"When I am Weak, Then am I Strong"

"When I am Weak, Then am I Strong"
~A Lesson in Optimism and Opportunity~

By: Jacob Sok

It was not to long into my missionary service when I began to quickly feel consumed by strong feelings of weakness and inadequacies. My language skills taunted me, as an in-passable hurtle, while even my faith in just plain people and work capabilities began to fade. Each day was taxing beyond belief, as I began to feel completely useless and had almost no hope of improvement. Those feelings began to dissipate at a rate that still kept me on my knees at night, but allowed a smile to grow on my face day by day. Those refining fires of the first few weeks were just some of many on my mission, but became some the most sacred moments of mortal sojourn.

While reviewing passages of the New Testament, I was reminded of some verses I had read in that trying time, that still ring today with their hopeful message and truths. What would the Savior have us remember when we feel like we are drowning in our own weaknesses, even after many efforts and even desires to change? I believe the answer can be found in an experience the Apostle Paul recounted in his epistle to the Corinthians.

In 2 Corinthians 12, verses 9-10, Paul describes counsel he received from Christ Himself! After lamenting, I am sure, of his own infirmities and faults of character, Paul reports the Lord counseled, "My grace us sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."  What a beautiful promise? Christ's power and strength can be made manifest in the weaknesses of us. He came not for the perfect, nor even the consistent. He came to earth for us, the unbalanced, inconsistent, and short-sighted. A Savior for all, and He offers us the chance, in our weaknesses, to see the miracle of His love and light.

Paul then continues to say, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me...I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake..."  Paul gives apostolic testimony of the eternal truth, that we can look gladly upon our weaknesses, for they are truly opportunities, for us to experience Christ. This journey of reconciliation or atonement is not a singularity. Rather, what great joy we can have and optimism; knowing that in in our persisting weaknesses, we can have continual opportunities to grow in Christ. While I do not believe Paul is advocating anything less than eternal standards, nor would he defend sin. Paul is reaching out to all of us who are wanting to be "good" but yet find ourselves frustrated and defeated at the end of the day.

He pleads with us, to "take pleasure" in those needs we have; for that is an opportunity for Christ to make the weak strong. Paul boldly reassures us that "for when [we are] weak, then [we are] made strong". Christ's living reality, is the ultimate witness that we are not left as victims to our own failures, and not because of what we can do on our own. But rather, because of what we can do with Him and His merits.

While much can be said to help us rethink, or look at our weaknesses in a way that helps us grow in Christ rather than shrink in sorrow. One particular way, was shown to me recently. A favorite gospel commentator of mine John Bytheway, shared a powerful lesson he learned from a colleague. He was taught a principle called "Reversing the 'buts'". Now this practice sounds slightly crude, but it is a powerful principle. And, this is more that a mere psychological experiment to induce a temporary peace, but evermore is a conscious choice to seek for the beauty of the eternal, with optimism.

The essence of this reversal of the 'buts', is done by taking the less favorable portion of our current situations and adding grateful, hopeful conjecture as the heart of the sentence. For example one could say wearily "I love my spouse, but he drives me crazy". Or, by the principle of reversal one might say "My spouse drives my crazy, but I love him". Another example, "My work provides well for my family, but it is so stressful", changed to "My work is so stressful, but it provides well for my family". One easily feel the subtle but powerful distinct change in this reversal thinking. I love this concept, and hope to learn to apply it.

And, while I am not the first one to grab hands and sing love songs around the campfire with a zealous bubble of positivity; I am one for wanting to apply the powerful promise of atoned optimism to everyday life.

For one could easily say "Sure maybe God loves me, but I struggle with this [insert weakness] every day".  Or, in hope we can say with gratitude "Sure maybe I struggle with this [insert weakness], but God loves me!"

Paul even uses a very similar principle in his trying to encourage the members of the young first century church by saying, "We are troubled on every side...but not in despair. Persecuted but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed" (see 2 Cor. 4:8-9). That active choice to take pleasure in weakness and see the bright-side to a gloomy situation is the very essence of reaching for Christ, who awaits with outstretched arms to help us become even better than we could have possibly dreamed.

I promise that while from time to time we feel engulfed in our imperfections and shortcomings, Christ is not going to auction off His grace to the highest bidder. For He purchased us all with the price of His love-and we are all permitted to see His miracle work in us, through our weaknesses. The faithful choice to optimistically try again, is that spirit of repentance that helps "weak things become strong". The peaceful power of optimism is our eternal gift to make the dream of Heaven a reality. The silver-lining to any cloud will always be the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I promise that we are not broken and left for nought, because of Christ; the joy of the weak is that we can and will be made strong, for he has promised that the "inward man is renewed day by day" (see 2 Cor. 4:16)

Amen.


Sources:
-New Testament: 2 Corinthians Chapter 4 &12
-Reverse Critical Thinking: John Bytheway, and Emily Watts "Confessions of an Unbalanced Women"
-Images By Google Search Engine and LDS Artwork.

Our Sacrament- The Practice & Process

Our Sacrament- The Practice & Process
By: Jacob Sok

I recall one special, tender experience as missionary in South America. While my dear companion and I were in the process of the sharing the restored gospel message with a wonderful man, we had truly heavenly time getting to know, love and teach this man. In one particular lesson we were very excited to share some of the fundamentals of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many would derive these as being such important elements as 'Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End [meaning our mortal probation]'.

As we talked with this man and shared these truths, we explained how after baptism we still have the chance to repent and become clean again if and most definitely when we fall short. I became clearer and clearer to me, that the gospel is not a checklist of steps, but rather lifestyle and and a process of being new and better people. This truth is made clear when we learn of the Lord's Sacrament, the partaking of the emblems that represent His Atoning Sacrifice for us. By partaking in this ordinance with a spirit of humility, repentance and hope, we are renewed with our convanent promised blessings, of having Christ's Spirit to be with us and being counted as His people.

While explaining this to the man, we shared, much to his amazement, that when we fall short after baptism we need not to be baptized again, but apply the gospel process to our improving and partake in the Sacrament. He was very intrigued and when we shared that this blessing is not just a rarity but a weekly privilege and reassurance from the Lord, he asked in almost a 'to good to be true' tone "Every week?". We assured that yes, every week! His immense hope catered in his humble inquiry has remained with me long-after that night, and has since placed great value on that weekly bread an water that we, at times may take for granted.

In the famous Pauline Epistles to the believers in Corinth, we find such inspired council. While reviewing portions of what was read this week, I came across a few verses that helped add new light on the special nature of the Sacrament. In 1 Corinthians 11 verse 28 Paul counsels, "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup."  While this sacred nature of this ordinance requires that we not do so unworthily, this is by far not ordinance for perfect people, that would equivalent to a hospital that only cares for the healthy. To be worthy of this sacrament is to say that we are striving to work with our divine 'doctor', sicknesses, bumps, bruises, and all.

For me I love the counsel found in the phrase "let a man examine himself", what better thing to do as we partake in the sacrament and remember our Lord. In my efforts to put more meaning in to my gospel living, I have come to realize that the sacrament each week is a time in which we come to the Lord having looked at our week acknowledge the 'good, the bad, and the ugly (sometimes)' and prayerfully recommit to striving for a better week to come. In preparation for such a special time, I have found that my prayers preluding this ordinance serve as reflection of all that has come to pass during my week; apologizing for the mistakes and expressing gratitude for what I have been able to do well.

A few chapters later Paul teaches in chapter 14 verse 20, "...be not little children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men". Here I relish in the imagery of being children in certain things and being men in other areas. This is to say Paul's prayer, is that we can be 'children' or undeveloped, unpracticed and innocent of setbacks and sin, and be 'men' or developed, matured, well practiced in the good fruits of gospel living. 

As we examine ourselves each week we may ask ourselves, what am I developed in, in what things am a child vs and adult.  My parents would say that I put the "pro" [i.e. professional] in 'procrastination', and I would sadly have to agree that I am a man or developed in procrastination, and my hope is with my renewal of efforts and covenants I can learn to become once again child in that area.

Elder David B Haight, who served as an Apostle in this dispensation, coined the phrase, "growing into your priesthood", to that I would add 'growing into those strengths" we desire in our path to becoming more like the Savior. I am grateful the this gospel is one of potential and practice, as a path to perfection. To fully appreciate the gospel of Jesus Christ one must understand, that this life and the heavenly standards we meet are not about checklists and earned points to get to heaven, but rather His gospel is that of a process of becoming more heavenly.

The very word 'sacrament' has two parts; sacr- which is derived to mean "sacred" and the suffix ment- which is to say "the action, or product, the process of". Therefore sacrament is to say, the process of becoming sacred, (i.e. christlike, heavenly, sanctified). I hope and pray that this meaning may invite us all to take comfort and reassurance, that the Lord who does ask of us to live by standards does not expect us to be there 100% by tonight, or even next week. He asks that we use the gift of the His Son, learn to become like Him day by day, with renewed strength each and every time we partake in that holy ordinance of the Sacrament.

God does not place us in no-win scenarios and with the gifts "so freely he proffers [us]" (see LDS Hymn, I Stand All Amazed) we can do it. We are to find joy and hope in this process and know that the Lord is more concerned about the direction of our lives than the pace at which we get there. I love Jesus Christ, and testify of Him, praying His grace upon us all as we put one step in front of the other towards our heavenly home.

Amen.

Sources:
-1 Corinthians Chapter 11-14
-LDS Hymnal.
-LDS Conference Reports.
-Online Dictionary.

Receiving the Gift

Receiving the Gift
By: Jacob Sok

Among the joys of each year is the magical sensation of Christmas-time. I learned in my youth that the true magic of the season came from finding the perfect gift for my family members. Walking through the stores or sitting by the fire I would get flashes of inspiration that would energize my soul with an unequivocal excitement, as tot he perfect gift for every person. While I will not say I did not enjoy getting presents myself, I still think I can say honestly the best parts of Christmas are those 7seconds just before my family members open there presents and see the anticipation and joy on their faces.

My family likes to remind me of a particular Christmas, when I being well beyond what society would deem appropriate "toy"receiving age, I being about 17 years old. And, while most kids my age opened up electronics and gifts that seemed more socially normal for that age group, I began to hysterically combust with joy at the receiving of some toy superhero action figures. My sister once commented how she loves to watch me open gifts because of the priceless and fun reactions.

I hope I can be forgiven for the personal remarks to start, I do not share them to self-boast at my gift-giving or gift-receiving skills, I only use that picture to illustrate context for a question I came across this week while reading in the New Testament.

When traveling in the final portions of what would become the Apostle Paul's third mission trip, he finds a group of believers whom are entreated with a quandary from Paul.  In Acts 19, verse 2 Paul asks, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?"  This inquiry was to facilitate a verification on the reception of the trailing ordinance to baptism. Paul learns that this group of believers has received baptism in the manner that John the Baptist had shown, but as to Paul's question, they had not received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, granted by proper Priesthood Authority through confirmation.

The confirmation is a sacred and solemn ordinance that by proper Priesthood authority, permits the newly covenanted disciple, a special gift from our Heavenly Father, the right to have the companionship of His spirit {The Holy Ghost} always. An influence, that is predicated and grows on and with righteousness. The special words that conduct this blessing are as follows, "Receive the Holy Ghost"(see Priesthood Ordinances, Missionary Handbook).

While I do not bring this question from Paul as to teach about the ordinance itself, in the same context as Paul. I believe this question, [Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?] can have a different application as well. The Lord teaches us that we must learn to give, give of ourselves, talents and all that we can. However, I believe the Lord also would have us learn to be good receivers as well.

Much like our families at Christmas, our Lord too, bestows gifts unto us and hopes we can receive them with grace, gratitude, and excitement. While I personally have tried to be genuinely grateful for gifts I have received, and I am very grateful, a part of me is often tempted to feel a little awkward and sometimes undeserving of those special signs of affection. And, the more I learn of my Father in Heaven, the more I come to know a being even a perfect Father, who with joy and anticipation, gives freely and constantly special gifts.

Of those gifts includes, what has been called one the most special gifts of all, the companionship of the Holy Ghost. With this gift we come to know truth, learn of Christ, feel His presence, receive inspiration of decisions we make, be warned and protected from danger, and much more. While we are asked to abide by commandments and follow the Savior's example to qualify for those blessings, one step of having this gift is the receiving of it, by trusting it is there, even when we feel lost or confused.

A modern-day Apostle Elder David A Bendar, has counseled time and time again, youth in particular; to not worry, or doubt that this gift is there and real, because as we grow and just be "good boys and girls" that gift will come into our lives, often without us being aware.

While we could spend times studying and discussing, how to recognize the gift, how to use it more in our lives; my hope for now is reinvigorate that trust that, this precious gift is ours for the receiving and as we try to be good receivers we will have light increase in our lives.

Since this gift is personal, we all will have it in our lives differently and in personal ways. Yet, I hope I can offer just a few suggestions, for us that are trying to believe, and for all and any that want to believe either again, or for the first time.

To receive this gift we can start by:
-Believing we are worth it, and it is real for us specifically.
-Ask for it it in prayer, and thank God fro this tremendous blessing.
-Read the Scriptures daily.
-Fast and Share our Testimonies.
-Attend the Temple, and learn more of covenants.
-Listen to music, and find entertainment that uplifts the soul.
-Love your family.
-Serve those around you.
etc.......

 The list can go on and on, and I encourage you to make your own personal list on how you can more fully receive this gift that is for you, as God's child. As we do, we will grow closer to Christ, know of our worth in more depth, learn to recognize throughout our lives how the Holy Ghost peaks to us, and have that promised light and peace as promised to us by our Savior. He Lives and Loves Us.

Amen.

Sources:
-Acts 19, New Testament.
-LDS Face to Face Interview, Elder Bednar. lds.org

Do Thyself No Harm & Come Unto Christ

Do Thyself No Harm & Come Unto Christ
By: Jacob Sok



In the Book of Acts Chapter 16 we find a short exchange between a certain prison guard and the missionaries Paul and Silas. Paul and Silas, were out on another mission for the Lord, preaching the gospel where they could, and find themselves in ancient Macedonia. Having been trying to working this city for several days, they were finally guided to the a women named Lydia who with her household were prepared to receive the message of Christ and His gospel.

With the success of the work also came opposition, when the teaching and healings of Paul and Silas, provoked the chief magistrates of the land, they were sentenced to prison. They were brutally beat by a multitude and left the the watchful eye a jailor; "Who having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks" (see verse 24).

Paul and Silas spent the night as the record reports, praying and singing praises unto God, which was heard by the other prisoners there as well. Verses 26 and 27 record, a miraculous quaking of the earth that shook the foundations of the prison, so much so that the doors were opened and the bands which held them captive were loosed. The keeper of the prison awoke from his sleep only to his bewilderment and horror to find the doors opened with no prisoners.

The punishment for this omission would be carried out unto death by his magistrate superiors. The account in Acts, tells us so much was his fear and guilt that he, "drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled." In that moment of desperation, Paul cries out "with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm, for we are all here" (see verse 28)

Upon realizing whom was speaking the jailor ran to them and fell at the feet of this missionaries, and pleaded "what must I do to be saved?" (see verse 29). To which they responded, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (see verse 31). That monumental night, those humble missionaries shared the gospel, of repentance and saving grace with this downtrodden prison-keeper, and the scriptures record that the jailor that night, upon hearing this message of hope attended to the injuries of those beaten messengers of God and was baptized (see verse 32-33).

I love this story, and find its powerfully simple turnaround in less than thirteen verses, to be a message of hope. I have jokingly employed the rhetoric on my day to life, stating "I wake up apologizing", in the sense knowing that I bound to make mistakes through out the day. While this humorous retort has become a morning anthem, it truthfully acts a reaction of self-defense, upon awakening to my daily shortcomings.

I throughout my life have found myself in the consuming torture of self-loathing and worry, while never to the extent of the jailor of Macedonia, I have had to come to know a Savior, who with Paul of old cries out to us with a loud voice saying "Do thyself no harm".  When we fall short our first instinct should be to our loving Father in Heaven, not the mirror to deliver a self-condemning sermon, of which is contrary to the very hopeful and healing powers, that are meant to intervene when we do slip-up. President Russell M Nelson, our Prophet has taught "Perfection is still pending".

A modern Apostle, Elder Jeffery R Holland has emphatically pleaded with us to allow the Lord's grace to do its work while we do ours of trying to improve. He shared "My brothers and sister, except for Jesus, there have been no flawless performances on this earthly journey we are pursuing, so while in mortality let's strive for steady improvement without obsessing over what behavioral scientists have called 'toxic perfectionism'".

Elder Holland continued with this reassuring promise,"I testify of that grand destiny,


made available to us by the Atonement of Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself continued 'from grace to grace' until in His mortality He received a perfect fulness of celestial glory. I testify that in this and every hour He is, with nail-scared hands, extending to us that same grace, holding on to us and encouraging us, refusing to let us go until we are safely home in the embrace of Heavenly Parents." (October Conference, 2017).

If we feel helplessly frustrated from our short comings, we must needs remember while our actions are never condoned, we are never condemned. The message of this special story from Acts teaches us we in those moments, and I might add every moment are to come unto the Lord, remember our covenants and strive better, granted in His love a chance to try another day growing in His grace. If your efforts feel futile or you feel broken, remember the best hands that have ever reached out were broken ones, and it is because they were that we can find the faith and power to enjoy brighter days and second chances.

Amen.

Sources-
-Acts Chapter 16 (v.20-34)
-Be Ye Therefore Perfect, Eventually: Elder Jeffery R. Holland, 2017