open our scriptures or go to our knees in prayer. It is by ingesting his gospel, not funeral potatoes and Jell-o, that our souls are able to heal, replace toxic habits and behaviors, and become stronger and more faithful.

With the advantage of two millenia of hindsight, it may seem easy to spot the short-sightedness of the people of Capernaum. They stood in the presence of the Creator, a god through whom all things are possible, and asked only for another loaf of bread. It is sometimes harder to recognize such smallness when our own approaches to the Divine become focused on similar requests for temporal wants or "golden goose" solutions that may be equally inappropriate and ungrateful.

Yet, we as they are often most persistent about our least important needs. When Christ refused to become their king, the crowd asked for Christ to simply provide more bread. When Christ refused again, they changed their approach and asked for the bread as a sign that he, like Moses, was doing the work of God. When Christ offered the bread of the gospel as a superior alternative to the manna their ancestors ate, the people responded, "Evermore, give us this bread," or, "That sounds great, but what we really need is something that goes with our lamb stew" (John 6:34).

Finally, in response to the crowd's oblivious persistence, Christ gave the people the formula for an endless supply of bread. "I am the bread of life," he taught, "he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst" (John 6:35). Unfortunately, the crowd was so focused on what they wanted that they did not perceive that they were being offered something much greater than a loaf of honey wheat. We can avoid their folly by zooming out to see that the formula Christ presents here-- and previously to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well (John 4:13-14)--  is fulfilled in at least two different ways.

First, Christ gives us the bread and water of His gospel as we come unto him. That is, as we exercise our faith, continue to repent and improve ourselves, make and keep sacred covenants, and receive and follow the Holy Ghost, our souls receive the nutrients they need to repair and rebuild. And just as our DNA provides the blueprints for our physical bodies to build according to our biological heritage and the available nutrients, our souls have within them the potential to be like our Heavenly Father and our Heavenly Mother if we'll just feed it the right nutrients.

And second, Christ offers us the bread and water of the sacrament as symbols of his sacrifice for us and the covenants we have made with him. When the Lord instituted the Passover, he instructed the Israelites to both mark their doorposts with lamb's blood and consume the meat of the lamb in a special meal. The Israelites were physically saved and physically fed by their obedience. In like manner, the Lord instituted the sacrament so that we could symbolically eat the flesh of the Lamb of God and mark the doorposts of our souls with his blood. We are fed both body and spirit as we partake and delivered from sin and death through our obedience and the power of his atonement.

We witness as we partake of the sacrament that we will always remember him and keep his commandments. But what's more, Christ and the covenants we have made with him become a little more of who we are-- physically and spiritually-- as we take the sacrament each week.

Every day we decide to eat hot dogs or steaks, carrots or chips, yogurt and berries or twinkies and soda. We make the same kind of decisions about building spiritual cardboard huts or something more enduring. If we make a regular diet of the meat which endureth unto everlasting life, we will find that we will change from this moment to the next. More specifically, we will become the gospel that we have consumed and the image of the Lamb of God will radiate from our countenances. The choice is ours, but buyer beware: you are what you eat.

Love and Selfies

We live in the Age of the Selfie. We take pictures of ourselves with friends and landmarks, still in bed, at the gym, at restaurants and even in the bathroom. Social media sees our feet at the beach or by the pool, close ups of our eyes or the weird thing growing on our nose and what we look like with duck lips or too much makeup or after a rough day. Sometimes we even take selfies of ourselves taking selfies. Not even Woody can resist that. It's a phenomenon that can be a lot of fun, allows us to explore our identities, and helps us feel like we belong.

The Age of the Selfie is also part of a much larger movement that we could call the Age of the Self. We are more interested than ever in ourselves and "taking care of number one." There are certainly situations and individual circumstances where more attention to one's self is needed; but too often a preoccupation with ourselves leads us to poor decisions that hinder our progress and can even become destructive.

President Uchtdorf has taught:

Naturally, we all have a desire for recognition, and there is nothing wrong with relaxing and enjoying ourselves. But when seeking the 'gain and praise of the world' is a central part of our motivation, we will miss the redemptive and joyful experiences that come when we give generously of ourselves to the work of the Lord.

Ironically, and tragically, one kind of joyful experience we forfeit when we are preoccupied with ourselves is the opportunity to learn more about who we really are. President Hinckley has stated that "Nobody can live fully and happily who lives only unto himself or herself... It is as we serve, as we take the time to express interest and concern in someone other than ourselves, that we are more likely to gain a glimpse of who we really are and what we can ultimately become" (Standing for Something, 2000).

Christ taught that "Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." In our own time, "one of the greatest challenges we face in our hurried, self-centered lives is to follow this counsel of the Master, to take the time and make the effort to care for others, to develop and exercise the one quality that would enable us to change the lives of others-- what the scriptures call charity" (Gordon B. Hinckley, Standing for Something, 2000).

When we are focused only on ourselves, we miss out on the joyful experience of giving and receiving real love and acceptance. President Uchtdorf expounded:

Those who wholeheartedly turn their lives over to our Savior and serve God and their fellowman discover a richness and fulness to life that the selfish or egotistic will never experience. The unselfish give of themselves. These may be small gifts of charity that have a grand impact for good: a smile, a handshake, a hug, time spent in listening, a soft word of encouragement, or a gesture of caring. All these acts of kindness can change hearts and lives. When we take advantage of the unlimited opportunities to love and serve our fellowmen, including our spouse and family, our capacity to love God and to serve others will greatly increase.

The opposite is also true: those who are preoccupied with their own image and pleasure find life increasingly void of meaning and their capacity to love God, themselves and others diminishes. Predictably, in most cases, these individuals will respond to the fading vibrancy of life with yet more selfish decisions in attempt to resuscitate their own feelings, further constricting their view and numbing their emotions with each unsatisfying Facebook post, workout, carbohydrate binge or illicit and loveless relationship. In seeking to save their own lives, they will lose it.

This appeared to be what was happening last week with a young teenager in my church congregation that decided to skip the final hour of church to sit on the couch in the lobby and play her tablet because it was more fun. As I sat on the couch across from her, more than a dozen separate individuals approached her and invited her to return to her class. They offered hugs and words of encouragement. They offered a listening ear and open hearts. Each time, the young woman would reject the love she was being shown and complained about those who had "wasted her time" and then also complained that nobody at church seemed to care about her. She could not see the outpouring of love that I had witnessed, even though she had been the intended recipient.

Compare that experience with the story Edith Cavell, a British nurse in World War I. She had trained in London before becoming the matron of a nursing school in Belgium in 1907 and launching that nation's first professional nursing journal in 1910. By the end of 1911, Edith was a training nurse for three hospitals, 24 schools and 13 kindergartens.

When war broke out in 1914, Edith's clinic and nursing school were taken over by the Red Cross and she began a relentless effort to treat the wounded. By November 1914, Germany had occupied Belgium. When asked why she treated the German soldiers as well as the British and French, Edith responded simply, "I can't stop while there are lives to be saved."

"Patriotism is not enough," she explained further on another occasion. "I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone." Edith began hiding Allied soldiers and helping them escape to the neutral Netherlands. She was arrested in August 1915 after one of the French soldiers betrayed her to the Germans. She had helped more than 200 soldiers escape occupied Belgium and now was sentenced to death by firing squad.

Edith's life of service to others had blessed her own life with a profound love for all people, including those with whom she disagreed. That love became her strength, despite her sentence, and blessed her life with profound peace. Among her last words was a request to the prison chaplain to, "tell my loved ones later on that my soul, as I believe, is safe, and that I am glad to die for my country."

Edith Cavell's love for mankind was deeper and more substantive than the excitement and infatuation that might motivate a couple to start dating or even get married. Those emotions are an important beginning-- the fairy tale leading to our happily ever after-- but they're often still about us and how we benefit from a relationship. True love-- the kind that satiates our need to belong and gives us the confidence and strength to face any obstacle-- is cultured over years of putting someone else's needs before our own.

A few days after I was married to my wonderful bride, we went to visit my grandparents in central Utah. My grandpa had performed the temple marriages of all of his grandchildren until a stroke had rendered him unable. My wedding was the first he was not able to attend. Now he laid in his bed in front of me, losing weight and a battle with dementia that sometimes made his home of more than 50 years seem completely foreign to his broken mind.

As I stood at his bedside and spoke with him I wasn't certain whether he remembered me. It was a mostly one-sided conversation as I told him about my studies at the university, how our favorite football teams were doing and my thoughts on politics, gardening, religion, and other topics that we had discussed often over the previous two decades. It was anguishing to see his once active body and keen professor's mind now reduced to staring at the ceiling and trying to make sense of the people and places that seemed to know him so well despite their unfamiliarity.

After talking for several minutes, I began to share with him that I had been married and introduced my wife who had been standing patiently by my side. At this news, my grandpa raised his left hand and proudly pointed with his thumb to the gold wedding ring on his finger. Whatever other chaos or darkness now clouded his memory, it was clear that he still cherished his wife of over 60 years. She had not been just a friend or the mother of his children or a part of his life; she had been his entire life, his reason for going to work and doing the dishes and singing the children to sleep. Now, in his difficult trial, it was his unrelenting love for her that carried him through.

Despite the stroke, the dementia, and failing physical health, Grandpa clung to life and love for more than five years until my grandma passed away in 2008. She had cared for him as best she could, even leaving the quiet country life of the only home she had really known to be closer to the care he needed in a Salt Lake City suburb. After her passing, Grandpa's remaining strength disappeared and he was soon laid to rest next to her and their son who had died of cancer decades earlier.

This is the power of true love. We cannot have it on our own-- not even for ourselves. Though the world tells us to skip or delay family for financial or professional gain, to abort children that may become a burden, to abandon marriages that no longer provide the benefits they once did, and to be constantly "one-upping" our friends and coworkers with the controlled facades of our lives on social media, the Lord through his prophets has taught us that to do so is to forfeit our identities and the love we so desperately need. Selfishness and love, by definition, cannot coexist; for love is the act of putting others needs before our own.

The ultimate act of love and unselfishness was the Atonement of Jesus Christ:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (John 3:16-17).

This was not a fun or pleasurable experience. It was not the kind of self-glorifying or easy path we might choose for ourselves. Rather, it caused Christ, "the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit-- and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink-- Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men" (D&C 19:18).

The blessings of focusing our lives on others far outweigh the temporary benefits we receive from taking an easy path or doing what "feels good". We can have peace of conscience and confidence of belonging. We can experience the strength and power of love received and given to God, to others and to ourselves. We can have a knowledge of our own potential and the empowerment to achieve it. We can experience countless moments laughing, crying and experiencing the fullness of life.

We only need to take the time to serve those around us. And then, maybe to take a quick selfie with the smiling person who helped us love a little better than we had before.

As the Waters Cover the Sea

The scriptures teach that 'the time cometh speedily' when 'the Holy One of Israel must reign in dominion, and might, and power and great glory' (1 Nephi 22:24-26). Millions of the faithful anxiously wait for this glorious second coming of the Messiah, our Savior Jesus Christ. It is certain He will come.

Far less certain, however, is what will happen after He does. Part of this is likely by design, for 'my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord' (Isaiah 55:8). For what it's worth, there are dozens of clues in the scriptures that begin to paint a picture of what life would be like after Christ comes again.

John wrote that the faithful would live with Christ a thousand years after His second coming (Revelation 20:4). Isaiah explained that Christ, 'will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go for the law... And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares' (Isaiah 2:3-4).

The very mention of Zion points our minds to the example of the City of Enoch, which was transfigured for its righteousness. That flourishing city was called 'Zion' because, 'they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them' (Moses 7:18). We often connect the law of consecration with both mentions of Zion, and rightly so, because 'Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom' (D&C 105:5).

As unfathomable as it is, Millennial Zion sounds like a dramatic transformation from much of the world around us. Yet, it is important to remember that none of this will 'just happen'.

Joseph Smith taught, 'When the Savior shall appear we shall see him as he is. We shall see that he is a man like ourselves. And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy' (D&C 130:1-2).

In other words, we're not going to automatically transform into wonderful people just because Christ has come again. We must be striving now to be the kind of people that would exist in Zion. We can take comfort in knowing that the laws of the gospel provide a foundation for eternal growth and progress.

Baptismal covenants allow us to take upon ourselves the name of Christ, becoming unified with him and justified with the law through His grace. Sanctification comes through the Holy Ghost by virtue of the Atonement. Together, these principles allow us to live in the eternal glory of the Millennial reign of Christ.

For Zion, the eternal nature of the gospel means that all things must be done of our own free will. The Lord will never take our agency from us. Consecration becomes much less a 'perfected socialism' in this light, as some describe it, and much more a natural result of people seeking to contribute to the interdependent progress of the whole. Call it 'capitalism with a heart'. Call it the baptized economy. Call it a small government monarchy. Whatever you call it, compulsion will not be a part of it.

Our motivation will instead come from knowledge, 'for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea... Wherefore, all things which have been revealed unto the children of men shall at that day be revealed; and Satan shall have power over the hearts of the children of men no more, for a long time' (2 Nephi 30:16-18). So the truth will make us free from the power of Satan and we will choose to be Christ-like because we will understand perfectly what that is, how it looks and how it changes the quality of our lives.

Sadly, this will not last forever. Millennial Zion will suffer the same fate as the Zion of the Americas after the visitation of Christ. After hundreds of years of peace and prosperity following the coming of Christ, some of the ancient American people began to be prideful. As pride entered their hearts, the devil again had power to persuade them to false teachings, vain ambitions and secret combinations. As with the ancient Americans, so will the people of the Millennium choose to abandon the peace and prosperity of an interdependent society in pursuit of selfish gains and pleasures.


The difference is that the end of Millennial Zion will mark the end of the world:

And again, verily, verily, I say unto you that when the thousand years are ended, and men again begin to deny their God, then will I spare the earth but for a little season; And the end shall come, and heaven and the earth shall be consumed and pass away... But behold, verily, I say unto you, before the earth shall pass away, Michael, mine archangel, shall sound his trump, and then shall all the dead awake, for their graves shall be opened, and they shall come forth-- yea, even all. And the righteous shall be gathered on my right hand unto eternal life; and the wicked on my left hand will I be ashamed to own before the Father; Wherefore I will say unto them-- Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.


We all know what side we want to stand on when the people of the earth go their separate ways. If we will have the same sociality in the Millennium as we do now, is there anything you or I should change before the Savior comes again? If knowledge of the Lord can bind Satan for a thousand years, can we push Satan's influence out of our lives with faithful scripture study and prayer? If baptismal covenants allow us to abide eternal glory, shouldn't we make absolutely certain that we are keeping those covenants?

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, will come again. As we become acquainted with his voice, learn of Him and strive to become unified with him, we will be prepared to meet him and to become an active citizen in Millennial Zion.

Living To Be Happy

Three short chapters after Lehi declared that "men are that they might have joy", Nephi reports that his people, now distanced from his dangerous, short-tempered brothers, lived "after the manner of happiness" (2 Nephi 5:27).

At first glance, Nephi's life may not look particularly happy. His father and mother had passed away, he lived in the wilderness where hard work was required to survive from year to year and he made swords in his spare time to defend his family from his brothers who would attack from time to time.

Obviously, those aren't likely the details to which Nephi referred. Instead, consider this list of behaviors that he mentions in that same chapter. As you read, contemplate which of these you are doing, which you could do better and how your life could be happier. Nephi reports:

All those who would go with me were those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God; wherefore, they did hearken unto my words (v. 6).

We did observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things (v. 10).

The Lord was with us; and we did prosper exceedingly; for we did sow seed, and we did reap again in abundance. And we began to raise flocks, and herds, and animals of every kind (v. 11).

I, Nephi, had also brought the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass; and also the ball, or compass, which was prepared for my father by the hand of the Lord (v. 12).

We began to prosper exceedingly, and to multiply in the land (v. 13).

I, Nephi, did take the sword of Laban, and after the manner of it did make many swords, lest by any means the people who were now called Lamanites should come upon us and destroy us (v. 14).

I, Nephi, did build a temple (v. 16).

I, Nephi, did cause my people to be industrious, and to labor with their hands (v. 17).

I, Nephi, was desirous that [my people] should have no king; nevertheless, I did for them according to that which was in my power (v. 18).

By doing these things, Nephi writes that his people found happiness. The same principles can be likened to us today. As we live the gospel, we can be happy despite whatever else may be going on in our lives.

Headwinds and Tailwinds

As I've started riding my bike to work in recent months, I have learned a great deal about the importance of wind. The wind blows most every day across the fields and desert around my home and along the four-mile stretch of road to the building where I work. Unseen and usually unheard, the strength and direction of the wind can be the difference between riding to work in record time and arriving exhausted from a hard-fought commute.

Most often my ride to work begins with the hope for a tailwind. I want to be as Nephi, "driven forth before the wind towards the promise land". I want to go fast without as much effort and be able to share with those around me when I arrive just how fast I can go on my bike.

That's not usually how it goes, however.

Eighty percent of the time, there is a headwind. It bursts and blows and opposes my progress. Pedaling becomes more difficult, level road feels like an uphill climb and progress toward my destination seems unbearably slow. I can see reality on my speedometer-- it's not as grim as it feels-- but burning leg muscles and a pounding heart believe I'm in the mountain-splitting winds experienced by Elijah.

I'm grateful for the lessons the wind has taught me the last few months on my brief trek to work. In my own mind, the wind has served as a strong metaphor for life. The headwinds are hard to face, but riding in headwinds has improved my strength and ability more rapidly than riding in tailwinds, which I usually take for granted. Somehow the push of a tailwind is harder to notice and the resulting successes easier to attribute to my own strength and effort.

I've also learned that there are places I can look for help riding in the wind. From the main road I can see a large flag marking a new housing development about halfway down the road. The flag flies high above the houses and shows the strength and direction the wind is blowing. My cyclocomputer keeps reality and view, showing my speed, distance and how much time I have left to be at work. In a strong wind, shifting gears makes pedaling easier. In the dark of night, a headlight keeps my path lit and helps passing traffic to know that I am there. And when I am exhausted at the end of a long day or a long week, willing friends can load my bike into their pickup trucks and drive me home.

The same aids are available in life. Prophets and apostles share with us each conference and in the Ensign the way the storms of life will blow on the road ahead. Scriptures keep our minds filled with truth and free from the mental and spiritual traps in the philosophies of men. Frequent and faithful prayer keeps our paths lit and our spirits in tune with the still, small voice that will guide and protect us from danger.

And when we are exhausted, we can remember the words of Amos:

For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The Lord, The God of hosts, is his name.

One night near the beginning of the ministry of Christ, a "great storm of wind" began to fill his ship with water. Christ's disciples awoke him from his sleep, panicked at the possibility of drowning in the storm-tossed sea. Christ arose, "and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm".

Just as Christ can calm the winds, he can lift the burdens in our lives. Through Christ, we can feel the relief of forgiveness, the strength to endure and the great calm of the Holy Ghost. As we put our trust in Christ, our friend, we will be able to exclaim:

Master, the terror is over.

The elements sweetly rest.

Earth's sun in the calm lake is mirrored, 

And heaven's within my breast.

Linger, O blessed Redeemer!

Leave me alone no more,

And with joy I shall make the blest harbor

And rest on the blissful shore.

New Lessons from Ancient Scripture

Elder Richard G. Scott spoke in the most recent General Conference about scripture study. It's a topic most of us have heard about on a number of occasions. Some of those familiar lessons were woven into Elder Scott's remarks. At the same time, Elder Scott also brought up a number of insights about the scriptures that are not as commonly shared and/or understood, at least in the wards where I have attended. Several principles, familiar or otherwise, are worth repeating. Here's a short list.

1. The scriptures are a record of 'solutions to life's most perplexing problems'. Notice the omission here-- not life's most perplexing spiritual problems, but the scriptures contain solutions to work problems, societal problems, family problems, confidence problems, health problems... life's problems.

2. The scriptures function as 'a type of handbook for those of His children who have faith in His plan of happiness and in His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ'. Faith is necessary to unlock the power of scripture.

3. 'Because scriptures are generated from inspired communication through the Holy Ghost, they are pure truth.'

4. The scriptures, 'can become the key to open the channel to communion with our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ'. The primary goal of scripture study is to commune with God. Remembering that the scriptural definition of enduring to the end is to study the scriptures, hearken to the spirit, pray and keep our covenants, it becomes increasingly clear that the way to endure is to communicate frequently with our Father in Heaven.

5. 'Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. Memorizing scriptures can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change.'

6. 'Pondering a passage of scripture can be a key to unlock revelation and guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one's ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior, They can accelerate physical healing.'


7. 'Scriptures can communicate different meanings at different times in our life, according to our needs.'


8. 'Those who consistently read the Book of Mormon are blessed with an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the divinity of the Son of God.'

Whether these insights are familiar or new to us, each of us can experience the power of the scriptures in our lives as we have faith in Christ and seek to commune with our Heavenly Father. There we can find the answers to the questions of our souls, strength that can motivate emotional or physical healing, the will to change, and a clear view of reality and truth amid a world swirling with the philosophies of men.

Each of us seeking answers, strength, happiness, peace, communion or clarity will find what we seek as we accept Elder Scott's invitation to study, memorize, and ponder the scriptures.

A Lamp That Is Trimmed and Burning

There are dozens of places in the scriptures that define the gospel of Jesus Christ in clear and precise language. The fourth Article of Faith states:

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

In 3 Nephi 27, Christ explains that the gospel is possible because of His Atonement. With that made clear, he defines the gospel in his own words:

And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end. Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel" (v. 19-21).

This is the gospel of Jesus Christ: because of the Atonement of Christ, we can be saved in the Celestial Kingdom of God despite our imperfection through faith in Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. As Joseph Smith made clear in the articles of faith, however, these are only the first steps.

In D&C 33, Christ commands a group of missionaries to open their mouths and promises that their open mouths will be filled with the teaching of the gospel. After explaining that the gospel is the doctrine of faith, repentance, baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, Christ teaches the early missionaries:

This is my gospel... And upon this rock will I build my church; yea, upon this rock ye are built, and if ye continue, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you (v. 13).

Again, the gospel is only the first step. It is not the end, but the entry way to the strait and narrow path. Our testimonies are build upon the firm foundation-- the rock of Christ-- when they are built upon the scriptural gospel, but then we must continue. We must endure to the end.

Though frequently used, the phrase "endure to the end" and its synonyms (be faithful, be diligent, etc.) have a specific scriptural definition that may not always be considered when thinking of "enduring". Much more than simply surviving, or even actively pursuing salvation, the Lord teaches that there are specific tasks associated with endurance:

Remember the church articles and covenants to keep them... And the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your instruction; and the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things. Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom" (v. 14, 16-17).

Keeping covenants, studying the scriptures, utilizing the gift of the Holy Ghost and praying always are necessary, by definition, for the type of enduring that leads to eternal life. Nephi said it this way:

Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do... If ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do... But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee... for the welfare of thy soul" 2 Nephi 32:3, 5, 8-9).

We enter the strait and narrow path through the gate of the gospel: faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. We endure as we study the scriptures, hearken to the promptings of the spirit, pray and keep our covenants. Only as we endure in this way will our lamps be trimmed and burning at the coming of the Bridegroom, who is Christ the Lord.

For anyone who has not yet entered the way, that is the first step-- and it must be taken first. I urge you to believe in God; believe that he is, that he created all things, that he is your Heavenly Father, and that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them. I urge you to believe in Christ, that he is your Savior and Redeemer, and that through him all things are possible. As you act on these beliefs, you will have a desire to be baptized by immersion for the remission of your sins and will prepare yourself to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. You can find someone authorized by God to perform these ordinances through the missionaries of the Church. When you are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, you will be on the strait and narrow path that leads to kingdom of God.

For those who have already entered in by the way and have felt to sing the song of redeeming love-- do you still feel the joy of redemption? Surely we all must re-enter the path from time to time, through the rebuilding of our faith, repentance, the renewal of our baptismal covenants through the sacrament, and the re-sanctification of the Holy Ghost. Are you enduring well? Are you feasting upon the words of the scriptures and praying always in your heart? Are you listening to the still, small voice of the Spirit and fulfilling your church covenants and responsibilities?

This is not intended to make you feel guilty, but if you feel impressed to improve in one area or another, now is the time to act. As you and I strive to improve ourselves-- to enter in by the way and endure to the end-- let us remember the words of Moroni and come unto Christ:

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them (Ether 12:27).

Our lamps can be trimmed and burning, with oil ready, when the Bridegroom comes if we will accept and live the gospel and endure to the end. Is your lamp burning?

Moments That Matter Most

We would do well to slow down a little... focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most... Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most... Diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world.

~President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Reality Shows and a Change of Heart

Millions of Americans tune in each week to NBC's The Biggest Loser. The reality TV show pits overweight contestants against each other in a weightloss competition. The winner goes home with hundreds of pounds lost and hundreds of thousands of dollars gained as a victory prize.

Successful contestants on The Biggest Loser always have a moment they remember that fuels their success. They remember waking up or looking in the mirror or talking to their kids and suddenly feeling motivated or disgusted or desperate-- at that moment, they know they have to change. 

There is a similar moment for the successful callers on The Dave Ramsey Show. These people have usually paid off tens of thousands of dollars in relatively short periods of time through disciplined budgeting. These people call in to scream, "I'm debt free!" as a rite of the victorious over debt. Very often, these recent fiscal independents say their path began with a moment when they realized they had to make changes.

In either case, a change of heart about their weight or their money motivates radical changes in their lifestyle. You make know others who have quit smoking or overcome some other habit in similar fashion. Paraphrasing Elder Packer, we see in these instances where the change of heart changes behavior more quickly than the study of behavior would have changed those behaviors.

We can have similar changes of heart with respect to many aspects of our lives. One awakening moment may change our view on health, money, politics, family, food storage, family history or a host of similar possibilities.

Manoah's wife had such a change of heart in Judges 13. Though barren, when an angel appeared to her and told her she would have a son, she gave up alcohol and unclean foods so the boy could be the Nazarene that would deliver Israel from the Philistines, as promised by the angel. The boy would be named Samson.

When Jonah was swallowed by a whale, he changed his heart and agreed to preach to the people at Ninevah. Subsequently, Ninevah repented and was spared.

The Brother of Jared was chastized for three hours when he had not prayed for several years. A change of heart resulted, and the Brother of Jared turned to the Lord frequently thereafter, including his prayer to make sixteen stones glow inside their barges.

Whether regarding parenting, missionary work, prayer or other important doctrines, we can have changes of heart that convert us to single principles. Still other scriptural examples show that we can also have a change of heart with broader strokes.

Job was completely converted when the devil assailed all that he held dear. Alma the Younger and Paul the Apostle both had miraculous changes of heart, despite being bitter opponents to the gospel beforehand, through the visitations of angels. King Lamoni, his father and an entire generation of Lamanites dramatically changed their lives and lifestyles with the help of only a few powerful moments. There are many, many others.

Once these moments are experienced, it is critical that we remember them. Laman and Lemuel also saw angels and changed their behavior, but slipped back into poor habits quickly. Yet Amulek remembered, and sustained beatings, the massacre of many of his people and the interrogation of men who wanted to kill him-- all on the strength he gained by remembering the change of heart he had when an angel asked him to feed the prophet.

We can also have a change of heart. Alma teaches that such a change will loosen the chains of hell, expand our souls and allow us to sing redeeming love (Alma 5:9). That kind of change will come by the word of God. Alma reminded:

"[Abinadi] preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts" (Alma 5:13).

It was similar for King Lamoni:

"And it came to pass that when Ammon arose he also administered unto them... and they did all declare unto the people the selfsame thing—that their hearts had been changed; that they had no more desire to do evil" (Alma 19:33).

Again, for King Benjamin's people following his sermon:

"And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually."
It is the same for us. As we study the scriptures, the teachings of the modern prophets and the inspired words of our local teachers and leaders, we will also experience a change of heart. We can eliminate our desire for evil that binds us down with the chains of hell and instead expand our souls with songs of redeeming love.
 
Like contestants on The Biggest Loser or listeners of The Dave Ramsey Show, we can be victorious over the obstacles in our path as we allow a change of heart to motivate us to righteous action. May each of us then seek to find and to follow a change of heart that will turn our lives to Christ and allow us to be saved in the kingdom of our Heavenly Father.