This is something cool President emailed us this week. I don't have time to write much so I'm just going to steal what he wrote haha:
"The Book of Mormon is full of stories about people who change and either commit or recommit themselves to the Lord. One of those stories is of the father of King Lamoni as he was taught by Aaron.
After hearing Aaron teach him from the scriptures, the king “…did bow down before the Lord, upon his knees; yea, even he did prostrate himself upon the earth and cried mightily…” I can imagine the king prostrate upon the ground with both hands outstretched as he prayed that he would “give away all his sins” to know God.
Through this experience, he and his people were converted and religious freedom was declared throughout the land in which the Lamanites lived. The sons of Mosiah were able to teach the gospel freely throughout the land. The result was that thousands were brought to the knowledge of their Redeemer and made covenants with the Lord in such a way that “…as the Lord liveth…” they “were converted to the Lord” and “never did fall away”
As part of this conversion process, “they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more.”
Being willing to “give away all of our sins” and to lay down the “weapons” of our rebellion means that we are not holding anything back from our service to the Lord and are able to pledge both hands, so to speak, to His work.
Holding back with one hand those sins that we are not quite ready to give up or continuing to hold onto a “weapon of rebellion” with one hand limits our ability to serve fully.
We need both hands available to accept the outpouring of forgiveness from our Savior that will come as we “give away” and “lay down our weapons of rebellion.”
We need both hands to serve with all our “might, mind, and strength” and to “lay hold upon every good gift” that would come to us from Christ as we do so."
-President Nicholas
I love what he says here. It remindes me of the talk by Elder Holland called Remember Lot's Wife. I love studying the atonement. It has so much influence in our lives. And it's not just for sin. It is there to help us overcome every trial or hard time we go through in life. Just read Alma 7:11-13.
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictionsand temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loosethe bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he mighttake upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
The atonement is all encompassing! I use it everyday on my mission. It is what made me who I am today. I has the power to litteraly change who you are now into who God created you to be. Don't be afraid to use the atonement. It's not a bad thing when you need it. It's a blessing! And it never runs out! You can use it as much as you want! Why? Becasue God loves you more than you could possibly fathom! As does Jesus Christ. I know it's true. I cannot express my gratitude enough for all that they do for me. Never forget who you are. You are a son or daughter of God. The greatest and most glorious being in existence! And he does exist. And he does love you. #GodIsAmazing!
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loosethe bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he mighttake upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
The atonement is all encompassing! I use it everyday on my mission. It is what made me who I am today. I has the power to litteraly change who you are now into who God created you to be. Don't be afraid to use the atonement. It's not a bad thing when you need it. It's a blessing! And it never runs out! You can use it as much as you want! Why? Becasue God loves you more than you could possibly fathom! As does Jesus Christ. I know it's true. I cannot express my gratitude enough for all that they do for me. Never forget who you are. You are a son or daughter of God. The greatest and most glorious being in existence! And he does exist. And he does love you. #GodIsAmazing!
Well not much is new this week. Same missionary stuff. Tons of fun. Great times. Maybe never a dull moment but always an awkward moment on a mission. Hope all is well with you! Love you all!
Elder Anderson
No comments:
Post a Comment