The Purpose of Life

Every once in a while a life changing book comes along and really inspires the reader.  Yesterday I finished a book that falls into that category. I've heard a couple of people talk about the book and it truly was a life-changing work!

The book is Return From Tomorrow written by George Ritchie. I look forward to reading his next book, Ordered to Return.  He's not an LDS Author, but I can say that based on my own personal experiences and the doctrine as I understand it, his experience was real and true. His experience is consistent with previous revelation and experiences we read about in the scriptures.

He puts life in perspective for each one of us. He gives the reader a perspective of what awaits us and what we should do with our time.

I will try (although inadequately) to sum up his book:

1) When we pass on from this life we'll see our entire life and how our actions have affected others, both good and bad.

2) When his spirit was separated, there was no progress unless he kept his focus towards the Lord. Then, and only then, was he able to see things as they really are.

3) The question that repeatedly came to his mind was, "What have you done with your life?"  He was the one to answer his own question. It was manifest in his innermost thoughts and desires.

4) It's all about developing love and relationships and building others - isn't that what Christ did and still does?

This young 19 year old man had a life changing experience and he was converted to the Lord (as far as I can tell). Every day of his life from that point forward revolved around that experience.

As a result of reading this book, I've re-committed to ask myself these questions each morning:

1) Lord, how can I serve thee today and be an instrument in thy hands?

2) Who's life did I affect today? How did I help, lift, or inspire someone to become better and look towards our Master?

How to Get Personal Revelation

I've attached a wonderful discourse given by Bruce R. McConkie at a BYU devotional in 1966. In this devotional he teaches some wonderful truths that seem to have been lost among many in the current culture of the church. This is the link:

http://speeches.byu.edu/download.php/McConkie66.mp3?item=2608&download=true

Of note, we should each become a prophet or prophetess. Now, what does that mean? The spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus.  This discourse clearly describes what that is. It begins with dreams, visions, and angelic ministration. It culminates with the ministry of Christ and the Father (D&C 93, John 17:3).

He reminds us that these visions, dreams, and ministry are NOT just for someone with a calling, it's for any member or individual who abides the law. God is no respecter of persons and marvelous experiences are not obtained by virtue of a calling. A culture has seemed to creep into the church that divine revelation is only for General Authorities, Elder McConkie clearly rebukes that myth. It's the responsibility of each person to individually find and become like the Lord, literally.

Elder McConkie brings up a great point. We (as a whole) tend to attribute living revelation to the Prophet Joseph and others, but we rarely make a claim to personal angelic ministration.  It is our responsibility to seek to be taught by the heavens.

D&C 11:25 warns us, "Deny not the spirit of revelation, nor the spirit of prophecy, for wo unto him that denieth these things."  I would suggest that this is directed to each one of us individually.  The question I ask myself is "what things am I doing to inhibit the spirit of revelation?" If we inhibit the spirit of revelation, we are essentially denying it by our actions. If that be the case, then wo unto us and we should speedily repent.

What a marvelous time we live in when the heavens are open. If we humbly seek the Lord, confess our sins, and repent, the heavens can be open to any individual!

Your Actions Speak Louder Than Your Words

This will be short. When Helaman, the Son of Helaman, named his children Nephi and Lehi, he did so with a purpose. He named them so they might remember the "works" of their fathers and ancestors (Hel 5:6-8).

If you're a parent or spouse, I ask you (and myself) this simple question:

What are your actions or works towards your spouse and children? Answer yourself honestly with no guile or justification.

I love the quote which says, "I can't hear your words because your actions are shouting." Certainly our actions speak louder than our words. What a wonderful state we're in if our words match our actions - that was the life of the Savior!

As a parent or spouse, let us recommit to teach our children and love our spouse through our actions and words. If we use words without action or works, that is condemning. When the actions begin to match the words and we repent of our follies through the atonement, that is exalting!

Part 2: General Commandments and Personal Commandments

Part 2

In this post I want to share my approach to life and the gospel, it allows me to control what I can control. Whether others are right or wrong in their decisions is between them and the Lord.  This is the approach I've taken in trying to seek the Lord and honor the rites, ordinances, and sustain men to callings they have within the church organization. I don't believe they're mutually exclusive, but complementary. Men and organizations will stray and can make mistakes from time to time, but again, I'll explain my role and approach to that:

In D&C 93:19-20 it says, "I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fullness.  For if you keep MY commandments you SHALL receive of his fullness, and be glorified in ME as I am in the Father, therefore, I say unto you , you shall receive GRACE for GRACE."  All those who are begotten THROUGH ME are partakers of the glory of the same, and are of the Church of the Firstborn."

I sat on a beautiful green hilltop one morning and watched the brilliant sun crest the horizon. I pondered these verses when I was taught something beautiful and this is what I was taught:

One of the keys in those verses is when he says, "MY commandments." What became clear to me is that to truly worship the Father and come unto him, through his Son, there are really two types of commandments: Those commandments asked of everyone and PERSONAL commandments. If we expect to draw near to the Lord and be redeemed by him, we must be able to live and adhere to both types.

1) General Commandments.  If we raise our hand to sustain the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve then we also agree to pay tithing, obey the Word of Wisdom, serve in church callings, hometeach and visit families to whom we're assigned, speak or participate when asked to do so, and participate in temple work.  This has been an enormous blessing throughout my life. What I've learned serving in callings and the associations made have changed me and helped me become a better person. I could start listing names of those I've associated with inside the church and it would get extensively long, I've been blessed by each name on that list. Often times it was working with an "inactive young man" or assigned to home teach someone who's life was in shambles and hadn't associated with the church for years. I could write pages about experiences and blessings that have come through the church and serving in the church.

These are the general commandments and things we've committed to do if we sustain our leadership by common consent. These are foundational commandments and, in many cases, a predecessor to the greater commandments or personal commandments.

2) Personal Commandments:  I believe this next type of commandment is the greater type of commandment and comes to us when we are able to follow the foundational commandments discussed previously and when we humbly seek the Lord with full purpose of heart. Following these commandments will help your power in the priesthood grow.  In D&C 93, the promise is to those who keep "MY commandments." This is a much higher form of communication than the most basic commandments. This is when we begin to receive personal direction from the Lord on a daily basis. We learn to follow that direction and the communication and revelatory experiences increase to the measure we keep those personal directives or commandments.  In a general conference address, Elder Scott gave a talk titled To Acquire Spiritual Guidance. In it he said, "Communication with our Father in Heaven is not a trivial matter. It is a sacred privilege." He then goes on to share his thoughts on personal revelation or receiving personal guidance. He shares a story of sitting in a Sunday School class when he received personal direction from the Lord, wrote it down, pondered, prayed,  and then received more direction. This process continued and I'll just share the last part of his story (I would encourage you to read the whole talk). He says, "Subsequently I prayed, reviewing with the Lord what I thought I had been taught by the Spirit. When a feeling of peace came, I thanked Him for the guidance given. I was then impressed to ask, “Was there yet more to be given?” I received further impressions, and the process of writing down the impressions, pondering, and praying for confirmation was repeated. Again I was prompted to ask, “Is there more I should know?” And there was. When that last, most sacred experience was concluded, I had received some of the most precious, specific, personal direction one could hope to obtain in this life. Had I not responded to the first impressions and recorded them, I would not have received the last, most precious guidance."

This is my witness: When we receive guidance from the Lord, write it down, ponder it, pray for confirmation and  then ask "Lord, what else is there or what more...?", we will grow in light and intelligence.  We will draw near to the Lord and he will bless us with rich and personal experiences in which an environment is created where all that's promised in Section 93 might be fulfilled. The key is not simply living just the basic commandments, but then learning to be a "disciple" and live the personal commandments given to us by revelation.  The Lord will change the heart of an individual who follows this course and, as the potter's clay, will mold that person into what he wants them to become.

Part 1: General Commandments and Personal Commandments

Part 1:

I sustain and support those who have been called to lead in the church organization by common consent. I believe they (men and women who humbly seek inspiration and guidance) are entitled to inspired guidance. I believe the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve are men who do their best in a very challenging position - which they never looked for in the first place. I've had the chance to interact closely with several of them and I know people who work with them on a daily basis.  Although certainly not perfect, that particular group (as I know them) are humble  men who are constantly participating in quiet acts of service and kindness on a daily basis. They're asked to lead a multi-million member organization, spread through countless cultures.  I can't imagine the burden on their shoulders. Most of them have missed weddings, reunions, birthdays, baptisms, etc. They have sacrificed their life in many cases.  

Though I support and sustain them, it's not by them that salvation comes (2 Nephi 9:41 ). The Lord Jesus Christ is the keeper of the gate and he employeth no servant there.  We know by looking through history that it's possible to participate in the ordinances and rites, yet be hard-hearted and far from God (Israelites in the wilderness, Pharaoh, the Scribes and Pharisees, etc.).  The church and the authority vested in it (a preparatory gospel) will show us the way and point us in the direction to Christ. I'm the first to acknowledge that without the organization of the gospel to include wonderful home teachers, a faithful mission president, the opportunity to visit families with my father, etc. I wouldn't be here today and I'd certainly have taken a different path in life.

With that being said, according to the Lord, we as a church are still under condemnation for handling lightly the things of the Lord, more specifically the Book of Mormon.  This according to the Lord in D&C 84:54-57 and again re-affirmed by President Benson. Without providing an answer, I simply ask, what does that mean and how should it motivate you and I? If we're under condemnation as a whole, what have we forfeited? If this is the case, then what are we to do?

In Part 2, I'll try and answer that last question and provide my approach, which certainly may not fit everyone. We can do our part, but we can't force anyone. Following this course, I feel at peace and it allows me to focus on what's within my control. What I can't control are the decisions of others, to include those at every level in the church, whether right or wrong. I still firmly believe that no matter who you are, the Lord honors those who honor him.

Apply Your Heart to Understanding

Mosiah 12:27-28 is a powerful scripture with a significant teaching. Abinadi is meeting with King Noah and his priests and makes a comment and then poses a question. He says to them, "Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. Therefore, what teach ye this people?" The Priests responded, "We teach the law of Moses."

There are two significant portions of the body mentioned over and over in scripture, the heart and mind - both are important!

1) The Mind: Each person has the commandment to study and learn. However, each person is cautioned in the Book of Nephi, "O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God." (2 Nephi 9:28-29).

2) The Heart: Search for the word "soft" or "soften" in the scriptures and look at the numerous references to the heart. One example is D&C 121:4, the Lord commands you and I to "let thine heart be softened." What does that mean?

Now, the response of the Priests in Abinadi's example becomes important. Those Priests supposedly taught the Law of Moses, a law of outward ordinances and rites designed to point people to Christ and his Atonement. Similarly, we have the sacrament, temple rites, baptism, etc. which are all designed to point our hearts to Christ. Joseph Smith said those who dwell with God must have the character of God. It's when we allow these rites and ordinances to point our HEARTS to Christ, that a true conversion begins, otherwise many of us can be like the priests of Noah or a Pharisee. Those Priests of Noah said they taught those rites, but they certainly hadn't applied their HEARTS to understanding because they persecuted the people and didn't let those rites and ordinances draw them to the Lord.

I want to share a personal story, but I'll try to be vague in the details so as not to reveal the people in the example, but it is someone close to our family:

There's a man who serves in a Stake calling and has always been engaged in the activities of the Church - at least participates in the outward "rites". He puts on his suit and tie and he's there every Sunday. Yet, at home he rules with unrighteous dominion and has created enemies in his children because of the way he rules his home. His Wife has recently left the house and they're in the middle of this terrible mess.  I'm certainly not the Lord and can't pass final judgment on this man, but this is EXACTLY what the Pharisees did. They put on their priestly robes and would adhere strictly to the rites, yet they didn't recognize their Lord and they crucified him - in other words, they never applied their HEARTS to understanding. They only used their mind.

What a great lesson! Each of these rites which we participate in are crucial (temple, sacrament, etc.), but we MUST apply our HEARTS to understanding and let those point us to Christ. Those rites should soften our hearts and we should learn to treat those around us as the Master would treat them. If there's any question on how to treat people, Moroni 7 and D&C 121 describes it quite clearly.

I ask myself the same questions I pose here:

- Do you take the learning you've received and apply your heart to understanding?

- What are your actions towards others, especially when the other party seemingly has nothing to offer you?

- When you participate in the sacrament or temple rites, are you going through the motions or letting it drive you to repentance and a renewed conviction to serve the Lord?

- The Lord lifted people wherever he went. Do you do the same?  How?

When are hearts understand, we're filled with charity. Moroni said it well, "Charity is the greatest of all and it never faileth."

May we renew our commitment to apply our HEARTS to understanding and become more like Christ in our homes, workplace, and wherever we find ourselves!

The Book of Mormon and Other Books

As we read the Book of Mormon, it's easy to miss the subtle references to other books and records which helped in the compilation of the Book of Mormon. We're far beyond the simple fact that a young boy couldn't put together such an expansive book.  I believe we'll have access to these other records in a future day and I believe there is a preparation and transformation happening right now to prepare us to receive additional records. We have been warned and warned again about the importance of the Book of Mormon. 

I'd like to take a minute to list references to other scriptures and remind each of us about the importance to learn and live what we currently have while we prepare for what is to come. According to the Lord in 3 Nephi 26:6-11,"And now there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people;  But behold the plates of Nephi do contain the more part of the things which he taught the people. And these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the things which he taught the people; and I have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto this people, from the Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken.  And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them.  And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation."

This a good graphic of the different volumes that were abridged, they include records of Lehi, King Benjamin, Zeniff, Alma, Sons of Mosiah, Helaman, Pahoran, Jaredites, Nephi (the latter), and others. Imagine the day when we can read the unabridged documents, from the hand of the author.  Even this graphic misses a few references to other scripture, I'll list those below.

These are a few other references not included in this graphic:

3 Nephi 7:17   And he [Nephi] did minister many things unto them; and all of them cannot be written, and a part of them would not suffice, therefore they are not written in this book.  And Nephi did minister with power and with great authority.

                - It will be wonderful to get all the words and teaching of Nephi to the people.

3 Nephi  5:9-10  But behold there are records which do contain all the proceedings of this people; and a shorter but true account was given by Nephi. Therefore  I [Mormon] have made my record of these things according to the record of Nephi, which was engraven on the plates which were called the plates of Nephi.

                - This is significant. It indicates Mormon was searching the numerous records and he chose to abridge the account provided by Nephi almost 400 years prior. There were other records and accounts, but Mormon chose Nephi's because he knew that Nephi was "a just and true man" (3 Nephi 8:1).

This is just a sample of what will be available in the future if we're true to what's been given us.  I look forward to the day when we can search these additional records and gain a greater understanding of these people and their dealings with the Lord. In addition, I look forward to reading that which was too sacred to translate.  My plea is that we give heed to the Book of Mormon that the Lord will open the door to "greater things."

The Use of Our Time

D&C 60:13 "Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known."

Alma 34:32 "For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors."

                I was sitting in a Ward Council a few weeks ago and a concern came up that members of the Ward are beginning to feel out of touch with each other. It's been so long since we did anything together as a Ward, that in many cases, it's only the meetings on Sunday where we get the chance to associate with each other. 

                Several people in the meeting who've been in the area for decades commented how people use to simply get together and have fun. It didn't require a lot of preparation, but many people came and they'd have a wonderful time together. Then they commented how we rarely get together and it seems like everyone is always in a hurry. As I reflected on those comments, I agree with everything she said. It seems like we've never been more busy in our lives and busy doesn't always equal good. With soccer, piano, callings, work, gymnastics, etc. there's always a demand for our time.

                Subsequent to that meeting, we planned a simple Dutch-oven activity with the Ward and 200 people showed up, it was wonderful to simply relax and talk with someone with no time constraints.

                It's my opinion that the adversary has been quite successful in our Western Culture in establishing this "hurry to the next activity" mindset. It takes away from our relationships, our ability to ponder, and the ability to find peace in our lives.

Here's a few points to ponder in your own experiences:

In your Community or Ward:

                - How can someone call on you if they don't know you?

                - How can you be perceptive to someone's needs if you don't know anything about them?

                - Who have you served recently outside of your "calling"?

In your family and personal lives:

                - Is your time spent cultivating fun and wonderful memories with your spouse and children?

                - How often do you take the time to pray, ponder, and reflect?

                - What are some recent things you've done with your actions that teach your children the way's of the Lord? It's not the words that count, it's the actions, "I can't hear your words because your actions are shouting."

                These are just a few simple, introspective questions regarding our use of time. This week we took a family drive near Cascade Mountain. It happened to be the only day we received rain in the past 40 days. It was a great experience as we drove up the muddy roads, laughing and enjoying each others' company. Not only was the company great, but as we arrived at the point and looked down towards Rock Canyon, the slowly rising mists and clouds were amazing as they crept up the canyon. I took those pictures with my iPhone, it was inspiring to be in the midst of such beautiful creations with the people I love!

                It's my hope that each of us can assess what we're doing with the short time we've been granted and make the most of it.  I believe the old adage which says, "No man on his death bed ever wished he could have spent more time at work."