The Straight and Narrow Path After Entering the Gate

     I've long been fascinated with the concept of having one's calling and election made sure. It seemed to me to be a great way to get a little mental rest, knowing that I've "made it". As the matter of fact, I remember praying for the Lord to set me on a journey toward my calling and election at one point in my life. It must have been a righteous desire because it worked! Everything around me seemed to fall apart very quickly, and all at once. 

    It soon occurred to me that if I were to prove that I would serve the Lord "at all hazards" I would have to go through an awful lot of hazards. That seemed to be the opposite of mental rest. Lesson learned. Still, the longing haunts me. But as much as I desire to get to that point someday, I'm content to take a line upon line approach for now. Slow and steady wins the race, right? 

    Fortunately, the Lord seems to be very anxious to tell us exactly how to do it since we can find lists and examples all throughout the scriptures and other gospel resources. In 2 Peter 1:5-7, we are given a formula for becoming what Peter called the partakers of the divine nature. Peter explains that by obtaining this gift we "shall never fall" (2 Peter 1:10).

    Something I have found fascinating is that the list provided by Peter reflects the Beatitudes given by Christ himself on the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5) and in the Americas (3 Nephi 12). This gives me assurance that there is a specific path and order to follow to become as Christ is and receive the promise of eternal life. 

    The first attribute that Peter teaches that we need to give "all diligence" to is faith (2 Peter 1:5). Christ's first beatitude is "Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me..." (3 Nephi 12:3). When all else fails and we are at our lowest points in life, Satan will tempt us to give in, give up, or get angry. It is a tremendous act of faith to, instead, kneel in prayer when there is not a single whisper of hope left in you.

    Peter then teaches that to that faith we need to add virtue (2 Peter 1:5). The Latin origin of virtue is virtus meaning valor or moral perfection. Since we know that we can only be made perfect through the atonement of Christ which requires us to repent and be washed clean, it makes sense that Christ also mentioned this process as his second step. "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (3 Nephi 12: 4). Through repentance, our sins are forgiven and we are simultaneously comforted and become more virtuous. This part is discussed through two different lenses, but the process is the same.

    Similar comparisons can be made for knowledge (2 Peter 1:5) and hungering and thirsting after righteousness (3 Nephi 12:6); temperance (2 Peter 1:6) and meekness (3 Nephi 12:5); brotherly kindness (2 Peter 1: 7) and mercy (3 Nephi 12:7); and on down the list. 

    Another similar list can be found in the church's 12 step program. When the 12 steps are studied carefully, they reveal themselves as the same process through yet another lens. From humbly recognizing your need for God (poor in spirit), right down to embodying and sharing the message of peace and hope in Christ to others (peacemaker).

   Many of God's prophets started out in opposition to Christ and were still able to receive this divine promise. Alma the Younger and Paul were notable examples. Others had ambiguous beginnings like Enos. This gives me hope that even I, as imperfect as I am, can reach this level someday. 

    Of course, there were others who were exemplary from the beginning like Nephi and the brother of Jared. The point is that the mysteries of how to receive this gift have been openly revealed for those who seek it. This is important because the last days (our days) will be marked by saints so righteous that they cannot be influenced by Satan (1 Nephi 22:26). From all appearances, the Lord, through Peter, is teaching us how this needs to be done because there will come a day when we will need that level of protection (2 Peter 1:4, 10). 

Be Not Deceived

         Have you noticed that the admonitions of Paul to the leaders and followers of his day reads like a playbook for the last days? I would think that Satan would have to think of some new ideas but his old ones seem to work very well. So, I guess he figures, "If it ain't broke..."

        If you haven't gotten into the latter part of the New Testament lately, let me share some admonitions that Paul gives members in his day. Then we can take a look at why he's teaching these things and see if we would benefit from applying his counsel in our day.

     Greek Philosophers

        In a letter to Titus, a committed church leader and follower of Jesus Christ, Paul warns about priestcrafts, or as he puts it, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake (Titus 1:11). This was a stumbling block to some in the church. In his day, Greek philosophers were all the rage and Paul had to constantly remind the church not to follow after these evil men. One of these philosophers even admitted that they were all evil beasts and liars (Titus 1:12).  Paul called them "vain talkers" and "deceivers" (Titus 1:10). In other words, they loved to debate and hear themselves talk. But for all their 'intellectual pontification' they never seemed to get anywhere useful. These men were paid to raise questions and confuse doctrines but didn't offer any Godly edification through faith (1Timothy 1:4).

Motivational Speakers 

    Ok, Anthony Robbins is a bit of a dinosaur these days, but his teachings are still around. He wasn't the first man to practice priestcraft in our generation, but he is arguably the most popular. Today, his estimated worth is over $600 million, and while I don't have a problem with the fact that he is successful, I wonder if anyone can point to something truly edifying that he has provided to the world. Most of his rhetoric revolves around how to get money, status, "the good life", not how to serve and be saved. To me, he is one of the most prolific "vain janglers" (Titus 1:6) of our time.

         Political Commentators

       So, what do you think? Are these workers of priestcraft? They all certainly became wealthy, or wealthier, from professionally debating, lying (stretching the truth?), and telling people what they want to hear without offering anything of edification or faith. What about Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, TikTok, etc. Do these fit Paul's definition of " "vain talkers" and "deceivers" (Titus 1:10).

        Just as in Paul's day, Satan seeks to divide and confuse us. But Paul gives us specific counsel about what to do about it. We should pray for all men including our leaders in government so that we can live in peace (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We must search the scriptures for inspiration, doctrine, and reproof (2 Timothy 3:16) and not look to worldly philosophies. We should also look to God's anointed servants for truth, and pray in faith. (1 Timothy 2:7-8). And we should pray in faith for a remission of our sins, even those done ignorance as Paul did (1 Timothy 1:13-16).

His Grace is Sufficient, and...

 

His Grace is Sufficient, and...

            Recently, I came across an article that reminded me of President Nelson's recent conference talk entitled, Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains. Something he said stirred up a bit of controversy, but I took his words to heart and tried to learn what the message was for me. He said, 

        

"My dear brothers and sisters, my call to you this Easter morning is to start today to increase your faith. Through your faith, Jesus Christ will increase your ability to move the mountains in your life, even though your personal challenges may loom as large as Mount Everest.

Your mountains may be loneliness, doubt, illness, or other personal problems. Your mountains will vary, and yet the answer to each of your challenges is to increase your faith. That takes work. Lazy learners and lax disciples will always struggle to muster even a particle of faith. To do anything well requires effort. Becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ is no exception."

 

    It's the last part I would like to focus on. In Ephesians 2:8, it reads, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." As I've been studying and pondering this week, I've come to the conclusion that many members of the church misunderstand this verse. One reason, I believe, is because it's taken out of context. We must remember that this was what was told to those who were struggling to give up the Law of Moses. They believed that obedience to the Law of Moses was the basis for salvation. They needed to be taught that Christ is their Savior and that they needed to look to Him, not rituals. 

    In contrast, our dispensation has gone nearly 180 degrees the other way. While we still look to some rituals to define our level of spirituality, we are equally in danger of leaving Christ out of our salvation equation. Too many of us, myself included, have put nearly all the responsibility of our salvation on him. We think, 'his grace will save me, plus I have a little extra insurance because I hold a temple recommend.' Maybe that's true, and maybe it's more complicated than that. I honestly don't really know. 

    

    But, again, we can look to Paul for some insight. In Romans 12: 1-2, Paul makes it clear that we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice and we must be transformed by renewing our minds. This doesn't sound as easy as promising to pay your tithing and showing up to "do your calling". It's also telling that Paul's view of presenting our bodies as a holy, living sacrifice is our "reasonable service". It's like he's saying, 'It's the least you can do.' But I don't think he's specifically talking about a healthy diet or being chaste, although that would certainly be part of it. I think what he's saying is that we need to maintain holiness in our bodies through all of our words and actions. 

    As far as our minds go, this task won't be any easier. Verse two talks about not conforming to this world, but being transformed. This is not only allowing us to be good people, it's the only way we can do the will of God. We can only truly do His will if we have His mind. This is made clear in Romans 10:2-4 when Paul explains that it isn't enough to think you are a good person. You have to know the mind and will of God or your "zeal" doesn't mean anything. 

    Well, all of this seems very overwhelming for sure. Just be perfect and don't let the world influence your thoughts. But this is where we get to apply Christ's grace. In Philippians 4:13, Paul teaches, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." And Paul would know. Paul suffered a lot of strange things and always seemed to come out ok. In Acts 27:3 he was bitten by a snake (viper). Those who were with him were convinced that he must be evil to deserve a snake bite and that it was to make up for the fact that he dodged fate by surviving the boat wreckage. Paul merely shook the snake off of his hand into the fire and went about his business.

    Paul was put through a lengthy process of trying to be set free due to false charges. He pled with the Jews, King Agrippa, and Ceasar to set him free because he had done nothing wrong (Acts 25:10). He kept getting bounced around, bound up, accused. etc. So many things could have gone wrong, yet he was eventually freed. I'm not trying to say that Paul had an easy life. He certainly didn't, but through the trials that would have broken any other man without Christ, Christ's power was demonstrated over and over again through Paul's trials.

    Having a perfect understanding of these principles, Paul declared, 

"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ" (Phillippians 3:8)

    Paul, like so many apostles and disciples before him, sacrificed everything for Christ. It makes me wonder why so many of us believe that we can sit idly and assume our mansion is being built in heaven just because we belong to Christ's church. How are we different than the Pharisees?

    I think what I'm coming to understand about Jesus Christ is that His grace is sufficient, and ...we need to qualify for it if we want to take full advantage of it. We are not saved by works, but we qualify for grace when we truly and honestly turn our hearts to Him and try to become like him. What's so amazing is that we can qualify for this enabling power now, while we are still on Earth. But, like Paul, we must begin by always remembering what President Nelson said, "To do anything well takes effort. Becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ is no exception".

    

    

The Sanctification of Suffering

  

 I've been thinking a lot about suffering lately. I've wondered what the real purpose of suffering is and what role it plays in the Great Plan of Happiness? If suffering were bad, Christ wouldn't have done it, nor would he ever inflict us with it. There must be something purposeful, even holy, about suffering. And if that's true, what blessings are we denying ourselves by trying to avoid it at all costs?

    Peter and John were thrust into prison and beaten for teaching and healing in the name of Jesus Christ. Upon their release, they were warned never to speak of Jesus again. They didn't murmur or curse the council for what the council had done. Acts 5:41 says, "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name." Then, they went right back to preaching and healing!

This is my goal!

                                                                       Image by: Brf, Wikimedia Commons

 

This is my training program!

 

Image by: 水泳男                                                               Image by: ChurchofJesusChrist.org

 It's funny because it's true, right?

       In the pictures above, I make fun of how common it is for us to be so unwilling to endure anything difficult. Even if the difficult thing is merely to deny ourselves pleasurable things. We spend so much time justifying our need to "indulge" once in a while, or to practice "self-care" that many of us have made ourselves soft. We concern ourselves with getting our fair share or fighting for what we think we have a right to. All in the name of getting even more comfortable than we already are. But what if we've got it all wrong? 

    

                                       Image by: ChurchofJesusChrist.org

     Christ suffered so his little brothers and sisters could live again, become purified, and come back home. That kind of suffering, suffering for a purpose bigger than yourself, is a holy offering beyond any other kind of suffering or sacrifice. The blessings gained from that kind of sacrifice are too numerous to contemplate. But receiving personal blessings wasn’t why he did it. He did it for love. There was value in the suffering itself. His suffering blessed others, and for him that was enough reason to do it. I hope to be like that one day.

 

     But how often do we pray to be as Christ is without having to go through anything he went through? Maybe I'm just speaking for myself, but I often focus on how sinless he was and strive to be like that. Usually without asking for his help. Or I think I should align my will with God (as long as it doesn't interrupt my personal ambitions). It’s funny how articulating it makes it obvious how silly it is. It doesn't seem that I'm going about this the right way.

 

    I've begun to wonder what I’m willing to suffer to actually be like Christ. Not just a façade of what I think he’s like. I imagine a loving healer and peacemaker who was revered by many. But am I also willing to be an outcast in his name? Am I willing to be despised, ridiculed, and mocked? Am I as willing to die for truth as he and his disciples were, I mean actually be put to death in the most horrifying way possible? Am I willing to do all that? If I'm not, then how can I ever truly be like him? Because that was his life. That's what his heart was really made of. He taught the gospel and healed the broken and broken-hearted no matter how angry people got or how tired he became. No matter how many lies were told about him. No matter who turned their back on him. Can I really pray to him and say, "Make me like you, but not with "that" calling or not with "that" ministering companion?" "Make me like you, but punish those who betray me. Don't ever let my friends abandon me on my hardest days. And please, don't make me give up food for a whole 24 hours!" 

 

    Can you see how completely pathetic we must sound to him? And yet, he always answers with love and patience; another skill I have yet to master. How do I even hope to become someone like that? Where do I begin? The answer, I suppose, is somewhere, I mean, literally anywhere. I just need to begin. And maybe the best place to start is exactly where he tells me.

 

"Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my spirit"

(Doctrine and Covenants 19:23).