'Tis Sweet to Sing the Matchless Love

'Tis Sweet to Sing the Matchless Love

~A Tribute to He and She whom Serve 

as the Truest Embodiments of Love~

By: J. Matthew Sok

{It becomes my fervent prayer that to any and all who may read this, will feel accompanied by the Holy Spirit, and feel of the truth therein. I feel as the prophets of old, who often declared that they could not even begin to express, nay the one-hundredth part, of how they felt regarding certain key principles. As my words become inadequate, may His grace permit this humble composition, to serve as my tribute to the two greatest messianic figures of my life, and the love they embody, distribute and radiate.}

The Invitation

Recently, I was extended an invitation by my sweet grandmother-- which instantly became the root of this piece you now read. Whilst sitting in a Sunday worship service, my grandmother listened intently as the programmed speakers delivered their discourses. However, slight concern was felt, as in one address a gentlemen humbly expressed, how he felt that God's love was conditional. As well meaning, as this man surely was, his statements on the matter presented quite a stir of unsettling emotions.

My grandmother reached out to me expressing her own sentiments, on why she felt that God's love being conditional, was not all that accurate. Her invitation to me was to explore the topic and to consider sharing my feelings and thoughts on God's love. I wish to do so-- and not in any confrontational or demeaning way, towards anything that was shared by this particular gentlemen, for in the common vicissitudes of life-- there sets a stage for a vast variety of learners and truth seekers.

In fact, during my consideration of the topic and with several opportunities to travel the world I have seen in my encounters with many people, that I have become more increasingly aware of those, both in an out of the church, who share a similar belief; that God's love is conditional. I will once more prayerfully plead for the assistance of the Holy Ghost, in my hope to present and testify of how I know the Love of God to be -- unconditional, for each and everyone of us. May His light allow us to trust and feel this reality, as we examine this truth together.

A Matchless Love: A Savior for ALL

I have taken for a title the commencing lyric of dear hymn,which heralds the opportunity for us all to sing of a "Matchless Love".

'Tis sweet to sing the matchless love,
Of Him who left his home above,
And came to earth-- oh wondrous plan--
To suffer, bleed, and die for man!

[Text: George A. Manwaring]

A matchless love, matchless due to its unfailing, unwavering, and unparalleled-- reality, power and accessibility. A love so pure and so absolute, it becomes almost difficult to think that it is for every single soul, including and especially, your own. Why is it ours; because we are of, from whom it emanates.

The song mentions a "home above", that would be not just the premortal realm of the Savior of the world, but ours as well. We are literally sons and daughters of Heavenly Parents. Whom most emphatically constructed a plan, indeed a "wondrous plan' that would not only allow us to experience in full realness- the power of creation, and liberating education of choice and faith, but a plan that would also permit Love itself, to become generated into a living being; who would live His life entirely for us-- because love "seeketh not her own" (see 1 Corinthians 13).

In that great premortal council, full of anticipation and what I believe to have been dichotomous tension-- with Heavenly Father torn between a desire to bless his children with a mortal experience,  and concern for their safe return home. I can only imagine in my minds eye, as the finishing touches to His great plan were being made, Him taking a second glance at every single one of us, even those who would ultimately choose alternative paths in mortality, and hearing Him naming us one by one saying something to the effect of, "I love you so much, and do not wish that anyone you -- my greatest creations, remain helpless or lost."

Knowing the universal laws of the priesthood order, to which He presides, He was fully aware someone would need to intercede on behalf of every soul that would accept His plan. To which I can see the Savior, Jesus Christ, also looking at every single one of us, knowing of the same necessary intersession; saying "Here I am; send me." (see 2 Nephi 16).

This would inevitably serve as the mantra of the Savior when called upon by His Father, always on our behalf (using the song once more--To suffer; bleed, and die for man), full of love for every single individual. No second thoughts were hosted, nor any scoff or scorn ushered towards those who He knew from time to time would struggle in this life. The very nature of His condescension, was "the love of God" (see 1 Nephi 11). Christ therefore is love, and all He can do is love- this is found in how He taught, invited, on occasion corrected, how he served, reached out, and lifted up. Being who He is, it is against His nature to muzzle, turn off, or hide His love, making it conditional.


It has been said that the greatest christian value, is charity; which is "the pure love of Christ." (see Moroni 7). For charity is the great transformative, almost tangible, refined type of love--that meets the demands of Justice's call, and Mercy's succoring. With both satisfied-- any condition would become obsolete; this then allows the Savior to love all perfectly and endlessly, and I mean all.

In the Book of Alma Chapter 7, we come to understand why His charity or His love is perfect. Not only would He "take upon him the sins of his people" (see Alma 7:13) but He would also go one step beyond and as we read in verse 11, "he shall go forth suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind: and...take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people."

I love the description of this love in the Book of Moroni Chapter 7, which helps us to understand the unconditional nature, of His endless love. Verse 45 reads, "Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in truth, beareth all things, beilieveth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."

As shown to me, by a favorite religious professor of mine, this same verse takes on even deeper meaning; when under one tiny alteration. For if Christ is love, then one can simply interchange Christ's name, wherever the word charity is found. Look once more at the verse with this new perspective-
"Christ suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not his own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in truth.....[Christ] beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things."

He both infinite and eternal- is the only one who can extend a love both infinite and eternal. Internalize once more the power in the words, "sufferings...of every kind", "believes- hopes- bears...all things"; all things and of every kind- truly stand as the ultimate testament in both time and individuality, that there are no conditions on His love, nor would I say that there is anything that we could or have done that would change this or thus cause Him to stop loving us, both perfectly and endlessly.

Because I am Good

In the New Testament a parable that was shared by the Savior really demonstrates this truth. In the parable, The Laborers in the Vineyard (see Matthew 20), we are told a certain man who went out "early in the morning" beseeching men for hire, to work in his vineyard. The first grouping had agreed to a full day's wage of a penny, and they went off to work. The master of the vineyard continued in the progressing hours of the day, to go out several times and hire the men whom could not yet find employment for the day. This was done from the earliest hours of the morning till as the account read, even up to the "eleventh hour" [approximately 5:00pm].

Those who had been stiffed of a full day's work, gladly accepted the last minute offer of an eleventh hour's pay; this would signify that they would only being for the last remaining hour of the day, and were happy to receive what meager portion of a salary that would be allotted them. The next hour, the all the men were gathered, having concluded the working day. Upon request of the master of the vineyard, those that were hired last would receive their wages first, thus proceeding on eventually to those that were hired at the very start of the day.

As the payment was being distributed, to the shock and awe of all the workers, the men of the eleventh hour received- a penny; a full day's wage. The workers of the earlier hours, still receive their pay, reasoned or assumed that since such generosity was being extended to the last minute task force, that they would receive even more. Twas then when, in fact, they too were given the same amount (of a penny) as their coworkers.

Baffled and disgruntled, these workers protest to their master, proclaiming the unfairness, of this their pay. "These [the eleventh hour workers] last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day." (see Matthew 20:12). To which the master teaches a most important lesson, "Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?" (see Matthew 20:13).

He continued saying, lovingly, "Take that thine is, and go the way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?" (see Matthew 20:14-15).

I love the power in his humble inquiry, and to paraphrase; "Did I not pay thee what was agreed upon, am I not allowed to be good? For I very much appreciate your work, thank you. Please don't take offense, because my favorite part of my job--is to be kind and generous with all my workers."

So it is with the Savior, who is our Master. He jumps at the chance to grant unto us all: the same attention and blessings that make for a successful mortal sojourn. Borrowing from the commentary of Elder Jeffery R Holland, who said, "Surely the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of  being merciful, especially to those who don't expect it and often feel they don't deserve it." (April, 2012).

All can a will receive the blessing of "full day's pay" so to speak, because He is good! With no hidden agenda, or pre-existing conditions- that clause hidden demands on us, in order to be loved. God's unconditional love can be accessed by all, no matter how late we've "clocked in", in our day's labor.


Opening a Channel: To Dial into His Love 

It seems almost to good to be true. A real love that is unbiased and unconditional- even to me, when I have done nothing to deserve it? Many might be tempted, as I have been at times, to think "come on' what's the catch?" or "If God's love is so unconditional, why has He left me, why cant I feel it?". We as mortal beings, are limited in almost every sphere, and often fall victims of the adversary's exploitation of our lack of sight, and scale of comprehension. Within our relationships, we experience constantly the shifting sands of heart break, betrayal, and disenchantment; which all cause us to question the validity and consistency of emotional investment from those of whom we seek kinship.

These questions while on the surface seem valid, due to the fragile nature of mortal relationships; is nonetheless miskewed when dealing with our Eternal Father and His Son. Through study and prayer, and through the grace of God, I have truly come to know; that His love is unconditional, but it entirely depends on us if we feel, and accept His constantly out reached offer of love!

If their be any conditions when dealing with God's love, they are not found in God;s love itself. Rather, the conditions we need concern ourselves with, would be those of our very own hearts. Our doubt, our rebellion, our sorrow, and lack of eternal perspective; encase our heart in a shroud of allusiveness, that prevents us from feeling or recognizing, the continual force of His unconditional love.

I had once heard that, "the absence of evidence, is not evidence of absence" meaning; in my own life when I feel forgotten or unloved, it usually because I went looking for love in the wrong places. Elder Holland once urged, that we "give no more place, for the enemy of our soul." Why we are so misled, and tempted, to think that in self doubt/ and pity, anger and sin, or distancing us from the principles of happiness; would we there find solace and love. Those are the tools of the chief architect of misery, who will stop at nothing, to prevent anyone from feeling like they are loved by God.

When it boils down to it, it requires a daily effort to "dial in" to the proper source. Like unto a radio tower, God constantly admits waves of his love to all corners of the earth, even to you. The task then becomes ours to tune our personal transponders (our hearts and faith) to that eternal radio station. This is not easy, for I have found in my day to day life, from the minute I wake up I can usually find something to complain about, or something negative to think on-- if I make room for it. No wonder, why one of the most frequent commandments of the Savior is to always remember Him. 

This "dialing in" is known as repentance, which in my personal opinion (for all its worth), is simply our daily decision to be like Him, a try-to be a little bit better. This is available to all, and we need not be perfect-- but we need only try! As found in the Book of Mormon, the young prophet Alma spent many of his days, in the company of the wicked kings and priests; and through the words of a prophet, came to see the error of his ways. If God's love was conditional the Book of Mormon would be about 400 pages shorter, cutting out Alma's story and those just like as well.

Alma is great example of "dialing in" and becomes in the land formidable establisher of the the Church, in those days. From this prophet we receive the great promises of the the Lord, which read: "he that will hear my voice shall be my sheep; and him shall ye receive into the church, and him will I also receive." (see Mosiah 26:21). This promise is to any any, it does not say I will only receive those; whom have been 100% perfect, or who haven't committed this or that sin-- we are all invited to partake in His love.

The Lord further told Alma that, "whomsoever ye receive shall believe in my name; and him will I freely forgive." (see Mosiah 26:22). How many times in prayer I feel I need to submit my candidacy for His grace- when in reality it is there for me, always has been and always will-- no application fee, because the price was paid for by He who extends the love.

"And thus the Lord work with his power in all cases among the children of men. extending the arm of mercy towards them put their trust in him." (see Mosiah 29:20). All cases! One might say say that God and His love is like unto a mountain, the only thing that changes; would be my proximity to it!

Elder Holland, also has shared "The first great commandment of all eternity is to love God with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength...but the first great truth of all eternity is that God loves us with all of His heart, might, mind, and strength." (April, 2016).

How I love this unconditional truth, that He asks that we try and keep trying until we are successful; for as promised in the Doctrine and Covenants section 46, verse 9, "Verily I say unto you, [the gifts of God] are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep...my commandments, and [for them] that seeketh so to do. " Both, are loved and both shall receive.


Holding to the Rock

A favorite short story of mine, portrayed in a beloved Christmas film, depicts now adult man--reflecting a on particular Christmas he had as a youth. While sharing to a dear friend the experience of what ensued that special holiday, he relates the following:

For what would become my grandfathers last Christmas, we traveled to spend the holiday season with him. On Christmas Eve, everyone was crying; and I being scared ran out of the cottage. I ran down to the beach, where there was a very nice man their decorating, a small evergreen tree that had grown out of rock, somehow --right there by the shore. He saw I was crying, and invited me to help him decorate the Christmas tree. We decorated it with leaves and shells, anything we could find; and I remember thinking what a beautiful little twisted tree that was. That man certainly appeared to be angel, sent to me that day. 

He continued explain how miraculous that a tree growing out of rock really seemed to be; sharing-
I tend to think about that tree from time to time, just tout there; alone in the wind, holding onto that rock--just trying to survive.
To which his friend humbly suggested, that perhaps the rock was holding on to it!

I love this story for that simple interjection made at they end, perhaps suggesting that we [are the tree] and the Lord [is the rock]. While we often strive to hang on to Him, do we forget that He hangs onto us!

The Lord declared lovingly, "they may forget, yet will I not forget thee...Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands" (see 1 Nephi 21). The rock of our lives, will love unconditionally because He took it upon Himself the mission to ensure that we would not be forgotten, and can always be found again!

It seems only fitting, that the preamble to this promise, is found in the comparative question from the Lord; that illustrates for our better comprehension of how unconditional His love is. The Lord asks, "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? (1 Nephi 21)

As I Have Loved You: A Messianic Mother 

Now arriving at the climactic heart of why I feel so strongly about this topic. I would ask for a little patience and indulgence, as I try my best to pay tribute the person who in my mortal experience has extend more unconditional love, save Jesus only, than any other being I know-- My Mother!

Using the Savior's question, of how can woman forget or stop having compassion for her child: really should amplify our comprehension of how much He does love us. Elder Holland, once again-shares; "No love in mortality comes closer to approximating the pure love of Jesus Christ, than the selfless love a devoted mother has for her child" (October, 2015).

He did continue, only under the notation, and recognizing that "Of course, there are heartbreaking exceptions, but most mothers know intuitively, instinctively that this is a sacred trust of the highest order" (October, 2015). My heart goes out to the particular cases where a mother's love was deprived; also hoping that we can all remember those special motherly figures that filled that void.

I know of no other person, that compares to advocating my success; than Alison Sok. She has been in my corner cheering me on, coaching, supporting, and mercifully sometimes taking the blows that come my way; for as long as I can remember! You will not meet a woman more saintlike, than she. Truly the only term appropriate to even try to describe her is: Angelic. This tribute, not to undermine the irreplaceable role my beloved Father has played in my life; but even he I know would agree, that my Mother is truly the greatest ambassador for love our family has ever known.

Many instances from my life can highlight the great love she has for me, but one in particular has stayed with me when reflecting on her unconditional love for me, as undeserved it is on my part.

In the latter portion of my teenage years I  experienced feelings of depression and personal apathy for many things, My sarcasm and jokes, would at times be an unsolicited burden I chose to place on my family and that would be something I will regret till the day I leave this earth. My mother however, took the time, to make sure that joy was not coming out of me--by all means she wanted to fill me with it.

One particular evening my family was preparing to make along trip, and this required a full task force to clean, pack and organize; for the making of a successful and peaceful departure. I reluctant to go and in personal shallowness, evolved into an unwilling participant- and made sure that my opposition in going was made manifest. I did pack my bags nor begin to help with the cleaning and organizing, and I just sat in my room-- awaiting for the supposed contentment, that would never really come, in my endeavor to rebel.

My living mother aware of my attitude and lack of preparation, came into my room to see how she could help. Like with most arguments, I can not remember what was said, or even the cause; but somehow her interference in my pity party- sent me into a ridiculous tantrum, leaving me only wanting to seek contentious interaction.

Harsh tones and, irrational words left my mouth without any grounds of truth to what was being said. All the while my mother tried her very best to see past, what was obliviously tiredness and angst, and see what was really upsetting me. I made sure to avoid her  obvious compassion, wanting to claim a "victorious" win from my own vain imagination.

My lack of tolerance and disregard for any amount of love she was trying to extend, climaxed with me yelling and storming out of the room, leaving her alone; still along my bedside. I am not sure how much time passed, but it was enough for me to calm down to the point top believe that surely she went on with her list of pre-travel chores that needed to get done. Supposing her to be active in other demanding tasks, I walked back to my room; only to behold one of the most sacred images I reserve in my minds eye-- My mother still sitting there, for she had not moved one inch. Silently waiting my return, my frustration was consumed by remorse and pleads for forgiveness were ushered. As she just held me and let me try to explain what I was feeling, she forgave me and helped me see the joy of trip to come.

Brothers and Sisters, I do not know who may need to hear this message-- But it is my fervent prayer that we hearken to the reality of the Messianic love in this story, and better yet the unconditional love all around us. We all have to a degree, languished in the misery of apathy and confusion- disregarding the Father's love and His want to help us. Sometimes by our actions we storm out so to speak of our closeness to him-- but like unto my beautiful Mother, He moves not a single inch. He can not, because He will not occupy Himself with other "tasks", indeed we are His only priory. He wants us to abide in His love.

I am not sure if there was any predestined arraigning of family units in the pre-earth life. But I like think to some degree, knowing my self very well; that I was scared and nervous about coming here. Perhaps the the Lord knowing I am quite a handful, looked around as He had done previously-- looking for a volunteer to help bring me home. Not seeing many hands, I can imagine my mother, knowing of my needs running towards us both in pure compassion saying in her own Christlike way "Here I am. Send me!".  I love her, and I know she loves me; with a love only bestowed upon those who walk as the Savior does.

This love never faileth, the scriptures say, because it has borne--carried--delivered--supported (words used to describe motherly roles) the weight of all of our pains, mistakes, and suffering. It is the very love by which Jesus entered into the Garden of Gethsemane that sacred night. Where He did not try and save His love only for those that would chose Him, but rather in pure love He paid the price fore every single person; and it is our to feel and use if we so chose.

To conclude I would would invite us all to take eternal and unwavering comfort in the phrase "as I have loved you."(see John). The comfort for me resonates in the Lord's choice of adverb-- as. Not When I love, or If I love, nor On occasion I will love: He say unconditionally- never to change, As I have loved you. For He is love and will always love.

It has become my prayer and life philosophy to one day, be the man my mother sees me as. For I know it is the same way the Savior sees me as-- not what I have done, or where I am at: but who I am and what I can become. In the words of a young mother I heard say "When you first hold your baby in your arms, you love him for who he is; not cause he has done anything." We are His.

I am a living witness, 2017 evidence- that God loves unconditionally. He hears and answers prayers, we need only come as we are, and dial back to sweet song of redeeming love. As we do so I promise your heart will change and the your dreams will begin to be realized, you will feel the love that has always been yours. May God Bless and Keep you- In His name, I share this.

Amen.


For Further Study on this Topic please consider:
- Mosiah 26/ Alma 7/ Moroni 7 (Book of Mormon)
- Laborers in the Vineyard By Jeffery R Holland (LDS.org)
- Tomorrow the Lord will Work Wonders among you By Jeffery R Holland (LDS.org)
- Behold, Thy Mother By Jeffery R Holland (LDS.org)














{All Images Provided through Google Imaging and Paintings are that of the LDS Gospel Library. Citations are property of their respected authors}

"C" is for Christ ~ That's Good Enough For Me

"C" is for Christ~ That's Good Enough For Me
By: Jacob Sok




I have often satirically commented that I pride myself in having been raised in the great artistic classics. My parents understood early on my that exposure to the poignant social themes and the current cultural constructs of a toddler would be crucial for my development. While Shakespeare and Aristotle would come in time,  I however refer to the great works of Jim Henson and the Sesame Street characters. Of these profound contributors to my early education was the ever favorite, Cookie Monster. Cookie Monster and his devote dietary patters famously coined the lyric, "C is for cookie and that's good enough for me".

This week when considering what I could share with you my mind went back to a passage of scripture that really struck home, and offered this train of thought- "C is for Christ, and He is good enough for me.". I truly feel that sometimes we in our limited mortal mindset, forget or tend not to understand how Great and Infinite the Lord of Lords truly is.

As stated in the scriptures, we are to often taunted by the finger of scorn and left to think He is nothing but an idle tale or something of the frenzied mind. Leave it to the adversary who has nothing to want us to feel as if the Gospel of Christ amounts to nothing. While I believe we never blatantly accept this lie directly, I have seen that we can feel at times that the Savior and His plan are limited; in a way as to almost exclude His love and power from reaching ourselves and our personal situations.

One of my favorite religious educators, John Bytheway, has taught: "that while the Lord will guide us  line upon line and precept upon precept, The adversary will try to lead us away lie upon lie and decept upon decept.". My dear friends, I know that this is true and we do not have to fall victims of these lies and deceptions. Satan would want us to think that Christ is not enough; not enough for the type of person we are or things we have done. I pray that something of what I share can help begin to dispel at least some of the seeds of this mental rationalization.

For Christ is enough! Elder Jeffery R Holland has promised, "It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ's Atonement shines. There is nothing ...that you have done that cannot be undone. There is no problem which you cannot overcome. There is no dream that in the unfolding of time and eternity that cannot yet be realized. The Lord of the vineyard stands beckoning."

The prophet Isaiah while sometimes difficult to interpret, is still one of the most beautifully testators of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and His messianic mission. Isaiah himself was not only a prophet but one of the great Hebrew poets of his time. One of the most beautiful passages he ever penned is actually quoted in the Book of Mormon. In Mosiah chapter 14 we find a Messianic prophesy called the Suffering Servant, through which Isaiah uses his seer-ship to foretell the atoning mission of Christ.

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and we his as it were our faces from him (see Mosiah 14:3)...Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows,; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted (see Mosiah 14:4). "

In His mortal sojourn Christ, literally waked the path of mortality to enable Him to be "enough". Enough to not only know our grief and our sorrows, but have personally experienced them, and lived them the way we have lived them. As the price of our mortal limitations and frailties would amount He payed the debt in full not just to fulfill the ends of a law, but to empower us to a path that would bring us back home.

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed. (see Mosiah 14:5)."

Laurel C Day once invited that we should "find comfort in His scars". This is not to say we take satisfaction in the pain and suffering He under went, but rather that we should stand tall and grateful- reassured that for all He went through it was the ultimate sacrifice that would be available to anyone and could be used for anything. When Christ declared from the cross, "It is finished", He was reassuring the world that through His power and divinity that all He had set out to do, was not only done,  but done individually and completely for each one of us (not missing one part, one soul, nor one mortal experience).

The prophet Alma described this power as the "great and last sacrifice...the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal (see Alma 34:14).".  The Lord's sacrifice being both Infinite and Eternal , means that it is endless and limitless.


The Lord knows how I tend to think mathematically and I remember being able to understand this a lot more using a graph I made:

In math one can graph the domain and range of anything using two planes (an X and a Y axis).

On the Y axis, we can see the Infinite power of the Atonement: this means it can cover any sin or problem for any person.

On the X axis, we can see the Eternal domain of the Atonement: this shows that it can be available anytime, and as often as required.

As the blue line (which represents the Lord's power and grace) extends-- it covers all that we could possibly need it to.

While this does not condone sinful conduct, nor suggest we should continue in bad habits-- This means we can take heart in the fact that His power can be crafted to our needs and His grace is sufficient, to help us become who we are meant to become.

Christ truly is enough, and we need not doubt it. God being the author of diversity, constructed a plan of redeeming love not only for all diverse people, but their diverse and individual lives.



My faith has been strengthened in this principle as I have come to know through the scriptures and personal experiences my Savior. God is a god of second- third- fourth-....or as many chances and we need, so long as we continuing to reach for His help. Truly there is no limit on our chances because, Christ did not want to leave our future-- to chance! Rather, He stands ever watchful ready for us to come and follow Him, to be strengthened in Him.

I find it interesting what the prophet Moroni said, "Come and be perfected in Christ"(see Moroni 10:32), he never said "be perfect and then come to Christ".

I love the story in the New Testament of the Lord, who at the Last Super, preforms the service of washing the feet of His apostles. In ancient custom this was considered to be the lowliest of chores, reserved for only the bottom of the social class. The Savior proceeded to gird himself up with a towel and individually wash the feet of his disciples. I imagined only slightly embarrassed by the state of his feet, Peter asks; "Lord, dost thou wash my feet?" (see John 13). Peter could not understand why the Lord would take the time to perform this service, being who He was. Peter expressed how it was unnecessary for Jesus to do that for Him, as if he did not want to put Christ to the trouble.The Savior in return explains, how Peter did not understand why He was doing so, but for Peter to have part with Him it was necessary.

I have seen moments in my life when I mistakenly feel that, I am almost doing the Lord a favor by saying, "you don't need to trouble yourself with me, and my problems"- when in reality it is not trouble for Him at all. I have come to find that part of the process of changing our hearts and coming unto Him, is believing and trusting that we are worthy of His services, His time and grace.

Brad Wilcox said, "We are not here earning heaven, but learning heaven". While we are commanded to repent and come unto Him-- His grace is already available to those who simply call upon Him and try to do better each and everyday. The price of our mistakes was paid for, there is no hidden fee or extra interest we need to pay off-- we are already worthy of rescue and He knows how to help us step by step. In Preach My Gospel, it talks about how the change that comes with repentance means, rethinking how we view God and our selves. We should not see Him as some we need to convince to help us, pitching our candidacy to be recipients of His grace- rather, He asks that we let not our hearts be troubled, and see ourselves as He sees us: "that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves" (see John 17).

I am not a betting man but if I had to put my chips on something it is Christ and His plan of redeeming love. While I many times have never felt adequate or enough for all the Lord offers me, He truly is enough for us. We need not second guess the plan or the payment, that was made on our behalf. I know that He and His angels are around us serving and loving and healing us. We will come to feel this more and more as we embrace His love fully, and personally. I testify today that surely as we come to trust that C is is for Christ, that's good enough for me; we will come to see that He says- C is for you my child, and you are good enough for me!
 I so share with love, in His Holy Name.

For Further study on this topic please consider the following sources:

- The Laborers in the Vineyard, By: Jeffry R Holland (LDS.org)
- Mosiah Chapter 14 (Book of Mormon)
- John Chapter 13/17 (New Testament)

{All Images provided through Google Imaging; Paintings are property of the LDS Gospel Library. Citations remain that of their author's from their respective publishings}

My Father's Business- To Seal You His

My Father's Business- To Seal You His.

 ~A Reason For Easter~

By: Jacob Sok

*It is my prayer that the Spirit of our Lord and Savior may accompany the reader in this, a humble attempt to share my testimony of this Easter Season. I do not wish to Blog in hope of seeking a chance to flex spiritual prowess or for a want of praise- and if there be any good from this article: I pray it than can serve as a means by which His light and love can touch your heart this Easter.*

Since I first heard the song in my youth, this lyrical testimony as penned by Michael McLean, has caused much reflection and now even beyond its melody- the words are what I have come to appreciate in this piece. Consider this encounter in the lyrics of this special song: 

He was working late one evening, 

With the wood he knew so well,

When she thought,

She recognized him,

Though at first,

She really couldn't tell,

As she humbly begged his pardon,
A strange sadness swelled inside,
When she asked,
"aren't you the father
Of that man they crucified?"
Then the carpenter repeated,
What he's said so many times,
He said, "I was not His father,
He was mine."

The song continues:

Then they talked for hours of Jesus,

And how He knew He was divine,

He said, "I was not His father,

He was mine.

For how could one, 

So foolish and so flawed,

Ever hope to raise,

The Son of God?"

Then he spoke,

Of the misgivings,

That he had had,

a thousand times,

And how Jesus found,

the tender moments,

To let him know,

He had done just fine

Then the carpenter recited,

The greatest truths,

he'd ever learned

And testified

they all came from Jesus

And then her heart

within her burned,

They embraced as she departed,

And Joseph told her one more time,

"Tell them I was not His father

Tell them He was mine,

No, I was not His father,

He is mine!"

{I Was Not His Father, By: Michael McLean}

While I recognize that this interaction between Joseph and this woman is not official scriptural canon; I still can not help but feel the truthfulness behind the message of the piece and what I have come to feel and accept to be this carpenter's sentiments. 

Joseph truly was not the father of Christ, Christ is ours.

Christ, Lord of Lords and King of Kings- Is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. He is the Only begotten Son of the Father, our elder Brother. The only one to have lived a perfect life, giving His will to that of His Father's. These truths I hold in my heart, and are accepted amongst most believers.

However, I wish to emphasize one particular role of the Savior, alongside the lyrics of the song we just read together. A role, not particularly recognized, yet none the less real: Christ as our Father. From what we know about the nature of the godhead and as stated by the First Article of Faith; "We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ. And in the Holy Ghost." Three distinct personages, yet one in purpose. 

To then call Christ,  the Father, might spawn some confusion. The Book of Mormon offers some clarity on this truth in the Book of Ether Chapter 3. In verse 19 we read, "Behold I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and daughters." This statement by the Lord is not a contradiction to the truth that we know to be of there being both God the Father, and Jesus the Son. 

This verse actually only complements that truth with a another part of doctrine, also found in the scriptures. In John chapter three the Savior taught the Pharisee Nicodemus that, "man must be born again". The role of a Father is to beget life. God the Eternal Father, is He who begot our spiritual lives in that great pre-mortal realm. Our father's here on earth  were those who helped beget our mortal lives. With Christ then to be the father of our spiritual rebirth, in fulfillment of this commandment to "be born again", a new commencement or life in Christ. 

I pray that this truth will not appear trivial or irrelevant, rather that it may serve as foundation to show why I feel the reason to celebrate, and sing songs of praise; especially this time of year. With a true understanding of the roles of the Savior, we are only left to ponder and internalize His eternal importance. I find myself rather at a loss for words, and pray this humble declaration only pays tribute to Him, of whom I testify. 

The title for my message comes from the Book of Luke, where we find the account of the young Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem. There He was found teaching the Chief Priests and Teachers of the land. This was done unbeknownst to his earthly father and mother, Joseph and Mary. They in recognition of His absence, return to Jerusalem in a desperate search for their young Son. In what I imagine to be a cacophony of anxiousness and sudden relief, they find the Lord in the aforementioned temple. 

Jesus then draws unto His overwhelmed parents and is asked, why He had departed from their sights? "Son, why hast thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing."(Luke 2:48) "And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"(Luke 2:49). 

When contemplating the importance of Easter, My mind drew unto this simple teaching from the Savior; that He is about His Father's business. What is His Father's business?  May I suggest that the simple fact that the young Lord being found in the company of the people, serves a testimony that WE are His Father's business. 

"For God so loved the world", for He so loved us, "that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). The more I study and come to know the Savior, the more I realize it was not about Him- the whole concept of our existence was about a divine plan and love for us. I have shared it before and I will share it again, God is more that mere deity- He is our Eternal Father, invested in the life of you and me. No hidden agenda, no red tape clauses or dogeared policy- Jesus took it upon Himself, the task of making sure that we not only feel welcomed home but also know the path to once again return home. 

The role of Jesus Christ in His Father's business, was predestined to be- an atonement being both infinite and eternal on behalf of all of God's children. This eternal sacrifice would enable Christ to beget new spiritual life, a redemptive rebirth on our path to our heavenly home. This is done as we draw near unto Him through adherence to His teachings and a conscious effort in keeping sacred covenants. 

In the Book of Mosiah chapter 5 we are taught, "because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons and daughters; for this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him..." (Mosiah 5:7)

"And under this head are ye made free...I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives." (Mosiah 5:8). This path offers the blessing of having His name written on our hearts (see Mosiah 5:12), by which one day we shall be called and known as "the name of Christ." (see Mosiah 5:9).

Recently I have contemplated the significance of having His name, upon us. I came across this insight from one of my favorite Gospel Instructors- Brad Wilcox who shared this:
"When Michelangelo carved the Pieta  the beautiful renaissance sculpture of Mary holding the dead Christ in her arms, it was considered a masterpiece from the moment it was created. This masterpiece of masterpieces drew people from far and wide. They marveled at how flesh-like the stone had become, they marveled at the delicate folds in Mary's clothing, and marveled at the expressions on the face of Mary and her dead son. They marveled at the out of world peace this artist was able to communicate.

And one after they other said that there is no way that this could have been made by Michelangelo. He was twenty-three, and they said no way could something this wonderful be made by an artist so young. That very night Michelangelo picked up his chisels once more, and he went and by the light of candles; he carved on the banner that went across Mary's chest: Michelangelo of Florence Made This. He signed it. When we covenant and renew our covenants, it is as if Christ is writing across our hearts: Jesus of Nazareth is Making This. We don't just take His name, He signs us- for He is making us." (Time Out For Women Address, 2012).

Is not that His Father's business, to make more of us than we ever could of ourselves. This truly is the miracle of Easter- the miracle of everyday. For once more we read in the Book of Mosiah Chapter 5 verse 15, "be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all."

If we are to sing of that silent night in the peace of a lowly stable, or claim to take joy in the chorus of Hallelujahs pronounced from a gloriously empty garden tomb- It would be because the life of Jesus Christ was lived in His Father's business, the trade of loving us. The miraculous event on the Holy Week and the event prior to, gave Christ the capacity to not just pay the price for our sins but the price for us. Christ is the Father of new life, second chances and hope.

It will serve as my testimony and humble witness that Christ wills to seal us His. I know that I matter to Him. I know the joy of walking in His path, and calling upon His name. I know the living Lord is invested in me. I never sat at the Mount of Olives to witness the resurrection, I was not present at the ministry of Him in the Americas long ago, I was not found in 1820 in a sacred groove of tress when His work and business would be issued again: but in my own simple and personal way wish to hold my own ground and say I know Jesus is the Christ. Just as a loving father would, He hears and answered my calls for help, and that is enough for me to sing-

"He lives, my sure rock of faith,
The one bright hope of men on earth,
The beacon to a better way,
The light beyond the veil of death"
{My Redeemer Lives, By: Gordon B. Hinckley}

This I share with my love for you and my prayer that we enjoy the reason for this Easter season!
In His name Amen.



For further study please consider the following sources-
- Luke 24 (New Testament)
-Mosiah 5 (Book of Mormon)
- None were with Him, By: Elder Jeffery R Holland (General Conference 2009, LDS.org)


{All images found through Google Imaging and Paintings are property of the LDS Gospel Library. Citations for scriptures and discourses remain that of their Author's.}

Becoming Our True Selves- A Rendering Unto God

Becoming Our True Selves- A Rendering Unto God
By: Jacob Sok

This week while listening to a favorite christian comedian, I was intrigued by a comment he made. Towards the end of his routine he closed his performance with a brief testimony, on how he came to have faith in God. While citing a quote, he stated "God often allows moments, for a man to get downwind of himself; to get a whiff of the man he is.". This concept of "getting a whiff" of the type of people we are has been on my mind and heart all this week, connecting perfectly to a scriptural phrase that has always stirred much thought; that is - to render unto to God, that which is God's.

The phrase is taken from a New Testament account of the Savior, who was confronted by a group of the Chief Priests and Scribes, in Jerusalem.  It was the intention of these men, to entrap the Lord into a self-condemning testimony; to which they would be able to try and punish according to their laws.
The account in the Book of Luke chapter 20, records the interaction as follows: In an attempt at enticing by flattery the Scribes, holding a piece of tribute money (the common tax) asked the Savior: "Master we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or no." This question would place the Savior in position of much conflict, if answered poorly. The result would give cause for the Scribe to deliver Him unto Roman punishment, with an obvious display of opposition to the rule and taxation of the land.

However Jesus perceiving their hearts, returned their question with one of his own saying, "Why tempt ye me?. Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it?" To which in their confusion they answered him saying, "Caesar's". Of which Jesus would so brilliantly retort, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.".This story has been one of a great deal of reflection over the past few years, as I have truly wished to come to understand, what it means to render unto God "the things which be God's".

I prayerfully hope the Spirit of the Lord will direct us in considering this idea, of what it means to:  Render Unto God.

In the dictionary, the word to render has listed several definitions. Meaning: to represent or depict, to give or to provide, to become or cause to be, and  to return (see Dictionary.com/ Websters-Merriam.com). Knowing this we can further see the illustrated teaching when the Savior asks whose image was found on the penny. Knowing that Caesar's image or superscription was found thereon, He commands that we give unto Caesar all that which beholds his image and therefore give to God all that which beholds His. Of truth, this principle was taught as  reminder of " who we are", and "why we are".

                      Who We Are:

In Genesis chapter 1 verse 27, we are taught, "So God created man in his own image". We are not only of the image of God, in conceptual likeness, but we are His children. This fact is so commonly disused amongst us that we often can lose sight of it's significance. As stated in the primary hymn, "I am a child of God, and He has sent me here" (see I am a Child of God). Our worth can not be measured, can not be changed nor substituted; for it is, as God is, eternal. We are of divine origin- a beginning that which our common adversary, would want us so easily to forget.  We must not fall victims to his threats and jaunts at our faith and knowledge in this fact! It would serves us good in our recognition of us as, servants and believers to place dominate emphasis in our celestial parentage; being sons and daughters of God.

To think and ponder this truth, with faith will surely allow us to feel of destined purpose and rights. The Quorum of Twelve Apostles has shared "Of all the titles of respect and honor and admiration that are given to deity, He asks us to address Him as; Father.".

In the Book of Mormon, it was revealed unto the wise King Benjamin by an angel this same truth. This King went on to share a prophesy of Christ, quoting the angel he related "And lo he (meaning Christ) cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name" (Mosiah 3:6). The phrase "cometh to his own" further testifies of this truth we are children of our heavenly father, who begat us spiritually in the beginning. The Book of Mormon would also emphasize that we are also to become children of Christ, in the sense that He becomes the father of our spiritual rebirth, through His atoning sacrifice and our adherence to His gospel (see Mosiah 5:7). Who fortunate we are to know that as sure as the Sun shines bright, or time is endless; we are forever to be loved and known by He who loves us perfectly, for we are His.

                 Why We Are:
When considering the Savior's interaction with the penny, it was really an invitation to remind us of who we are, but also invitation to act- being the "why" in our being here.

As children of God, why do we settle or succumb to the forces that would attack that very core of our existence? Every time we are tempted or mislead, it is the objective of the devil to cloud our vision of who we are and thwart our efforts to become who the Lord would want us to become, thus preventing our eventual return to our Heavenly Home. If I truly am a son of God, I would hope that be on the fore front of my mind, thus becoming the very heart of my determination to become like my Father; this truly is a rendering unto God.

King Benjamin taught, "render unto him all that you have and are" (Mosiah 2:24). This amazing principle, is invitation to not just give of ourselves, but actually- give ourselves to the Lord; and  see what amazing things will become of it. This process is of the rendering to God all that we are is also known in scripture as, putting off the natural man.

For we know that "the natural man is an enemy to God" (see Mosiah 3:19). Internalizing this a little more, I have learned that as we embrace the natural man, we are giving/ depicting/ becoming, that which would demean our very being and our divine within. The superficial and shallow tendencies of mortality-- to yield unto those carnal desires, close us off from the possibility of reaching our full potential, as paid for by our Savior.

The Book of Mormon offers a chance for us to get that "whiff" of who we are by this beautiful comparison-- "Unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ...and becometh as little child, submissive, humble, patient, full of love and willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." (Mosiah 3:19). It would make sense that we are to become as little child, seeing we are the children of our Father. As we turn away from those attributes contrary to those of Christ our character becomes at-one with His, our very hearts become open to the who we truly are and where we truly belong.

The prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon asked those of his people, "have ye been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" (Alma 5:14).

Really this is why we are here. We have come here to through a mortal refining pursuit, receive His image in our countenance,meaning change our hearts. This change of heart creates with us a tangible power that makes the simple fact of being a children of God more than mere fact, to a living state of being.

Christ told his disciples to not be afraid, because he had overcome the world. He himself learned to put off the natural man, and in our efforts to draw unto Him through His gospel and making sacred covenants with Him, we to will receive this power.

I remember as a missionary, one of the things I loved most was while walking in the Saviors shoes- applying His opportunity to change my heart; I was able to feel His healing power and rely on those attributes in moments of need. I recall sometimes I would look in the mirror and I would see a different person, in a way that was almost familiar; for I was becoming what I had been taught to become, long ago by my Father in Heaven. Now this has become my hope and purpose of my life; for I am not perfect at it but I promise this rendering is worth it, truly the happiest one can be in this life. When we look in the mirror we can ask ourselves, "Unto to whom am I rendered?". Doing So alows us to more fully keep our covenants and grow closer to God.

As we are of God, and strive to develop his image in ourselves, a full rendering of who we are- we will come to see the Savior's influence and power in our lives. The heart of my motivation for this rendering was founded upon the truth that when the Savior paid the price for my mistakes and my lack of understanding; paid the price for me to be even as He is. Think of that; the check has already been paid off, never to return or bounce- He took it upon himself the consequences of our rendering to lesser things, out of pure love. Even more, He paid the price to allot us time to grow with Him, so that His grace may accompany our short comings step by step.

I prayerfully yearn that my heart will continue to turn to He, of whom I am. That I can develop His countenance in my face; in my entire being. For if we do so the prophet Mormon promised "when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." While I have long way to go, I know that through the grace of the Lord, we can be even as He is- returning home as joint heirs in the Kingdom of God. I pray we joyfully try and render line upon line as we go through this mortal journey- and thus be full of purpose, full of life, and full in Christ.

For further study on this principle please consider the following sources-
- Ponder the Path of Thy Feet: By Thomas S Monson (LDS.org)
- 3 Nephi 11-14 (Book of Mormon)
- I am trying to be like Jesus (Primary Hymnal).


{Images provided through Google Pictures and Paintings being Property of the LDS Gospel Library}

For the Benefit of the World; For He Loveth the World

For the Benefit of the World; For He Loveth the World
By: Jacob Sok

About two years ago I was sitting puzzled, in a tiny run down house inside a rough suburb of Lima. I a fairly new missionary still without mastery of the new language I was learning, and still without much understanding of the culture; was trying my best to participate in a discussion with my companion and a woman we had just recently met. As we talked I remember being able to follow the overarching ebb and flow of the conversation, yet was still missing a good 70% of the legitimate dialogue. Towards the end of our conversation the woman, with the most sincere look of inquisitive tension; looked at us and asked .... a question that I could not understand. I did what only any green missionary could do and took my best guess and responded by just testifying of Jesus and His love. My companion in support went through to answer her question. Not thinking much of it, I eventually forgot about the brief conversation and it would not be till later that I would ac actually come to learn what she had said.

In little words, she had asked "Are we punished" meaning; are we forgotten? Oh how wish I could go back most emphatically and lovingly shout as appropriately as possible "heck no!!!!!". (Probably a good thing the language was a slight barrier, as to avoid me testifying with slang). Nonetheless my hope is to simply share why I have absolute confidence that we are not forgotten.

I welcome, and have cherished my many associations with friends of many different faiths. I believe we should stand together in the causes we hold dear. I also pray that we many in mutual respect, permit on occasion, room for spiritual envy,  in a non-covetous way; recognize the beauty of sincere and humble discipleship world wide. With that respect being observed, I would hope that I may share with you, a simple and brief testimony that I have obtained by the hand of the Lord.

I stand today humbled but a dear piece of truth, given to me by my Father in Heaven, that has absolutely been the root of the many blessings in my life. That truth being: I know that in petition to the prayer of a humble boy in the Spring of 1820, God the father issued the long awaited and foretold Restoration of the Gospel in its fullness- through the work of modern day prophets.

When I say prophet, I speak no ordinary minster nor pastor. No hierarchal clergyman, or standard believer. While I reignite the much good these men preform all throughout the worlod I wish to specifically testify of the calling of Prophet, according to divine revelation and priesthood ordination.

Since the beginning of time we know that the Lord has chosen prophets, what are ordained servants elected by Him, to administer the principles and authoritatively preform  the sacred ordinances of His gospel. Time after time prophet after prophet, the Lord stretched for His hand to the earth.

A passage in the Book of Mormon, states "the Lord God worketh not in darkness."(2 Nephi 26:23).
Prophets have alway headed each dispensation in order to make clear the doctrine and make plain the will of the Lord. This being said, as God has always abided by eternal law; He respects our agency. The prophets of every generation have faced opposition and persectuion. The enticing lies of the evil
one, have always puffed up the hearts of men and caused disarray and curroption of truth. This is defined by apostasy.

The most devastating and recent phase of apostasy took place shortly after the martyrdoms of the original twelve apostles, whom were ordained prophets seers and revelators. Until that is in the spring of the year 1820 when young humble by the name of Joseph Smith was found conflicted in his tender age of 14, with questions of the soul. His search for divine guidance was instilled drop by drop from goodly parents, a mass exposure to conflicting ideologies, and a desire to be right with God.

Upon much study and prayer, he came across a verse of scripture in the New Testament, Book of James. In the first chapter and faith verse, "If any of ye lack wisdom, let him ask of God". He said no scripture had come with greater force to any being, as had that one to his at that time. After much pondering and internizling, he was led to do as directed; ask of God.

Joseph, in a quiet grove knelt in prayer, to inquire of the Lord for the welfare of his soul. In response a pillar of light decended upon him which he described as being above the brightness of the sun, in which he saw two beings whom he also described as being beyond description. God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, came down to not only put at ease the tender feelings of this young boy; but to also enter in a new dispesiation. Through time and crafting of the Lord Joseph was prepared taught and ordained to the Holy Priesthood of God, as a Prophet in this dispensation known as the Fullness of Times. Through this miraculous restoration the Gospel of Jesus Christ was brought back to the earth and God once again spake through a chosen and ordained leader.

Much has been said for good and bad about Joseph Smith. While my words do not even begin to do justice the retell of this most sacred event; I wish to be able to express today simply that God loves and this evidence in His calling of prophets for our time. For this very work, and Gospel is still under the direction of Prophets Seers and Revelators.

The Book of Mormon prophet Nephi testified of the Lord saying, "He doeth nothing save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him." (2 Nephi 26:24)

The changing values of modern society, wars and rumors of wars, disease and conflict are ever present. I testify that God is truly at the helm of a great and marvelous work on behalf of those He loves. A modern day apostle, Elder Gary Stevenson said, "God's marvelous compensation for living in perilous times, is that we also live in the fullness of times" (October, 2015).

While I pray and remain sure that time will permit me  further discussion and testimony on the subject of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ, in these latter days; I wish only to present this absolute truth- that God truthly watches out for us, for He is engaged in our lives. His promises are being fulfilled. Though we live in troubled times, He has not left us comfort-less.

I will support and encourage all men of faith. We need more unity in the world, especially amongst the religious communities. However, I make one slight distinction when it comes to the presiding ecclesiastical leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; I sustain them as Prophets of the Lord. I do not do this as tradition, nor as a blind assumption. I do this because I have felt the reality of their calling from God and of Him.

What blessing to have council, commandments and teaching for our day. I wish to close by inviting any who may read this to hear teaching for our day and age from such apostolic sermons. Please watch the following video-- as you do so with an open mind, Mormon or not- I promise that truth will emanate from these special witnesses of the Savior. God Lives and He Loves Us- We are not forgotten: which is the Testimoy of all His Prophetic voices.

*As published By the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints- Told by: Elder David A Bednar:



For further study on this topic please consider the following sources:
- Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration (Film: LDS.org)
- Chosen to Bear Witness of My Name (Elder David A Bednar)

From Checklists to Checkpoints: Avoiding the Spiritual Rut

 From Checklists to Checkpoints: Avoiding the Spiritual Rut

By: Jacob Sok

I recently saw a television add promoting a new innovative breakfast food, taking center stage away from the typical morning meal. The commercial depicted a man standing it a large ditch in the middle of the floor eating his breakfast. A female coworker approaches the large trench and whilst looking down at him inquires how he got himself into- what she calls a rut. He comically retorts that he thought that he was in a groove not a rut. The add then portrays a humors debate between these coworkers only to arrive at the consensus that he was not in any groove but indeed his normal breakfast was truly a rut, and the only way out would be trying the new breakfast food.

Life tends to be game of ruts and groves, full of dynamic turns and stages of plateauing consistency. I often feel that my life has been like the waves of a sandy shore; an almost constant repetition of oncoming good times and other phases with distant waves or blessings, yet to surface. It happens to be in those moments, with the waves yet to touch my shore line, when I feel I have been entangled in a rut- the cause of which many times remains unbeknownst to me. After much pondering and thought I was reminded this week of lesson I have been coming to understand in recent years, precept by precept.

We can very easily find ourselves in spiritual ruts. Times when the gospel becomes more general than personal and the wonder of it seems to, for a moment's time, fade from view. Might I suggest that this occurrence,  can be avoided as we strive to rethink or re-strategize our devotion to the Lord. I wish today to offer some insight on one common cause of such ruts- that being; when our discipleship is fueled by a checklist mentality, void of active engagement or vision.

The checklist mentality phenomenon often presents itself when the fundamentals of Christ's teachings become daily mundane components of a spiritual to do list. Please do not misinterpret, I feel the idea behind a checklist is very important and an essential start to any task. The list provides a series of necessary components needed to achieve a goal. The danger of this is found when we take power or find completion in checking off the items from the list and not the items themselves.

This tends to be frequent with such commonalities as reading scripture, prayer, or church attendance, to name a few. Be it because of their frequency in our lives or our own rudimentary view of the purpose of what are supposed to be special blessings- tend to become more like spiritual chores rather than spiritual opportunities.

Recently Elder Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles illustrated a comparison, asking if our reading of the Book of Mormon or any scripture- is more like a daily dose of unfavorable medicine we forcibly gulp down, for daily sustaining. With this analogy it is easy to see how easily we can lose sight of the worth of these principles; as we use daily gospel living to check off spiritual parameters of the day, and not as a fulfilling mean to a fulfilling end.

Now the Lord appreciates any and all effort- I however have come to see that we can receive much more out of the gospel by rethinking little by little how we choose to execute daily discipleship.  

When we treat the gospel more like a 9 to 5 job; clocking in to appease a daily requirement, and plow through the day so as we can get back to our world- we may fulfill the task but we have definitely missed the goal. And, this may happen innocently- the Lord understands the fact we run busy lives full of hard work, financial escapades and family drama. It's reasonable that one would become tired and it would make sense that a rest would come to those who finished all their objectives for the day. That rest at the end of the day as desirable as it may be, might also be found, if we so choose, not after we finished the spiritual priorities of the day but actually within them. 

As I learn more and better yet come to experience the wonders of the gospel in new ways, I am left humbled and grateful for an attentive God who is not done working with me yet. This truth can, if we let it, serve as a motivation to avoid the ruts of complacency or even a level of boredom in our check-listed habits and put faith and lustrous gospel light back into our practices.

In the Book of Second Nephi- chapter 28, the Prophet Nephi begins to prophesy of many believers who become enclosed in false traditions and doctrines; of such is found a group of mislead people who taught, "If they shall say there is a miracle wrought by the hand of the Lord, believe it not; for this day he is not a God of miracles; he hath done his work." When I read that last statement, he hath done his work, I immediately thought how sad, if that were true.

Imagine God, done with His work. We know as stated in the Book of Moses (1:39) "For behold, this is my work and my glory- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." We are indeed His work. If His work be done, then that would mean He would be done with us. Despite my lack of knowledge on many things and experiences yet to be had; this I do promise to any who may read this- God is not done with us. We are not some common universal chore on His omniscient checklist, lost in the midst of His celestial proceedings. We are the very heart of His focus and recipients of His detailed crafting.

That will not change, even if we ourselves treat our relationship with God as part of our mortal checklist. 2 Nephi 28 verse 32 states, "...For notwithstanding I shall lengthen out my arm unto to them from day to day, and they will deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all day long..." That to me clearly teaches God is not looking at the ticking of His watch- looking past the immediate tasks to a time when He will be off the clock and freed from His workload. No- He is ever vigilant, ever hopeful that we will take His loving offer. When you pray, the Lord will not listen because He needs to check it off of His daily routine, no He listens because He is invested in you; right down to your very center.

So how might we fight this tendency and avoid such a rut? When pondering this myself I felt impressed as I began to see that the principles and commandments of the gospel are not so much as mortality's checklist to qualify for eligibility into our heavenly home- rather they are checkpoints that help us implant and embed the very spirit of heaven in our souls, prior to our return home.

 

As the gospel principles convert from checklists into checkpoints- we avoid the entanglements of spiritual ruts. A checkpoint in any aspect of life be it in mathematics, long distance travels, mountain exploration what have you; offers perspective and serves as a mean to measure progress and locate one's position. I am not perfect at this yet but I can testify power has entered my heart- a love for gospel principles, as I strive to enter those divine habits with an intent to progress and meet the Lord there for help.

Nephi offers a solution in chapter 31 of his words- "Ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope and a love God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye press forward feasting upon the word of Christ and endure to the end, behold thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." I know this to be true because the perfect brightness of hope accompanies effort over the course of our daily striving to come unto Him. This hope is not always instantaneous and often requires patience as we come unto Him little by little, but it does come!

 I wish to share a personal experience from my time as a missionary in South America. With a rigorous work schedule and daily consistency of objectives and goals- the routine of missionary work often like many parts of life becomes tedious and very repetitive. It is very easy if one is not careful to slip into memorized lesson plans and an almost minimal effort to meeting daily quotas. I noticed how often my checklist mentally would suck the joy and vision right out of my personal mandate to help others. I remember slowly coming to this realization when I began to feel that I was there not to fill my schedule with appointments or see how many people (numbers wise) I could contact in a day- I was there to help people, not numbers, feel and know there is a living God  who is invested in their lives and loves them perfectly. As this lesson was instilled drop by drop into my heart I recognized a love of the work that was beyond contagious and filled me with such purpose and direction that I looked forward to the once common daily activities. And again I was never perfect at it, and would still find myself from time to time blinded by a checklist- but I do recall one such occasion that not only changed from a day of checklists to checkpoints but even more turned from a checkpoint to a turning point.

            I had been serving for about 9 months and knew the routine fairly well. Woke up the same time each day, studied at the same hour, walked up and down the same streets, yelled at by the same local intoxicated individuals ; same smells, same foods, same lack of understanding the language- day in and day out. Don't get me wrong I had experienced several special moments in those 9 months that are very sacred to me, and even in little ruts where I felt exhausted and lost I still tried my best to work hard everyday. But I came to a point where I began to see the Lord could help do more if I tried new things. Prior to that insight, I felt dry in my abilities and saw no yielding fruits. That same month we were attending the General Conference of the church and as I sat and listened to the Prophet and Apostles speak- small embers began to glow in my heart. As that particular session broke my companion and I remained in the church building seeing as going home to eat would make it difficult to return back for the last session that evening. We took time to reflect and study, sitting to ourselves. I sat in the back of the chapel still within eye-shot of my companion and sank in my chair pleading with God for what I called spiritual fuel, for help. As I expressed my concerns I turned to the scriptures and was directed to passages that began to fill my soul with a familiar love and voice. As I did I felt the glow of my testimony in a small and simple way fill me with a vision of giving myself to the Lord. 

           That night as we left the conference before heading home we had some extra time to kill and filled with a new spirit I felt as if I was waking up slowly and we decided to go contact a few people on the street. After a few uninterested people, we stopped at a home and greeted a young man and his family just outside their door. Our positioning had it so that I ended up cut-off from my companion who proceeded to talk with the rest of the family leaving me with this young man in our own conversation. Know that I had never carried a conversation nor even initiated one by myself prior to that evening. Nervous and with out linguistic support from my native speaking companion I reverted back to my memorized introduction, checking off bit by bit what I could say. Once brought to that terrifying fork in conversation where I had no where else to turn with nothing more to say- those small glowing embers from my experience at church stirred in my heart and I began asking questions I did not have memorized. As the questions came the conversation picked up spirit and so did I, as suddenly the world as I knew it disappeared from my view; my fears, inadequacies, tired feelings of routine work, all of it gone. We took a seat on the curb of the road just Him and I (my companion still conversing with the others) as we sat I felt completely dedicated to my task at hand- and started share our message of God's love and a restored gospel with out the aid of a my companion- definitely with the aid of a heavenly one. 

         This young man in an instant became the most important thing to me and the only thing I wanted to do was tell him how much this gospel had blessed my life. The conversation climaxed with him want wing to know more and us uniting with the others in group, the family invited us all back for later that week.  I left that warn-out street curb on wings, I was reminded of why I went on a mission, and filled with a love and excitement  so satisfying that it pacified every desire to quit or complain. It was a sacred experience of literally walking hand in hand with the Lord. It was so real to me- everything I had been taught from God's plan to Joseph Smith's prayer to my very own love of the Savior. There that night with that special person- the miracle of Gods work burned bright.

-That moment became a checkpoint for future times whenever I was tempted to feel tired of the day to day duties and remind myself of what can happen when we invest beyond the checklist.

I pray that story can serve as a witness that we can experience something much more real, the very changing of our hearts! This is not to say ruts and checklist disappear overnight or don't come back. Nor would dare preach that dramatic experiences happen every time we perform each principle, the Lord will ask us to show faith in His timing. But I emphatically suggest that this idea of converting daily gospel living- striving to invest a little more day by day, is the very path we should walk in mortality, for it leads right to the Savior. Much like a good workout we do the daily steps so we can use those strengths in time of need. Our progress is gradual but yields result over time. Sure their will be days where we probably will not be able to differentiate today's workout from yesterday's but we are always getting closer to that perfect brightness of hope- new light, new strength and fresh starts. 

So let's try and use the components of the gospel as our life's checkpoints. We can search the scriptures for answers we need, converse openly in prayer, attend the temple for new light, and especially the sacrament to help us prepare and improve from week to to week. We need not compare ourselves to others by entertaining rigorous amounts of detailed to our lists of accomplishments. Rather if we humbly help each other live the gospel and use it as daily checkpoints through scripture and prayer a renewal of covenants and hope--- pressing forward I know the joy of gospel living in all its wonder will unfold piece by piece. For I truly "Stand all amazed"- by the Lord and His work, "Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me"!

For further study on this topic please consider the following-

-Mosiah Chapter 5 (Book of Mormon)

- I Stand all Amazed (LDS Hymnal)

- "Are you sleeping through the Restoration" By President Dieter F Uchtdorf. 

{Images Provided through Google Imaging and Paints are property of the LDS Gospel Library}