Let's Discuss: "Small and Simple Things," by Dallin H. Oaks

"Small and Simple Things"

By President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency
1 April 2018, Sunday morning session

Hymn recommendations:
This was easy, because President Oaks quoted two hymns:
195  How Great the Wisdom and the Love
223  Have I Done Any Good?
But should you want or need additional suggestions:
216  We Are Sowing
224  I Have Work Enough to Do

Favorite quote:

We are surrounded by media influences and cultural deteriorations that will carry us downstream in our values if we are not continually resisting. To move upstream toward our eternal goal, we must constantly keep paddling. It helps if we are part of a team that is paddling together, like a rowing crew in action. To extend that example even further, the cultural currents are so strong that if we ever stop paddling, we will be carried downstream toward a destination we do not seek but which becomes inevitable if we do not constantly try to move forward.

Something to put on the board:

"None of these desirable small and simple things will lift us to great things unless they are practiced consistently and continuously."  -- President Dallin H. Oaks

One-sentence Synopsis:
It's the little things we do that make the biggest difference, ultimately strengthening our commitment to stay on our covenant path.

Talk and Discussion questions:
(Emphasis mine unless otherwise indicated.)

President Oaks's talk is split (presumably by him) into only 2 sections.  The first is short, and includes an introduction, gratitude, nod to Easter.  The second goes into his topic.  Let's dive right in.

I.

My dear brothers and sisters, like you, I have been profoundly touched and edified and inspired by the messages and music and the feelings of this time together. I’m sure I speak for you in expressing thanks to our brothers and sisters who, as instruments in the hands of the Lord, have given us the strengthening effect of this time together.

I liked the idea of "the strengthening effect of [our] time together."  Do you feel strengthened from general conference?  How can we feel more strengthened from general conference?  Are there other places you feel the strengthening effect of time together?  You ward, quorum/society, or family, perhaps?  I was reminded that we, as human beings, are designed to need and strengthen one another.  Zion is not a city of hermits.  :)

I am grateful to speak to this audience on Easter Sunday. Today we join other Christians in celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a pillar of our faith.

I thought that was an interesting statement.  I started to wonder what he meant.  What does it mean to be a pillar?  I decided it might mean that some of our doctrine "rests" on it.  In fact, President Oaks is going to list 5 doctrines that rest on the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I'll list the doctrines here, then you'll see them bolded in the next paragraph.

1. Similar resurrection will come to all mortals
2. The promise of resurrection gives us "a lively hope"
3. Death is not the end, but a step onward
4. The plan also calls for a transition from mortality to immortality
5. Our glorious morning is made possible by His

Because we believe the accounts in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon about the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we also believe the numerous scriptural teachings that a similar resurrection will come to all mortals who have ever lived upon this earth. That resurrection gives us what the Apostle Peter called “a lively hope” (1 Peter 1:3). That lively hope is our conviction that death is not the conclusion of our identity but merely a necessary step in our Heavenly Father’s merciful plan for the salvation of His children. That plan calls for a transition from mortality to immortality. Central to that transition is the sunset of death and the glorious morning made possible by the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior that we celebrate on this Easter Sunday.

Thus he ends his intro.  Next we get into his subject matter.  At the end of this discussion, I have two lists.  One is a list of small and simple things President Oaks mentions.  The other is a list of what promises we get in return that he mentions.

II.

In a great hymn whose words were written by Eliza R. Snow, we sing:

How great, how glorious, how complete
Redemption’s grand design,
Where justice, love, and mercy meet
In harmony divine!1

In furtherance of that divine design and harmony, we assemble in meetings, including this conference, to teach and encourage one another.

I thought it was interesting that he chose to quote this hymn.  This is verse 6, and seems to be rarely sung, however I feel like I've heard it in several conference talks.  (For examples, here, here, and a classic here.)  This almost doesn't seem to relate to the rest of his talk.  But as soon as I thought about it more, I realized it has everything to do with the rest of his talk.  By small and simple things, even redemption is brought to pass.  Let's see if we can tie it in by the end.

This morning I have felt to use as my text Alma’s teaching to his son Helaman, recorded in the Book of Mormon: “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6).

We are taught many small and simple things in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to be reminded that in total and over a significant period of time, these seemingly small things bring to pass great things. There have been many talks on this subject by General Authorities and by other respected teachers. The subject is so important that I feel to speak of it again.

I was reminded of the power of small and simple things over time by something I saw on a morning walk. Here is the picture I took. The thick and strong concrete sidewalk is cracking. Is this the result of some large and powerful thrust? No, this cracking is caused by the slow, small growth of one of the roots reaching out from the adjoining tree. Here is a similar example I saw on another street.

See the crack in sidewalk pictures here, by the way.

I have to say that it is interesting to me that inspiration comes to the apostles in different and sometimes random ways, too.  We may expect the same.  Have you ever been taught by the Spirit as you were walking?

The thrusting power that cracked these heavy concrete sidewalks was too small to measure on a daily or even a monthly basis, but its effect over time was incredibly powerful.

So is the powerful effect over time of the small and simple things we are taught in the scriptures and by living prophets. Consider the scripture study we’ve been taught to incorporate into our daily lives. Or consider the personal prayers and the kneeling family prayers that are regular practices for faithful Latter-day Saints. Consider attendance at seminary for youth or institute classes for young adults. Though each of these practices may seem to be small and simple, over time they result in powerful spiritual uplift and growth. This occurs because each of these small and simple things invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the Testifier who enlightens us and guides us into truth, as President Eyring has explained.

Do you feel the Holy Ghost in your life?  Do you want to feel the Holy Ghost in your life?  President Oaks is spelling it out for us in simple terms!

Another source of spiritual uplift and growth is an ongoing practice of repenting, even of seemingly small transgressions. Our own inspired self-evaluations can help us see how we have fallen short and how we can do better. Such repentance should precede our weekly partaking of the sacrament. Some subjects to consider in this process of repentance are suggested in the hymn “Have I Done Any Good?”

Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?2

Teaching tip - ask everybody in the class to read it looking for one that stands out to them - challenge them to pick something from this song to work on this week!  (or you could tailor it to be something from the talk)

How do we repent of seemingly small transgressions?  Why is this important?  What difference does this really make?  I truly believe it makes all the difference.  Sometimes I think of the sacrifices of the pioneers, of the ancient prophets like Abraham and others, and I think ... what can I give to the Lord?  Repenting of things like bad habits - or even changing lesser habits into better habits - is a great way to baby-step our way closer to Jesus Christ.  Especially if we are not guilty of egregious sins.  The little sins may be the only ones left (and they aren't that little - a single one keeps us out of God's presence).

Surely these are small things, but surely they are good examples of what Alma taught his son Helaman: “And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord … bringeth about the salvation of many souls” (Alma 37:7).

I love that implication.  Small means (for example, repentance of small things) bring us to salvation.

President Steven C. Wheelwright gave an audience at Brigham Young University–Hawaii this inspired description of Alma’s teaching: “Alma confirms for his son that indeed the pattern the Lord follows when we exercise faith in Him and follow His counsel in small and simple things is that He blesses us with small daily miracles, and over time, with marvelous works.”3

President Howard W. Hunter taught that “frequently it is the commonplace tasks … that have the greatest positive effect on the lives of others, as compared with the things that the world so often relates to greatness.”4

Can you think of a time when something small inspired you greatly?  Share in the comments!

A persuasive secular teaching of this same principle comes from former Senator Dan Coats of Indiana, who wrote: “The only preparation for that one profound decision which can change a life, or even a nation, is those hundreds and thousands of half-conscious, self-defining, seemingly insignificant decisions made in private.”5

It seems that practicing choosing the right in small things will help us have the capacity to choose right in profound things.

Those “seemingly insignificant” private decisions include how we use our time, what we view on television and the internet, what we read, the art and music with which we surround ourselves at work and at home, what we seek for entertainment, and how we apply our commitment to be honest and truthful. Another seemingly small and simple thing is being civil and cheerful in our personal interactions.

Wow.  There are a lot of areas where we can repent in small things.  I used to have a long commute, and sometimes I would feel ... road rage.  I bought a Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD and started listening to it in the car.  I did not get it to help me be calm ... but I was amazed that I had a new calm!  I no longer had road rage, and it was THAT SMALL AND THAT SIMPLE.  What small and simple things have made a huge difference in your life?  Is there a tv show you could sacrifice for family history?  Would a picture of Christ gracing your home change the atmosphere of a room?  What ideas do you have?  Let's help each other!

None of these desirable small and simple things will lift us to great things unless they are practiced consistently and continuously. President Brigham Young was reported as saying: “Our lives are made up of little, simple circumstances that amount to a great deal when they are brought together, and sum up the whole life of the man or woman.”6

The power of the small and simple things is practicing consistently and continuously.

We are surrounded by media influences and cultural deteriorations that will carry us downstream in our values if we are not continually resisting. To move upstream toward our eternal goal, we must constantly keep paddling. It helps if we are part of a team that is paddling together, like a rowing crew in action. To extend that example even further, the cultural currents are so strong that if we ever stop paddling, we will be carried downstream toward a destination we do not seek but which becomes inevitable if we do not constantly try to move forward.

This last paragraph was one of my favorite quotes from this talk.  We must keep pressing forward.  It reminded me of President Uchtdorf in Oct 2017: 

"You cannot just float in the waters of life and trust that the current will take you wherever you hope to be one day. Discipleship requires our willingness to swim upstream when needed."

I just thought I'd throw that one in there.

After reciting a seemingly small event that had great consequences, Nephi wrote, “And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things” (1 Nephi 16:29). The Old Testament includes a memorable example of this. There we read how the Israelites were plagued by fiery serpents. Many people died from their bites (see Numbers 21:6). When Moses prayed for relief, he was inspired to make “a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole.” Then, “if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived” (verse 9). Such a small thing for such a miraculous result! Yet, as Nephi explained when he taught this example to those who were rebelling against the Lord, even when the Lord had prepared a simple way by which they could be healed, “because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished” (1 Nephi 17:41).

That example and that teaching remind us that the simplicity of the way or the easiness of the commanded task cannot mean that it is unimportant to achieve our righteous desire.

Do you ever get promptings from the Holy Ghost or from your conscience (the Light of Christ) to do something simple?  Like do the dishes, or brush your teeth?  What if we started following all the good ideas/instructions that "pop" into our heads?  To what great place will the Light of Christ eventually lead us?

Similarly, even small acts of disobedience or minor failures to follow righteous practices can draw us down toward an outcome we have been warned to avoid. The Word of Wisdom provides an example of this. Likely the effect on the body of one cigarette or one drink of alcohol or one dose of another drug cannot be measured. But over time, the effect is powerful and may be irreversible. Remember the cracking of the sidewalk by the gradual small expansions of the root of the tree. One thing is certain, the terrible consequences of partaking of anything that can become addictive, like drugs that attack our bodies or pornographic material that degrades our thoughts, is totally avoidable if we never partake for the first time—even once.

Oh the warning!  If small things can do great things for good... small things can effect great things for bad, too.  More warning quotes:

Many years ago, President M. Russell Ballard described to a general conference audience “how small and simple things can be negative and destructive to a person’s salvation.” He taught: “Like weak fibers that form a yarn, then a strand, and finally a rope, these small things combined together can become too strong to be broken. We must ever be aware of the power that the small and simple things can have in building spirituality,” he said. “At the same time, we must be aware that Satan will use small and simple things to lead us into despair and misery.”7

President Wheelwright gave a similar caution to his BYU–Hawaii audience: “It is in failing to do the small and simple things that faith wavers, miracles cease, and progress towards the Lord and His kingdom is first put on hold and then begins to unravel as seeking after the kingdom of God is replaced with more temporal pursuits and worldly ambitions.”8

To protect against the cumulative negative effects that are destructive to our spiritual progress, we need to follow the spiritual pattern of small and simple things. Elder David A. Bednar described this principle in a BYU Women’s Conference: “We can learn much about the nature and importance of this spiritual pattern from the technique of … dripping water onto the soil at very low rates,” in contrast to flooding or spraying large quantities of water where it may not be needed.

He explained: “The steady drips of water sink deep into the ground and provide a high moisture level in the soil wherein plants can flourish. In like manner, if you and I are focused and frequent in receiving consistent drops of spiritual nourishment, then gospel roots can sink deep into our soul, can become firmly established and grounded, and can produce extraordinary and delicious fruit.”

Continuing, he said, “The spiritual pattern of small and simple things bringing forth great things produces firmness and steadfastness, deepening devotion, and more complete conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel.”9

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught this principle in words now included in the Doctrine and Covenants: “Let no man count them as small things; for there is much … pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things” (D&C 123:15).

In connection with the earliest attempts to establish the Church in Missouri, the Lord counseled patience for “all things must come to pass in their time” (D&C 64:32). Then He gave this great teaching: “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33).

Can you think of any "small" things from the days of Joseph Smith that have yielded or been a foundation for bigger things?  What first came to my mind was the initial publication of the Book of Mormon.  How many copies have now been distributed in how many languages?  I couldn't tell you!

I believe we all desire to follow President Russell M. Nelson’s challenge to press forward “on the covenant path.”10 Our commitment to do so is strengthened by consistently following the “small things” we are taught by the gospel of Jesus Christ and the leaders of His Church. I testify of Him and invoke His blessings on all who seek to keep on His covenant path, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Two things.  First, I love that President Oaks reveals that some of his inspiration for this talk was President Nelson's message in the April Ensign!  It is here at the end, because he probably did not want to draw attention to it.  President Oaks is a wonderful example of meekly following the prophet.

Second, I hear "the covenant path," over and over recently.  Have you done a self-evaluation recently of where you are and where you are headed on the covenant path?  Just thought I'd throw that in there, too!


Small and Simple Things specifically mentioned by President Oaks:

1. Scripture study
2. Personal prayers
3. Family prayers
4. Seminary/Institute attendance
5. Ongoing repentance of even small things
1. Inspired self-evaluations
2. Should precede partaking the sacrament
3. Consider ideas from Have I Done Any Good?
1. Do good
2. Help someone in need
3. Cheer up the sad
4. Make someone feel glad
5. Share
6. Lighten others' burdens
7. Help the sick and weary
4. Bring about salvation (even our own)
6. Exercise faith
7. Follow His counsel in small things
8. Commonplace tasks
9. How we use our time
10. What we view on tv and internet
11. What we read
12. Art and music surrounding us
13. Entertainment choices
14. Honesty and truthfulness
15. Civil and cheerful interactions
16. Continually resisting media influences and cultural deteriorations
17. Following the prophet (like Moses)
18. Not partaking of ONE cigarette or ONE drink of alcohol or ONE dose of another drug
19. Receiving consistent drops of spiritual nourishment

Promises in Return specifically mentioned by President Oaks:

1. Powerful spiritual uplift and growth
2. The companionship of the Holy Ghost
3. The Holy Ghost testifies and enlightens and guides us into truth
4. Small daily miracles
5. Marvelous works (over time)
6. Great positive effect on the lives of others
7. Healing (from the snakes)
8. Achieve our righteous desire
9. Small things combine to become too strong to be broken
10. Building spirituality
11. Gospel roots sink deep into our soul - established and grounded - produce fruit
12. Firmness and steadfastness
13. Deepening devotion
14. More complete conversion to the Lord and His Gospel
15. Lay a foundation for a great work
16. Follow the covenant path

Priesthood Administration Table

My dad hand-wrote a similar table earlier this year when we were talking about priesthood power.  I typed it up tonight.  Love it.

Let's Discuss: "Precious Gifts from God," by M. Russell Ballard

"Precious Gifts from God"

By President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
31 March 2018, Saturday Morning Session

Hymn Recommendations:
95  Now Thank We All Our God
146  Gently Raise the Sacred Strain
167  Come, Let Us Sing an Evening Hymn
241  Count Your Blessings

Favorite quote:

Elder George A. Smith remembered some advice the Prophet Joseph Smith gave to him: “He told me I should never get discouraged, whatever difficulties might surround me. If I was sunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I ought not to be discouraged but hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage and I should come out on the top of the heap at last.”

Something to put on the board:

"The Lord Jesus Christ is our most precious of all gifts from God."  - President M. Russell Ballard

One-sentence Synopsis:
Let us have faith, appreciate, and be blessed by receiving the many precious gifts God sends to us.

Talk and Discussion Questions:

My first thought when starting to study this talk was pondering the title.  What "precious gifts" does this title refer to?  I resolved to find out!  I made a list as I went through.  In a classroom setting, I might put the list on the board as we reached the items in the talk.  I'll go ahead and put the full list here first.  They are NOT in order of importance!

     Precious Gifts from God

1. Orderly way we have begun a new chapter in church history
2. Knowledge of Philippians 4:13 (that we can do all things through Christ)
3. "Many, many more"
4. Sabbath day
5. Sacrament
6. Service to others
7. The Savior
8. Church membership

Now let's begin.  Emphasis my own except where indicated:

My brothers and sisters, we have just participated in a solemn assembly, a practice that can be traced back to the Bible when ancient Israel gathered to feel the Lord’s presence and celebrate His blessings.1 We are privileged to live in a time when this ancient practice has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.2 I urge you to record in your personal journal what you felt regarding this most sacred occasion in which you have taken part.

Did you take his advice?  Did you record your feelings from the solemn assembly?  Let's share with each other!  Would anyone share their feelings?  I made a separate blogpost with my reaction to conference.  Here is a quote from my "journal:"

The solemn assembly was special.  I started crying during the opening hymn, and was sensitive throughout - it was all so SPECIAL.  I wanted to shout "Hosanna!"  I found myself drawn towards the screen, wanting to reach into it.  I remember saying, "This is what I need."  I love general conference anyway, but I was so happy to be able to participate.  The Spirit was so strong, so moving, so delicious, so wonderful and ... familiar.  I believe the Savior Himself was with us.

Share your thoughts in the comments.  Or record them in your journal if you have not.

Recently, we said goodbye to our dear friend and prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. Although we all miss him, we are deeply grateful the Lord has called a new prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, to preside over His Church. In an orderly way we have now begun a new chapter in our Church history. This is a precious gift from God.

So, since I was looking for "precious gifts," I could see that President Ballard was trying to be very clear in his talk.  (Sometimes, I think it would be nice to have the titles before they start talking, so that we have clues of what to listen for.  Although, being taught by the Spirit is something I cherish from live conference, too.)  This is the first item in the list.  I couldn't quite tell which part he was referring to, though.  Is the procedure (the way) the gift?  the new chapter?  the new prophet?  the "orderly" or priestly or organizational way?  I suppose it could be all of those...  What do you think?  Am I missing something?

As we each sustained President Nelson by our uplifted hands, we stood as witnesses before God and acknowledged that he is President Monson’s rightful successor. With our raised hands, we promised to hearken unto his voice as he receives direction from the Lord.

Did you feel the import during the solemn assembly?  This sounds serious!  Keywords such as "witnesses,"  we "acknowledged" and "promised."  How will we do this?  How will you do this?

The Lord has said:
“Thou shalt give heed unto all his [meaning the President of the Church] words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them … ;
“For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.”3

I have known our new prophet-president for over 60 years. I have served with him in the Quorum of the Twelve for 33 years, and I am a witness that the hand of the Lord has been preparing him to become our presiding apostle and prophet to administer all the keys of the holy priesthood on the earth. May each one of us completely sustain him and his counselors and follow their direction. We also warmly welcome Elder Gong and Elder Soares as members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

All the above almost seems introductory, although he weaves it into his talk by mentioning the precious gift.  I wonder how Presidents Nelson and Ballard have known each other since their 20s/30s or so.  Does anyone know?

After Jesus’s Resurrection, an event we celebrate this glorious Easter weekend, He appeared to His disciples and said, “Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”4 Notice a twofold action—God sends His Son. The Son sends His servants—mortal men and women—to accomplish Their work.

I am interested in this pattern.  God sends His Son, the Son sends His servants.  Where are WE in this pattern?  Are we helping God and Jesus accomplish Their work?  Are we His servants?  Is He our Master?  Anyway, I'm not sure where I'm going with this - but my ears perked up a bit when I heard this, because we see this same pattern in the temple, and on earth, and I had been thinking about it recently.

We should not be surprised to know that those individuals called to do the Lord’s work are not humanly perfect. Stories in the scriptures detail incidents about men and women who were called of God to accomplish a great work—good sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father called to serve in their assignments in the Church, striving to do their best, but none of them yet perfect. The same is true of us today.

Who in the scriptures fits this description?  "Great work" almost feels like a codeword to me - like the "great and marvelous work."  I thought immediately of Ammon and his brethren - Ammon relates that they were "made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work" Alma 26:3.  Who else?  Well, Moses.  "Moses was commanded of the Lord to do that great work..." 1 Nephi 17:26.  What other scripture examples?  I searched the scriptures for "great work," and got also Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem (Nehemiah 6:3), Joseph Smith and his contemporaries "laying the foundation of a great work" (Doctrine & Covenants 64:33), a "great work to be done in the temples of the Lord" (Doctrine & Covenants 138:48).  Interesting!  So what are we called to do?

Given the reality of our human weaknesses and shortcomings, how do we move forward in supporting and sustaining each other? It begins with faith—real, sincere faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith in the Savior is the first principle of the doctrine and gospel of Christ.

Well, President Ballard implies at least part of our commission is to move forward in supporting and sustaining each other in our callings - just like we sustained a new prophet.  It begins with FAITH.

Several years ago I was visiting the Holy Land. As we drove by a mustard plant, the director of the BYU Jerusalem Center asked if I had ever seen a mustard seed. I hadn’t so we stopped. He showed me the seeds from the mustard plant. They were surprisingly small.

I then remembered Jesus’s teachings: “For verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”5

If we have faith as small as a mustard seed, the Lord can help us remove the mountains of discouragement and doubt in the tasks ahead of us as we serve with God’s children, including family members, Church members, and those who are not yet members of the Church.

I really like the idea of removing mountains fo discouragement and doubt.  What obstacles are hindering us from realizing our potentials?

Brothers and sisters, life can be filled with faith, joy, happiness, hope, and love when we exercise the smallest amount of real faith in Christ—even a mustard seed of faith.

Sign me up!  I want these fruits!

Elder George A. Smith remembered some advice the Prophet Joseph Smith gave to him: “He told me I should never get discouraged, whatever difficulties might surround me. If I was sunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I ought not to be discouraged but hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage and I should come out on the top of the heap at last.”6

This really moved me.  I was just reminded of an acronym for HOPE I saw recently - Hang On, Pain Ends.

We should remember Paul’s declaration: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”7 Knowing this is another precious gift from God.

Here we have item number 2 on the list of precious gifts from God.  How is knowledge a gift from God?  Share your insights.  I would say Spirit-borne testimony is always a divine gift.  But knowing we can do all things through Christ - and knowing He can strengthen us is a special witness.

In addition to the gifts I have mentioned, there are many, many more. I speak now of just a few—the gift of the Sabbath day, the sacrament, service to others, and the matchless gift from God of our Savior.

So here we have a sort of outline of the rest of President Ballard's talk.  These are items 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.   First, the Sabbath:

The power of the Sabbath day is to experience in church and at home the delight, the joy, and the warmth of feeling the Spirit of the Lord without any kind of distraction.

Are we taking advantage of the Sabbath day?

Too many allow themselves to almost live online with their smart devices—screens illuminating their faces day and night and earbuds in their ears blocking out the still, small voice of the Spirit. If we do not find time to unplug, we may miss opportunities to hear the voice of Him who said, “Be still, and know that I am God.”8 Now, there is nothing wrong with taking advantage of the advances in the technologies inspired by the Lord, but we must be wise in their use. Remember the gift of the Sabbath day.

Are we living too much online?  Do you unplug on the Sabbath?  Any comments on gratitude or blessings from observing the Sabbath?

Next the sacrament:

The blessing of receiving the sacrament in sacrament meeting must never become routine or just something we do. It is only 70 minutes in a whole week when we can pause and find more peace, joy, and happiness in our lives.

 Partaking of the sacrament and renewing our covenants is a sign by us to the Lord that we do always remember Him. His Atonement is a gracious gift from God.

President Ballard almost sneaks in the gift of Christ's Atonement here, but will talk more of Christ in a bit.  How is the sacrament a "sign by us to the Lord?"

Next service to others:

The privilege of service to Heavenly Father’s children is another opportunity to follow the example of His Beloved Son by serving one another.

Some service opportunities are formal—in our family, our Church callings, and our participation in community service organizations.

Church members—both men and women—should not hesitate, if they desire, to run for public office at any level of government wherever they live. Our voices are essential today and important in our schools, our cities, and our countries. Where democracy exists, it is our duty as members to vote for honorable men and women who are willing to serve.

I think this may be the first time I have ever heard encouragement to run for public office stated in conference.  How can we use our voice today in our schools, cities, countries?

Many opportunities to serve are informal—without assignment—and come as we reach out to others we meet in life’s journey. Remember Jesus taught the lawyer that we should love God and our neighbor as ourselves using the good Samaritan as an example.9

President Ballard makes a distinction between formal service and informal service.  Why do you think he does that?  How does the service you do in your life fall into these two categories?

Service opens a window by which we understand the life and ministry of Christ. He came to serve, as the scriptures teach, “even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”10

I love this paragraph!  How has service helped you better understand Christ?  I have felt the love of God for people I have served, for example, in callings.  I have also felt the love God has for me.  I feel this stronger when I am helping others on His behalf.  It's almost a feeling of divine approval.  He loves when we help each other!  Just like as a mom, I love when my children help each other.

Peter may have given the best description of the Savior’s mortal ministry in five words when he referred to Jesus, “who went about doing good.”11

How do we follow this example?  How can we go about doing good?

Next, the gift of Jesus Christ:

The Lord Jesus Christ is our most precious of all gifts from God. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”12

 How is Jesus Christ a gift?  I am reminded that to appreciate a gift, we must receive it.  Receive is a another special word.

Nephi captured the importance of our Savior when he declared, “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.”13 We must keep Christ as the center of our lives at all times and in all places.

We should remember that it is His name that appears on our places of worship; we are baptized in His name; and we are confirmed, ordained, endowed, and sealed in marriage in His name. We partake of the sacrament and promise to take upon ourselves His name—and become true Christians. Finally, we are asked in the sacrament prayer to “always remember him.”14

As we prepare for Easter Sunday tomorrow, let us remember that Christ is supreme. He is the righteous Judge, our faithful Advocate, our blessed Redeemer, the Good Shepherd, the promised Messiah, a true Friend, and much, much more. He is indeed a very precious gift to us from our Father.

I love this part, too.  How can we make Jesus more of the center of our lives?

In our discipleship, we have many demands, concerns, and assignments. However, some activities must always be at the heart of our Church membership. “Wherefore,” the Lord commands, “be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”15 (emphasis in text)

This is the Church in action! This is pure religion! This is the gospel in its true sense as we succor, lift, and strengthen those in spiritual and temporal need! Doing so requires us to visit them and to assist them,16 that their testimonies of faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and His Atonement will be anchored in their hearts.

President Ballard mentions one last gift before closing:

May the Lord help and bless us to treasure our many precious gifts from God, including our membership in His restored Church. I pray we will be filled with love for our Heavenly Father’s children and be able to see their needs and be willing to answer their questions and concerns about the gospel in clear and kind ways that will increase understanding and appreciation for one another.

Why is membership in His restored Church a gift?  How is it a gift?  Have you ever wondered why you were "lucky" enough to be born in or to find the Church?  Do you treat your membership as a prized gift?

I testify that Jesus Christ is our Savior. What we will be taught at this general conference comes to us by inspiration from apostles and prophets, from General Authorities, and sister leaders who are General Officers of the Church. May the joy and peace of the Lord abide with each one is my humble prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

Sidestep Compelled Humility through Meekness

Mormon teaches us "that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart," or "his faith and hope is vain."  Moroni 7:43-44

Why is that, do you think?



Here's my answer.  I think MEEKNESS means we can truly humble ourselves rather than having to be COMPELLED to be humble. When we're compelled to humility, we maybe aren't acting fully on faith, because we KNOW something needs to change. When acting in meekness, we humble ourselves because of the WORD - we act in FAITH, not knowing.

Here is my journey to this:

Moroni 6:8 "But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven."

God really wants us to repent (see also D&C 19:15-20).

Earlier this week, I reread Alma 32:
I learned that humility is the preparation state to hear the WORD, to learn WISDOM, and to REPENT. Only those that repent will find mercy. Also, one way to mercy is through afflictions.  Afflictions -> compelled humility -> word/wisdom -> repent -> mercy -> salvation.

"6 And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he beheld that their afflictions had truly HUMBLED them, and that they were in a PREPARATION to hear the WORD.
"7 Therefore he did say no more to the other multitude; but he stretched forth his hand, and cried unto those whom he beheld, who were truly PENITENT, and said unto them:
"8 I behold that ye are LOWLY IN HEART; and if so, blessed are ye."
...
"12 I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues, that ye may be humble, and that ye may LEARN WISDOM; for it is necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that ye are cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren because of your exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a LOWLINESS OF HEART; for ye are necessarily brought to be HUMBLE.
"13 And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh REPENTANCE; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find MERCY; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be SAVED."

Humility is not the same as meekness. Here's a David A. Bednar quote from April 2018:

"The Christlike quality of meekness often is misunderstood in our contemporary world. Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; and gracious, not brash. A meek person is not easily provoked, pretentious, or overbearing and readily acknowledges the accomplishments of others.

"Whereas humility generally denotes dependence upon God and the constant need for His guidance and support, a distinguishing characteristic of meekness is a particular SPIRITUAL RECEPTIVITY to LEARNING both from the Holy Ghost and from people who may seem less capable, experienced, or educated, who may not hold important positions, or who otherwise may not appear to have much to contribute."

Now, I am wondering if meekness is the lack of heart-stubbornness that is the key to humbling ourselves without being compelled to be humble. So meekness->word->humility->repentance->mercy? Back to Alma 32:

"14 And now, as I said unto you, that because ye were compelled to be humble ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are more blessed who TRULY HUMBLE THEMSELVES because of the WORD?
"15 Yea, he that TRULY HUMBLETH HIMSELF, and REPENTETH of his sins, and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed—yea, much MORE BLESSED than they who are compelled to be humble because of their exceeding poverty.
"16 Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that BELIEVETH in the WORD OF GOD, and is baptized WITHOUT STUBBORNNESS of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe."

This last bit about without being brought to know ... that makes me think our afflictions bring us to KNOW something is off - to KNOW something needs to change (repent essentially means to change or to turn back). Meekness already believes we can do better because the Spirit, the Word, nudges us - without "knowing" - so acting in it is an exercise of FAITH.

Does this mean we won't experience afflictions if we are meek?  Well, maybe.  But more importantly than avoidance, perhaps meekness allows us to accept the afflictions as God's will, glorify Him through the trials, and soar through them on His wings.  Our burdens become light, as we cheerfully submit (Mosiah 24:15). 

Let's Discuss: "His Spirit to Be with You," by Henry B. Eyring

"His Spirit to Be with You"

By President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency
1 April 2018, Sunday Morning Session

Hymn Recommendations:
103  Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer
123  Oh, May My Soul Commune with Thee
143  Let the Holy Spirit Guide
157  Thy Spirit, Lord, Has Stirred Our Souls
The following one is quoted in the talk, so I would give it priority consideration!
165  Abide with Me; 'Tis Eventide

Favorite Quote:

She is like all who are great ministers in the Lord’s kingdom. It seems there are two things they do. Great ministers have qualified for the Holy Ghost as a nearly constant companion. And they have qualified for the gift of charity, which is the pure love of Christ. Those gifts have grown in them as they have used them in serving out of love for the Lord.

Something to put on the board:

"My hope today is to increase your desire and your ability to receive the Holy Ghost." 

One-sentence Synopsis:
We can and should increase our desire and ability to open our hearts to receive the Holy Ghost and charity, to be effective ministers for the Lord.

Talk and Discussion Questions:

This talk was one of the talks that moved me most during the live sessions.  Let's just get right into it!  All emphasis in the quotes added by me.

My brothers and sisters, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to you on the Lord’s Sabbath, in the general conference of His Church, at this Easter season. I thank our Heavenly Father for the gift of His Beloved Son, who came voluntarily to earth to be our Redeemer. I am grateful to know that He atoned for our sins and rose in the Resurrection. Every day I am blessed to know that, because of His Atonement, I may someday be resurrected to live forever in a loving family.

I notice he says in "a loving family."  That made me consider that there is always choice - we create our families in more ways than one.  But I think this is extra special to him, because he is about to relate the passing of his mother.

I know those things by the only way any of us can know them. The Holy Ghost has spoken to my mind and heart that they are true—not just once but often. I have needed that continuing comfort. ... 

When I hear "the only way," my ears kind of prick up, because something I'm interested in is that there is only one way, and it is the doctrine of Christ, or Christ Himself (see 2 Nephi 31, John 14:6).  So for President Eyring to say he knows these things the only way we can, means he has followed the covenant path - the faith that leads to the knowledge (see Alma 32), etc.

He says we receive confirmation not just once but often - what does that mean to you?  How often is often?  Do you have any examples of continuing comfort and confirmation from the Spirit?  I will share one.  Before my now husband and I were engaged, I started receiving spiritual witnesses that he was the one I should marry.  I was a little dubious, because we lived different lifestyles at the time, and often would ask for confirmation from the Spirit that it was true, and He continually affirmed the promptings.

We all experience tragedy during which we need the reassurance of the Spirit. ...

Whe do you think we all have these experiences where "we NEED the reassurance of the Spirit?"  Maybe it is exactly for that reason - so that we NEED the Spirit, so that we TURN to the Spirit and ALIGN ourselves with the Spirit.

... I felt it one day as I stood with my father in a hospital. We watched my mother take a few shallow breaths—and then no more. As we looked on her face, she was smiling as the pain left. After a few silent moments, my father spoke first. He said, “A little girl has gone home.”

He said it softly. He seemed to be at peace. He was reporting something he knew was true. He quietly began to gather Mother’s personal things. He went out into the hospital hallway to thank each of the nurses and doctors who had ministered to her for days.
My father had the companionship of the Holy Ghost at that moment to feel, to know, and to do what he did that day. He had received the promise, as many have: “That they may have his Spirit to be with them” (D&C 20:79).

President Eyring seems to use the word "receive" a lot in this talk.  This is the first out of 13 instances.  I've made a list at the bottom of this post to put them together in one place.  In studying this talk, my mind went back to Elder Bednar's talk in October 2010 about receiving the Holy Ghost.  I want to share a quote from there to bear in mind as we think about "receiving" the promises and more that Elder Eyring mentions.

"The Holy Ghost does not become operative in our lives merely because hands are placed upon our heads and those four important words are spoken. As we receive this ordinance, each of us accepts a sacred and ongoing responsibility to desire, to seek, to work, and to so live that we indeed 'receive the Holy Ghost' and its attendant spiritual gifts."  -- David A. Bednar, Oct. 2010

Whenever I hear the word "receive," I also think of the temple and receiving our endowments there.  I believe it is all related.

My hope today is to increase your desire and your ability to receive the Holy Ghost. ... 

I love when the prophets and apostles state the intention for their talk.  It is easier to put everything they say into the perspective of their purpose.  What does it mean to you to receive the Holy Ghost?

...Remember, He is the third member of the Godhead. The Father and the Son are resurrected beings. The Holy Ghost is a person of spirit. (See D&C 130:22.) It is your choice whether to receive Him and welcome Him into your heart and mind.

Is it that easy?  Do we just CHOOSE?  What do you think?  Comment below.  I would say yes and no.  Yes, it is that easy - to "look unto Him in every thought" is a simple-enough concept ... to say.  Maybe it is easier said than done, though.  It is easy to be distracted by the tendencies of the natural man, and our false traditions.  Also, the next quote:

The conditions on which we can receive that supernal blessing are made clear in the words that are spoken every week but perhaps do not always sink into our hearts and minds. To have the Spirit sent to us, we must “always remember” the Savior and “keep his commandments” (D&C 20:77).

Aha - so there are conditions to receiving - and they are important enough for us to ponder weekly in our Sacrament prayers.

This time of year helps us remember the Savior’s sacrifice and His rising from the tomb a resurrected being. Many of us hold images of those scenes in our memories. I once stood with my wife outside a tomb in Jerusalem. Many believe that it was the tomb from which the crucified Savior emerged as a resurrected and living God.

The respectful guide that day motioned with his hand and said to us, “Come, see an empty tomb.”

We stooped to enter. We saw a stone bench against a wall. But into my mind came another picture, as real as what we saw that day. It was of Mary, who was left by the Apostles at the tomb. That is what the Spirit let me see and even hear in my mind, as clearly as if I had been there:

What a beautiful testimony to share at general conference.  Truly President Eyring is a seer.  Notice the colon (":") - how much of the following did he witness.  When he shared this, it was almost like receiving the vision myself, his testimony was so clear and certain.

“But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

“And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

“And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

“And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

“Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

“Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

“Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God” (John 20:11–17).

This seems to be the end of the experience he witnessed in his mind as real as being at conference that day.  Wow.

Next, President Eyring starts to emphasize the idea of our heart burning within us - testimony of the Holy Ghost.  But he does not say it outright - it is without mentioning it by name!  I did not catch this when listening live!  I get so much more out of studying a printed copy!  Just keep these in mind as we read the next bit.

I have prayed to be allowed to feel something of what Mary felt at the tomb and what two other disciples felt on the road to Emmaus as they walked with the resurrected Savior, thinking Him a visitor to Jerusalem:

Do we pray for these feelings and experiences?  Can we have these experiences?

“But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

“And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

“And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

“And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:29–32).

Some of those words were repeated in a sacrament meeting I attended more than 70 years ago. In those days sacrament meetings were held in the evening. It was dark outside. The congregation sang these familiar words. I had heard them many times. But my lasting memory is of a feeling on one particular night. It draws me closer to the Savior. Perhaps if I recite the words, it will come to all of us again:

Abide with me; ’tis eventide.
The day is past and gone;
The shadows of the evening fall;
The night is coming on.
Within my heart a welcome guest,
Within my home abide.

Abide with me; ’tis eventide.
Thy walk today with me
Has made my heart within me burn,
As I communed with thee.
Thy earnest words have filled my soul
And kept me near thy side.

O Savior, stay this night with me;
Behold, ’tis eventide.
O Savior, stay this night with me;
Behold, ’tis eventide.1

If you listen to the recording of this talk, President Eyring gets a little choked up.  He remembers the feelings.  Have you received personal, Word-of-God messages through hymns?  Have you ever had an experience where a hymn takes on new meaning for you - and you cannot hear or sing it the same?  Share your experiences in the comments.  I love the hymns.  Many of them are my "friends," that mean a lot to me.  If I find myself singing one out of the blue, I look for a message from Above.

More precious than a memory of events is the memory of the Holy Ghost touching our hearts and His continuing affirmation of truth. More precious than seeing with our eyes or remembering words spoken and read is recalling the feelings that accompanied the quiet voice of the Spirit. Rarely I have felt it exactly as the travelers on the road to Emmaus did—as a soft but unmistakable burning in the heart. More often it is a feeling of light and quiet assurance.

Here we have some descriptions of feeling the Spirit.  It is difficult to verbalize the spiritual.  How do you describe the Spirit?  I think President Eyring is also trying to emphasize the FEELINGS we feel during a message.  Maybe if we start to feel those feelings, we can know to look for a message.

We have the priceless promise of the Holy Ghost as a companion, and we also have true directions on how to claim that gift. These words are said by the Lord’s authorized servant with his hands on our head: “Receive the Holy Ghost.” At that moment you and I have the assurance He will be sent. But our obligation is to choose to open our hearts to receive the ministration of the Spirit over a lifetime.

Aha - receiving the Holy Ghost is not like opening a present and you're done - it takes dedication over a lifetime to continue to receive.  Also, President Eyring gives us the clue that we must "open our hearts to receive."  How do we do that?  Share your thoughts in the comments.  I believe the biggest key may be uprooting the natural man and becoming a saint (Mosiah 3:19).

Next is an interesting section of the talk, where we see an example in Joseph Smith.

The experiences of the Prophet Joseph Smith offer a guide.

Why do prophets serve as guides?  How can we know we can trust them?

Ok - on to the example:

He began and continued his ministry with the decision that his own wisdom was not sufficient to know what course he should pursue. He chose to be humble before God. 

Next, Joseph chose to ask of God. He prayed in faith that God would answer. The answer came when he was a young boy. Those messages came when he needed to know how God would have His Church established. The Holy Ghost comforted and guided him throughout his life.

He obeyed inspiration when it was difficult. For instance, he received direction to send the Twelve to England when he needed them most. He sent them.

He accepted correction and comfort from the Spirit when he was imprisoned and the Saints were terribly oppressed. And he obeyed when he went down the road to Carthage even as he knew he faced mortal danger.

The Prophet Joseph set an example for us of how to receive continual spiritual direction and comfort through the Holy Ghost.

The first choice he made was to be humble before God.

How can we choose to be humble?

The second was to pray with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

How can we increase our faith and prayers?

The third was to obey exactly. Obedience may mean to move quickly. It may mean to prepare. Or it may mean to wait in patience for further inspiration.

 I really loved this third item.  How can we obey more exactly?

And the fourth is to pray to know the needs and hearts of others and how to help them for the Lord. Joseph prayed for the Saints in distress when he was in prison. ...

 How can we or how should we pray for others?

...It has been my opportunity to observe the prophets of God as they pray, ask for inspiration, receive direction, and act on it.

I have seen how often their prayers are about the people they love and serve. Their concern for others seems to open their hearts to receive inspiration. That can be true for you.

Do you have any experiences about praying for others?  Some of my most heartfelt prayers are on behalf of others.  Some of my clearest "answers" are after praying for others.  I remember a friend's sister was going to have surgery, and she asked for prayers.  I prayed for her, and I felt confirmation that things would go smoothly!  I was a little surprised to receive confirmation about a prayer that was for someone else's benefit!  But I testify of it.

Inspiration will help us minister to others for the Lord. You have seen that in your experience, as I have. My bishop once said to me—at a time when my wife was under great strain in her own life—“Every time I hear of someone in the ward who needs help, when I get there to help, I find that your wife was there ahead of me. How does she do that?”

She is like all who are great ministers in the Lord’s kingdom. It seems there are two things they do. Great ministers have qualified for the Holy Ghost as a nearly constant companion. And they have qualified for the gift of charity, which is the pure love of Christ. Those gifts have grown in them as they have used them in serving out of love for the Lord.

Have we qualified for the Holy Ghost?  Have we qualified for charity?  What lack we yet?  Are we serving within our capacities?  Is there some area of your life that you can devote to service?

Now we are approaching conclusion, with a final, beautiful scriptural promise:

The way in which prayer, inspiration, and love of the Lord work together in our service is described for me perfectly in these words:

“If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

"If ye love me, keep my commandments.

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

“Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

“Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

“At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:14–21).

Wow - big promises.  Do we have the First Comforter?  Do we have the Second Comforter?  What lack we yet? (This may be too personal to share.)

I bear my personal witness that the Father is at this moment aware of you, your feelings, and the spiritual and temporal needs of everyone around you. I bear testimony that the Father and the Son are sending the Holy Ghost to all who have that gift, ask for that blessing, and seek to be worthy of it. ...

We who have the gift of the Holy Ghost have access to Their constant stream of "divine light" or truth - it's like a radio frequency- are we tuned in to "receive" the Word?

...Neither the Father, nor the Son, nor the Holy Ghost force Themselves into our lives. We are free to choose. ...

There is that choice idea again.  Let's set a new intention today:  I CHOOSE TO RECEIVE the ministrations of the Holy Ghost!

...The Lord has said to all:

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith” (Revelation 3:20–22).

I love that he included that last verse - are our ears open to the Spirit??  How can we be "woke?"

I pray with all my heart that you will hear the voice of the Spirit, which is sent to you so generously. And I pray that you will open your heart always to receive Him. If you ask with real intent and with faith in Jesus Christ for inspiration, you will receive it in the Lord’s way and in His time. God did that for the young Joseph Smith. He does it today for our living prophet, President Russell M. Nelson. He has placed you in the way of other children of God to serve them for Him. ...

What other children of God are we placed to serve? Children, families, ministering routes, ward members, callings and stewardships, friends, acquaintances, literally everyone we meet can be in our sphere of influence.  We can brighten any day with as small an effort as a smile, or as big an effort as a service project.

...I know that not only by what I have seen with my eyes but more powerfully by what the Spirit has whispered to my heart. 

I have felt the love of the Father and of His Beloved Son for all the children of God in the world and for His children in the spirit world.

CHARITY! President Eyring has felt it.

I have felt the comfort and the direction of the Holy Ghost. I pray that you may have the joy of having the Spirit with you as your companion constantly. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

So - now that we've gone through his talk - HAS your desire and ability to receive the Holy Ghost increased??  Take a moment to reflect.  Maybe reread it!

Receive as a Key Word

I enjoy studying this way sometimes, when a word keeps surfacing in a talk.  What extra nuances do these instances teach you?  What is President Eyring saying?  Think about where/when we "receive" - do you see any additional symbolism?

1. My father had the companionship of the Holy Ghost at that moment to feel, to know, and to do what he did that day. He had received the promise, as many have: “That they may have his Spirit to be with them” (D&C 20:79). 
2. My hope today is to increase your desire and your ability to receive the Holy Ghost.
3. It is your choice whether to receive Him and welcome Him into your heart and mind.
4. The conditions on which we can receive that supernal blessing are made clear in the words that are spoken every week but perhaps do not always sink into our hearts and minds. To have the Spirit sent to us, we must “always remember” the Savior and “keep his commandments” (D&C 20:77).
5. We have the priceless promise of the Holy Ghost as a companion, and we also have true directions on how to claim that gift. These words are said by the Lord’s authorized servant with his hands on our head: “Receive the Holy Ghost.” At that moment you and I have the assurance He will be sent.
6. But our obligation is to choose to open our hearts to receive the ministration of the Spirit over a lifetime.
7. He obeyed inspiration when it was difficult. For instance, he received direction to send the Twelve to England when he needed them most. He sent them.
8. The Prophet Joseph set an example for us of how to receive continual spiritual direction and comfort through the Holy Ghost.
9. It has been my opportunity to observe the prophets of God as they pray, ask for inspiration, receive direction, and act on it.
10. Their concern for others seems to open their hearts to receive inspiration. 
11. “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."
12. And I pray that you will open your heart always to receive Him.
13. If you ask with real intent and with faith in Jesus Christ for inspiration, you will receive it in the Lord’s way and in His time.

The Iron Rod, Part 2

View Part 1 here

THE IRON ROD, PART 2

I have to start by saying that this is still a study in progress - a fascinating and joyful study that I highly recommend. The entire Book of Mormon has opened up to me in a new way - and I did not think it a stranger before. That said, I am just as sure there are other layers and meanings in the scriptures referenced below, and I cannot write everything. I am sharing with the hope that we can help each other better understand THE WAY (It Is All Christ, is it not?), and in so doing we can all better draw and be drawn closer to Him. Please share your insights! It is making an amazing picture.

As mentioned in part 1, I believe one of the synonymous, symbolic references to the iron rod is the "arm of mercy."

Next, I want to bring in the cherubim and flaming sword. I picked up a few years ago the idea that the flaming sword represents justice. This seemed to be supported by scriptures (more below). This led me to the idea that maybe the cherubim represent mercy. Cherubim surround the MERCY seat, after all. They were on the tabernacle/temple curtains/wall and veil - guarding the holy WAY (I might say like armor...) - I even like to think of them as the "angels who stand as sentinels" spoken of by Brigham Young:

“Let me give you a definition in brief. Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the ​Father, passing the ANGELS who stand as sentinels, being enabled to give them the key words, the signs and tokens, pertaining to the holy Priesthood, and gain your eternal exaltation in spite of earth and hell.”  (Journal of Discourses, p. 416)

Anyway, I was pondering justice and mercy as two opposing halves (or arms) of the same whole, and was impressed with the thought: why am I splitting the cherubim and flaming sword?... Maybe the cherubim and flaming sword represent mercy AND the cherubim and flaming sword represent justice. I can't call one an arm and the other a fire (for example) - when they are both arms and both fires. Realizing I haven't laid everything out yet - consider two examples. First - the very same angel who came to rebuke Alma the Younger (justice) also came to bless him (mercy):

"...And now I say unto thee, Alma, go thy way, and seek to destroy the church no more, that their prayers may be answered, and this even if thou wilt of thyself be CAST OFF."  Mosiah 27:15

"Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, LIFT UP thy head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keeping the COMMANDMENTS of God from the time which thou receivedst thy first MESSAGE from him. Behold, I AM HE THAT DELIVERED IT unto you."  Alma 8:15

One might say they are both mercy ... I can see that (that may even reinforce the idea that they are more the same, and we are the difference), although the mercy was not really for Alma the Younger's benefit - it was mercy to Alma the Elder, and at the least a warning of impending justice to the Younger and company - they still had severe repenting to do (see also the Alma 26 verses quoted below). ...

Second example, consider that the same ANGEL and PILLAR (cherub and sword!) both protected the camp of Israel (mercy) and deflected the chariots of Egypt (justice):

Exodus 14:19-20
"19 And the ANGEL of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the PILLAR of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:
"20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and DARKNESS to them [Egyptians], but it gave LIGHT by night to these [Israel]: so that the one came not near the other all the night."

It even makes me wonder if the opposition - the duality - of justice and mercy is some sort of mortal illusion. They were only placed after the Fall, after all:

Genesis 3:24
"24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden CHERUBIMS, and a FLAMING SWORD which turned every way, to keep the WAY of the tree of life."

Not only were they only placed after the Fall, if justice and mercy are opposing names of the same principle (God is perfect, just, and merciful (Alma 42:15) so they cannot be mutually exclusive), it might explain how their effect on us (thanks to our dear Redeemer - this statement and everything would be impossible without Him!) depends on our state (with the Savior). Either we become a saint/penitent/gold/without spot, and claimed by mercy, or we remain natural man/enemy/dross/spotted, and cast off by justice:

Alma 42:24  "For behold, JUSTICE exerciseth all his demands, and also MERCY claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly PENITENT are saved."
Alma 22:6  "And also, what is this that Ammon said—If ye will REPENT ye shall be SAVED, and if ye will not repent, ye shall be CAST OFF at the last day?"

Regardless of similarity or difference, in the scriptures, we often read of the "sword of justice" and the "arm of mercy" (never "the sword of mercy," I mean (saving the "bowels of mercy" for another day!)). Here are just a couple of each (2 for sword of justice, 2 for arm of mercy) out of many examples, because the idea pertains to my point:

Alma 26:19-21
"19 Oh then, why did he not consign us to an awful destruction, yea, why did he not let the SWORD OF HIS JUSTICE fall upon us, and doom us to eternal despair?
"20 Oh, my soul, almost as it were, fleeth at the thought. Behold, he did not exercise his JUSTICE upon us, but in his great MERCY hath brought us over that everlasting GULF of death and misery, even to the SALVATION of our souls.
"21 And now behold, my brethren, what NATURAL MAN is there that knoweth these things? I say unto you, there is none that knoweth these things, save it be the PENITENT."

(Interjecting to say I especially love this passage, because there is a lot of tree of life vision imagery going on here (gulf, sword, etc.). In fact, (at risk of stating the obvious,) aspects of the vision are hidden in plain sight throughout the Book of Mormon...)

3 Nephi 29:4  "And when ye shall see these sayings coming forth among you, then ye need not any longer spurn at the doings of the Lord, for the SWORD OF HIS JUSTICE is in his RIGHT HAND; and behold, at that day, if ye shall spurn at his doings he will cause that it shall soon overtake you."

(Me again - just to point out here that justice is (at least sometimes) associated with the right hand! - I had been thinking solely right vs. left - which also has a ring to it and important symbology (nods to Gileadi) - until I came across this scripture - just more food for thought...)

Mosiah 29:20 "...and thus doth the Lord work with his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the ARM OF MERCY towards them that put their TRUST in him."

Jacob 6:5  "...And while his ARM OF MERCY is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts."

Ok - so all that is really intro for this next bit. ...
While I was studying the doctrine of Christ last year, the following scripture rang in my ears like a bell:

2 Nephi 31:21
"And now, behold, my beloved brethren, THIS IS THE WAY; and there is NONE OTHER WAY nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen."

I got thinking that if there is ONLY ONE WAY, that Nephi may be describing through the doctrine of Christ in 2 Nephi 31 the same WAY that guards the tree of life! (See the Genesis scripture above). So I started putting things together. I went back to Lehi's vision, thinking if this impression was correct, then this tree of life vision should also correspond to Genesis and 2 Nephi 31 (I realize it is also in the temple endowment ceremony, but I am not directly addressing that here, except to say it is the same WAY, because there is ONLY ONE); I further thought I should be able to find the cherubim and flaming sword in Lehi's vision, and I wanted to see if they were there in a connection to justice and mercy, as well. ... I was not disappointed:

1 Nephi 12:18  "And the large and spacious building, which thy father saw, is vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men. And a great and a terrible GULF divideth them; yea, even the [S]WORD OF THE JUSTICE of the Eternal God, AND THE MESSIAH who is the Lamb of God, of whom the Holy Ghost beareth record, from the beginning of the world until this time, and from this time henceforth and forever."  [side-note: this is a scripture that Skousen has pointed out a typo - comparing the original manuscript (sword) to the printer's manuscript (word) - but both work for this demonstration!]
1 Nephi 15:30  "And I said unto them that our father also saw that the JUSTICE OF GOD did also divide the wicked from the righteous; and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a FLAMING FIRE, which ASCENDETH UP UNTO GOD forever and ever, and hath no end."

So I easily found justice - and there are even terms like "flaming" that exactly match the flaming sword, but where was the cherubim/mercy?? It dawned on me as it may have you ... the iron rod! (Btw, does not the ascending brightness of flaming fire also remind you of a "pillar of fire/light" - Moses, Lehi, Joseph Smith, etc.? ... more similarities in this justice/mercy dichotomy.)

Back to Lehi.  There are only two verses that specifically mention "mercy" in our record of Lehi's vision:

1 Nephi 8:8-9
"8 And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have MERCY on me, according to the MULTITUDE of his TENDER MERCIES.
"9 And it came to pass after I had prayed unto the Lord I BEHELD a large and spacious field."

Lehi prays for mercy, and he can SEE (discussed in part 1). The extension of mercy (light/truth/Spirit/etc.) in answer to his prayer deflects the darkness. There are also a multitude (like a host - Lord of Hosts?), which is interesting with the idea that Christ sends ministering servants (angels and mortals) also discussed in Part 1. Here's another scripture that took on additional meaning for me:

Doctrine & Covenants 1:38
"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my WORD shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my SERVANTS, it is the same."

His servants are not just His mortal servants, but also His authorized representative angels! Also vice versa. His servants are not just His angels, but also His authorized representative mortals! (God may have shattered some triangles for me here.)  :)

The second "mercy" scripture from Lehi (technically after his vision) is the following. To me it is a perfect match to the iron rod and mercy/justice keywords:

1 Nephi 8:37
"And he did exhort them [Laman & Lemuel] then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his WORDS, that perhaps the Lord would be MERCIFUL to them, and not CAST THEM OFF; yea, my father did preach unto them."

So, I guess I am leaving the conclusions somewhat open.

For fun, where do you think "justice, love, and mercy meet in harmony divine?"
See also 2 Nephi 1:15.

A couple more comments:


Comment 1:
An interesting connection is the idea of being an "instrument" in the hands of God, which has long been a desire of my heart. I think now, that this idea coincides with this symbology - we become instruments of spiritual warfare - iron rods or swords of the Spirit (as we are in alignment with the Spirit) in the hand of God. I used to think more in the musical instrument capacity ... I think that can still be a part of it, too.  :) ...

This imagery goes right along with the command to make straight the paths of the Lord. I used to wonder at that. Is not His path straight? Not because He isn't straight ... but because He gives us the privilege of being extensions of mercy from Him to strengthen feeble knees, to be His emissaries, His servants, etc. WE need to continue to "straighten up" to continue our ascent and to increase our privilege of laboring in His vineyard - helping with His work.


Comment 2:
There are actually many synonymous, symbolic references to the iron rod/word of God. So far, I have found scriptures (often more than one - these references are just examples) that seem to link the iron rod/word of God to the Spirit and a sword (Ephesians 6:17), an arm (D&C 3:8), mercy (Mosiah 16:12), light and truth (D&C 84:45), favor (1 Nephi 17:35), atonement (D&C 29:1), grace (2 Nephi 10:24), preachings/prophesyings (Omni 1:13), an instrument in God's hands (Mosiah 27:35-36), promises (Alma 17:15), nourishment (Jacob 5:47), wisdom (2 Nephi 2:12), power (Omni 1:13), guide (Mosiah 2:36), virtue (Alma 31:5), testimony (Alma 7:20), tongue of angels (2 Nephi 31:13-14), discernment (Hebrews 4:12),  and there are more I'm leaving out, and I'm sure more I haven't discovered yet ...


Comment 3:
If this imagery is also the same as Jacob's Ladder ... we can see the covenant path as a sort of ladder ascending upward, with the angels (flaming tongues?) descending and ascending on their ministries/missions, and messages/reports thereof. I like to picture it in my mind as a spiral staircase (double helix). I like the spiral idea, because not only does it coincide with the idea of cyclic rebirthing closer to the Savior, but it matches the flaming sword "which turned every way" - that could be a spiral sort of pattern - maybe?

"An experience from the life of Jacob, an Old Testament prophet, illustrates the importance of covenants. As a young man, Jacob was sent to a distant city by his father with a specific assignment. He camped during his journey. One night, he experienced a vision. He saw the Lord, and communicated with Him. The Lord made specific promises to Jacob regarding himself and his posterity. After the vision, Jacob set up a stone as a memorial for what he had experienced there. He named the place Bethel, which means “the house of God.” In connection with this sacred event, he also made a promise to God that he would be faithful in observing a specific commandment (see Genesis 28).

"President Marion G. Romney (1897-1988) related the following about Jacob’s experience: “When Jacob traveled from Beersheba toward Haran, he had a dream in which he saw himself on the earth at the foot of a ladder that reached to heaven where the Lord stood above it. He beheld angels ascending and descending thereon, and Jacob realized that the covenants he made with the Lord there were the rungs on the ladder that he himself would have to climb in order to obtain the promised blessings—blessings that would entitle him to enter heaven and associate with the Lord.” (Temples—The Gates to Heaven, Ensign, Mar. 1971) Just as Jacob had to climb each step of the ladder to ascend to heaven, so we must receive and obey the ordinances and covenants of the temple to return to God’s presence and become like Him."