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.

Important Things

Once Moroni decides to add more to his writings, it seems important to see what it is he felt like he needed to include. After explaining he was going to add more, he went on to just clarify something the Savior said to his disciples when he was visiting the Nephites. I am not sure if this was something that was included in the record but left out by Mormon in his abridgement, or it if was something that Moroni was taught by the spirit. Either way, it’s pretty cool to understand this.

“1 The words of Christ, which he spake unto his disciples, the twelve whom he had chosen, as he laid his hands upon them--
2 And he called them by name, saying: Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine apostles.
3 Now Christ spake these words unto them at the time of his first appearing; and the multitude heard it not, but the disciples heard it; and on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Ghost.” (Moroni 2)

I just included the whole chapter, because it is so short. Moroni felt like it was important for us, the future generations who would read these words, to know. I know that having the Holy Ghost is important and a wonderful opportunity to get direction from Heavenly Father.

The gift of the Holy Ghost is given by the laying on of hands, and by the Priesthood authority. This seems like something the Savior was teaching His disciples: how to give the gift of the Spirit.

A Few More Things

Moroni had added a couple of chapters to the end of his father's (Mormon's) writings. He had given a description of pretty much the final destruction of the Nephites, and then he added an abridgment of the Jaredite record to the end. He thought this would be the end of his writing, and even sort of nicely finished off his writings. I think he wrote that and then went about his business, assuming that he would just live out the rest of his days, probably doing his best to avoid the Lamanites. But after some time, he was still around, and felt to write more.

"Now I, Moroni, after having made an end of abridging the account of the people of Jared, I had supposed not to have written more, but I have not as yet perished;..." (Moroni 1:1)

The climate he lived in was one of wickedness. The few people that believed in Christ were being put to death if they wouldn't deny him.

"And I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ; wherefore, I wander whithersoever I can for the safety of mine own life." (Moroni 1:3)

This is probably why he assumed he wouldn't write any more, because he probably couldn't stay in one place for very long.

"Wherefore, I write a few more things, contrary to that which I had supposed; for I had supposed not to have written any more; but I write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord." (Moroni 1:4)

I love the humility of Moroni. We will soon see that some great things were written in the rest of the book of Moroni. I think it's safe to say that the Lord wanted him to write more, and prompted him what to write. I'm glad Moroni listened to the Lord and was willing to even risk his life to go back and add more to the plates, so that the Lamanites, and everyone, could have these wise words in some future day.

Complete Destruction

These wars among the two sides of the Jaredites ultimately culminated in one final battle. They gathered all the people of the land together, either on the side of Shiz or the side of Coriantumr.

"Wherefore, they were for the space of four years gathering together the people, that they might get all who were upon the face of the land, and that they might receive all the strength which it was possible that they could receive." (Ether 15:14)

They fought day after day, reducing the size of their armies, pursuing and slaying one another until the armies had been destroyed and it was just Shiz and Coriantumr left.

"Wherefore, he did pursue them, and on the morrow he did overtake them; and they fought again with the sword. And it came to pass that when they had all fallen by the sword, save it were Coriantumr and Shiz, behold Shiz had fainted with the loss of blood." (Ether 15:29)

The battle had destroyed everyone. Shiz had fainted. Coriantumr had to lean on his sword before he could even kill Shiz to end the war. Ether had been in hiding (as he had been instructed by the Lord to do), observing the fulfillment of the prophecy that Coriantumr would live to see everyone else destroyed.

The words of the Lord will always be fulfilled. The Jaredites were wiped out, and Ether's record was basically all that was left, when the Nephites found them. This seems like it could have been a very poignant lesson for the Nephites to learn, because they had basically been given the same promise as the Jaredites: that if they kept the commandments, they would prosper, but if they didn't, they would be destroyed. The Nephites had been given the same guidance, but they didn't listen very well either and ended up being destroyed as well. It is at this point in the Nephite history, in fact, that Moroni, who abridged the plates of Ether and added them to the Book of Mormon record. The Nephites had all been destroyed by the Lamanites, and Moroni was in hiding, finishing up the record to be hid and then brought forth as part of the restoration in the latter days.

History can teach us, if we're willing to learn from its patterns and lessons.