Selfless Service

The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints is a service oriented Church. It has no paid clergy and all leadership, administrative, and instructional positions are volunteer based.

Indeed, service is an essential aspect of spiritual growth. As one ancient prophet put it, "For how knoweth a man the master he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts of his heart?" (Mos. 5:13).

After a lifetime of service this wizened ruler taught his people that wisdom was found in learning "that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God" (Mos. 2:17).

The Savior Himself taught that "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matt. 25:40).

Not only is selfless service an act of service to God that will bring us to know and understand Him, it also enriches our lives and the lives of those we serve.

As Elder David S. Baxter of the Quorum of the Seventy taught, "As we serve we grow. President George Albert Smith taught, 'It is not what we receive that enriches our lives, it is what we give' (Conference Report, Apr. 1935, p. 46).

"Selfless service is a wonderful antidote to the ills that flow from the worldwide epidemic of self-indulgence. Some grow bitter or anxious when it seems that not enough attention is being paid to them, when their lives would be so enriched if only they paid more attention to the needs of others.

"The answer lies in helping to solve the problems of those around us rather than worrying about our own, living to lift burdens even when we ourselves feel weighed down, putting our shoulder to the wheel instead of complaining that the wagons of life seem to be passing us by."
Read the entire article here, David S. Baxter, "Faith, Service, Constancy," Ensign, Nov. 2006, p. 14.

Gratitude: An Essential Virtue

We live in a society that feels it is entitled to everything immediately. We rack up debt to pay for extravagant houses and vehicles. We seek after instant gratification and often look to avoid its consequences. We have more to be thankful for than any other people in the history of the world -- more useful technology to make our lives easy, better living conditions, more food, more wealth, and even greater access to wisdom, truth, and virtue. And yet we far too often take such blessings for granted. As the late President James E. Faust taught:

"One of the evils of our time is taking for granted so many of the things we enjoy. This was spoken of by the Lord: 'For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift?' (D&C 88:33). The Apostle Paul described our day to Timothy when he wrote that in the last days 'men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy' (2 Tim. 3:2). These sins are fellow travelers, and ingratitude makes one susceptible to all of them." Read the entire article here, James E. Faust, "Gratitude As a Saving Principle," Ensign, Dec. 1996, p. 2.

Indeed, elsewhere the Lord has warned of the seriousness of ingratitude and its connection to disobedience. "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments" (D&C 59:21).

"Consider these words written by Abraham Lincoln as part of a resolution in 1863:

'We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in number, wealth, and power as no other Nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God who made us.

'It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended power, to confess our ... sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness' (John Wesley Hill, Abraham Lincoln, Man of God, 4th ed., New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, p. 391)." Cited in Marion G. Romney, "Gratitude and Thanksgiving," Ensign, Nov. 1982, p. 50.

Pres. Faust concluded "As with all commandments, gratitude is a description of a successful mode of living. The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us" (Link above).

As former Relief Society General President Sister Bonnie Parkin put it:

"Gratitude is a Spirit-filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God. Through it, we become spiritually aware of the wonder of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God's love. This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction. When we communicate gratitude, we can be filled with the Spirit and connected to those around us and the Lord. Gratitude inspires happiness and carries divine influence." Read her article here Bonnie D. Parkin, "Gratitude: A Path to Happiness," Ensign, May 2007, p. 35.

The resurrected Lord Himself taught: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you; And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours. And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more" (D&C 78:17-19).

A Christ-Centered Life

One of the most common misconceptions about Mormons is that we are not Christian. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Book of Mormon is "Another Testament of Jesus Christ" and in it one prophet declared, "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins" (2 Ne. 25:26). "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Cor. 15:22). Thus, for Latter-day Saints Christ at the center of our lives, not just for our eternal salvation but for happiness and peace in this life. As Elder Richard G. Scott, one of the Twelve Apostles of the Church put it:

“Our Father in Heaven wants each of us to enjoy peace and happiness in mortal life. Our Master, Jesus Christ, and His prophets have taught how to have that peace and happiness, even in a world that is ever more challenging, with increasing conflict and an intense concentration of alluring temptations….

"True, enduring happiness, with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the greatest difficulties, will come as you center your life in Jesus Christ. Obedience to His teachings provides a secure ascent in the journey of life. That takes effort. While there is no guarantee of overnight results, there is the assurance that, in the Lord's time, solutions will come, peace will prevail, and happiness will be yours....

"Peace and happiness are the precious fruits of a righteous life. They are only possible because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

Read the article here, Richard G. Scott, "The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness," Ensign, Nov. 2006, p. 41.

Personal Testimony

As a follow-up to my first post and my most recent post on "religious freedom" it is important to note that no one is admitted into the LDS Church or forced to join unless they have had a personal experience with the Spirit of God resulting in a personal testimony of the truthfulness of the message of the restored gospel. Such an experience cannot be forced upon others, it comes in the Lord's time based on the desires of the individuals to know and embrace sacred truths.

"For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the term testimony is a warm and familiar word in our religious expressions. It is tender and sweet. It has always a certain sacredness about it. When we talk about testimony, we refer to feelings of our heart and mind rather than an accumulation of logical, sterile facts. It is a gift of the Spirit, a witness from the Holy Ghost that certain concepts are true.

"A testimony is the sure knowledge or assurance from the Holy Ghost of the truth and divinity of the Lord’s work in these latter days. A testimony is the “abiding, living, [and] moving conviction of the truths revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ” (Marion G. Romney, “How to Gain a Testimony,” New Era, May 1976, p. 8; emphasis added).

"When we bear testimony, we declare the absolute truth of the gospel message. In a time when many perceive truth as relative, a declaration of absolute truth is not very popular, nor does it seem politically correct or opportune. Testimonies of things how “they really are” (Jacob 4:13) are bold, true, and vital because they have eternal consequences for mankind. Satan wouldn’t mind if we declared the message of our faith and gospel doctrine as negotiable according to circumstances. Our firm conviction of gospel truth is an anchor in our lives; it is steady and reliable as the North Star. A testimony is very personal and may be a little different for each of us, because everyone is a unique person. However, a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ will always include these clear and simple truths:

• • God lives. He is our loving Father in Heaven, and we are His children.

• • Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and the Savior of the world.

• • Joseph Smith is the prophet of God through whom the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored in the latter days.

• • The Book of Mormon is the word of God.

• • President Gordon B. Hinckley, his counselors, and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are the prophets, seers, and revelators in our day.

As we acquire a deeper knowledge of these truths and of the plan of salvation by the power and the gift of the Holy Ghost, we can come to “know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:5).

" Read the entire article here: Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Power of a Personal Testimony," Ensign, Nov. 2006, pp. 37-38.

Discipleship and its Price

Here are two great quotes on being a disciple of Jesus Christ from the late Pres. James E. Faust, former second counselor to Pres. Hinckley.

"True disciples are those who go beyond simply believing. They act out their belief and follow the Divine Master. Their actions are in harmony with their beliefs. They know who they are. They know what God expects of them. They mirror inner peace and certainty concerning the mission and resurrection of Christ. They hunger and thirst after righteousness. They know that they are here on this earth for a purpose. They understand life after death."

Read the full article here, James E. Faust, "The Resurrection", Ensign, May 1985, p. 30.

"For most of us . . . what is required is not to die for the Church but to live for it. For many, living a Christlike life every day may be even more difficult than laying down one's life. . . .

"Many think that the price of discipleship is too costly and too burdensome. For some, it involves giving up too much. But the cross is not as heavy as it appears to be. Through obedience we acquire much greater strength to carry it."

Read the full article here, James E. Faust, "Discipleship," Ensign, Nov. 2006, p. 22.

Religious Freedom

It has been said that Mormons are only interested in "converting" other people to their religion. While the LDS Church is certainly a proselyting faith, taking literally the Savior's injunction to "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15), we hold religious freedom as one of the greatest of God-given liberties and inalienable human rights.

"We believe that religion is instituted of God; and that men are amenable to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinions prompt them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others; but we do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul" (Doctrine & Covenants 134:4).

"We believe that rulers, states, and governments have a right, and are bound to enact laws for the protection of all citizens in the free exercise of their religious belief; but we do not believe that they have a right in justice to deprive citizens of this privilege, or proscribe them in their opinions, so long as a regard and reverence are shown to the laws and such religious opinions do not justify sedition nor conspiracy" (D&C 134:7).

The Prophet Joseph Smith warned the Latter-day Saints that "We ought always to be aware of those prejudices which sometimes so strangely present themselves, and are so congenial to human nature, against our friends, neighbors, and brethren of the world, who choose to differ from us in opinion and in matters of faith. Our religion is between us and our God. Their religion is between them and their God. There is a love from God that should be exercised toward those of our faith, who walk uprightly, which is peculiar to itself, but it is without prejudice; it also gives scope to the mind, which enables us to conduct ourselves with greater liberality towards all that are not of our faith ..." (History of the Church, 3:303–4).

While the world is increasingly full of religious contention and intolerance, Latter-day Saints loudly proclaim that the freedom to worship (or not worship, for Atheism is also a religious choice) is extended to all and includes the beliefs and practices of those who believe differently than we do. In short, "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may" (Articles of Faith 1:11).

A Parable of the Atonement

According to scripture God's work and His glory is to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life" of all humanity (Moses 1:39). In the New Testament John records the Savior teaching us that eternal life is to know God the Father, "the only true God" and his Son Jesus Christ whom He sent (John 17:3). Thus, Heavenly Father's work is bringing us to know Him and His son Jesus Christ. In thinking about the "good news" of the gospel (for that is what the word means), along with eternal progression, individual salvation, the relationship between grace and works, and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf, I have come up with the following parable that I have found useful in helping people understand the Doctrine of Christ (see 2 Ne. 31).

Introducing the eternal, unchanging, and infinite

Atonement SEV (Spiritual Exaltation Vehicle)

It will never run out of gas. It will never break down. It will never rust. It cannot be dented, scratched, or damaged. It never needs to be waxed or washed. It never needs to be serviced, tuned-up, or maintained. It knows exactly where you need to go and how best to get you there. It will even drive itself. It comes fully equipped with:

- Spiritual GPS tracking system (living prophets & scriptures)

- Wireless satellite uplink to 24/7 support center (personal prayer)

- Onboard tutorial (Gift of the Holy Spirit)

- Unlimited Fuel Capacity (Powered by the infinite sacrifice of Christ)

- Spacious cargo rack (To cast all your burdens upon the Lord)

- All-wheel drive with stabilization & traction controls (to keep you on the straight & narrow path)

It was designed to do one thing: deliver us. Best of all, your Atonement is absolutely free (2 Ne. 2:4). Your own customized, personalized Atonement is paid in full by the Grace of God and waiting for you. There are no hidden dealer fees, no taxes, licensing or registration costs. There are no monthly payments or financing. All that is required is a valid driver’s license (ordinances of the gospel) and proof of insurance (repentance).

A driver's license (following proper instruction and a successful test or trial) represents an agreement between the driver and the state, which must be renewed regularly. On the one hand, the state allows the individual to drive on its roads and recognizes them as fully qualified to do so, while the driver agrees to abide by the traffic laws of the state he is driving in. Similarly, baptism represents a covenant wherein Christ accepts us as His disciple and we agree to take upon ourselves his name, to always remember him, and to keep his commandments, which is renewed weekly through partaking of the sacrament (D&C 20:77).

Insurance is required because, although the vehicle itself is perfect, incorruptible, and indestructible, we the passengers are not. From the beginning God knew that we would come to earth and make regular mistakes, have accidents, run into obstacles, or even go off the road. Just as insurance provides accident forgiveness and compensation when life blindsides us or when we have been irresponsible motorists, so to does the repentance allow us to forsake our sins "and be filled with the love of God" (Mos. 4:10-12).

The path of eternal progression is sometimes an easy cruise on the highway of life and we seem to be making fast progress; at others times, we feel like we are being jostled around over rough terrain and do not feel like we are getting anywhere; at still other times, we may feel like slamming on the breaks, afraid that the changes are too difficult, that we don't measure up, or that we aren't ready for the increasing velocity of life's challenges.

In fact, the only danger comes not from the vehicle of our salvation but from our own unbelief. The only danger is that we will stop on our spiritual journey of discipleship and get out of the Atonement; that we will not trust that this God-given vehicle can and will take us, regardless of our starting point, to where we need to be to have the experiences we need to develop into the spiritual individuals God knows we are capable of becoming. God knows the way and the Way lies in Christ. And yet far too many of us are being tricked into thinking that such a vehicle for salvation does not exist, that we must pay for it and the price is too high, that we don't need it and can make our way without it, or even that the journey and ultimate destination are not worth it. Too many of us have abandoned our vehicles to set out on foot, chasing after the fanciful philosophies of men.

For those who believe, God has provided a more excellent way in and through Christ, who's infinite atonement allows us to be led "line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little there a little" (2 Ne. 28:30) in the gospel until that wondrous day that "we shall be like him" (Mor. 7:48).

Have you driven in your Atonement lately?

How long has your Atonement been parked?