"For This is the Message"

"For this is the Message"
~Reflections on our era of Ministering~
By: Jacob Sok

This week when reflecting on what could be written, I reviewed something I had marked in my scriptures in my reading of the New Testament this week. In 1 John 3:11 we read, "For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another," We are living in a time when I think the adversary does not have to destroy dramatically but convolute subtly the essence of the gospel. The message from the beginning is one of love, a plan and gospel that helps us find the love of God, and share that love with others.

When it comes to ourselves he (the evil one) bombards us with the deceitful endless torment of perfectionism, blinding us to God's love and grace that is so readily accessible. When it comes to serving others, we some times fall as prey to a level of caring for others that is as Elder Jeffery R. Holland states becomes, "function-without feeling" (see Conference 2018). In that latter-day conundrum, I took great hope this week in the reminder of love, that LOVE was the message since the start, and will be the message till end.

This week I had the distinct privilege to hear from Elder Neil A Andersen of the Twelve Apostles, who shared with us the joys of this "Message of Love" will come into our lives as we follow the prophetic initiative to "minister in a holier way". He reminded us that the first and second commandments are that of love, teaching that "the first commandment must be understood and followed before exercising the second"(see BYU Speeches, 2018).  As we come to God Elder Andersen promised we will be given spiritual power to love and bless others. I know this to be true for the in the epistle of John we also are taught "for God is Love"(see 1 John 4:8)

It is my hope and prayer that we can study the invitation by our Prophet to minister unto others, and remember that this is the message/ heart/ and essence of the gospel. Please note I am so grateful for that the church has done in the past, and by no means wish to belittle what was done in previous years. I do however wish to invite us to reflect on the beauty of the bold new era of the Lord's work, even His labor of Love!

NOTE: *In that spirit, I humbly present a feeble attempt at a poetic reflection on our opportunity to minister. I do not claim to be a poet by any sense, and I only pray that this small piece, can in loving fun and unique way, instill a chance for us all to consider how we can take this "message from the beginning"--even the message of Love, to those around us.

Remember to Love

Long since uttered in the dusty streets, of far off Galilee;

Still comes the earnest invite sweet, from a moder'n pulpit's plea;

Hark to the words and listen to, that eternal Clarion Call;

Turn to your feeble brothers near, and strive to serve them all;

 Remember Love--He pleads,

Sanctioned by reminder's kiss, once more a work has begun;

While not exactly picture perfect, Saints look to what can be done;

On occasion a call is given to, a lonely sister's phone;

A monthly message perhaps presented, in a quick visit to a home;

 Cookies baked and dishes washed, cans of jellies all preserved;

Folded chairs and floors freshly swept, are halmark's of those that served;

Scrambled dashes to the finish, oft make up this hectic dance;

Most of the time without second thought, until the next month's chance;

But Remember Love--He cries;

With efforts made and service rendered, the reports are thence submitted;

The pattern then repeats itself, to the serving charge we're recommitted; 

Tossing from plans to practice, a small thought begins to spark;

In all this effort to make a goal, have we begun to miss the mark;

In all the times you drove the Scouts, or social functions you have aided;

Snow shoveled and those gardens kept, has the purpose silently faded;

In the quantifying checklists made, to achieve our mandate from above;

Its funny how we so quickly we forget, that the whole point is love;

Oh how the deceitful one works all day, at great lengths  to convolute;

The rather simple task we have, and cloud us from the truth;

The truth is that with love as the root, of this celestial command;

We'll remove the facade and rut, from a falsely painted routine demand;

Oh Remember Love--He reminds,

Now please rest assured the afore mentioned acts, are still counted with great worth;

For any stride to help mankind, will bless our home on earth;

However we live in a time, where we can now take a stand;

By serving in"a holier way", the idea of ministering will expand;

As we sing "Called to Serve", "On this day of joy and gladness";

Strive for the gift of which Mormon spoke, to avoid all the madness;

No written rubric or monthly quota, will dilute your helping hand,

Simply "love thy neighbor as thyself', and with your Savior stand;

Do Remember Love-- He teaches,

Lend a listing ear to him, who feels to scared to speak,

Help some find the strength to stand, when they are down and weak;

Included can be thoughtful texts, or basketball just fine;

Use your natural gifts and talents, with this end in mind; 

We are to help others come to know, the Precious Savior dear;

Help them on paths to covenants, and happy families rear;

With hopeful hearts and fresh eyes of faith, by small and simple things;

Miracles both large and small, will remove adversarial stings;

For this is Love--He demonstrates,

For in a lowly garden, with no bare minimum in mind;

He entered meekly and paid the price, for us the indebted and the fined;

In His darkest hours, of pain and agony;

He Himself became Pure Love, to rescue you and me;

Today for Him there is no stressful checking, of some big cosmic clock;

To juggle time to answer prayers, with other things of nought; 

His focus is on us you see, and those we often might pass by;

So hear this invitation once again, to remember love as the "why";

Love is in the simple, the giving of one's time; 

Love is in the efforts, to follow the Divine;

God be thanked for this the day, the new era of Ministering;

Were we can help ourselves and all, feel near the King of Kings

Remember--He IS Love.  

I love the Savior, and I know that blessings will come as we strive to minister this message of Love, in new exciting ways. I know Christ lives, and that He has called a Prophet to help us in these our times, not only feel this live more, but also serve as emissaries of this love for others.

This I share with my love for you, in His name- AMEN.

Sources:

-New Testament, 1 John 3&4

- April Conference, LDS.org 2018

-BYU Speeches, April 2018

-Pictures by Google Search/ Images

~Original Poem, By Jacob Sok. 

The Chance to Behold

The Chance to Behold
-A Short Commentary on "Behold the Man-By Elder. Dieter F Uchtdorf"
By: Jacob Sok


I hope to keep my remarks brief this week and I would invite everyone to review the apostolic testimony of Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf in, "Behold the Man".

Recently while walking through the Church History Museum, I was walking past a painting that stoped me in my tracks. It seemed to depict for me, a scene from the final days of our Savior, where his followers gazed longingly upon their still and silent Lord. My heart was absolutely touched by an unmistakable gratitude, a simple but poignant feeling of awe and love, for the King of Kings.

This feeling was just a Costco size sample of what, a modern day Apostle (Elder Uchtdorf), just invited us to do; when he used Pontius Pilate's famous line preluding Christ's crucifixion "Behold the man." Of the many invitations that have come by prophetic provision of late, this invitation to "Behold the man" has become a new mantra for my life.

Of course the story will be familiar to us. Christ is brought from the Sanhedrin to the presence of the Roman elected procurator of Jerusalem Pilate. Upon an inquisitive exchange Pilate rather perplexed as to what would be the crimes of Christ, that would have the local citizens demanding His death. Finding no fault with Christ, and yet still succumbing in cowardice to the pressures of the people he invokes the unjustly choice condemnation of Christ. To which he says "Behold I bring him forth unto you...that ye may know that I find no fault in him...Behold the man" (see John 19:4-5).

I do not know if Pilate ever understood the significance of this utterance. I will leave the fate of Pilate to the good Lord of Heaven above, even the righteous judge, our job is never to condone or condemn; but look to Christ. And, it is that purpose of mortality that grants such power to the phrase, "Behold the Man."


The dictionary suggests that to Behold; means to see, observe, witness, regard, and contemplate among other things. The duality of this word even invites further reflections, seeing it really is comprised of two words "BE -- HOLD". Meaning to emulate and treasure, grasp, carry or support. When it comes to the Savior of the world, oh how we can only long for the chance to do as such. To emulate and follow, grasp and carry His teachings--grace--and spirit.

Elder Uchtdorf said it beautifully, "the most important day in the history of mankind was the day when Jesus Christ, the living Son of God, won victory over death and sin for all of God's children. And the most important day in your life and mine is the day when we learn to 'behold the man'."

I sit here in almost frustration, at my in-ability to express even a fraction of the power that can and will come into our lives, as we learn to behold the man. Christ is the answer, the power, the healing, the light, the truth, the way, the One who knows you and your struggles, and loves you perfectly enough to have overcome the most infinitely unthinkable sufferings to do so.

"Because Jesus owed no debt to justice, He could pay our debt and meet the demands of justice for every soul. And that includes you and me.", Elder Uchtdorf continued.

I now paraphrase the plea of this dear servant of God, when he in essence, encouraged us all to; when we feel lost or forgotten, abandoned or stuck, overwhelmed or discouraged; behold the Man. The fountain of hope is in the beholding, for all of our injustices, guilt, inadequacies , and imperfections, are gone as we accept this Great Atoning Sacrifice and learn to continually Behold the Man.

May I just say in closing, that I know that is invitation is to be one of hope and healing. In our efforts to behold, my heart recognizes that it is hard at times when we feel alone or scared, maybe slightly distanced from the joys of our Father in Heaven. But I also need to remind myself at those times when I feel maybe He is not 'there', is that  the most reassuring words of all time forever will be "He is not here: for he is risen" (Matthew 28:6). My joy is in an empty tomb, because of an empty tomb, we can in turn be filled. Just as He was gone, so will those heartaches, fears, and stumbling blocks, as we continue to push on in the faith, beholding not just the Son of God, bud our Redeemer, Savior, and Friend.

Amen.


Sources:
- New Testmeant
- Behold The Man, By: Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf, April 2018 Conference Report.
-Images: Google Imaging, and LDS ART.

Good Things To Come

Good Things To Come
By: Jacob Sok

Note: This week is General Conference, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. During the Broadcasted Proceedings---> found on lds.org, we will hear the Lord's Authorized and Duly Ordained Servants speak, giving us direction, hope, and counsel. I invite all to participate, and as I do not wish to detract from this special event, I only wish to share a humble testimony and prayer of good will to you this week.

There is a Christian saying that goes something to the effect, "God is good...all the time. And, all the time....God is good." To some this may seem a fleeting ideal of antiquated hope, or even a passing quote one may find in a local coffee shop or chocolate wrapper-- but the more breaths permitted me, by my Maker I receive, are slowly become more breaths of praise and gratitude to the God, you and I can call Father.


In the epistle to the Hebrews, found in the New Testament, I was touched this week by the beautiful simplicity of a few verses that attest to the goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ. One of the greatest blessings we can be assured of in this life, and all eternity is the fact that at the heart of our covenants is this truth; where the Lord said, "I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people."(see Hebrews 8:10). The beauty of this simple 'pearl of great price', is that we are promised that God--our loving Father, is whom we can learn of, be blessed by and return too. We are not merely seeking a philosophical idea, or some "unknown God", not an idle, nor mystical force---but a true being of love and power who is the very Father of us all.

He is our God, our strength and our all, and we get to be His people, chosen by Him not by chance! As such He has the joyous privilege to bless, shape, and heal us. Of the blessings most supreme, He gave unto us a Savior and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. We all struggle, worry, and fear from time to time. How often do we forget the God's plan is one of Happiness. To simply put, as shared in the living scriptures "Christ being come an high priest of good things to come" (see Hebrews 9:11) .  I want you to know that I know, that God knows, we all need a little help, and we hope for the best! But, I also wish to testify of the goodness and reality of a loving God, in these our times. I know from experience that God is good, and we are what matters most to Him.

Sometimes blessings seem far away, or we feel alone and scared. But I would admonish to any of us that feel maybe "poor in spirit" that "[ours] is the kingdom of heaven" (see Matthew 5:3). Elder Jeffery R Holland, shares apostolically  "...Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. Of that I personally attest. I thank my Father in Heaven for His goodness past, present, and future, and I do so in the name of His Beloved Son and most generous high priest, even the Lord Jesus Christ..."

Whether it is the beautiful generous miracles or the small and simple things, I hope we can all learn to trust and feel again of His love through the bright lens of hope, purchased for us in Christ. I love the lyrics of this sacred primary song that so profoundly say it best----

 Whenever I hear the song of a bird

 Or look at the blue, blue sky,

 Whenever I feel the rain on my face

 Or the wind as it rushes by,

 Whenever I touch a velvet rose

 Or walk by our lilac tree,

 I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world

 Heav’nly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I might see

The color of butterfly wings.

He gave me my ears that I might hear

The magical sound of things.

He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:

I thank him rev’rently

For all his creations, of which I’m a part.

Yes, I know Heav’nly Father loves me.

 I love the Lord, and know that even on cloudy days and weaker moments , that His goodness and love are found in the small and simple wonders of everyday life. I once more echo the words of Elder Holland, when He said; "You keep your chin up...Trust God and believe in good things to come". 

AMEN. 

Sources:

-New Testament, Hebrews 

-A High Priest of Good Things to Come; Elder Holland.

-Google Imaging and LDS Art. 

"Put That On Mine Account"

“Put That On Mine Account”

By: Jacob Sok

I wish to share an experience that happened some time ago, and I do so praying it can help illustrate a message I feel impressed to share.  I recall a particular afternoon while serving as a missionary, when walking down the street with my companion —we were suddenly stopped by a taxi driver who pulled to side of the road, bidding us to come over to his passenger side window. I had not been serving for very long, having been in country about 4 or 5 months, I was still trying to learn the language. Yet, intrigued by the man’s earnest invitation, we approached the vehicle. As soon as we crouched down to a level through which we could converse through the window, things took an interesting turn. With no real chance to exchange pleasantries, the man with an aggressive tone and expression, directed all his attention towards me. With an inexplicable irritation, he began to ask me where I was from. Upon the disclosure of my home country, he began a series of assaulting questions, to suggest that he was obviously enraged with decisions of my country and its leaders.

While I cannot recall the specific dialogue, I do remember the absolutely helplessness I felt as this man unleashed his, parasitical grudge on me. Not knowing really what to say or do, my dear companion stepped in and boldly (yet kindly) defended me to the cab driver. As harsh words were then directed to him, we simply stated that we were there not as anything—but representatives of the Lord, to help those around us. Again, not much of what was exchanged, was retained in memory, but what was etched in my heart was the feeling of having someone come to my defense in moment of absolute need. In that moment of tension, someone had my back, and stood by my side. I will forever be grateful for the moment, and even more the love I felt and continue to feel for my companion has been the seed of much happiness in my life and great lasting friendship.

I think many of us have been in those moments when we need to know who will have our back, standby our sides. If I can proclaim anything, it is that Jesus Christ, came to earth to and suffered to the infinite extremes, so that we would be forever protected in the “arms of his love”. Now borrowing from a recent commentary, I heard, “Christ did not die on the cross to make a point, he died because he loves us”. There was no political statement to be made, not hidden inner motive to the most heroic act of all time, save it be out a bequeathed love so pure and alive, He acted to always be able to have our backs in our helplessness.

In the Pauline epistles of the New Testament, we find a great single page epistle, to a man named Philemon. This compact letter on the surface may just appear to be nothing more than a quaint exchange of dialogue between former missionary and converts, but if we dig a little deeper with a spiritual sense of fresh eyes and ears we actual can discover a powerful representation of Christ. 

It would seem that the wealthy labor master Philemon, was wronged by a servant. This grievance sent the servant away distraught. Coming in to contact with Paul the servant explains his predicament to Paul, who's incredible assistance--stands as a timeless testament  of the Savior. I would invite you with follow this interesting parallel, and look for the Savior in this story. 

Paul upon hearing the plight of this distressed servant writes the following epistle to Philemon, on behalf of this servant; saying,

 "I beseech thee (Philemon) for my son Onesimus (the servant), whom I have begotten in my bonds. Which in times past was to thee unprofitable, but now is profitable to thee and me. ...For perhaps he therefor departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me...If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account." (Philemon v.10-18, emphasis added).

I think this story illustrates beautifully a role that Christ plays in our lives, as the Savior--Redeemer--and Mediator, of the world he pleads for us, advocates our cause to the Father, and stands by our side. How many times have we liked the servant, been 'unprofitable' or have 'departed' from the Lord's ways. Much like the servant in this story, we stand helpless, encompassed about by the mistakes and errors, with the laws of justice demanding to be satisfied. However the story does not end with a cast out servant, but by the grace-goodness-and merits of mediator, who takes to the stand to defend this servant.

I testify that Christ is that very Mediator, one who like my companion or Paul, who stands before the Father, and pleads on our behalf. As He suffered so as to have the capacity to have our backs, we spend our time in mortality learning to give Him our hearts. He will ask the Father to 'receive [us] as himself'. The Atoning Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, is the very act that allowed Him to pay the ultimate price. He will gladly help us in our struggles and promises to forgive and forget, taking our errors and debts, by simply saying 'put that on my account'. 

I pray the spirit of this very real promise will help us all to remember our Judgment, and defense, are entrusted to the very Being who loves us perfectly. Neal A Maxwell was quoted to say "there would have been no atonement, save it be for the character of Christ". Our salvation is in His character, our forgiveness in His character, and our chance to come unto Him day by day is in our developing of His character. By no means does suggest that He condones sins. The promise is and will always be, Come, to the great feast of Christ, partake and, be filled, because the bill was paid in full! I promise if there is anyone who will standby your side it's the Savior. As we trust in this truth I promise hope will glisten, and light those steps to that future where with we can in turn stand by the Savior, back in our heavenly home.

Amen.

Sources:

- Personal Account, J. Matthew Sok

- NT Philemon

- Character of Christ, Elder David A Bednar (Quoting Elder Neal A Maxwell.)

- Media/ Pictures: Google Images, and LDS Artwork

Of Dreams and Contentment

Of Dreams and Contentment
By: Jacob Sok

 While preparing what I wanted to share in this piece, I came across a quote by the world renowned surgeon, Dr. Ben Carson, who said, "Through hard work, perseverance and a faith in God, you can live your dreams".  Living your dreams, is something I believe truly envisions a big part of what God hopes for us in mortality. I think for many of us we have (or have had) those dreams, we wish to fulfill, or hopeful reflections for things that might have been. It would seem in most cases that as children we, even if not taught, tend to dream big, with eyes not yet diluted with the lenses of pessimism or self-doubt. Then as we mature we are taught to plan, prioritize and set goals as means by which to achieve. At those times when things don't go according to plan, we are taught to be content and pick ourselves back up again.

While some tend to focus more on one or the other, it is my conviction that neither is superior, nor a replacement for is counterpart. But rather both have a harmonious dichotomy, that suggests that we can both dream big, and be content with our current circumstances. While these two principles may at first glance appear to be contradictory, I hope today we can explore some counsel, that will help us both find an renewed sense of hope in our dreams, and gratitude for what the Lord has done for us.

There have been times in my life where I couldn't sleep, because my brain and my heart would go a mile a minute, thinking of things I would love to do and live in my life. But, yet there have been times in my life when I have been so encapsulated by gratitude in the moment, I have been perfectly content with the here and now. It may seem to come in shifts but, I feel that there is way for us to use both gifts for our progression and happiness simultaneously.

While we could argue all day with philosophies and opinions of dreams and being content, I hope that what I share does not seem esoteric, or to be theoretical social fluff. Its my prayer that this article might help in proper spirit, reshape how we can use both dreams and contentment, in our plans and mortal sojourn. Wherever you are in your life, whether you look up at a star filled sky--- filled with invigorating dreams of far way places--creations--and possibilities. Or you look up at those same stars, just content to know you have a place among those, as a distinctly important and valued creation of our Heavenly Father; I know that both are divinely directed perspectives, in helping our eternal progression unfold.

          To Dream:

In the epistle to Paul to the Philippian Saints, we read of the famed, admonition of Paul. This is that of(see Phil."[Being] careful of nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication ... let your requests be made known unto God."  4:6). To 'be careful of nothing', is Paul's apostolic counsel, to not feel scared or have unduly concern (see footnote 4:6a), of dreaming and sharing those things with God. He further more in later verses, says "whatsoever things are [true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report], if there be any [virtue, praise] think on these things." (see Phil. 4:8). As we dream and plan, and take those things to the Lord in prayer, we can 'think on' or dream about those hopes we have, anything that meets those attributes is encouraged by our Father in Heaven. Why, because He hopes we can be co-creators with Him in our futures. This by any means does not belittle or undermine His will and counsel, nor make us His equal in anyway. But as any loving Father would, He hopes that we can take hold of the gifts of this life and share those hopes with Him, including Him in our dreams, becoming active participants in achieving great things. Elder Jeffery R. Holland, said "God is eagerly waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as he always has. But he can't if you don't pray, and he can't if you don't dream. In short he can't if you don't believe." 






    To Be Content:
Paul's powerful invitation is not just about dreaming however, and I find great power behind a second principle he shares with us. While we prayerfully share those dreams with God we are admonished to do all our prayers and dreaming with "thanksgiving" (see Phil 4:6). Paul continues saying, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (see Phil 4:11).  To be content is not to give up on what we hope for, rather it is a power that allows us to find the simple joys of the everyday, in the process of living our dreams. For if to dream righteously, is that of seeking a hopeful perspective of the future; to be content is that of finding hope with a grateful perspective, in the here and now. A modern Apostle would invite us to "Come what may, and love it" (Elder J. B. Worthlin).  Part of being content is not focussing on what we can't do or change. Paul taught with all sincerity, "this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before" (see Phil. 3:13). While some of our dreams reflect on what we could have done better or changed in days past, the whole purpose of dreams and goals is to move forward. By doing doing so in and with Christ, Christ will change the past, making all experience for our good!

If I have learned anything in my life, it would be that dreams are like unto a river, that with each ebb and flow, carve the landscape of our lives. Some dreams change over time, as they should; for coming closer to Christ, will help us dream of the truly eternally wondrous possibilities. As we cultivate our relationship with Christ, we not only learn to dream bigger of the blessings we can't even comprehend, but also we learn to recognize how much He blesses us in the everyday and to be content/ and grateful, for our river's flow for the time.

The best dream and truest sense of contentment will be that of coming to know our Savior. Paul testified of how he spent his life seeking after Christ and those blessings He promises us; only to find that Christ in all His love and grace spends His whole life seeking us, and Has already made those dreams available. (see Phil. 3:12). For I am sure the our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, also have dreams of helping us become the best people we can be, and returning to be with them someday.


So it becomes my humble invitation, that we can all learn to dream and contently walk to their fulfillment. I know that our Savior, Lord of the Universe, hopes that we can find joy and hope in the perceptive power of our righteous dreams, goals and plans, and as we strive to be content, will will find the renewal we need to perpetually fuel those hopes we have. For He that did the impossible will help us do the same! May we all learn to believe and achieve.

Amen




Sources:

- New Testament, Philippians Chapters 3&4
- Elder(s) Jospeh B. Worthlin & Jeffery R. Holland.
- Goggle Images: Media Photos and LDS Art Work.