Let Us Labor Diligently

Mormon is such an inspiration. He and his son Moroni spent some time apart and Mormon wrote letters to Moroni, who felt as though some of this wisdom needed to be shared in the Book of Mormon.

There was much fighting, and most of the Nephites were as wicked as the Lamanites. Mormon explains that he's tried to teach them the truth, and the consequences of their actions, but they keep just getting angry and more hard-hearted. Yet this is his advice to his son:

"And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God." (Moroni 9:6)

I feel like this is significant and applies in all the things that God wants us to do. We need to be diligent and do what we are commanded, no matter how ineffectual it may seem, if only just to keep our own souls clean and under no condemnation.

I also don't know if Moroni ever saw or heard from his father again after this letter, but it almost sounds like Mormon is saying goodbye. Also, this beautiful testimony and father's blessing:

"25 My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever.

26 And may the grace of God the Father, whose throne is high in the heavens, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who sitteth on the right hand of his power, until all things shall become subject unto him, be, and abide with you forever. Amen." (Moroni 9:25-26)

I really feel the sincerity of these words. At the end of the day, no matter how much turmoil is going on around us, we can find inner peace through the Atonement of Christ. I am so very thankful for this knowledge and understanding, and I hope I can go out of my way to learn more about how to make better use of these things in my life. 

First Fruits of Repentance

At this point, Moroni decides to include a letter from his father Mormon in the record he was finishing up. He and his father were both basically hiding away from the more wicked people because their wickedness had reached the point, basically, where any true follower of Christ would be put to death, if they were discovered.

Even with this, though, they both were involved with a community of saints. I think I have always imagined them being completely alone at this point in the history of the Book of Mormon, but it occurred to me as I read this chapter that perhaps there were more believers at this time than I thought. Mormon's letter to Moroni kind of makes it sound like there is a congregation, and they are doing something that is incorrect, so Mormon wants to correct this behavior. Mormon's main message to Moroni is that little children don't need baptism to be saved, because they are not accountable yet. But why correct this behavior unless there's at least a small following of saints who are doing this thing? (This is just a quick side note...I just found it interesting.)

So Mormon talks a lot about baptism, and what it's for, and why it's not really applicable for little children. But the biggest point he makes, I think, is that baptism is for the remission of sins. When we sin, we must repent and draw closer to Christ. Through this, we make use of the Atonement, which Christ made for us, so that we can be forgiven of our sins and have them washed away, or remitted.

One quick side note here. What is the easiest way to identify an apple tree as an apple tree? The easiest way is to look and see that there are apples growing on the tree. In other words, identifying something is often easier if you can see the fruit of that thing.

People are no different. When you see what a person "produces", or what they actually do, that is a pretty good indication of the kind of person they are. Mormon here talks about the first fruits of repentance. In other words, how can you tell if a person is repentant?

"25 And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins;

26 And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God." (Moroni 8:25-26)

Repentance leads to baptism, which comes by faith and obedience. This is the fruit of repentance, which brings a remission of sins.

The remission of sins brings about a change of heart, which leads to having the Holy Ghost in our lives, which gives us hope and charity.

Honestly, I think the key to living the life the way God would want us to is exactly this. To repent when (not if) we make mistakes, to receive a remission of our sins, and to do our best to be obedient, with the help of the Spirit, and a heart that is prepared to follow the promptings we get.

God Manifests Himself

I've been thinking a lot lately about the way God is present in my life, even in the little things. It's been something that has been pretty neat to witness. I of course have noticed the times where it was easily recognizable in my life, when God would bless me in large ways. But while He indeed does that a lot, there are also so many very small things that happen that show that He is there and loves me and cares about me, and I have to be careful not to miss those as well.

"And behold, there were divers ways that he did manifest things unto the children of men, which were good; and all things which are good cometh of Christ;" (Moroni 7:24)

I think I started noticing the smaller things a little more clearly a number of years ago when President Eyring spoke in general conference about a practice he put into place many years ago, where each night he would reflect back on the day and try to recognize the way that God's hand had been in his life. He said: 

"I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done." (O Remember, Remember, Henry B. Eyring, October 2007)

I have had this talk, and this concept come up a number of times more recently, and I actually have tried to at least think through this exercise regularly. I haven't yet started to methodically write this stuff down, though I want to get to that point. But I have noticed even small and simple things.

Just last night, I experienced another one of those things. Wesley thought he left a cell phone charger in the car, so after Josh got home, I went out to see if I could find it, and by doing so, I also realized that he had left his backpack and binder in the car. Since Josh leaves early, he would have just gone to school without realizing that Wesley's school stuff was in there, and then we would have had to try to figure out how to get Wesley his stuff. This wouldn't have been a huge problem, but it definitely is nicer to just have the stuff in the first place. Anyway, as I got his things out of the car, including his charger which I found, I had the distinct impression that this was one of those times that God's hand has been manifest in my life.

God watches out for us and cares about us and our trials and problems. He wants us to be happy, and so He blesses us. We gain so much from our Heavenly Father, and it always amazes me the level of detail that He cares about. Even small and simple things in my life, God cares about. I am grateful for this individual care that I receive from Him.

The Church and The Members

What is the next step after baptism? What happens? Is that it? Definitely not. There is so much that must be done. Baptism is a lifetime commitment. Your covenants are permanent. So do we go it alone? How do we stay on the right path?

"And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith." (Moroni 6:4)

First, Moroni mentions the Holy Ghost. When we are baptized, we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is an invaluable tool to help us navigate the challenges of this life. We must constantly face choices and obstacles, and the Holy Ghost is a powerful ally that we can have constantly, if we are worthy.

Next, the people who are baptized are numbered among the people of the Church of Christ, and their names were taken. It is important that we keep track of this stuff, not just for record-keeping (although this is important as well), but so that we can help take care of each other. Joining the Church is a personal, individual decision, but it requires a lot of change in that person's life. One that becomes much easier with support. There are several important reasons that the names are taken and the people are numbered: 1) That they might be remembered. This is something that everyone needs: to be remembered and loved. The strongest of convictions can be dissuaded by a lack of inclusion and care. 2) That they might be nourished by the good word of God. Testimony and Gospel experience happens like nutrition in our bodies. We constantly need pick-me-ups and strengthening. It is easier for all of us to strengthen each other than it is for me to strengthen myself all on my own. 3) To keep them in the right way. When we all work together, it is easier to see the "right way". The path can get obscured sometimes, and we can help each other find our way back when we stray. 4) To keep them continually watchful unto prayer. We need to pray always. Everything we do should be at least with a prayer in our hearts. When I think of the word "watchful" I think of someone on alert, watching for dangers. This is part of what he's talking about here. Satan is always trying to lead us away carefully, so we don't notice, so we need to be continually watchful. 5) Relying alone on the merits of Christ. I think this is something that we can help each other do also. There is strength in numbers, but we each have to work out our own salvation, making use of the atonement of Christ. We can help each other do this by teaching and loving and ministering to one another.

"5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.

6 And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus." (Moroni 6:5-6)

There are really two reasons we actually go to church regularly. First, to get together with other members of our faith and talk to one another and strengthen one another, and fast and pray together. Second, to partake of the sacrament. This is right in line with changes we are anticipating to shorten the length of the Sunday meeting block, and bolster the gospel learning in the home. We will still be meeting often, to fast and pray, and speak with each other about the welfare of our souls, and also to partake of the sacrament.

"And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done." (Moroni 6:9)

I think out of all the things about church meetings that I've seen, by far the most effective ones, whether they be classes, or leadership meetings, or one-on-one meetings, when they are led by the Spirit. God knows what we need to be doing and discussing. He will tell us if we are willing to listen.

I have heard a number of people say they were "spiritual, but not religious", or that they didn't need to go to church to feel close to God. Some of this might be true. You certainly can feel close to God in places other than Church, but these points Moroni makes are some pretty persuasive arguments why going to church is important. It's not just about you. It's about everyone around you. Your neighbors and friends. Your family. You work together to help each other and strengthen each other when you hit a low point or something. This is what being a member of the Church of Christ is all about.

Ready for Baptism

Moroni also took some time to talk about baptism, and becoming a member of the Church, and what that meant.

"And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it." (Moroni 6:1)

One key point that Moroni brings up is that to be baptized, you need to be worthy. Something that jumps out at me is that it says they brought forth fruit. I think this is saying that they were able to demonstrated their worthiness. First and foremost, we don't parade our worthiness around as some sort of badge of honor, or anything like that. We don't "show off" our worthiness to make us seem worthy. It means we act worthy, rather than just saying the right things to people that might ask. I also think a worthiness standard is more of a blessing than a barrier to baptism. If someone were to be baptized unworthily, that puts them at a disadvantage right out of the gate.

"Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins." (Moroni 6:2)

As part of demonstrating worthiness, they witness that they have repented. This is done with baptismal interviews by a priesthood authority. These interviews are special. As a district leader on my mission, I had the opportunity to do several such interviews and I was always blown away by the baptismal candidates humility and willingness and desire to do the right thing. The spirit was always there and it was always a good experience. It was humbling to be in that position. These people definitely filled this part of what Moroni was describing.

"And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end." (Moroni 6:3)

The other aspect of baptism is making the covenants that I just wrote about in relation to the sacrament, because we renew these baptismal covenants when we take the sacrament. I think that the key word here that Moroni uses is "determination". I think this is great, because I am a flawed human being, just like all but one human being who has ever walked this earth. I have to begin new resolve and show new determination all the time. I mess up. I don't always do things the way I should. But I want to. And that's a start. Some day, with enough determination, and action to move me in the right direction, I hope to get there. And be the kind of person that I can be, the kind of person that God wants me to be.

Sacrament

I read this in the context of thinking about Moroni, wandering the area, staying away from the Lamanites (who would kill him if they found him), and writing a few things that are important for him to write, and I wonder if he suddenly realized (probably by revelation) "Hey, there's no written instruction how to administer the sacrament!"

Christ taught the disciples how to do it when he was with them in the Americas, so they could administer the sacrament. They had been administering the sacrament for a few generations at this point. But we have been given by revelation that the proper way to administer the sacrament includes a specifically-worded prayer, and so it is good for us to be given that and have it written down.

So Moroni simply gives us that direction. First, with the bread:

"1 The manner of their elders and priests administering the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church; and they administered it according to the commandments of Christ; wherefore we know the manner to be true; and the elder or priest did minister it—

2 And they did kneel down with the church, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ, saying:

3 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen." (Moroni 4)

Then Moroni went on to explain the other half of the sacrament:

"1 The manner of administering the wine—Behold, they took the cup, and said:

2 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen." (Moroni 5)

I'm grateful for the sacrament, and what it both represents, as well as what it actually is. The main thing is the opportunity for me, a sinner, to renew covenants I made at baptism.

I promised at baptism, and renew with taking the sacrament each week, to keep the commandments, which I am never perfect at. This is one reason for the need to renew my covenants. Each week, I (hopefully) resolve to do better than I have in the past, and keep the commandments.

I also promised to always remember the Savior. This is important because He's the one that made it possible for me to repent, and try again. It also helps to remember the Savior's example. He lived a perfect and sinless life, and I am far from that, but remembering Him helps me to remember that example.

Finally, I promised to take upon me the name of Christ. To represent Him, if you will. My actions should reflect the Savior's life, teaching, and example.

Covenants go two ways, and if I do these things, God has promised that I can always have His Spirit. Constant, recognizable direction from the Spirit is something I would love to have, and it is on me to hold up my end of the bargain, because I know God always holds up His end.

I am not great at keeping these covenants. I make mistakes often, and I often get casual about my commitments. It is a constant struggle for me to create and maintain the habits that I should have, and rid myself of the habits I need to avoid. But I am grateful that this is the opportunity that weekly partaking of the sacrament gives me. The chance to always strive to do better, recognizing that I can't fix it all in a day, but if I continue on each week, trying to hold up my end of my covenants better than I have, I will always be making progress in the right direction.

The Next Important Thing

In keeping with the theme of Moroni just adding a few things he felt to add that were important for us (future generations who would receive these writings), Moroni seems like he just starts adding little blurbs. The first was about how the Savior gave His disciples power to give the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Now, he adds some administrative information about how to ordain new priesthood holders.

"1 The manner which the disciples, who were called the elders of the church, ordained priests and teachers—

2 After they had prayed unto the Father in the name of Christ, they laid their hands upon them, and said:

3 In the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a priest (or if he be a teacher, I ordain you to be a teacher) to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end. Amen.

4 And after this manner did they ordain priests and teachers, according to the gifts and callings of God unto men; and they ordained them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which was in them." (Moroni 3:1-4)

I think one big thing  to note here is this phrase: "and they ordained them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which was in them".

This is one of those things where I know that the ordination and associated blessing can come directly from God, through the Holy Ghost. It is His power, and His authority to use it that we are conferring and ordaining these brethren with. It only makes sense that it is done with His direction.