Saturday, October 2, 2010

Neil Andersen

Faith and courage in your lives. It's a remarkable but challenging time. We have dangers ahead. Take heed. Beware, lest ye be deceived. No one is immune from the influences of the world. Disciples who followed the savior would not accept that he was the son of god. Will ye also go away?? Absolutely not, not me, I will never leave him.

The question makes us think about our own vulnerability. Life is no spiritual picnic. We get baptised with joy and anticipation... we take his name upon us. We don't want it to be brief. The road of discipleship is not for the faint of heart. Whosoever will come after me, take up his cross and follow me. There are challenges as we follow the savior. These refining experiences bring a deeper devotion.

Some we love and admire slip from the straight and narrow. How do we stray? How do we develop strength? Become as a little child. Believing heart.... submissive... meek, humble, patient. This is the mighty change of heart.

Two words signal danger ahead: offended and ashamed. Doth this offend you? Offense comes in many costumes. When we are disappointed or unanticipated difficulties or we make mistakes and feel unworthy. We learn of something spoken 150 years ago and it bothers us. We are ignored or underappreciated. Each very real to us at the time (OMG, are we minimizing doctrinal issues???).

When Parley Pratt in 1835, he was judged unfairly. JS counselled that he walk it under his feet. In 1830, Fredrick Williams was baptised. He gave and became a leader. In 1837, he made serious mistakes. In consequence, his former standing was taken away from him. Whatever his personal weaknessess, he renewed his loyalty to the lord. In 1840, he asked forgiveness. He was forgiven.

Offended has a corrosive companion called ashamed. The tree of life vision speaks of noble souls who get to the tree of life, then are ashamed at the mocking of the people in the great and spacious building. Finger of SCORN. The mocking represents the pride and wisdom of the world. Nephi heeded them not, but other's courage faltered. They were ashamed and were lost. As disciples of christ, we stand apart from the world. We may feel uncomfortable. Monson warns that our testimony must be firm otherwise we can't withstand challenges. Heed them not. God hath not given us the spirit of fear. We never leave the lord.

In Ukraine, being public with faith took courage. It could mean difficulty, including losing his job. Go forward with faith, unashamed of the gospel.

Do I have to be so different? Can't I love Christ without keeping the law of Chastity?? DO I have to go to church on Sunday? If you love me, keep my commandments.

As members, given so many blessings, we cannot compare what we are to those who are given less.

The lord said, thou mayest chose for thyself. As you chose not to be offended, you will feel his approval. Will we understand everything?? No, put it on the shelf.

I'll never forsake! Perfection does not come in this life, but exercise faith and keep your covenants. Testimony will keep you safe. Feast daily on the word of Christ. Pray and listen to HG. Whatever challenges arise, we never leave JC.

Will ye also go away? To whom shall we go? We believe and are sure that thou art that Christ.

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