"The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, 'Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? From whence then hath it tares?'...'Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, 'Gather ye together first the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.''" (Matt 13:25-27,30)
Christ explains that, "The good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one..." (Matt 13:38). This means that, in the 'last days', there are tares growing amongst the wheat. There are many parallels that can be drawn from this parable-some of which can be quite a stretch-so bare with me while I explain some of my thoughts regarding this parable.
It says that the master of that field sowed good seed, and typically a field full of wheat with scattered tares would be the image. However, even on the fairly secluded Latter-Day Saint island I live on, it feels as if the man with good seed snuck into the "enemy's" field at night and sowed his good seed in the midst of the planted tares (not sure why anyone would plant tares, but I told you it was a stretch). Whether it is legitimately true or simply something that the adversary is putting in my mind I don't know, but sometimes I feel like I am significantly out of place surrounded by the glorious success of all the tares around me. But, even in this, I remember that-though it may feel otherwise-the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the master of the field. I remember to pray to him that I may be wheat. I pray to be among the plants that, when they are gathered in, are taken to the barn and not the furnace. This brings me to my next point which is much more of a thought and not an interpretation of the story: the tares were not separated until the harvest, and neither was the wheat. Were it physically possible, there would be plenty of time for the tares to recognize they are the undesired weed and change so that they too could be gathered into the barn. However, because the wheat and the tares look so similar, the wheat sometimes gets confused and thinks that the wheat will be burned at the harvest. That poor wheat may get caught up in the up-shoot of tares all around him (non-exclusively masculine). He may feel as I said I do; that he is the stranger. And, to avoid sifting, the poor, confused wheat changes his volition to mirror that of the tares he looked up to.
How do we know if we are a stalk of wheat or tare? If we are a tare, how can we become wheat?
Just as I alluded to in my tangent roughly based on Christ's parable, the master of the field is the only one that can tell you apart from the others. He is the only one that sees everyone and can better tell you what you need to do to become wheat. The tares around you will tell you they are the crop and you are the weed. If you do happen upon some meek wheat, their voice of confirmation is so frequently drowned out by the uproar of the tares declaring their make-up the evolved and improved form.
Step two after discerning your wheat-tare status, you must do all you can to become the healthiest wheat or alter your tare-ish habits to align with the guidelines set up for wheat. Like unto determining your standing, the only way to know is to ask the master of the field as he comes around to inspect the crop.
I've certainly gone too far with this metaphor, but I hope the meaning is clear. Our loving Heavenly Father is the master of this earth. Satan proclaims himself as the God of this world, but that is only true if we succumb our will to his and to those who preach is doctrine. Like the field of wheat and tares, right and wrong has seemingly begun to mesh. It is getting harder and harder to determine what is right. We look around and may see some wheat (followers of Christ) doing good things, but we also see so many tares doing...not-bad-things.
The trick is to not look around for your answer. Those that would be the wheat in this beat-to-death metaphor have great advice, but the advice from the 'tares' would also be beneficial. The advice that needs to be studied and implemented can only be found from looking straight up at the master of the field. Our guidance and validation shouldn't come from anywhere other than our Father in Heaven who will answer us if we sincerely and diligently seek him.
In times like these, referred to as the 'last times', I'm grateful for the chance I have to look up and communicate with my God. It may be a humility faux pas, but I believe that I am wheat and this is his field. I'm not saying that among the wheat I have the highest quality, but I have felt the promise of the Holy Ghost confirming to me that this is God's field. I believe The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has the capacity to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness. I sustain Thomas S. Monson as the prophet of God and I know that his instruction to us is from the master of the field. Next time President Monson says something that deals with everyone, might I suggest instead of looking at those around you, be it "wheat" or "tare", look up to the source, "and be not faithless, but believing." (John 20:27)
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Of All the Miracles...
Well, another progression of LDS General Conference has finished. As always, numerous messages were inspirational and uplifting. I had the privilege of spending most of this weekend with a good friend of mine that has had a rough life, but is trying his hardest to be better and was watching conference with questions he anticipated answers to. I admire his preparation. I've admire his dedication to daily scripture study. He recently began attending Institute with me. However, he's been facing a lot of hard times from various sources. I was so happy and a little jealous as I sat and spoke with him about his experience watching conference this weekend. We were doing homework most of the time, but we always had our ears and minds directed at the messages being delivered. He received so much revelation and guidance for his life. I am so proud of him and hope he continues to act on both the chastisement and encouragement he received from our great leaders.
As always, many spoke on the sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Today being Easter, everyone's thoughts and hearts were turned to the garden, the hill, and the empty tomb. Often we look back 2000 years ago and remember the miracles Christ performed. A teacher in a Sunday School class I attended asked a question I felt was inspired. He asked which of Christ's miracles we would like to see. Some wished to see the raising of Jairus' daughter. Others would have liked to see him feed the 5000 (they just wanted free food...). As I thought about it, all of those miracles were amazing and hold so much power behind all of them. But as I continued to ponder on what miracle I would want to see, I realized that the miracle closest to me that I hope to one day experience is the miracle of my own salvation. When I reflect on Easter, I don't reflect back 2000 years ago, but 20 years ago. I think back on how far I've come. Obviously I've grown about 6 feet since then, but I've also experienced countless events that have shaped my life into what it is now. I have nothing but thanks for all the help I have received. Maybe a little guilt and shame for the stupid things I've done...and occasionally continue to do. But, I know because of Christ's atonement, I can be clean from that.
On this Easter Sunday and every one following, let us remember our Savior. But, let us also remember that we, too, can become perfect. We, too, can be clean and be resurrected. We, too, can live with our families forever.
Because he lives.
As always, many spoke on the sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Today being Easter, everyone's thoughts and hearts were turned to the garden, the hill, and the empty tomb. Often we look back 2000 years ago and remember the miracles Christ performed. A teacher in a Sunday School class I attended asked a question I felt was inspired. He asked which of Christ's miracles we would like to see. Some wished to see the raising of Jairus' daughter. Others would have liked to see him feed the 5000 (they just wanted free food...). As I thought about it, all of those miracles were amazing and hold so much power behind all of them. But as I continued to ponder on what miracle I would want to see, I realized that the miracle closest to me that I hope to one day experience is the miracle of my own salvation. When I reflect on Easter, I don't reflect back 2000 years ago, but 20 years ago. I think back on how far I've come. Obviously I've grown about 6 feet since then, but I've also experienced countless events that have shaped my life into what it is now. I have nothing but thanks for all the help I have received. Maybe a little guilt and shame for the stupid things I've done...and occasionally continue to do. But, I know because of Christ's atonement, I can be clean from that.
On this Easter Sunday and every one following, let us remember our Savior. But, let us also remember that we, too, can become perfect. We, too, can be clean and be resurrected. We, too, can live with our families forever.
Because he lives.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
I Believe in Miracles
To witness a miracle, one must first understand what a miracle is. A miracle can be described as something inexplicable by means of our current logical and scientific law. Something that doesn't fit a pattern. An occurrence that goes against what common knowledge would tell you is so.
Astronomically speaking, our existence is a miracle. To fit into "The Goldilocks Zone"-or qualifications for a planet to sustain life-is so statistically impossible, it's unfathomable how our universe, galaxy, solar system, and earth all combined so perfectly that they just fell into place. Noah predicted the flood that would wipe out all people except they repent. Abraham and his wife had children beyond an age most people today would even be alive. Moses parted the red sea, set up the serpent on the staff, and spoke with God where he was shown the expanse of God's creations. David opposed all odds and defeated Goliath the giant Philistine. Daniel was preserved after being thrown into a pit of lions for persistently praying to his father in heaven. Jesus Christ was born to a virgin and lived a perfect life. During his ministry, Jesus ruffled feathers, chastised the wicked, healed the sick, and taught the faithful. His miracles are continually spoken of today and the Christian world points to them as a source of belief, or as a proof of his divine power.
Astronomically speaking, our existence is a miracle. To fit into "The Goldilocks Zone"-or qualifications for a planet to sustain life-is so statistically impossible, it's unfathomable how our universe, galaxy, solar system, and earth all combined so perfectly that they just fell into place. Noah predicted the flood that would wipe out all people except they repent. Abraham and his wife had children beyond an age most people today would even be alive. Moses parted the red sea, set up the serpent on the staff, and spoke with God where he was shown the expanse of God's creations. David opposed all odds and defeated Goliath the giant Philistine. Daniel was preserved after being thrown into a pit of lions for persistently praying to his father in heaven. Jesus Christ was born to a virgin and lived a perfect life. During his ministry, Jesus ruffled feathers, chastised the wicked, healed the sick, and taught the faithful. His miracles are continually spoken of today and the Christian world points to them as a source of belief, or as a proof of his divine power.
Why, then, have miracles stopped? Why are Christian churches preaching their testimony of the lack of miracles? Why are they professing their absence of revelation?
"And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth." (Mormon (9:20-21)
Let me tell you this, if you think miracles and revelation are no more, it's because you lack the faith.
Joseph Smith, a 14 year-old boy saw a vision of God and Jesus Christ. He went on to translate an ancient record and establish Christ's church at about the same age I am now. He performed miracles including healing the sick and receiving revelation. That church, started by a young man has become a global church, talked about by many people. The missionary force is a miracle. I don't know any church that relies on teenagers and young adults to run its proselyting force. On top of that, I don't know any other institution that can teach it's clients to become fluent in another language in less than 18 months.
To those that testify that miracles are no more, I am a living witness that they still are! It's a miracle that those around me haven't already strangled me. I also can testify that I have and do receive revelation for myself and for those I am called to watch over. I was guided by my savior as a missionary in Japan. I was led to those who need the message I carried. I was blessed to miraculously develop the ability to speak Japanese. My service continues to manifest itself as a miracle as I find jobs because of my service and I see how much I changed because of my time and dedication.
If you want to see more miracles, Joseph Smith gives the formula in his Lectures on Faith.
1. You need the idea that he actually exists.
2. You need a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes.
3. You need a knowledge that your actions are in line with God's will (i.e. faith in yourself)
Be it the Old Testament, Christ's ministry, the Restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or our lives today, faith precedes the miracle. Anyone who requires a miracle for conversion will require a miracle to stay converted. But those who align their will and actions with God's will see the miracles because their faith will open their eyes and give them power to oppose the odds and ignore the "law".
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Standing in Holy Places
"Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved..." (D&C 87:8)
Holy places include, but are not limited to the standard answers any given person on the street would think of. A holy place is a location where you are not only safe to exercise what you believe, but are encouraged to do so. Temples, churches, and other places of worship are obviously perfect examples of holy places. Other holy places that we are familiar with, but may not have thought as holy places include our places of residence. If your home can't be considered a holy place, perhaps there's something you can do about that... One specifically I've had the privilege of experiencing are LDS Institutes of Religion, including Seminary for high school students. When in high school, I attended seminary at 10 minutes to 6 every morning. I didn't necessarily have such a firm dedication to seminary at the beginning, but I was never late to 1st period, so I didn't really complain. But, my junior year, we were studying the New Testament, and I was so moved as we spoke of Jesus Christ every morning and all the miraculous things he did. Then, my last year, we studied the Book of Mormon, and that piqued my interest, sparking a fire that grew almost uncontrollable on my mission. I loved the Book of Mormon. I loved the days I could just spend an hour reading it.
Since returning from Japan, I don't have quite as much time to dedicate to pouring over the scriptures as I used to. However, I can still attend Institute. I don't always agree with the instructors' teaching methods, or even how they present the material. I have found that if I prepare myself and seek each lesson to learn something, I am guided to answers for my questions or new concepts I hadn't necessarily thought of. One day in Institute, my teacher said that revelation was simply the product of meditation, scripture study, and prayer. The mathematician in my brain kicked in, and I spent the next 10 minutes of class developing an equation to quantify revelation. I've received sincere revelation as to what I need to do to change and become a better person.
For me, Institute has been my holy place I can stand when I'm not at church. During the week, I spend so much time on homework and classes, that I have a hard time taking time away to read my scriptures. Even when I do, it's never really a "quiet" place. Stresses are still present. Other influences still find their way in...unfortunately. Institute, however, has always been different. When I actually sign up for the class, I take that as dedicating myself to attend. I take the time out of my schedule to go to institute and then when I'm there, everything else disappears. I still have heaps of homework, but it doesn't seem as ominous. I still have stress, but it isn't at the forefront of my mind. Honestly, without the opportunity to go to that Holy Place, I would go insane. We can make wherever we are a holy place by doing what we know is right. But when we're too exhausted to hold our walls up against sin, we need help. And that's exactly what Institute has offered me.
Holy places include, but are not limited to the standard answers any given person on the street would think of. A holy place is a location where you are not only safe to exercise what you believe, but are encouraged to do so. Temples, churches, and other places of worship are obviously perfect examples of holy places. Other holy places that we are familiar with, but may not have thought as holy places include our places of residence. If your home can't be considered a holy place, perhaps there's something you can do about that... One specifically I've had the privilege of experiencing are LDS Institutes of Religion, including Seminary for high school students. When in high school, I attended seminary at 10 minutes to 6 every morning. I didn't necessarily have such a firm dedication to seminary at the beginning, but I was never late to 1st period, so I didn't really complain. But, my junior year, we were studying the New Testament, and I was so moved as we spoke of Jesus Christ every morning and all the miraculous things he did. Then, my last year, we studied the Book of Mormon, and that piqued my interest, sparking a fire that grew almost uncontrollable on my mission. I loved the Book of Mormon. I loved the days I could just spend an hour reading it.
Since returning from Japan, I don't have quite as much time to dedicate to pouring over the scriptures as I used to. However, I can still attend Institute. I don't always agree with the instructors' teaching methods, or even how they present the material. I have found that if I prepare myself and seek each lesson to learn something, I am guided to answers for my questions or new concepts I hadn't necessarily thought of. One day in Institute, my teacher said that revelation was simply the product of meditation, scripture study, and prayer. The mathematician in my brain kicked in, and I spent the next 10 minutes of class developing an equation to quantify revelation. I've received sincere revelation as to what I need to do to change and become a better person.
For me, Institute has been my holy place I can stand when I'm not at church. During the week, I spend so much time on homework and classes, that I have a hard time taking time away to read my scriptures. Even when I do, it's never really a "quiet" place. Stresses are still present. Other influences still find their way in...unfortunately. Institute, however, has always been different. When I actually sign up for the class, I take that as dedicating myself to attend. I take the time out of my schedule to go to institute and then when I'm there, everything else disappears. I still have heaps of homework, but it doesn't seem as ominous. I still have stress, but it isn't at the forefront of my mind. Honestly, without the opportunity to go to that Holy Place, I would go insane. We can make wherever we are a holy place by doing what we know is right. But when we're too exhausted to hold our walls up against sin, we need help. And that's exactly what Institute has offered me.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Oh, Be Wise!
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock." (Matt 7:24-25)
It's no surprise that Christ's teachings could sometimes be considered cryptic. However, this little parable makes a great deal of sense, if we can just understand what "the rock" is that Christ is referring to. On a separate occasion, Christ was speaking with his apostles and asked, "But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matt 16:15-18) In this case, Christ was referring to revelation as the translation for 'rock'. It was revelation that helped Peter know that Jesus was the Christ and the Savior of the world. It was through revelation that the prophets of the Old Testament led the church and their people. It is by revelation that prophets lead God's church today. It was by revelation that I was chosen to go to Japan. And it is by revelation that I, like Peter, know that Jesus is my Savior. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is operated by men. Men inspired by revelation. Revelation is the rock of this church. And, as Christ said, because our church is based on revelation, "The gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
One of the frustrating things about reading The Bible and Book of Mormon is that there are so many symbols that have varying meanings; as is the case with Christ's geological symbol. "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." (Psalms 18:2) Throughout the scriptures, Christ is cited as being a rock; he is the rock of our salvation (Hel 5:12), a refused building stone that became the headstone (Psalms 118:12), rock of offence (Isaiah 8:14), etc. I think it's safe to say that Christ, as well as revelation, is our rock.
Either way, should you build your house on these rocks, it will not fail, but withstand any storm or disturbance it is attacked with. Build your family around the teachings of Christ. Seek for his guidance in leading your family. This still applies to you if, like me, you are a family of one. I seek to keep Christ in my life always. I have scripture study every morning with my roommates, and when I'm not reading my scriptures, I'm thinking about them. Often, this extended meditation leads to revelation in the most unexpected circumstances and in regards to the most random subjects.
Christ is our rock. He is our salvation. You are entitled to revelation. Ask for it, and build your foundation on steel reinforced with an indestructible witness of our Father in Heaven's existence and his love for you.
It's no surprise that Christ's teachings could sometimes be considered cryptic. However, this little parable makes a great deal of sense, if we can just understand what "the rock" is that Christ is referring to. On a separate occasion, Christ was speaking with his apostles and asked, "But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matt 16:15-18) In this case, Christ was referring to revelation as the translation for 'rock'. It was revelation that helped Peter know that Jesus was the Christ and the Savior of the world. It was through revelation that the prophets of the Old Testament led the church and their people. It is by revelation that prophets lead God's church today. It was by revelation that I was chosen to go to Japan. And it is by revelation that I, like Peter, know that Jesus is my Savior. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is operated by men. Men inspired by revelation. Revelation is the rock of this church. And, as Christ said, because our church is based on revelation, "The gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
One of the frustrating things about reading The Bible and Book of Mormon is that there are so many symbols that have varying meanings; as is the case with Christ's geological symbol. "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." (Psalms 18:2) Throughout the scriptures, Christ is cited as being a rock; he is the rock of our salvation (Hel 5:12), a refused building stone that became the headstone (Psalms 118:12), rock of offence (Isaiah 8:14), etc. I think it's safe to say that Christ, as well as revelation, is our rock.
Either way, should you build your house on these rocks, it will not fail, but withstand any storm or disturbance it is attacked with. Build your family around the teachings of Christ. Seek for his guidance in leading your family. This still applies to you if, like me, you are a family of one. I seek to keep Christ in my life always. I have scripture study every morning with my roommates, and when I'm not reading my scriptures, I'm thinking about them. Often, this extended meditation leads to revelation in the most unexpected circumstances and in regards to the most random subjects.
Christ is our rock. He is our salvation. You are entitled to revelation. Ask for it, and build your foundation on steel reinforced with an indestructible witness of our Father in Heaven's existence and his love for you.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
The Tokyo Approach
This afternoon, upon returning home from church, I decided to watch a wonderful film called The Saratov Approach. For those who haven't seen it, WATCH IT! It's available for instant streaming on Netflix. It's the story of 2 missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who were kidnapped while serving in the Saratov area of Russia. It follows the events that happened to them over the course of the 5 days they were imprisoned. It may not have been the greatest movie ever filmed, but it truly was inspirational to watch a dramatization of not only their faith, but their families' as well. Their faith helped them know that their God cared for them as well as their kidnappers.
I, too, spent 2 years in service as a missionary. I was not kidnapped. I wasn't beaten. Nobody spat on me. I was ridiculed for my belief in Christ. I had doors slammed in my face. If Japanese people swore, I'm sure they would have sworn at me. There were some that were rather rude, however. I got discouraged. I wondered how I could help Japanese people if I couldn't even speak Japanese. In a land so void of Christianity, I truly felt alone with my companion some days walking down the streets. I felt pointless when we ended the day without any physical, or numerical proof to express our efforts of the day.
New Investigators-0
Lessons Taught-0
Lessons Taught with a Member Present-0
Referrals Received-0
Referrals Contacted-0
Too many days ended this way. When I first got to Japan, my planner looked like this for MONTHS. I felt helpless. I wanted to do something but didn't know what was going on.
In the movie, the thought patterns of the missionaries is laid out very clearly. First, they fear they will die. Their faith kicks in and they begin to pray. They understand that what they're going through has to be harder on their family and friends than themselves, so they pray for their families. And, unavoidably, they pray for their kidnappers.
I was never afraid for my life, but I did follow a similar progression. For a time, I was stuck and confused. Then, my thoughts turned to family and friends I had left behind. Some may have missed me. However, I was sure that everyone was too busy to be concerned about me. Nonetheless, I prayed for my family and friends. But there came a time during my service that I began praying for the people around me. I prayed for my companion. I prayed for the people we were teaching. I prayed for the people at church. I prayed for the people in the city to listen to me. When I developed that charity, my attitude and mission changed. I began working out of my love for every person I saw. I wanted them to know that our Heavenly Father loves them.
I wasn't the best missionary. Not by a long shot. But I worked hard. I did what I could. I know that I was able to help someone somewhere. Even if nobody in any of my areas remembers me, even if I didn't actually help anyone, I was converted during those 2 years in Japan. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is God's true church on the Earth. I love Christ's gospel, and I know it to be true. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon and the outstanding impact it has had in my life. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. He lives. And, because He lives, you and I, too, can live.
I, too, spent 2 years in service as a missionary. I was not kidnapped. I wasn't beaten. Nobody spat on me. I was ridiculed for my belief in Christ. I had doors slammed in my face. If Japanese people swore, I'm sure they would have sworn at me. There were some that were rather rude, however. I got discouraged. I wondered how I could help Japanese people if I couldn't even speak Japanese. In a land so void of Christianity, I truly felt alone with my companion some days walking down the streets. I felt pointless when we ended the day without any physical, or numerical proof to express our efforts of the day.
New Investigators-0
Lessons Taught-0
Lessons Taught with a Member Present-0
Referrals Received-0
Referrals Contacted-0
Too many days ended this way. When I first got to Japan, my planner looked like this for MONTHS. I felt helpless. I wanted to do something but didn't know what was going on.
In the movie, the thought patterns of the missionaries is laid out very clearly. First, they fear they will die. Their faith kicks in and they begin to pray. They understand that what they're going through has to be harder on their family and friends than themselves, so they pray for their families. And, unavoidably, they pray for their kidnappers.
I was never afraid for my life, but I did follow a similar progression. For a time, I was stuck and confused. Then, my thoughts turned to family and friends I had left behind. Some may have missed me. However, I was sure that everyone was too busy to be concerned about me. Nonetheless, I prayed for my family and friends. But there came a time during my service that I began praying for the people around me. I prayed for my companion. I prayed for the people we were teaching. I prayed for the people at church. I prayed for the people in the city to listen to me. When I developed that charity, my attitude and mission changed. I began working out of my love for every person I saw. I wanted them to know that our Heavenly Father loves them.
I wasn't the best missionary. Not by a long shot. But I worked hard. I did what I could. I know that I was able to help someone somewhere. Even if nobody in any of my areas remembers me, even if I didn't actually help anyone, I was converted during those 2 years in Japan. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is God's true church on the Earth. I love Christ's gospel, and I know it to be true. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon and the outstanding impact it has had in my life. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. He lives. And, because He lives, you and I, too, can live.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Knowing God
"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3)
What does it take to know God? Can we know God?
In Japan, many of my friends perceived God as an influence that was not one being, but in all aspects of nature. Christianity and some other religions hold on to a monotheistic belief. No matter their belief, everyone seems to understand their God as an omnipotent, ever-present force. They fear it. They respect it.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ, we are the same. We fear God. We worship God. We pray to God in the name of Jesus Christ. We love God. However, we also cherish the close, personal relationship we can have with God, which is evident in how we prominently refer to him as our "Heavenly Father."
To some, it may seem odd, but I have come to know God through the hard times in my life. I came to know that God loves me. I escaped from a family get-together one evening after once again being targeted by everyone in the room. I was livid, and was determined never to see any of them ever again when I grew older and moved away. The anger built up inside of me was unhealthy. I knelt down at my bed and was instantly calmed. An odd sensation filled my body and I knew that God was telling me that he loves me, but that he expects more from me.
I know God listens to my prayers. The last few months, I have shouldered more responsibilities than the average college student should. I've turned to my Heavenly Father in prayer for help. He didn't do my homework for me. He didn't do everyone else's homework. He didn't assign home teaching. He didn't run the Engineering Club. He did give me strength and focus to do everything I needed to and several things I wanted to. Everyone looked at me as a firm support to rely on. I was a source for help to a lot of people. I was expected not to ask questions, but to answer them. I became frustrated. I wasn't necessarily growing tired of helping people, but I began waiting for someone to come help me. When they didn't come, I was so aggravated. But, as I have come to habitually pray, I turned to God and he kindly reminded me that He was, is, and always will be there to help me.
I know God answers my prayers. As missionaries, we prayed to know where to go. We prayed to find people to share our message with. I never saw a vision while I was sleeping of a building we were meant to visit. I never looked at the map and suddenly thought, "THAT is where we're supposed to go!" But, on numerous occasions, I told my Father where I was going, and pleaded with him to place people in my path that would listen. On more occasions than I can count, we found an investigator on our way to a planned proselyting area, and then didn't have success where we intended to go. As a college student, I have voiced my concerns and dreams with my God. He knows my ambitions, and I know he answers my prayers because he is helping me live my dreams.
Everybody has different experiences at different times in their lives. Each encounter means more to you than it will mean to anyone else because there are feelings attached to those memories that nobody else felt. No matter the trouble or the guidance, you can know God. You can have a relationship with him. He knows you. He's just waiting for you to get to know him.
What does it take to know God? Can we know God?
In Japan, many of my friends perceived God as an influence that was not one being, but in all aspects of nature. Christianity and some other religions hold on to a monotheistic belief. No matter their belief, everyone seems to understand their God as an omnipotent, ever-present force. They fear it. They respect it.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ, we are the same. We fear God. We worship God. We pray to God in the name of Jesus Christ. We love God. However, we also cherish the close, personal relationship we can have with God, which is evident in how we prominently refer to him as our "Heavenly Father."
To some, it may seem odd, but I have come to know God through the hard times in my life. I came to know that God loves me. I escaped from a family get-together one evening after once again being targeted by everyone in the room. I was livid, and was determined never to see any of them ever again when I grew older and moved away. The anger built up inside of me was unhealthy. I knelt down at my bed and was instantly calmed. An odd sensation filled my body and I knew that God was telling me that he loves me, but that he expects more from me.
I know God listens to my prayers. The last few months, I have shouldered more responsibilities than the average college student should. I've turned to my Heavenly Father in prayer for help. He didn't do my homework for me. He didn't do everyone else's homework. He didn't assign home teaching. He didn't run the Engineering Club. He did give me strength and focus to do everything I needed to and several things I wanted to. Everyone looked at me as a firm support to rely on. I was a source for help to a lot of people. I was expected not to ask questions, but to answer them. I became frustrated. I wasn't necessarily growing tired of helping people, but I began waiting for someone to come help me. When they didn't come, I was so aggravated. But, as I have come to habitually pray, I turned to God and he kindly reminded me that He was, is, and always will be there to help me.
I know God answers my prayers. As missionaries, we prayed to know where to go. We prayed to find people to share our message with. I never saw a vision while I was sleeping of a building we were meant to visit. I never looked at the map and suddenly thought, "THAT is where we're supposed to go!" But, on numerous occasions, I told my Father where I was going, and pleaded with him to place people in my path that would listen. On more occasions than I can count, we found an investigator on our way to a planned proselyting area, and then didn't have success where we intended to go. As a college student, I have voiced my concerns and dreams with my God. He knows my ambitions, and I know he answers my prayers because he is helping me live my dreams.
Everybody has different experiences at different times in their lives. Each encounter means more to you than it will mean to anyone else because there are feelings attached to those memories that nobody else felt. No matter the trouble or the guidance, you can know God. You can have a relationship with him. He knows you. He's just waiting for you to get to know him.
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