While studying Third Nephi 18, Jesus commands his disciples to bring forth bread and wine. Then he took of the bread and "blessed it" and he gave it back to the disciples for them to eat, and they gave it to the multitude (3 Nephi 18:3). Bro. Griffen elaborated on these verses saying that God's commandments always come back to bless us in some way or another. Just like the analogy of a fence that represents God's commandments, that keeps us from the dangers of sin and wickedness, commandments keep us on the strait and narrow path back to him. They are not for God's benefit, they are entirely for our protection. God's commandments are not restrictions, rather they are guidelines that help bring us freedom and happiness. "Our choice in this life is not whether we will or will not be subject to any power. Our choice is to which authority we will yield obedience: God’s or Satan’s." Which team will we suit up for? The choice isn't between obedience and freedom. Rather, our choice is whether to be obedient to God or to Satan.
"The gospel... is a plan of freedom that gives discipline to appetite and direction to behavior. This plan puts us on a path of increasing knowledge and capacity, increasing grace and light. It is the freedom to become what you can and ought to be. But for your freedom to be complete, you must be willing to give away all your sins, your willfulness, your cherished but unsound habits, perhaps even some good things that interfere with what God sees is essential for you." (D. Todd Christofferson)
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
My Beloved Bretheren
In Helaman chapter 15, Samuel is prophesying and preaching unto the wicked Nephites. Throughout the text, Samuel addresses them as his "beloved brethren (Hel. 15:1, 4) Even though the wicked Nephites reject him and his message, and have tried to kill him, Samuel still makes an effort to have a horizontal relationship with them. Samuel may be admonishing the Nephites' wicked ways, however he still treats them as his brethren, as equals, and with Christlike love. God cannot look upon sin with the least bit of allowance, but that does not mean that he hates us sinners. We must learn to treat people as Samuel and Christ would, with love and understanding, without compromising our standards for what is right and wrong. Hate the sin, but love the sinner.
"As we step back and try to understand this love of God, we are astounded by its profound impact. At its center is the reality of a literal Father in Heaven whose love for His children knows no bounds. All truths, wisdom, power, goodness, and love He desires to share with His children, whom He created and sent to earth. He would have us reach up and know Him as a Father, as one who forgives, as a helper, as friend, as lawgiver—as one anxious to grant to every man the full opportunity of His love and potential and ultimately the blessing to one day become like Him." (James M. Paramore)
No one is perfect, that's obvious, and no one sins exactly the same. As Uchtdorf once said, "don't judge others because they sin differently than you do". We all need Christ and need help to return to him, so we, as members with the fullness of the gospel, should help as many lost sheep return to Him, no matter what they have done in the past. That is not up to us to judge.
"As we step back and try to understand this love of God, we are astounded by its profound impact. At its center is the reality of a literal Father in Heaven whose love for His children knows no bounds. All truths, wisdom, power, goodness, and love He desires to share with His children, whom He created and sent to earth. He would have us reach up and know Him as a Father, as one who forgives, as a helper, as friend, as lawgiver—as one anxious to grant to every man the full opportunity of His love and potential and ultimately the blessing to one day become like Him." (James M. Paramore)
No one is perfect, that's obvious, and no one sins exactly the same. As Uchtdorf once said, "don't judge others because they sin differently than you do". We all need Christ and need help to return to him, so we, as members with the fullness of the gospel, should help as many lost sheep return to Him, no matter what they have done in the past. That is not up to us to judge.
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